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The Minnesota Senate has given approval to another $101 million in tax breaks, but the array of relief differs from a House version. Thursday's 57-6 vote sets up final tax negotiations with House tax writers. Both chambers are led by Democrats.
A plan to construct a $77 million building to house Minnesota's 67 state senators is moving forward after the Senate Rules Committee approved the proposal on Monday. The project matches one that the House Rules Committee approved Friday by a single vote. It would cost $13 million less than the original proposal the Senate Rules Committee approved earlier this year.
Top Democrats in the State House Friday approved a scaled-back version of a major new office building next to the Capitol, dedicated to the Minnesota Senate. The building's original design had a soaring glass front, with a fitness center and reflecting pool. The scaled back version is slightly more modest, but no less controversial.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Thursday to prevent bullying in Minnesota schools. But even though lawmakers support the idea of the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, it is still among the most controversial bills of the year at the Capitol. Minnesota has been in the national spotlight because of a rash of students committing suicides because of bullying.
This legislative session has stalled out with battles over a proposed $90 million Senate office building and a proposed minimum wage increase. But the battle is not between Republicans and Democrats - it's the Democrats who are fighting amongst themselves. With Democrats controlling the Minnesota House and Senate as well as the governor's office, it's the Democrats who are battling with each other over key issues.
Despite a collection of traditional adversaries aligning in opposition Friday, Democratic senators advanced a proposed ballot measure to let voters resolve a legislative deadlock over the minimum wage. A Senate jobs panel endorsed a constitutional amendment on a party-line vote over the objections of business, labor, faith and other advocacy groups. The measure would let voters decide if increases in the minimum wage should be automatically tied to inflation starting in 2017.
Five Republicans running for Minnesota governor are leaving no doubt they are united in their opposition to a planned Senate Office Building. The candidates held a joint news conference Thursday at the Capitol to showcase their distaste.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says voters should decide whether Minnesota's minimum wage climbs automatically. A constitutional amendment that he and another prominent senator put in play Thursday would ask voters this fall if they think the wage should be forever linked to inflation.
Legislative Republicans pressed Monday for a speedy resolution to a controversy over a proposed Senate office building, making clear they oppose its construction. Several GOP lawmakers said the state should make do with the space it has, and reconfigure Capitol renovation plans if necessary.
Minnesota legislators planned quick and possibly final votes Thursday on a measure that would provide income tax breaks and repeal some controversial new business taxes. The Minnesota Senate prepared to debate a $434 million tax relief plan that also puts $150 million into a state budget reserve.
A tax relief measure put on a fast track in the Minnesota Senate on Wednesday could mean immediate breaks for at least 300,000 people. The Democratic-crafted proposal was unveiled a day after Gov. Mark Dayton implored lawmakers to speed up. The bill could get a floor vote as soon as Thursday.
A Minnesota Senate subcommittee on elections unanimously approved a bill Monday to reinforce a gift ban that was softened last year. The exception passed last spring allowed lawmakers to get lobbyist-purchased meals at receptions as long as all legislators were invited.
The up-and-down medical marijuana bill at the Capitol may be down again. Top lawmakers in the House and Senate say it's not likely to pass this year. Advocates of legalizing medical marijuana are hoping to make Minnesota the 20th state in the country to do so. Thursday, the advocates said it's possible to pass it this year. But it's not about medicine at this point at the Capitol; it's about math.
The fast-track plan to provide $20 million in emergency heating assistance has been staged for a vote Monday in the Minnesota Senate. But a slight change by the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday will likely to force another House vote on the measure too.
David FitzSimmons knew when he joined a very small group of legislative Republicans who voted for legal gay marriage in Minnesota that he might face political fallout on his conservative home turf. And he did.
A now-settled lawsuit filed by a fired staffer cost the Minnesota Senate $396,000 in legal defense fees on top of a severance award, a new tally based on a billing document made public Friday shows.
A former Republican lawmaker has filed suit in Ramsey County District Court to stop an $89.5 million State Senate office building project. The Minnesota Legislature approved the new office building for Senators and staff in the last days of the 2013 session.
Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden says he raised $700,000 for his campaign in the last three months, and has $1.2 million in the bank as he seeks to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Al Franken next year.
Minnesota state senators are scheduled to vote Monday on a $30,000 settlement that ends a lawsuit brought by an ex-aide who was fired over his affair with the majority leader.
The Minnesota Senate's latest invoice for a legal dispute with a former staff member shows $91,600 in expenses over three months. That invoice, to be reviewed at a hearing Monday, brings the taxpayer costs in the case above $300,000. The Senate is paying a private law firm to defend the chamber against a lawsuit by fired GOP aide Michael Brodkorb.
Minnesota Senate attorneys sought Thursday to have a former aide's lawsuit dismissed because they say the case has been tainted by an erroneous release of a list alleging Capitol sexual affairs.
After negotiating by letters and press releases, Minnesota's top state officials will get in the same room to discuss a possible September special session. Gov. Mark Dayton said he plans to meet on Friday with leaders from the House and Senate.
Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden has announced the backing of former Sens. Norm Coleman and Rod Grams in his campaign for the party's 2014 nomination.
Gov. Mark Dayton's office confirmed Thursday it is in talks with Minnesota legislative leaders on a special session to provide disaster aid to communities hit by severe storms.
For the first time, a fired Minnesota Senate operative has made detailed accusations central to his federal wrongful termination lawsuit: a list of other lawmakers and staff members who allegedly carried on affairs over the years without losing their jobs.
Teenage brothers born in Minneapolis and now living in Chicago documented federal immigration agents in both cities for months.
The Minneapolis Fire Department says the pop-up nature of the blockades makes emergency response especially difficult.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
The daughter of a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate was killed Friday in an apparent attempted murder-suicide involving her husband.
Students at the FAIR School in Crystal, Minnesota, are coming together to protest the immigration crackdown by creating a paper "chain of love" that now hangs over the cafeteria.
Teenage brothers born in Minneapolis and now living in Chicago documented federal immigration agents in both cities for months.
The Minneapolis Fire Department says the pop-up nature of the blockades makes emergency response especially difficult.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Students at the FAIR School in Crystal, Minnesota, are coming together to protest the immigration crackdown by creating a paper "chain of love" that now hangs over the cafeteria.
Two Republican candidates in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race have dropped out: one for a heartbreaking reason, while the other is entering a different race.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
The daughter of a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate was killed Friday in an apparent attempted murder-suicide involving her husband.
Two Republican candidates in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race have dropped out: one for a heartbreaking reason, while the other is entering a different race.
People describing themselves as constitutional observers tell WCCO that in the past week, reports of ICE agents disguising themselves have flooded in from the Twin Cities Metro and rural areas of the state.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
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.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
Teenage brothers born in Minneapolis and now living in Chicago documented federal immigration agents in both cities for months.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Rev. Katherine Lewis of St. David's Episcopal Church in Minnetonka, Rev. Daniel Ruth, executive director of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry, and Rev. Amanda Lunemann of Grace United Methodist Church in Burnsville, Minnesota, each say they felt a calling to be at the Jan. 23 protest at MSP Airport, despite the risk of arrest and the reality of the bone-chilling cold.
A massive wave of departures from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota in the last several weeks leaves vacancies at a time when there are high-profile investigations and big trials looming.
Two Republican candidates in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race have dropped out: one for a heartbreaking reason, while the other is entering a different race.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Teenage brothers born in Minneapolis and now living in Chicago documented federal immigration agents in both cities for months.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
The daughter of a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate was killed Friday in an apparent attempted murder-suicide involving her husband.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Some 2026 Winter Olympics athletes say their winning medals are falling apart, coming detached from their ribbons.
Lindsey Vonn posted on Instagram a day after suffering a broken leg in a devastating crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
David "Diggy" Coit scored 20 of his 28 in the final 13-plus minutes, including the game's final seven points, to help Maryland beat Minnesota 67-62.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday.
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Republican Party endorsing convention is in May, and Demuth has said that if she doesn't win the endorsement, she will drop out, but several candidates are expected to continue to the August primary.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
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.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
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 Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be breezy with a high in the mid-30s.
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.
Light rain and snow will fall north of the metro Monday evening, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Tomorrow will be breezy with a high in the mid-30s, but warmer highs look to be moving in again by next weekend, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says temperatures will be above average all week with highs in the 40s.
In south Minneapolis, pop-up street blockades are drawing concern over safety and emergency response times. Derek James explains what's happening.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be breezy with a high in the mid-30s.
Teenage brothers born in Minneapolis and now living in Chicago have been documenting federal immigration agents in both cities for months. They're legal observers and say they want to give people a clear picture of what's actually happening during these immigration enforcement operations. The brothers spoke to Charlie De Mar about their experience on the front lines.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reports the number of people applying for a permit to carry nearly doubled from last year to this year. Jason Rantala looks at how it has impacted local gun shops.
New numbers show just how many immigrants arrested by ICE in the last year have charges or convictions for a violent crime. Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle is digging into the data.