Minnesotans can now submit design ideas for new state flag, seal
If you have design ideas for the next Minnesota state flag and seal, public submissions are now open.
Minnesota State Capitol
Asian Street Food Night Market held at Minnesota State Capitol Grounds
A special market celebrating culture and cuisine is being held in St. Paul Sunday.
Hundreds of students speak out against gun violence at MN Capitol
Young voices are sharing a big message. Hundreds of students are speaking out against gun violence at the Minnesota state capitol Wednesday.
Gov. Tim Walz, DFL leaders celebrate budget with "generational impact"
On the steps of the State Capitol, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz held a ceremony to celebrate signing the next state budget into law Wednesday morning.
Honor guard holds patrol at MN Capitol ahead of Monday's National Peace Officers Memorial Day
It's been a harrowing spring for Law enforcement in Minnesota and Wisconsin: Four officers were killed in just the past two months. Sunday night in St. Paul, police officers, sheriff's deputies and state troopers are taking part in round-the-clock honor guard patrols at the state's peace officers memorial. It's the first part of the state's observance of Monday's National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Minnesota House passes tax bill that DFL calls "largest tax cut in state history"
The Minnesota House on late Thursday evening passed a tax bill that's a major win for the DFL.
Minnesota Senate committee advances bill to increase teachers of color in Minnesota schools
Fourth grader Azomali Obiasakin was at the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday with a personal plea: Asking the legislature to pass policies to increase teachers of color in schools across the state.
Minnesota State Capitol security risks under scrutiny
The legislative session has been hybrid for the last two years. But this year, things will operate closer to normal, with a greater interest and push for in-person meetings.
Minnesota House panel to vote on remodel of State Office Building
Especially in light of the Jan. 6 insurrection, safety and security is top of mind. On Monday, Minnesota leaders discussed the vulnerabilities around the State Capitol grounds.
Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial unveiled outside State Capitol
After more than a decade of work, the Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial is complete.
4 Boys Arrested After Crashing Stolen Vehicle Outside Minnesota State Capitol
A police pursuit came to an end just outside the Minnesota State Capitol complex in St. Paul Wednesday evening, prompting a brief lockdown.
Long-Running Capitol Barbershop Welcomes Boost In Customers As Pandemic Eases
Buried in the basement of the Minnesota State Office Building, a barbershop with a rich history is abuzz with customers again as the pandemic eases and more return work at the Capitol complex.
House Dems Release $1.1B Education Plan, With Focus On Mental Health, More Educators Of Color
The House Democrats cited the recent teachers strike Minneapolis, and the threat of one in St. Paul, as prime examples of how schools do not have the funding they need to create stable learning environments for their students.
Native Americans Call On State Lawmakers To Build New Community Facilities
The money would be used to build 12 new facilities around the metro that would provide child care, health care, and housing and workforce development. The groups say, with a budget surplus and federal dollars available, it's long overdue.
MN GOP Bill Proposes Paid Leave Via Private Insurance, Tax Credits For Small Businesses
The proposal from Republicans is in response to a years-long push by DFL lawmakers to approve a paid family and medical leave program run by state government, similar to the unemployment insurance program.
Minneapolis Educators Rally Outside Capitol, Urge Legislature To Use Surplus To Boost Wages
Minneapolis educators on strike took their demands to the state capitol on Wednesday, calling on lawmakers to spend some of a $9.25 billion projected budget surplus on mental health supports and wage increases.
'Stand With Ukraine': Minnesota's Ukrainian Community Unites Amidst Overseas Conflict
"People are worried. People can't live normal lives," said Luda Anastazievsky, who was born in Ukraine but has lived in Minnesota for decades. "There's a lot of psychological pressure, there's a lot of economical pressure."
Pipeline Protesters Arrested After Refusing To Leave Minnesota State Capitol
A number of protesters demonstrating against the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline were arrested Friday at the Minnesota State Capitol following a brief standoff with law enforcement.
Protesters Gather At State Capitol In Opposition Of Line 3 Pipeline
The Minnesota Supreme Court this week refused to hear an appeal by opponents of Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline. That means a decision regulators made earlier this summer to let construction proceed will stand.
Ahead Of Several Planned Protests, Fencing Once Again Surrounds The Minnesota State Capitol
A large fence once again surrounded the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday as security is beefed up ahead of a number of planned protests, some of which could draw thousands.
Justice Buses At MN State Capitol Offer Free Legal Help
State leaders are rolling out a new plan to get Minnesotans access to legal services.
Minnesota Lawmakers Reach Deal On Public Safety, Including Some Police Accountability Measures
Republican and DFL leaders at the state capitol say they have reached a bipartisan agreement on a public safety spending package that includes more police accountability measures.
MN Legislature's Compromise On Police Reform Leaves Out Key Proposals
The Minnesota State Legislature has come to a compromise on some police reforms, but the agreement leaves out some key proposals that the People of Color Caucus were calling for.
More Than 200 Construction Projects Impacted If Transportation Budget Not Signed Quickly
The transportation budget, which funds road projects, state patrol and more, is among several pieces of the $52 billion total in state spending that is hanging over the legislature in the final days of the fiscal year.
Walz, Legislators Seek Budget Breakthroughs As Minnesota Capitol Reopens
Gov. Tim Walz told reporters that he's hoping they can get the work done during a special session that he will call for Monday, which could last several days.
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Latest News
Cougar struck by motorist, killed on Golden Valley interstate
A motorist struck and killed a cougar on an interstate in the west metro.
Israeli hostage's parents call for new truce, promise him: "We're coming."
Hersh Goldberg-Polin's parents say his ongoing captivity in Gaza is "anguish," and as they push Israel's leader for a new truce, they just want their son to survive, because "the world is coming."
Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
How to watch the fourth Republican presidential debate of 2023 tonight
Want to watch the GOP candidates at fourth Republican presidential debate tonight? Here's how to do it.
Woman sentenced to fast-food job after hurling food at Chipotle worker
After a customer threw a steaming Chipotle bowl in an employee's face, a local judge offered a novel way to pay her debt to society.
Twin Cities News
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Cougar struck by motorist, killed on Golden Valley interstate
A motorist struck and killed a cougar on an interstate in the west metro.
Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
How common are cougars in central Minnesota?
The death of a cougar on a Twin Cities highway, along with a recent sighting in Minneapolis, may have metro residents wondering if the large cats are becoming more common in the area.
Lone cigar bar in Minneapolis fighting to stay open amid potential tobacco regulations
The City of Minneapolis is taking aim at a tobacco loophole which would force its only cigar bar to close.
Man using wheelchair found severely burned in Minneapolis encampment near Target Field, MPD says
A man who uses a wheelchair was found severely burned overnight Tuesday at a Minneapolis homeless encampment near Target Field.
Greater Minnesota News
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Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
How common are cougars in central Minnesota?
The death of a cougar on a Twin Cities highway, along with a recent sighting in Minneapolis, may have metro residents wondering if the large cats are becoming more common in the area.
Bemidji boy arrested after threats led district to close area schools Wednesday, police say
A boy is in custody for allegedly making threats that led Bemidji Area Schools to make Wednesday an e-learning day.
Bianca Virnig wins state representative special election
Virnig received 58% of the vote and defeated Republican Cynthia Lonnquist.
Minnesota braces for threat of feral pigs from Canada: "They leave a mess"
WCCO's John Lauritsen talked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and a Canadian professor about the threat feral pigs pose to our state.
Wisconsin News
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Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs off on $500M plan to fund repairs and upgrades at Brewers stadium
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that spends half-a-billion in taxpayer dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers cover stadium repairs over the next decade.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
Republican leaders of Wisconsin Legislature at odds over withholding university pay raises
The Republican head of the Wisconsin Senate says he wants to see pay raises approved for Universities of Wisconsin employees.
Community Journalism
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Savannah Manzel, Lake Elmo 13-year-old, makes big debut at Radio City Music Hall's "Nutcracker"
When she's not in school, Manzel is at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood making herself a better, stronger dancer. That discipline paid off in a big way when she landed the role of a lifetime.
Minnesota hockey community honors teen who died in Washington County crash
A memorial of hockey sticks and flowers marks the spot of the crash in rural Washington County that would eventually take the life of 16-year-old Samson Walters.
Police need help finding missing adult in Bloomington
The Bloomington Police Department are asking for help finding a missing adult
Prep academy aims to help families of soldiers heading to Middle East
Soldiers expecting to deploy soon get an introduction to what they can expect
Chance north Minneapolis encounter leads to new family, outlook on life for young boy
Tyrone Fischer has a new mom and a new outlook on life after a chance encounter five years ago in a street in north Minneapolis.
Politics
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Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Kevin McCarthy announces he will retire at the end of December
"I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways," McCarthy wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.
Trump says he would be a dictator only on "Day One" if he wins a second term
Former President Donald Trump would not say whether he plans to go after political opponents if he were re-elected president .
U.S. charges Russians with war crimes for allegedly torturing American in Ukraine
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. charged four Russian soldiers with war crimes for allegedly abducting and torturing an American citizen in Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion.
Consumer News
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Metro Transit to enforce fare payment, issue $35 citations starting Monday
Starting Monday, Metro Transit will start issuing citations and fining people who have not paid their fare.
Large snow creature "IT" needs a name at Midtown Global Market
A large, smiling snow creature — which is not frightening at all — needs a name at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis.
Arboretum's AppleHouse embraces winter magic with Holiday Boutique
In November, the AppleHouse transforms into a cozy gift shop offering a variety of items, from unique gifts to locally produced goodies, toys, clothes and more.
Report: Inflation impacting Minnesotans more than national average
New numbers from the federal government show the average American needs nearly $11,500 in additional funds just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in 2021.
This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
Crime News
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Bemidji boy arrested after threats led district to close area schools Wednesday, police say
A boy is in custody for allegedly making threats that led Bemidji Area Schools to make Wednesday an e-learning day.
Man using wheelchair found severely burned in Minneapolis encampment near Target Field, MPD says
A man who uses a wheelchair was found severely burned overnight Tuesday at a Minneapolis homeless encampment near Target Field.
Prosecutor drops charges against 17 Texas police over tactics used during 2020 protests
A Texas prosecutor is dropping most of the charges levied against police officers in Austin over tactics used during the 2020 protests that followed George Floyd's killing.
Midwest mystery: Iowa man still missing, 2 weeks after semi holding baby pigs was found on highway
It has been two weeks since David Schultz's semi-truck was found on a rural highway in northwest Iowa, its trailer still filled with baby pigs he was transporting.
Cameras capture thief stealing Christmas tree off SUV in San Mateo shopping center
Surveillance footage captured a Grinch-like crime in San Mateo last week where a thief brazenly stole a Christmas tree off the roof of a nSUV parked at a shopping center.
Health News
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Wildfire smoke reversing air quality improvements, researchers say
Wildfires in the U.S. have caused a decline in air quality and an increase in deaths in parts of the U.S. – even though air quality had been improving, researchers say.
Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Minnesota-based Just The Pill providing women with mobile reproductive health care
Just The Pill is an organization that offers reproductive health services to women via telehealth and a mobile clinic that its directors think will be a model for the future of this health care.
Panera's caffeine-fueled lemonade cited in second death, suit says
Casual dining chain faces another wrongful death suit related to its Charged Lemonade after cardiac arrest of Florida man.
Entertainment News
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Daddy Yankee says he's retiring from music to focus on his faith
Daddy Yankee, the iconic reggaeton superstar, announced his plans to focus on his faith during his final musical performance Sunday in Puerto Rico.
Norman Lear, legendary TV producer, dies at age 101
Norman Lear created groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family," "Maude" and "The Jeffersons" that took on serious social issues with humor.
Taylor Swift is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
"This is the proudest and happiest I've ever felt," Taylor Swift told TIME after being named the magazine's Person of the Year for 2023.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
1958's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" tops Billboard chart for first time
Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" outperformed familiar chart-topper Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Sports News
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Matt Boldy's 3-point game powers Wild to a 5-2 win over the Flames
Matt Boldy scored twice and had an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames.
Gophers Parker Fox, Isaiah Ihnen have been joined at the knee for past 2 years
Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen are back on the court this season for Minnesota after missing the last two years with consecutive ACL tears.
Elk River hockey star relishes senior year ahead of Minnesota Gophers career
Senior defender Carly Humphrey has played hockey since she was little.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs off on $500M plan to fund repairs and upgrades at Brewers stadium
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that spends half-a-billion in taxpayer dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers cover stadium repairs over the next decade.
Twins unveil specialty license plate design
The Minnesota Twins have become the state's second pro sports team to unveil a specialty license plate.
Talking Points
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Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
Thousands of people have weighed in with comments on the flag options and many of those comments are critical that a loon is not featured in any of the flag designs.
Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
By now you likely know that there at six finalists for the new Minnesota flag. The State Emblems Redesign Commission will meet this Tuesday to discuss the finalists and to possibly make revisions to the top six designs. That is the subject of Esme Murphy's Talking Points.
Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape. Their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives into the other side effects and the staggering out-of-pocket costs.
Talking Points preview: Weight loss driving demand for diabetes drugs
Esme Murphy explores how the out of pocket costs for these drugs is leaving some people broke.
Talking Points: Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand (part 3)
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape, as their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. Earlier this year, WCCO spoke with Laura Collins. Her insurance covered her Wegovy from the start. She is maintaining her 100-pound weight loss, and she isn't going broke doing it.
Finding Minnesota
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This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" continues to leave its mark on Minneapolis half a century later
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an iconic show from the 70s put Minneapolis on the map, and why this year marks a special anniversary in the show's history.
Finding Minnesota: For 4 decades, Dennis Foy has painted commemorative Vikings game footballs
For nearly 40 years, Dennis Foy has been on the receiving end of footballs from the Vikings. They send him dozens each season along with emails about whose name they want on the game ball, and what they want it to say.
Jasper man's old-school windmill collection draws visitors from across the country
In 1999, Terry Rodman built a windmill for his wife, from scratch. Then, to balance things out, he put up a farm windmill — and people around Jasper, took notice.
Mother-daughter duo turns 98-year-old Mobil station into Airbnb
Peterson, Minnesota in Fillmore County is known for bluffs, bike trails and a nearly 100-year-old gas station that now serves a new purpose.
Good Question
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Why do stores keep extending their holiday sales? Good question.
Some shoppers enjoy taking advantage of the extended sales, while others say it's just holiday noise.
What does the appendix do and why are we fine without it?
Stephen Colbert is away from late-night TV following emergency surgery last week — the comedian's appendix burst. That made us wonder: What does the appendix do for our body? And why are we fine without it? Good Question. Jeff Wagner explains the mystery behind the tiny organ.
Is a dessert bar a cookie?
Heather Brown confers with some culinary experts to find the definitive answer!
Could November's minimal snow total impact December's output? Good Question.
The fluffy four-tenths of an inch that fell last Saturday kept the Twin Cities from notching a record of a snowless November.
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving gained popularity in the 1800s, eventually becoming a national holiday with cookbooks and newspapers touting recipes.
Latest Galleries
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Northern Lights in Minnesota: Dec. 1, 2023
For two nights in a row, the northern lights danced overhead in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and WCCO viewers sent in their best photos.
Northern Lights over Minnesota and Wisconsin: Nov. 30, 2023
Some WCCO viewers shared marvelous photos of Thursday night's northern lights.
Items sold at "The Fashion of Prince" auction
Here's a look at some of the hot items on auction at "The Fashion of Prince."
Minnesota state flag and seal submissions: The good, the bad, and the loony
Minnesota leaders tasked the state's residents with helping to reimagine the state's flag and emblem. The citizenry has delivered, with designs running the gamut of reverent to just plain ridiculous.
Halloween NICU Babies
Lots of people will be out in costumes on Tuesday night, but these babies who are dressed up in the NICU might be the cutest of them all.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 9 a.m. forecast from Dec. 6, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says a passing warm front will throw a few clouds our way along with gusts up to 30 mph, but we should stay dry.
What is Next Weather?
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.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. forecast from Dec. 6, 2023
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says Wednesday, and the rest of the week, won't feel very wintery.
NEXT Weather: Warm winds help highs climb 10-20 degrees above average
Warmth is the big story over the next few days, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s Wednesday.
NEXT Weather: 10:00 p.m. forecast from Dec. 8, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says this week will feature warm temperatures that will reach the 50's.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
Iowa man still missing a couple weeks after semi holding baby pigs found on highway
David Schultz's semi-truck was found two weeks ago on a rural highway in northwest Iowa, its trailer still filled with baby pigs he was transporting. Schultz's wallet and phone were inside, and his jacket was on the side of the road.
Loon takes focus of new Minnesota state seal
Minnesota's official state bird is prominently in the center of the new design for the state seal, picked Tuesday by the State Emblems Redesign Commission.
State Emblems Redesign Commission selects new Minnesota state seal
There was good news for all loon lovers Tuesday.
How MACV's outreach helps find homes for veterans in need
MACV outreach experts Christine Bridgeman and James McCloden, and their colleagues at MACV, served more than 1,700 veterans last year.
How to handle sibling rivalry, even into adulthood
If you have a sibling, chances are you have had your fair share of arguments with them, explains Dr. Michael Walker.