What does the First Amendment mean and how does it work?
The Constitution is very explicit, saying that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, but that is specific to what the government can do to you if you say something.
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The Constitution is very explicit, saying that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, but that is specific to what the government can do to you if you say something.
Gov. Tim Walz has issued an executive order aimed at cracking down on fraud in Minnesota by utilizing new data-sharing laws passed in the anti-fraud legislative package.
A Democratic state lawmaker who is promising to be a "wild card" is joining Wisconsin's open race for governor. Francesca Hong is one of four Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly who are also members of the Socialist Caucus.
Former President Barack Obama addressed recent acts of political violence during remarks at a Pennsylvania nonprofit on Tuesday.
Democrat Xp Lee won a special election Tuesday for a seat previously held by the late state Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated in June. Lee's win also restores a tie in the Minnesota House.
North suburban voters have chosen a replacement for the former DFL House leader killed in her home this summer.
Walz, a Demcrat, said on social media he would seek a rare third term.
Rep. Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids was chosen by Minnesota House Democrats to replace Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman as their leader. He joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
In the last few weeks, local pro-gun control groups have added thousands of supporters. Yet, the passage of their signature goal, a ban on assault weapons, does not appear to have the votes in the Minnesota Legislature. WCCO's Esme Murphy spoke to the Executive Director of Protect Minnesota
Over 300 lawsuits challenging many of Trump's second-term plans have been winding through federal courts, and a handful may be poised for Supreme Court review.
Minnesota has been especially impacted by recent attacks that involved political views, and Rob Chadwick, who spent over 20 years in the FBI, draws comparisons to Charlie Kirk’s killing.
Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA organization has chapters at several Minnesota universities and high schools. He was also an early mentor to a state senator.
For Minnesota House DFL leader Zack Stephenson, his new role brings with it mixed emotions.
Three months after the loss of their longtime leader Melissa Hortman, who died in a politically motivated attack, Minnesota House Democrats selected state Rep. Zack Stephenson to steer the caucus moving forward.
The push for change at the State Capitol comes after a shooter killed two students and wounded more than 20 others at Annunciation School in Minneapolis. Minnesota's governor met with top lawmakers behind closed doors Tuesday afternoon. WCCO's Caroline Cummings has the latest on where things stand.
A Wisconsin legislator has left the state Assembly's Democratic caucus after being accused by fellow party members of threatening to kill three lawmakers.
Gov. Tim Walz will meet with legislative leaders on Tuesday to discuss a special session focused on gun safety.
WCCO has learned Gov. Tim Walz will meet Tuesday with legislative leaders to discuss a special session focused on gun safety. In the aftermath of the Annunciation shooting, lawmakers and the Governor will be looking for common ground. Esme Murphy reports.
Republican Minnesota state Sen. Jeremy Miller announced Monday he will not be running in next year's election.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and its members are once again gearing up for a fight at the legislature. Joining WCCO's Esme Murphy is Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Vice President Rob Doar.
In the aftermath of the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, Gov. Tim Walz announced he will call a special session. He will be meeting on Tuesday with leaders to discuss specifics. Joining WCCO's Esme Murphy to talk about this is the No. 2 Republican in the Minnesota House, Floor Leader Representative Harry Niska.
There's still no word from Gov. Tim Walz on when he'll call a special session on guns. Democrats haven't released any proposals, but today House Republicans spelled out their priorities. Here's Jonah Kaplan.
The Minnesota State Fair isn't just a fun place to snack and shop. It's a chance to get a pulse of the state on hot-button issues. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the 2025 House of Representatives State Fair Poll, touching on topics that dominated the recent legislative session and maybe conversations at the dinner table.
As people look for motives behind the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School, some are casting pointing the blame on at the transgender community. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke Minnesota DFL Rep. Leigh Finke about the backlash the trans community is now facing
A few parents of Annunciation victims had the chance to speak with Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance during their visit to Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Connor Bedard scored a goal and defenseman Alex Vlasic made a game-saving stop as time ran out as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1 to snap the NHL's longest active point streak for one team against another.
As March Madness is underway, the debate over whether or not to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is once again a hot topic at the state Capitol.
Police in Oakdale, Minnesota, are investigating after two officers and two Hampton Inn hotel employees were taken to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Police in Oakdale, Minnesota, are investigating after two officers and two Hampton Inn hotel employees were taken to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Minnesota lawmakers say they will introduce a bill to repeal Cesar Chavez Day after multiple women accused the late farm union and civil rights leader of sexual abuse.
At a hangout spot off Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, it's pure anticipation.
Police in Oakdale, Minnesota, are investigating after two officers and two Hampton Inn hotel employees were taken to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl.
Authorities are investigating an alleged incident involving the Rogers High School boys' basketball team that occurred during travel to and from an away game.
Some Minnesota lawmakers want ticket resellers to face the music for charging exorbitant prices on the secondary market.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
A mother who was blackmailed by a Minnesota sheriff is speaking out for the first time in a WCCO Investigation. Darcey Duncan recently received a multi-million-dollar settlement for the abuse she endured. The former Chisago County sheriff pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct in 2023.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
As March Madness is underway, the debate over whether or not to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is once again a hot topic at the state Capitol.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, who was shot multiple times by an assailant impersonating law enforcement testified in favor of making it a felony to masquerade as an officer.
Xcel Energy wants to increase rates for 492,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota. Customers can weigh in on the proposal during public hearings in April and May.
As fraud remains in focus in the Minnesota Legislature, the House on Monday unanimously approved a bill to repeal from state law a problematic program that prosecutors said was the target of a massive fraud scheme.
Delta is canceling flights at Midwest airports, including its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, ahead of expected significant snow and winds starting Saturday evening through Sunday, the airline said Friday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, who was shot multiple times by an assailant impersonating law enforcement testified in favor of making it a felony to masquerade as an officer.
The people of Minneapolis-St. Paul are being honored with a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for their response to the federal immigration enforcement operation this winter, the JFK Library Foundation announced Wednesday.
A rising number of threats against schools has the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension pushing for more resources to help people who may be on a pathway to violence.
According to police, one person was shot and killed on the 1500 block of Edmund Avenue.
A 29-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, is in custody in connection to threats that led to Wednesday's closure of all public schools in neighboring South St. Paul.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Sacramento-based Sutter Health announced plans to acquire Minneapolis-based Allina Health, promising a $2 billion investment in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but healthcare unions say workers weren't consulted.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
A northern California health nonprofit is planning to acquire Allina Health in a deal that was announced Tuesday.
Afroman spoke to CBS News after he won the case, which tested the limits of parody and the license artists can take in social commentary directed at public figures.
Spring break does not have to mean big travel plans or big spending for families who head to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, where a new exhibit invites children to climb, crawl and create as part of the art experience.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies." In an interview recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life.
Connor Bedard scored a goal and defenseman Alex Vlasic made a game-saving stop as time ran out as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1 to snap the NHL's longest active point streak for one team against another.
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a new contract with quarterback Carson Wentz to bring back the 11th-year veteran for more depth after a problematic season at the vital position.
Authorities are investigating an alleged incident involving the Rogers High School boys' basketball team that occurred during travel to and from an away game.
Grace Zumwinkle and Kelly Pannek scored 11 seconds apart during a four-goal first period and the Minnesota Frost routed the Ottawa Charge 5-0.
Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points and had nine rebounds in his second straight start in place of the injured Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves took charge in the second quarter to cruise past the Utah Jazz 147-111.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The U.S. Senate has begun debate on a controversial elections bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship with a birth certificate or passport. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
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.
We're looking at a possible 70-degree day this coming Saturday, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
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.
We will see areas of fog again overnight with our rapid snowmelt kicking moisture into the air, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
It's warming up and there are signs of spring as temps could reach the mid-50s on Thursday.
Temperatures flirted with 50 degrees Wednesday, and Thursday will remain mild with highs in the 40s to low 50s, though lingering fog and low stratus may hold temperatures down in a few locations, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
We're looking at a possible 70-degree day this coming Saturday, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
Deputy Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, taught firefighters across Minnesota through the Minnesota Fire Service Certifications Board.
As March Madness is underway, the debate over whether or not to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is once again a hot topic at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Hoffman's bill would make impersonating an officer in Minnesota a felony instead of a misdemeanor. On Thursday, he recalled the horror of the night he and his wife were shot by an assailant.
Representatives for Liam Ramos and his father said the family entered the U.S. from Ecuador and used an official app to start the process of asylum, but DHS said that it has no record of that.