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A new poll shows Minnesotans are divided on how to spend a $1.2 billion state surplus. About 30 percent of respondents want the money refunded to taxpayers. Roughly the same number of people say the state should save the surplus and another 31 percent say spent it.
The Iowa caucus is one week from Monday, along with the official kick-off to actual voting in the 2016 presidential election.
It's time for a special session status check. Gov. Mark Dayton was set to meet with legislative leaders Thursday morning to discuss his hopes for an emergency session before the Legislature's scheduled March 8 return.
Gov. Scott Walker is expected to focus, in part, on education and job training when he delivers his sixth State of the State address. The governor has said a portion of the annual speech Tuesday night to a joint session of the Legislature will focus on getting people, even teens, trained for jobs.
It's the No. 1 question headed into the primary season: Does Donald Trump merely have fans, or does the national front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination have voters who will mobilize come caucus day?
Assembly Republicans are pushing a bill to eliminate Wisconsin's minimum hunting age, raising questions about how young is too young to fire a gun in the woods.
President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address struck an optimistic tone, combining an ambitious agenda with hope for the future. But he was less positive about the current state of things in Washington. A number of Minnesota politicians also offered their take on Obama's address.
Former Republican state Rep. Jim Abeler has won his party's nomination for an open Senate seat. The Anoka chiropractor easily beat party-endorsed activist Andy Aplikowski in Tuesday's primary winning 61 percent of the vote.
Minority Democrats in the state Assembly are enraged after a Republican representative made an obscene gesture toward their leader on the chamber floor. Senate Minority Leader Peter Barca, a Kenosha Democrat, rose on Tuesday to argue with Rep. Bob Gannon over a news release Gannon issued last week.
Two Republicans are ready to square off for the party's nod to run for an open state Senate seat. The state was set to hold a special primary on Tuesday for the Senate seat covering suburbs north of Minneapolis. The opening was triggered when former GOP Sen. Branden Petersen resigned this fall.
Three weeks before Iowa kicks off the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are generating overwhelming enthusiasm among Republican voters in the state, along with concern, though not panic, among the party professionals who believe both are unelectable in November against the Democratic nominee.
No decision has been reached on a possible special session for Minnesota state lawmakers. Gov. Mark Dayton held a meeting with Republican leaders Friday morning. House Speaker Kurt Daudt spoke afterward and says he felt it was a very productive meeting.
Gov. Scott Walker is asking Wisconsin's attorney general to challenge President Barack Obama's gun control plan. Walker said in a statement Wednesday that he believes Obama overstepped his authority when he announced an executive action to expand mandatory background checks to gun shows, flea markets and online sales.
Gov. Mark Dayton and House Republicans are clashing over how quickly to handle a dispute with the federal government over driver's licenses that could spell trouble for air travelers.
A Republican state senator who ran for Minnesota governor in 2014 said Tuesday that he won't run for re-election because he's moving to North Carolina.
Gov. Mark Dayton has asked legislative leaders to make a final call by the end of next week on whether to hold a special session, he told The Associated Press in a Thursday interview.
Wisconsin Republicans are pushing a bill that would allow children under 12 to drive more powerful all-terrain vehicles on state trails. Right now, children under 12 can drive an ATV or a utility terrain vehicle on private property under adult supervision.
Minnesota House Republicans are proposing to eliminate the statewide property tax on cabins. Currently, cabins are taxed at a higher rate than normal homes and have generated about $44 million each year for the state.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's venture outside the early-voting states in the Republican presidential nominating contest is bringing him to Minnesota. Cruz, who has risen steadily among GOP hopefuls, was holding a rally Thursday on Harriet Island.
Tens of millions of people watched Tuesday night's Republican presidential debate. The latest numbers show that 18 million people watched the debate on CNN.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz will embark next week on a weeklong campaign blitz of Minnesota and other states that will hold March 1 presidential race voting. His presidential campaign announced Friday that the Republican will be in Minnesota on Thursday as he sets off on a fly-around of seven Super Tuesday states.
Despite his own reluctance, Gov. Mark Dayton has authorized payment of a $200,000 legal settlement with a former employee of a state ethnic council. Dayton approved the payment even though he said before Thanksgiving he was hesitant to do so following a legislative commission's party-line vote against the deal.
The chairman of Minnesota's Republican party says a local party's social media manager is being fired for referring to a "Negro problem" on Twitter.
A panel of top Minnesota lawmakers has opposed a $200,000 settlement with an ex-state employee who accused her boss of defamation and discrimination while he forced her out.
Minnesota's Senate majority leader says he's worried a Republican push to make a special session contingent on a PolyMet project pledge could do more harm than good.
The lawsuit says some of those funds were spent at Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, at a hotel in London and to pay the Cooks' homeowners association for parking fines and late fees.
Nathan MacKinnon scored a goal and assisted on two more as the Colorado Avalanche rolled through Minnesota's newest netminder, Filip Gustavsson, on their way to a 5-2 win over the Wild to grab a 2-0 lead in the second-round playoff series.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
Byron Buxton hit a three-run home run, Brooks Lee drove in three runs, and Taj Bradley struck out eight to help the Minnesota Twins beat the Washington Nationals 11-3.
Raul Gutierrez, of Inver Grove Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
The lawsuit says some of those funds were spent at Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, at a hotel in London and to pay the Cooks' homeowners association for parking fines and late fees.
Raul Gutierrez, of Inver Grove Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
Brittany Haeg is living with the deep scars of gun violence. Her three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and her 6-year-old son David was hurt during the deadly mass shooting on Aug. 27, 2025.
St. Paul Automotive says it is working on four vehicles, all with the same problem: someone drilled a hole in the gas tank and took the gas.
When a loved one starts to lose their memory, it creates new challenges for family members. But in a western Minnesota town, they're battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia with music.
After a long negotiation period, nearly 170 employees in Chisago County, Minnesota, went on strike Friday.
Gas in the Twin Cities can be up to $4.20 a gallon these days, and it's happening as Minnesota is revving up for summer.
The past couple years have been challenging for Minnesota farmers, prompting many to seek help navigating their mental health.
The Itasca County Sheriff's Office says a deputy is injured and officials are investigating after at least one law enforcement officer fired their weapon during an incident in Max, Minnesota, on Monday.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Federal prosecutors say a small-town Wisconsin police chief tried to help California gun dealers import illegal armor-piercing rounds from Europe.
Local and federal law enforcement are investigating after nearly 50 firearms and "a large quantity of ammunition" were stolen from a sporting goods store in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Friday.
Two Minnesotans were killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday evening in western Wisconsin.
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.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
A family on the long road to healing after the tragic shooting at Annunciation is reflecting on the emotional toll. Derek James has more on a grassroots organization helping families heal from the trauma of gun violence.
Both sides of the aisle in Minnesota agree the collapse of HCMC would be catastrophic. However, they do not agree on the prescription to save it.
Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his State of the City address on Tuesday morning, repeatedly saying Minneapolis needs to get "serious" to recover from a trying year while preparing for the future.
Both sides of the aisle at the Minnesota Capitol agree the collapse of a critical hospital would be catastrophic, but they do not agree on the prescription to save it.
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, conceded "things weren't perfect" during the large-scale immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis but stressed that the administration is not backing down from its mass deportation effort.
Gas in the Twin Cities can be up to $4.20 a gallon these days, and it's happening as Minnesota is revving up for summer.
According to the letter, enforcement will be done by police and plainclothes officers, with businesses themselves being held accountable for repeat violations.
Some Twin Cities rideshare drivers say they may have to leave the road as gas prices continue to increase.
A large investment company is warning anyone with stocks to hold on to your hats. Information from JP Morgan says uncertainty is fueling inflation, but so far the market has been more resilient than expected.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
Raul Gutierrez, of Inver Grove Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
Brittany Haeg is living with the deep scars of gun violence. Her three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and her 6-year-old son David was hurt during the deadly mass shooting on Aug. 27, 2025.
St. Paul Automotive says it is working on four vehicles, all with the same problem: someone drilled a hole in the gas tank and took the gas.
A 47-year-old Minneapolis Public Schools employee is accused of posting online ads for prostitution, and threatening an undercover agent with blackmail.
A police officer in St. Paul is accused of repeatedly entering a Cub Foods in Bloomington, Minnesota, to move security cameras and steal merchandise.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
When a loved one starts to lose their memory, it creates new challenges for family members. But in a western Minnesota town, they're battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia with music.
Brittany Haeg is living with the deep scars of gun violence. Her three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and her 6-year-old son David was hurt during the deadly mass shooting on Aug. 27, 2025.
The largest U.S. health insurer said it will eliminate approval requirements for some treatments, including select outpatient surgeries and other procedures.
The past couple years have been challenging for Minnesota farmers, prompting many to seek help navigating their mental health.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
A trial in the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was set to begin later in May.
The Minnesota Star Tribune was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured more than a dozen others.
Mononymous country music star Hardy is set to kick off the final weekend of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
Nathan MacKinnon scored a goal and assisted on two more as the Colorado Avalanche rolled through Minnesota's newest netminder, Filip Gustavsson, on their way to a 5-2 win over the Wild to grab a 2-0 lead in the second-round playoff series.
Byron Buxton hit a three-run home run, Brooks Lee drove in three runs, and Taj Bradley struck out eight to help the Minnesota Twins beat the Washington Nationals 11-3.
The Minnesota Wild are making a switch in net for Game 2, going with Filip Gustavsson on Tuesday night after Jesper Wallstedt gave up eight goals in a 9-6 loss to Colorado.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan, who left Sunday's 4-3 victory over Toronto because of soreness in his throwing elbow, does not appear to have any structural damage in his arm and could make his next scheduled start.
Anthony Edwards announced his return to the San Antonio Spurs.
Sen. Tina Smith is using her last months in office to vocally campaign for progressive and environmental causes. She hopes that a progressive will succeed her when Minnesotans go to the polls next November.
Sen. Tina Smith, who is retiring from the U.S. Senate, is a major presence in the race to succeed her.
In the last election, President Trump saw record support from Black and Latino voters. But will those new supporters stick with the President’s party in the upcoming midterm?
With the Midterm Elections just six months away, will historic support from minority voters hold strong for Republican candidates.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services head Dr. Mehmet Oz notified Minnesota that the department is deferring $91 million in Medicaid payments, citing systemic fraud risks and ongoing audits.
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.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
A symbolic change is bothering some Minnesotans. Now their local leaders are listening; several cities are voting to fly the old state flag instead of the new one. While it was a drastic redesign, it wasn't the first.
Construction season has arrived, potentially adding several minutes to your daily drive to work. So, how bad is the commute in the Twin Cities? Good Question.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says temps will fall overnight, with the metro in a frost advisory.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be similar to today but not quite as windy.
The Twin Cities is under a frost advisory overnight Wednesday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Tuesday night will be almost winter-like cold, and a warming trend is arriving in time for the weekend, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says temps will fall overnight, with the metro in a frost advisory.
A deadly virus that killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner explains how Minnesotans can ensure they don't get exposed.
A Minnesota man, who works at a middle school, is accused of having a side gig promoting prostitution.
Police say the search is back on for suspects in a downtown St. Paul gunfight that left two people hurt. They arrested three people yesterday but released them because of a lack of evidence. Now, they're asking residents for information or video of the shootings. Ubah Ali is here to explain why St. Paul police say they've seen success in these types of investigations.
A Minneapolis couple accused of misusing millions in donated dollars says a lawsuit against them is filled with lies. The Attorney General says Larry and Sharon Cook spent more than $2 million tied to their nonprofit church and dance studio to fund "lavish lifestyles." Ashley Grams spoke with the couple.