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The Minnesota Senate approved wide-ranging legislation Wednesday to expand workplace protections for women including provisions aimed at leveling pay and accommodating pregnancies. The 51-14 vote sets up a likely negotiation with the House, which passed legislation that goes even further.
One of the first women to be elected to the Minnesota Senate has died, according to reports. Former Republican state senator Nancy Brataas died Thursday night after a long battle with emphysema.
Democrats fighting to protect Minnesota U.S. Sen. Al Franken's seat want to replicate the last presidential campaign playbook by casting a well-funded GOP challenger as a corporate raider who put profit over people.
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.
The Minnesota Vikings selected defensive lineman Caleb Banks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft at pick No. 18.
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.
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.