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.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
Minneapolis Public Schools parents are organizing an effort to delay district proposals that could close up to 16 schools.
The intersection at Dakota County roads 50 and 60 in Lakeville, Minnesota, was switched to a two-lane roundabout in 2015. County leaders say it's been the worst intersection in the county for crashes since.
The Minnesota Vikings took plenty of questions about their defense into this season after jettisoning veterans for salary cap savings at three starting spots and carrying tenuous depth at a couple of key positions.
A strong crop of red pine cones could mean some extra cash for Minnesotans willing to put in the work collecting them.
Minneapolis Public Schools parents are organizing an effort to delay district proposals that could close up to 16 schools.
The intersection at Dakota County roads 50 and 60 in Lakeville, Minnesota, was switched to a two-lane roundabout in 2015. County leaders say it's been the worst intersection in the county for crashes since.
Natalia Young, a St. Paul high school student, is making a name for herself in boxing, with Olympic aspirations and her father in her corner.
A Columbia Heights, Minnesota, man accused of murdering his 16-year-old son is suggesting evidence in the case could have been planted.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that alleged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents violated the constitutional rights of protesters in the Twin Cities during Operation Metro Surge.
Tim Wertish and his son drove out to the lot every morning before school. This weekend, nearly 400 classic trucks, pickups and cars go to the highest bidder in Redwood Falls.
Police are investigating after officers discovered "extensive vandalism" inside and outside Albert Lea High School in Albert Lea, Minnesota, early Monday.
A 47-year-old man who swung at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, police officer with a knife before he was shot by law enforcement last year has been sentenced, according to court records filed on Monday.
Monday is expected to be mostly dry and cool, with a few scattered showers in southern Minnesota amid a cool stretch.
Dozens of homes in the city of about 1,200 people were impacted as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods, filled basements and forced evacuations on Saturday.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Natalie Flaherty started I Stand With Anne when she was 10. She's now one of this year's Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes winners, an award for people ages 8 to 18 who are making a positive difference.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a candidate for Minnesota governor, says she'll fight to lower healthcare costs in the state. Hear about her plan and what a spokesperson for her Republican opponent, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, said in response.
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, the 28-year-old Venezuelan national shot by an ICE officer on Sunday, said in a phone call on Monday that he's "not doing well."
Trump Media & Technology recently launched a Truth Social API data feed, charging $100,000 for "real-time access to posts from the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts."
The news organizations CNN, MS NOW and Politico are suing the Trump administration after they were banned from the White House. Natalie Brand shares the details of the legal move.
CNN was set to provide pool coverage on Monday and accompany President Trump on a trip to New York City, but there will not be a network TV pool team traveling with him.
Tim Wertish and his son drove out to the lot every morning before school. This weekend, nearly 400 classic trucks, pickups and cars go to the highest bidder in Redwood Falls.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
Police are investigating after officers discovered "extensive vandalism" inside and outside Albert Lea High School in Albert Lea, Minnesota, early Monday.
A 47-year-old man who swung at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, police officer with a knife before he was shot by law enforcement last year has been sentenced, according to court records filed on Monday.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is asking for a sentencing reduction for a man convicted for his role in the 2011 drive-by shooting death of a 13-year-old boy.
Jason Philip Filas entered a Norgaard plea, which means he admits to the crime and acknowledges he is not innocent, but does not remember the incident.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
The virus has struck poultry producers in at least five counties in a single month. Nationally, nearly 23 million turkeys have been put down since 2022 — even as U.S. farmers raise 45 million fewer birds than they did a decade ago.
Officials say that anyone who touched the bat should call 911 and ask to be connected to Animal Care and Control and contact their healthcare provider.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
Nike-owned Converse acknowledged that an ad for its Chuck Taylor sneaker is "deeply upsetting."
Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has died at 27, a family spokesperson has confirmed.
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
The Minnesota Vikings took plenty of questions about their defense into this season after jettisoning veterans for salary cap savings at three starting spots and carrying tenuous depth at a couple of key positions.
Natalia Young, a St. Paul high school student, is making a name for herself in boxing, with Olympic aspirations and her father in her corner.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after clearing concussion protocol, head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson says quarterback Caleb Williams "will likely miss some time," but is considered "week to week" after injuring his hamstring in Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Alan Roden hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-high four runs, and Dean Kremer yielded one hit over six stellar innings in the Minnesota Twins' 8-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
The constitutional amendment would raise the contribution to schools by $33 per pupil for each school. That would take the fund's current contribution of $68 per pupil to $101 per pupil.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
From making the paper for Crayola crayons to getting a visit from Mr. Rogers. John Lauritsen shares the history behind a Little Falls paper mill, and how its ruins have become its future, in this week's Finding Minnesota.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, there's a good chance that part of it came from a country outside the United States.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
Twin Cities students and parents will see partly cloudy skies at the bus stop on Tuesday morning, when temperatures will be in the high 40s, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. High temps across most of Minnesota Tuesday will be in the 50s and 60s.
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.
A frost advisory will be in effect for parts of northern Minnesota early Tuesday before temperatures rise to the 50s and 60s, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
Recent rains have left parts of New Richland, a southern Minnesota community, underwater. Jason Rantala spoke with a city leader who said most homes were directly impacted by flooding.
The Twin Cities forecast: a low near 47 Monday night, mid-60s and more sun Tuesday, rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning, and 71 degrees Friday ahead of a warmer weekend, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
Twin Cities students and parents will see partly cloudy skies at the bus stop on Tuesday morning, when temperatures will be in the high 40s, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. High temps across most of Minnesota Tuesday will be in the 50s and 60s.
A CBS News poll found that more than half of Americans feel artificial intelligence will harm humans. Some AI researchers worry the technology could lead to humanity's extinction. In this Good Question, Jeff Wagner looks for relief from the doom-and-gloom headlines to help those who are feeling anxious.
A Minnesota mother grappling with the loss of her 12-year-old daughter heard her daughter's heartbeat on Monday night. Here's how.
Dakota County leaders say an intersection in Lakeville has been the worst in the county for crashes since it was switched to a roundabout in 2015. Ubah Ali spoke with drivers and detailed the options city leaders are looking at.
Proposed plans that officials say would "transform" Minneapolis Public Schools is getting pushback from parents. The options would lead to the closure of more than a dozen schools in the district. As Ashley Grams explains, parents are now organizing an effort to delay the proposed changes.