Reality Check: Minn. Legislature Boosts Pay Out Of Public Eye
New numbers from the Minnesota legislature show state lawmakers paid themselves more than a $1 million last year in per diem payments -- out of the public eye.
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New numbers from the Minnesota legislature show state lawmakers paid themselves more than a $1 million last year in per diem payments -- out of the public eye.
The National Hockey League lockout is now in its 111th day, and now a state lawmaker says the league should be held responsible for the economic impact of the lockout on local businesses.
It doesn't seem to be quite the deal that any politician in Washington wanted, but Congress and President Barack Obama did manage to steer the country away from the fiscal cliff.
The nation's largest gun-rights lobbying group responded for the first time Friday since the elementary school massacre in Connecticut a week ago.
When the Minnesota Orchestra got $14 million in taxpayer funds to renovate its Minneapolis concert hall, they vouched for its financial stability at the time, citing "three balanced budgets in a row." Now, some lawmakers want a hearing to investigate whether that was truthful.
While lawmakers in Washington are working around the clock to avoid going over the fiscal cliff, Minnesota's medical device manufacturers face a tax hike of their own.
In Minnesota, guns are banned on all school properties -- public or private, across all grade levels.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) airport is considering electronic pull tab games as a way to help the state pay for its share of a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.
President Barack Obama is ramping up efforts to force Congress to make a deal.
Minnesota's Democratic leaders don't want anyone to think the 2013 Legislature is not going to vote on legalizing gay marriage.
The revenue coming in from the electronic pulltab games are not enough to fund the new Vikings stadium.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has lent his high-profile support to an author who says she has proof Lee Harvey Oswald didn't assassinate President John Kennedy.
The State Capitol may be Minnesota's most visible and open public building. But how safe is the Capitol and the buildings around it?
Minnesota voters came out in record numbers again this year.
Voters gave Democrats one-party control of the Minnesota statehouse for the first time in a generation.
A Minnesota man told police he feared two teenagers breaking into his home had a weapon when he shot and killed them on Thanksgiving Day.
Minnesota led the nation in voter turnout again this year with a remarkable 76 percent of voters going to the polls on Election Day.
A Minnesota judge has ruled that election officials must randomly cancel 35 ballots in a tight legislative race due to a counting error.
The Minnesota Vikings say they haven't decided to charge fans extra for the privilege of buying a ticket.
If Congress does not end the battle over the so-called "fiscal cliff," Minnesotans could pay thousands of dollars in higher taxes by January. That's according to a new Tax Foundation study, coming just six weeks before the budget must be fixed – or else.
We know now that many voters were motivated by the marriage amendment, but it was not restricted to only one party.
One of the biggest election night, surprises came at the State Capitol where Minnesota Republicans lost their majorities in the House and Senate.
Politics have changed a bit since 1986. Back then, we didn't have social media, the Internet or very many third-party candidates. So on the eve of this year's election, we look back at an unusual one.
Most attention these days is focused on the presidential campaign or statewide races. But the battle for control of the Minnesota Legislature may be the most important Election Day story.
Vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan will be in the Twin Cities Sunday for a rally just two days before the election, sources say.
A Minnesota girl's legacy lives on inside another woman she never knew.
A beaver dam near one of Scandia's most historic sites is raising concerns about what higher water levels could mean for buildings that have stood for more than 150 years.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen was the world's first and, arguably, most successful televangelist. At his peak, millions watched him. This week, Sheen takes one step closer to sainthood.
More than nine months after Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in south Minneapolis, a memorial at the site of his death continues to draw visitors and serve as a place for reflection.
For years, Keiona Cook has been weaving communities together, teaching kids from North Minneapolis and Edina to sew together. Now she's taking her work to New York for the city's iconic fashion week.
A beaver dam near one of Scandia's most historic sites is raising concerns about what higher water levels could mean for buildings that have stood for more than 150 years.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen was the world's first and, arguably, most successful televangelist. At his peak, millions watched him. This week, Sheen takes one step closer to sainthood.
More than nine months after Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in south Minneapolis, a memorial at the site of his death continues to draw visitors and serve as a place for reflection.
For years, Keiona Cook has been weaving communities together, teaching kids from North Minneapolis and Edina to sew together. Now she's taking her work to New York for the city's iconic fashion week.
Minneapolis police say they have made the "difficult decision" to dissolve the department's Mounted Patrol Unit.
A Minnesota girl's legacy lives on inside another woman she never knew.
A man is dead and a woman is fighting for her life following a single-vehicle crash Monday in southeastern Minnesota.
Two young men are dead and another is in critical condition after a shooting in a park Monday night in Willmar, Minnesota, according to police.
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.
The Wisconsin State Patrol says a trooper is in the hospital with severe injuries after falling off a bridge while attempting to end a pursuit.
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.
For years, Keiona Cook has been weaving communities together, teaching kids from North Minneapolis and Edina to sew together. Now she's taking her work to New York for the city's iconic fashion week.
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.
Roughly 20 people signed up to speak, including rideshare drivers who see Waymos as a threat to their livelihoods.
The wrenching, heartbreaking testimony echoed through the Congressional hearing room, pulling everyone back to the raw moments of last January when two Minnesotans were killed.
The U.S., Denmark and Greenland signed a new security agreement bolstering the United States' military and security presence on the island.
The wrenching, heartbreaking testimony echoed through the Congressional hearing room, pulling listeners back to the raw moments of January when Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed.
Monae Johnson refused in 2022 to say whether Joe Biden had won the 2020 election. Four years later, South Dakota's top election official is crossing party lines to endorse the Democrat running to replace her.
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.
Minneapolis police say they have made the "difficult decision" to dissolve the department's Mounted Patrol Unit.
Vance Boelter, the man who killed a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in what authorities called a politically motivated attack, is due back in court later this month.
Officials south of the Twin Cities say they're investigating anonymous threats at Lakeville South High School and Lakeville North High School Tuesday.
Two young men are dead and another is in critical condition after a shooting in a park Monday night in Willmar, Minnesota, according to police.
The wrenching, heartbreaking testimony echoed through the Congressional hearing room, pulling listeners back to the raw moments of January when Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed.
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.
Over a century ago, the Gibbon brothers stepped into the ring and became some of the most well-known American boxers of their era.
Drew Gilbert homered and hit a two-run single, leading the San Francisco Giants past the Minnesota Twins 5-2 to snap a three-game losing streak.
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.
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.
The temperatures are really starting to feel like fall, and there’s a frost advisory in northern Minnesota.
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.
Temperatures are slightly below average, and it's starting to feel like fall.
Wednesday still looks nice locally, if breezy at times. Showers and a few storms develop to the west late in the day, linger into early Thursday, then gradually fall apart, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
It'll be a sunny Tuesday with cool overnight temperatures.
The temperatures are really starting to feel like fall, and there’s a frost advisory in northern Minnesota.
A Minnesota girl’s legacy lives on inside another woman she never knew.
A shooting near a west-central Minnesota park left two men dead.
It’s believed to be the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota, and the city is swimming upstream to save some of its heritage.
Roughly 20 people signed up to speak, including rideshare drivers who see Waymos as a threat to their livelihoods.