Locked capitol doors, more security funds are new normal
State lawmakers across the U.S. are increasing security measures as political violence rises.
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State lawmakers across the U.S. are increasing security measures as political violence rises.
Some of Minnesota's government software is decades overdue for big upgrades, but the price tag is steep. As Caroline Cummings reports, there are a few different ideas on how to pay for it.
It's a controversial decision, and a close vote. The Minneapolis City Council made it legal to possess drug paraphernalia, like pipes or needles.
A bill that would stiffen penalties for impersonating police in the wake of last year's Minnesota lawmaker shootings passed unanimously in the state House on Thursday.
President Donald Trump is nominating University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan as the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
The ICE surge cost Twin Cities businesses major money. It turns out it cost everyday taxpayers too. Ubah Ali has the court filing with the new numbers.
No matter if you’re a Republican or Democrat at the capitol, they all agree that property taxes jumped high this year year, and homeowners are starting to feel the pinch.
Years of drug use and crime have Uptown business owners on the ropes, but Minneapolis is hoping to change course with a brand new strategy.
Yet another city is choosing to fly the old Minnesota state flag in what appears to be a growing trend. Elk River is the latest city to go against the state in the flag debate. Ashley Grams was there as they decided to put a piece of the past front and center.
One of the hottest places to build in the Twin Cities is asking, are we growing too fast? Now, Lakeville is considering taking a break from building new homes. WCCO's Ubah Ali explains why city leaders think pressing pause could ease their growing pains.
From name calling to bathhouse proposals and possibly ousting the police chief, there’s always something to talk about with the Minneapolis City Council.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Minnesota Republicans on Wednesday tried to set up a process to hear claims against DFL elected officials. As Caroline Cummings reports, impeachment hasn't happened in the state in nearly 150 years.
It's an issue playing out in communities across Minnesota. The sometimes heated debate over data centers. Lawmakers took up the issue Tuesday, considering the challenges city and county leaders face in balancing economic opportunity with environmental impact. Ubah Ali heard about new guardrails in that meeting.
Police sprayed chemicals inside former House Speaker Melissa Hortman's home last summer while searching for her and her husband's killer. The Hortman's son says that it caused damage that required extensive cleanup. A new proposal at the Capitol would require authorities to share what kind of chemicals they use when trying to catch someone or executing a warrant.
State officials say a recent law change is falling short of expectations when it comes to cracking down on fraud. Capitol reporter Caroline Cummings explains how they want lawmakers to clean it up.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
We are just seven weeks away from the party endorsement conventions for both parties in Minnesota, where each party will endorse candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House. But that's not the end of the party process; on Aug. 11, there will be a statewide primary election. Some key candidates have already said they don't care about the endorsement process; they are going straight to the primary instead. Republican Amy Frederikson and Democrat Abou Amara give us a lens to look at the political landscape.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
We're hearing from lawmakers after a shocking conversation with a United States soldier who survived the drone strike that killed Master Sergeant Nicole Amor last month in Kuwait. During an exclusive interview with Jonah Kaplan, that surviving soldier says Army leadership knew they were at risk, but failed to protect them.
A bill to make grooming a crime is closer to reality. Lawmakers proposed it following a WCCO Investigates series where Hannah LoPresto shared what she says her high school band director did to her.
Hennepin County Medical Center says it needs a lifeline, and fast, or the state's busiest trauma hospital could go under. WCCO's Caroline Cummings explains how an effort at the Capitol could shore up support.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
DFL lawmakers in the Minnesota Senate on Wednesday advanced proposals updating the state's laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ people after a U.S. Supreme Court decision last week could open the door to legal challenges.
An appellate court has ruled that Iowa can fully enforce a law restricting instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools up to sixth grade.
There's no doubt you're air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
A man who asked to be identified as Wolf said that extreme weather can make life even more difficult for those without housing.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
A man who asked to be identified as Wolf said that extreme weather can make life even more difficult for those without housing.
Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Lisa Clemons, founder of A Mother's Love Initiative, responds to many shooting scenes. She says they keep seeing younger and younger shooting victims and suspects.
As an author and law professor, Stephen Young knows a lot about U.S. history because for him, it's family history.
In a matter of minutes, a storage shed at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, Minnesota, went up in flames early Tuesday.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
Minnesota's DFL governor is pledging to stand by transgender kids following a setback for trans rights at the Supreme Court. The justices today ruled that states "may determine eligibility for women's and girls' sports based on biological sex." State Republicans applauded the decision, calling it a "win for fairness and safety." WCCO's Esme Murphy is here with what won't change in Minnesota for now.
President Trump earned more than a billion dollars from crypto-related ventures alone last year, according to a financial disclosure, including from his meme coin business and his family's cryptocurrency firm.
Whether it's celebrating or saluting, July 4 is one of America's biggest days. This Independence Day marks 250 years since 40 East Coasters decided to sever their colonies from English control. As an author and law professor, this Vietnam veteran and St. Paul resident knows a lot about U.S. history because for him, it's family history.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down President Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Lisa Clemons, founder of A Mother's Love Initiative, responds to many shooting scenes. She says they keep seeing younger and younger shooting victims and suspects.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
Summer workouts are underway for the Gophers men's basketball team, and Isaac Asuma is back for his third year with the program. To some, it's a bit of a surprise.
After the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled states can restrict transgender athletes' participation in school sports, some Minnesota officials are voicing their support for trans youth.
Royce Lewis and Victor Caratini hit back-to-back homers, Zebby Matthews pitched seven stingy innings and the Minnesota Twins held off a late rally by the Houston Astros for a 5-4 victory.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
With six weeks before the primary, the stakes are building in the U.S. Senate contest contest between two of Minnesota's brightest DFL stars: Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
There's no doubt you're air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
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.
There's no doubt you're air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets 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.
A man who asked to be identified as Wolf said that extreme weather can make life even more difficult for those without housing.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will see a round of rain/storms early tomorrow around commute time.
There's no doubt your AC unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota. Xcel Energy even held an Energy Action Day this evening asking customers to unplug electronics due to high demand. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner explores our need to stay cool indoors.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will see a round of rain/storms early tomorrow around commute time.
There's no doubt your AC unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota. Xcel Energy even held an Energy Action Day this evening asking customers to unplug electronics due to high demand. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner explores our need to stay cool indoors.
The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. Five of the justices ruled the order violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship regardless of the parents' immigration status. The president is now pushing for lawmakers to change the policy instead. Ashley Grams talked with a Minnesotan who says the policy changed her life.
When it's hot enough to buckle concrete, it also puts our bodies under pressure. For those who don't have a place to escape the heat, it can be dangerous, or even deadly. Conor Wight gives us a first-hand look at the people offering help during the heatwave.
The Gopher basketball team is back on court. Gearing up for year two under Niko Medved. Ren Clayton has more on a key returning piece.