Minn. Woman Sits With First Lady At State Of The Union
A Twin Cities woman was President Obama's guest at the State of the Union address Tuesday night. Rebekah Erler wrote the president last year about how tough the economy has been on her family.
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A Twin Cities woman was President Obama's guest at the State of the Union address Tuesday night. Rebekah Erler wrote the president last year about how tough the economy has been on her family.
Since 1960, it's been an unstoppable population shift, and a new study from the Center for Rural Policy and Development shows a 50-year migration from rural Minnesota to the urban corridor stretching from St. Cloud through the Twin Cities and Rochester.
Minnesota lawmakers opened hearings Thursday on a bill to regulate how long police can keep computer images of your car and license plate. Police store tens of thousands of those images -- even if you haven't committed a crime.
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.
When Minnesota lawmakers returned to the State Capitol after the bruising 2014 election campaign, Tina Smith was outside their offices to greet them.
Minnesota lawmakers are moving quickly to overhaul the state's child protection system.
Minnesota lawmakers kicked off the new session Thursday with a sweeping package of unusual legislative priorities.
An interesting new idea from some Minnesota lawmakers this year: Cancel next year's legislative session. The "No Session 2016" movement began the first hour of the first day of the 2015 legislature, when top leaders revealed that they're talking about it.
Members of the newly-elected Minnesota House took the oath of office in a major construction zone Tuesday. The Capitol is shrouded in scaffolding. Lawmakers and their families navigated closed-off hallways and long elevator lines to open the session. The new Republican majority selected Rep. Kurt Daudt as the powerful house speaker.
The U.S. Government said Tuesday the nation's economy grew at a whopping 5 percent annual rate last summer. That's the fastest growth since 2003, including jobs coming back to the Midwest.
The widow of "American Sniper" Chris Kyle says she'll have to pay lawsuit damages to former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura out of her own pocket. Ventura won the lawsuit in July after he claimed he was defamed by Kyle's book. Taya Kyle says she's on the hook for most of the $1.8 million in damages awarded to the former Minnesota governor.
The Minnesota State Capitol restoration makes the building look the way it did more than 100 years ago, when Minnesota's best craftsmen built its most visible public landmark. But this project is repairing a century of cover-ups and patch-overs. Project Manager Jason McMillan showed us skylights hidden for decades above false ceilings.
The new Vikings stadium has 200,000 square feet of glass as part of its iconic design. Glass fabrication is well under way, with installation beginning in February. But officials overseeing construction of the billion-dollar facility met last week with bird advocates and the Vikings at 3M headquarters in Maplewood, telling lawmakers they asked the company if it could develop a new 3M adhesive film to cover the glass.
Minnesota joins 32 other states with policies for transgender athletes on high school sports teams. But that doesn't make it any less controversial. Minnesota transgender students can choose a sports team if parents and health care professionals can prove their gender-related identity. Students don't need proof of sex-change surgery or hormone therapy.
Talk of tax cuts has followed word that Minnesota's budget will run up a $1 billion surplus. Top Democrats and Republicans separately raised the prospect Thursday of giving tax breaks with a portion of the surplus. The first dose could come soon in the next session as lawmakers weigh whether to match up Minnesota's deductions and credits more closely with those at the federal level.
AAA is forecasting more travelers will hit the road this Thanksgiving than at any time since 2007.
The final election results are in: Minnesota had its lowest voter turnout since 1986. The state canvassing board officially certified the 2014 voter turnout at 50.5 percent. It's one of the last official acts for Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.
Shashi Chopra sat at her kitchen table, surrounded by her husband, and two children, and cried a little as she recalled that accident in March of 2013.
The Minnesota Vikings are putting more money into the new stadium under construction in downtown Minneapolis. The Vikes are adding another $647,000 for stadium extras, from sideline seating to food concessions. The latest upgrades include upgrading the team's locker room, expanding cooking and concession areas and adding end-zone seating areas it calls "Red Zone Mini-Suites."
The executive director of Minnesota's health insurance exchange says a mostly problem-free weekend rollout netted more than 500 enrollees.
Connie Grover has been in the bar-and-restaurant business for more than 30 years. So she's accustomed to sudden change. But she was stunned to get a letter from PreferredOne saying her monthly insurance rates are going up 160 percent. "I couldn't believe how high the rate went," Grover said. "I just couldn't believe it."
An audit of MNsure found Minnesota's Human Services Department made multiple mistakes verifying who's eligible for which public health program. Legislative Auditor James Nobles said human services got it wrong at least 17 percent of the time. "We spent a lot of money, taken quite a bit of time now and we ought to be at a point where they can get it right -- all the time, on every case," Nobles said.
Minnesota honored its veterans with a special state program Tuesday in Inver Grove Heights. State military leaders honored Minnesota's 370,000 veterans, including 26,000 who were deployed for extended periods of time after 9/11.
Six months after winning a bid to host the 2018 Super Bowl, Minnesota is making a bid for the NCAA Final four. Minnesota is one of eight locations competing for a Final Four between 2017 and 2020.
Minnesota lawmakers next year are preparing again to take up the issue of Sunday liquor sales. Minnesota is one of only 12 states that require liquor stores to be closed on Sundays. And many Minnesota consumers cross the border to Wisconsin, where Sunday sales are legal.
We can't control the prices are the grocery store, but what we can control is how to stretch that hard earned dollar, especially when shopping for fruits and vegetables. So what's the best way to keep fruits and vegetables fresh?
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, are investigating after they said a man was found dead near railroad tracks on the city's east side on Monday.
Gary Marquardt spent Memorial Day on Monday traveling from cemetery to cemetery across the west metro of the Twin Cities playing Taps for veterans and their families. The retired Minnesota business owner volunteers through Bugles Across America, a nonprofit organization that provides live buglers for military funerals and memorial services.
The man known as Billy Sushi is hosting four youth hockey players and two coaches 6,000 miles from home.
On Monday afternoon, the White Bear Lake, Minnesota, community gathered outside VFW Post 1782 for a Memorial Day ceremony that honored U.S. servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, including Master Sergeant Nicole Amor.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, are investigating after they said a man was found dead near railroad tracks on the city's east side on Monday.
Gary Marquardt spent Memorial Day on Monday traveling from cemetery to cemetery across the west metro of the Twin Cities playing Taps for veterans and their families. The retired Minnesota business owner volunteers through Bugles Across America, a nonprofit organization that provides live buglers for military funerals and memorial services.
The man known as Billy Sushi is hosting four youth hockey players and two coaches 6,000 miles from home.
On Monday afternoon, the White Bear Lake, Minnesota, community gathered outside VFW Post 1782 for a Memorial Day ceremony that honored U.S. servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, including Master Sergeant Nicole Amor.
Monday marks six years since George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis. People gathered at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, also known as George Floyd Square, throughout the day to remember and celebrate his life.
A couple faces nine counts each of felony drug charges after their young daughter was caught handing out THC gummies to middle school students in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Several Minnesota communities are offering events and programs on Memorial Day to honor those who gave their life for this country.
It's safe to say the Land of 10,000 Lakes offers some of the best summer weather in the country, but oppressive heat and smoke — particularly in recent years — can have negative impacts.
Diane Carlson Evans, the Minnesota native and Army veteran who founded the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., died Wednesday at age 79.
Police in southern Minnesota are asking for the public's help with its investigation into a shooting and crash that killed a 17-year-old boy late Saturday.
A Minnesota man was arrested in Wisconsin Saturday afternoon for allegedly driving under the influence with four children inside his car, officials say.
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
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.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the ballroom is "being constructed for the physical safety and security of all Presidents, their families, staff, Foreign Dignitaries, and guests."
The Justice Department acknowledges it has removed from its website news releases about criminal cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot, calling the information "partisan propaganda."
The two sides are said to be moving closer to a possible deal to end the war.
Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District is the only open district in the state. Incumbent Democrat Angie Craig is leaving the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.
Minnesota's Second Congressional district is a combination of suburbs like Lakeville, as well as smaller cities and farming areas in Scott and Le Sueur Counties — and Republicans say this year is their turn to win it back.
As Minnesotans get ready for Memorial Day weekend and travel, they're also keeping an eye on gas prices.
Target, which embarked on a turnaround plan under its new CEO earlier this year, reported an increase in first-quarter sales Wednesday.
The federal commodities regulator filed suit against Minnesota to stop a new state law, signed by Gov. Tim Walz, that would criminalize operating or participating in prediction markets starting Aug. 1.
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, are investigating after they said a man was found dead near railroad tracks on the city's east side on Monday.
A man was killed in a shooting on Minneapolis' south side early Monday, police said.
Two women were shot in north Minneapolis Sunday evening, but both are expected to survive, police said.
Police in southern Minnesota are asking for the public's help with its investigation into a shooting and crash that killed a 17-year-old boy late Saturday.
Minneapolis police identified Cordero Montgomery Jr. as the 16-year-old boy killed in broad daylight Thursday in a shooting on the city's northside.
It's safe to say the Land of 10,000 Lakes offers some of the best summer weather in the country, but oppressive heat and smoke — particularly in recent years — can have negative impacts.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz went to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis Wednesday to talk about how the state is going to help the hospital financially.
Minnesota has legalized marijuana. Could magic mushrooms be next?
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
The American Music Awards celebrate fan favorites in the music world and feature performances from multiple artists.
Rob Base, the MC whose lyrics lit up the dancefloor classic "It Takes Two" and got countless people moving worldwide, passed away Friday.
WWE superstar Tiffany Stratton grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and focused on another sport before becoming a champion in the ring.
Stephen Colbert hosted "The Late Show" for the final time Thursday night as the franchise came to an end after 33 years.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions alleges the U.S. Department of the Interior illegally used the jazzy tunes in social media posts and a video game.
The man known as Billy Sushi is hosting four youth hockey players and two coaches 6,000 miles from home.
Jennifer Huber, a PGA Teaching Pro, spends her days on the greens of Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, helping people of all ages fall in love with the game.
Munetaka Murakami homered, Anthony Kay pitched six sparkling innings and the Chicago White Sox stopped Minnesota's four-game win streak with a 3-1 victory over the Twins.
A Twin Cities sports bar appeared on the national stage last week for all the right reasons.
The Red Sox took the lead against Minnesota, but couldn't hold on as the teams played a rainy series finale in Boston.
Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District is the only open district in the state. Incumbent Democrat Angie Craig is leaving the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.
Minnesota's Second Congressional district is a combination of suburbs like Lakeville, as well as smaller cities and farming areas in Scott and Le Sueur Counties — and Republicans say this year is their turn to win it back.
Amy Klobuchar is putting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear. She faces no significant opposition in the race for the DFL endorsement and her existing record of statewide wins is formidable.
The legislation establishes a list of requirements aimed at improving transparency and reducing conflicts within HOAs. Minnesota estimates that 25% of its residents live in an HOA, and 82% of new homes are built within one.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
The carillon has 56 bells, and the Mayo Clinic said that makes it one of the largest instruments in the world and the largest instrument in Minnesota.
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.
We can't control the prices are the grocery store, but what we can control is how to stretch that hard earned dollar, especially when shopping for fruits and vegetables. So what's the best way to keep fruits and vegetables fresh?
If Minnesota lawmakers won't vote on a bill, why can't the people? That's what Carol from Stillwater wants to know after the gun reform bill never made it to the House floor. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner explains how statewide ballot measures are created.
Dozens of recreational marijuana dispensaries can now be found across Minnesota. Many of them opened last year, but it's still relatively new. And if you've visited dispensaries in other states, the rules can be different.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
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.
High temperatures across the Twin Cities will be near 90 degrees on Tuesday, when there will be a marginal chance for severe weather in the metro and southeast Minnesota, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
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.
The Twin Cities and areas to the southeast will be under a marginal risk for severe weather on Tuesday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we could see our first 90 degree day of the year tomorrow.
It’s feeling like summer, but some evening storms can’t be ruled out, especially in southwestern Minnesota.
Cody Belgarde grew up playing sports and he's a youth baseball coach. Maybe that's why he appreciates teammates so much. Especially those that he served who have died and are remembered in his backyard. Mike Max explains.
High temperatures across the Twin Cities will be near 90 degrees on Tuesday, when there will be a marginal chance for severe weather in the metro and southeast Minnesota, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Loading up your cart at the grocery store is hitting wallets harder this year. New figures show produce prices jumped 6% compared to last spring. Vegetables are up 11%. The most sticker shock comes from tomatoes, which are up nearly 40%. In this Good Question, Jeff Wagner explains how to ensure your money, and the food you buy, doesn’t go to waste.
Memorial Day weighed heavily on those who knew and loved Master Sergeant Nicole Amor. The wife, mother and Army Reserve soldier from White Bear Lake died in a drone strike in March, just days before she was supposed to come home. Her hometown and her family honored her sacrifice Monday. WCCO's Ashley Grams was there.
The Twin Cities and areas to the southeast will be under a marginal risk for severe weather on Tuesday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.