Rural Senate DFLers: Greater MN Workforce Needs Cash Boost
Rural Democrats in the Minnesota Senate want a big piece of the state's projected $1 billion budget surplus to solve workforce issues in their communities.
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Rural Democrats in the Minnesota Senate want a big piece of the state's projected $1 billion budget surplus to solve workforce issues in their communities.
Gov. Mark Dayton is objecting to the state Senate's vote to delay hefty raises for members of the governor's cabinet. The Senate voted 63-2 Thursday to suspend the pay hikes Dayton granted to commissioners last month.
A Minnesota state senator resigned Friday from an outside job leading a municipal association that lobbies at the Capitol, despite a ruling from ethics regulators that it wouldn't constitute a conflict of interest.
A proposal before Minnesota lawmakers would make it a requirement that parents with minor children take a marriage dissolution course before their divorce case could proceed. The bill being introduced Thursday in the Senate includes some good-cause waivers, such as not being able to afford the four-hour class.
Democrats in the Minnesota Senate are expanding their focus on education. They want to increase school funding for counselors and programs that let high school students earn college credit.
Representatives of Minnesota's child care industry say a push to fund all-day preschool will make their services more expensive. Senate Democrats want to set aside money for statewide preschool programs starting with the 2015 school year.
Minnesota lawmakers are caught in a dust-up over office space at the State Capitol, and it's threatening to delay the massive Capitol restoration now underway. The three-year, $272 million project is on time and on budget. But the tenants in the new building -- including the governor, the Senate, the House and the attorney general -- cannot come to agreement over how much space they will control.
The ambitious idea of Minnesota lawmakers skipping next year's session to avoid the Capitol construction has morphed into an alternative plan. Now senior legislators and state officials are taking a hard look at moving the Legislature's session off-site.
Minnesota lawmakers moved Tuesday to set up swift approval of tax deductions and credits affecting thousands of people and business owners getting ready to file 2014 forms. Tax committees in the House and Senate advanced legislation that lines Minnesota's code up with some recent federal changes. Final votes in each chamber could come later this week, sending the bill to a supportive Gov. Mark Dayton before personal income tax filing season begins next week.
Republicans have grabbed control of the Minnesota House and broken up the Democrats' short run of one-party rule at the Capitol. House Speaker Paul Thissen conceded early Wednesday that Democrats had lost control of the chamber.
Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden is making several promises for legislative action if he defeats Sen. Al Franken. McFadden vows to help write a balanced budget amendment — and a bill that would halt lawmaker pay if Congress doesn't pass a budget — within his first 100 days in office.
With less than a month before Election Day, Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden has less than $1 million banked to oust Sen. Al Franken. McFadden's campaign says he raised more than $2 million in the three-month period ending in September. The total announced Tuesday is his largest during a fundraising quarter.
State Rep. Jim Abeler says he'll take the weekend to decide whether to press forward in the Minnesota Senate race or bow out. Abeler left a primary campaign on the table. But he says Mike McFadden's endorsement win "raises the bar" and would complicate a bid. Filing for the office closes Tuesday.
The Minnesota Senate has passed an $846 million borrowing package for construction projects and sent it to Gov. Mark Dayton for his signature, finishing a crucial piece of business as lawmakers work toward adjournment. The bonding bill vote was 47-17, easily exceeding the required three-fifths majority.
Minnesota lawmakers have a deal on a medical marijuana bill that would set up eight distribution sites and allow qualified patients to access the drug in oil, pill and vapor form. The agreement announced Thursday was crafted to suit concerns of Gov. Mark Dayton, who backs it.
Two very different plans for legalizing medical marijuana in Minnesota went to a legislative conference committee on Tuesday, leaving advocates hoping for an agreement acceptable enough to Gov. Mark Dayton to become law.
The Minnesota Senate has received its final legal bill in a now-settled lawsuit filed by a fired staffer that cost more than $400,000 to defend against. The invoice due for ratification Wednesday by the Senate Rules and Administration Committee lists $7,252 in remaining legal fees.
Gov. Mark Dayton says he's still hopeful lawmakers can fashion a medical marijuana compromise that gets help to ailing people but doesn't allow for access he fears would be too wide. Dayton said Monday that he has top aides working with legislators on a bill that can become law.
The next move in legalization of medical marijuana in Minnesota is up to the state Senate. Senators could vote Monday to adopt a House bill that is more restrictive than theirs.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has sent a letter to House and Senate sponsors of their respective medical-marijuana bills. Dayton said he would sign the bill into law if legislators adopted the House version as is. Dayton sent the letter to Minneapolis Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble and Hibbing Democratic Rep. Carly Melin soon after the House passed a medical-marijuana proposal on Friday.
Minnesota senators have voted for a stringent set of electronic cigarette standards that would make their use unacceptable in any place regular tobacco is disallowed. The approach endorsed Thursday goes further than a House companion bill, so the two measures must be reconciled for any e-cigarette regulations to become law. A move to pare back the indoor air restrictions in the Senate bill failed on a 35-28 vote.
The Minnesota state Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
Stock up on beer, wine and liquor on Saturday. The Minnesota Senate soundly defeated a repeal of the state's law barring liquor stores from being open on Sundays. The chamber voted in favor of allowing craft beer tap rooms to sell growlers for takeaway on Sundays, but then the bill got pulled from debate.
A bill to legalize medical marijuana is headed to the Senate floor after passage by the Finance Committee. The committee passed the bill 14-7 on Monday after adding a few wrinkles to the legislation.
Bills legalizing medical marijuana could be voted on in both the Minnesota House and Senate this week, but the House and Senate versions are significantly different. That has led to disagreements among supporters that some say threaten passage of any type of bill.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify Wednesday morning at a House Oversight Committee hearing on fraud and the "misuse" of federal funds in the state.
Anthony Edwards scored 41 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a sluggish first half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-110.
Bailey Monnens-Dahl, 14, has been missing from her Farmington home for five days.
The Minnesota Wild filled a need at their weakest position ahead of the NHL trade deadline by acquiring center Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators.
A rising mixed martial arts fighter from Minnesota on the brink of making his pro debut was one of three people killed in a mass shooting in Austin, Texas early Sunday.
A federal judge has clashed with Minnesota's top federal prosecutor in what he called a series of "testy and frosty" exchanges.
Runners planning to participate in the 2026 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon can now register for the event.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified Tuesday that 650 federal agents in her division are still on the ground in Minnesota, a figure that contradicts a sworn declaration by a local field office leader.
Bailey Monnens-Dahl, 14, has been missing from her Farmington home for five days.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
A Twin Cities woman is accused of making violent threats toward Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, including multiple intimations she planned to shoot the GOP official.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
The Salvation Army is in the midst of its largest food drive of the year, called Meals 4 Minnesota.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify Wednesday morning at a House Oversight Committee hearing on fraud and the "misuse" of federal funds in the state.
Gun reforms face tough opposition at the Minnesota State Capitol this year. Proposals include banning assault-style weapons, something other states have passed. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner looks into whether those restrictions have an impact on gun violence in America.
Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify before congress about fraud in the state on Wednesday, but they aren’t the only ones in the hot seat. Lawmakers will also hear from a clergy member about the impact of Operation Metro Surge. Ubah Ali spoke with her ahead of a big day in D.C.
The parents of an 11-month-old boy who was suffocated to death by an employee at his day care last fall say they want to make sure the tragedy never happens again.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
As the strikes from U.S. and Israel continue, and Iran strikes back, the violence and turmoil could have significant worldwide ramifications.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
A man who claimed to provide services for children with autism in Minnesota but instead raked in millions of dollars from fraudulent Medicaid billings pleaded guilty on Monday.
A Twin Cities woman is accused of making violent threats toward Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, including multiple intimations she planned to shoot the GOP official.
A Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to murdering a high school student in 2022 was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison on Monday.
A former Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, school counselor accused of recording a teen student changing in his classroom in 2024 has pleaded guilty in connection with the incident, according to court records filed Monday.
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Minnesota on Monday sued Trump administration officials Dr. Mehmet Oz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an attempt to stop them from withholding $243 million in Medicaid spending, warning it may have to cut health care for low-income families if the funding is held back.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minnesota Department of Health said there have been 10 reported cases in the state so far this year. There were five cases as of the last update, which came on Feb. 19.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
The 80-year-old will play at Grand Casino Arena on Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
As a musician and performer, Prince showed a generation that being different wasn't a liability. Now, an author and illustrator are telling the story of Prince's life in a new children's book.
Anthony Edwards scored 41 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a sluggish first half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-110.
The Minnesota Wild filled a need at their weakest position ahead of the NHL trade deadline by acquiring center Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators.
Inside the rink in Delano, Minnesota, state tournament preparations are ongoing.
After a 3-0 week for the Minnesota Timberwolves, superstar Anthony Edwards earned some recognition from the NBA.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be sunny and 20 degrees warmer than average.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it'll get even warmer the next few days.
The Twin Cities’ warm streak continues, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The warming trend continues into next week, with the possibility to top 60 degrees in the near future, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be sunny and 20 degrees warmer than average.
Gun reforms face tough opposition at the Minnesota State Capitol this year. Proposals include banning assault-style weapons, something other states have passed. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner looks into whether those restrictions have an impact on gun violence in America.
Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify before congress about fraud in the state on Wednesday, but they aren’t the only ones in the hot seat. Lawmakers will also hear from a clergy member about the impact of Operation Metro Surge. Ubah Ali spoke with her ahead of a big day in D.C.
Deadly strikes on U.S. Forces overseas are hitting close to home tonight. Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor from White Bear Lake was killed in Kuwait on Sunday. We're learning more about who she was and the attack that claimed her life.
Delano will play Mankato West in day one of the boys' hockey state tournament on Wednesday. The Tigers feature one of the best scorers in the state. Ren Clayton stopped by.