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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 rift among Minnesota supporters of allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes could make it harder to push legalization through the legislature this year. Committees in both the House and Senate were debating competing legislation Friday. A Senate panel stripped the option of smoking marijuana as medication from its bill on Thursday. But the House version is even more limited in how the drug may be accessed.
The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill allowing the state to retain blood samples from newborn babies indefinitely. Senators voted 36 to 20 to send the proposal to Gov. Mark Dayton.
Top Minnesota lawmakers are working to set the terms of a deal on tax cuts, new state spending and borrowing for construction that would enable them to end their session. Democratic leaders of the House and Senate said Thursday that they were closing in on a framework.
One more Minnesota Senate panel has approved legislation that would legalize medical marijuana. The Senate Judiciary Committee gave the OK Wednesday despite opposition from law enforcement including Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman.
A Minnesota Senate panel has approved legislation that would legalize medical marijuana. The chamber's Committee on State and Local Government advanced the legislation after questions on how a program would be set up and run.
The Minnesota Senate has taken a stand against the sale of lottery tickets through a website or gas-pump terminals. By a voice vote Friday, senators moved to outlaw the practice that the Minnesota Lottery had already begun. It was as an amendment to a separate gambling regulation bill.
Organizers of the Basilica Block Party announced Wednesday the two-day music festival is over after a three-decade run.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
Rob Brzezinski is keeping the makeup of the draft room pretty similar to previous years in his first time calling the shots. But let's be clear, the way he and Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell work together in this process will determine its success.
The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing the hospital in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation.
Organizers of the Basilica Block Party announced Wednesday the two-day music festival is over after a three-decade run.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing the hospital in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation.
The Minneapolis City Council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of their rejection of Toddrick Barnette's reappointment, leaving the commissioner of community safety position without a clear resolution.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
For more than 50 years, Steve Nesseth has answered the call, not for the recognition, but because for him service is simply a way of life.
Planting is underway and spring conditions have been good across much of Minnesota. But even so, some farmers are electing to sit out a year.
Elk River follows the cities of Champlin, Zumbrota, St. Francis and others in reverting to the old state symbol that was originally adopted in 1957.
Terrifying surveillance footage shows the moment a tornado smashed into a southern Minnesota home Friday.
Matthew Keirans used William Woods's identity for decades, then manipulated police into prosecuting Woods, who spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Dozens of former employees are now suing their former bosses after they were all abruptly laid off from a metal fabrication plant in western Wisconsin.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
Some of Minnesota's government software is decades overdue for big upgrades, but the price tag is steep. As Caroline Cummings reports, there are a few different ideas on how to pay for it.
It's a controversial decision, and a close vote. The Minneapolis City Council made it legal to possess drug paraphernalia, like pipes or needles.
A bill that would stiffen penalties for impersonating police in the wake of last year's Minnesota lawmaker shootings passed unanimously in the state House on Thursday.
The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing the hospital in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
The bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
The Minneapolis City Council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of their rejection of Toddrick Barnette's reappointment, leaving the commissioner of community safety position without a clear resolution.
A bill that would stiffen penalties for impersonating police in the wake of last year's Minnesota lawmaker shootings passed unanimously in the state House on Thursday.
Police said the shooting appeared to have happened after two groups of people got into an argument in the mall's food court.
Matthew Keirans used William Woods's identity for decades, then manipulated police into prosecuting Woods, who spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Minnesota lawmakers are calling for the humanitarian release of a woman detained earlier this year amid Operation Metro Surge who is suffering from a tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst.
For more than 50 years, Steve Nesseth has answered the call, not for the recognition, but because for him service is simply a way of life.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
National Nurses United warns Hennepin County Medical Center could close following federal health care cuts under H.R. 1, threatening care across Minnesota and the Midwest.
Hundreds of nursing home workers from across the Twin Cities are on strike Monday.
A previously unreleased song is one of many ways Prince is being honored a decade after his death.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Rob Brzezinski is keeping the makeup of the draft room pretty similar to previous years in his first time calling the shots. But let's be clear, the way he and Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell work together in this process will determine its success.
One of Minnesota's fastest-growing basketball training organizations is expanding with a new facility to develop athletes on and off the court.
With plenty of roster needs, Minnesota could go a number of different ways with its first-round pick. They could seek a starter at multiple defensive spots, supplement their offense or even trade the pick away.
Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime to give the Dallas Stars a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild early Thursday for a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.
The 2026 NFL Draft is underway from Pittsburgh. Here are the Round 1 picks.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
The pet insurance industry is relatively new, and experts say that's partly why there's a low number of policies, but it is growing.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer is tracking the potential for severe storms across the state.
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.
Severe thunderstorms are possible in parts of the state until a cold front clears.
The Twin Cities are in a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Storms will be possible until the cold front clears this evening, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
A slight risk exists for severe wind and hail Thursday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer is tracking the potential for severe storms across the state.
You've likely heard of Liam Ramos - the 5-year-old Columbia Heights boy in the bunny hat detained by ICE with his dad. That school district had at least 7 students detained during Operation Metro Surge, most with their parents, including Valley View 5th grader Zuriel.
Some of Minnesota's government software is decades overdue for big upgrades, but the price tag is steep. As Caroline Cummings reports, there are a few different ideas on how to pay for it.
It's a controversial decision, and a close vote. The Minneapolis City Council made it legal to possess drug paraphernalia, like pipes or needles.
They called police about domestic violence, but still ended up dead. Our Conor Wight asked the Minneapolis police chief how that happened and how he plans to stop it from happening again.