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Long before the 2012 Iowa caucuses, Tim Pawlenty was already out of the race for president. Yet his short-lived campaign lives on, casting a shadow over the Republicans now wooing voters in the state that kicks off the White House contest.
The group of state Department of Natural Resources scientists that Republican lawmakers targeted for cuts has been working on a number of politically charged issues in recent years, including climate change, pollution and mining.
Gov. Mark Dayton and majority House Republicans came to a tentative deal Monday on education funding, the largest unresolved piece of the state budget fight that's pushed Minnesota toward a potential government shutdown.
A one-day special session will be held next month so lawmakers can wrap up unfinished business. What they'll actually be voting on has yet to be determined.
All eyes heading into this year's legislative session were on new House Speaker Kurt Daudt, under pressure to hold together 71 fellow Republicans back in power and eager to slash government spending.
House Speaker Kurt Daudt says Gov. Mark Dayton should apologize for saying some Republicans hate public schools.
Minnesota's Senate has adopted a tax plan that could put a dent in property taxes for homeowners, farmers and businesses — except for railroad companies.
Minnesota's teaching board is getting a look from the state's legislative auditor. The board handles appeals from would-be educators denied Minnesota teaching licenses. It's come under scrutiny at the Capitol this year from Republicans and Democrats alike. Some lawmakers and advocates say the board's policies keep qualified teachers out of classrooms.
Senate Republicans are putting pressure on one of Gov. Mark Dayton's commissioners. Mike Rothman has served as commissioner of the Department of Commerce since 2011.
House Republicans put a health care program for tens of thousands of low-income Minnesotans on the chopping block as the centerpiece of a budget bill that aims to put up half of the $2 billion in tax relief GOP lawmakers hope to offer.
House Republicans are moving to license Minnesota abortion providers and ban taxpayer dollars for paying for the procedure. The Republican-controlled House added both provisions to a health care budget bill on the floor Tuesday night. A handful of Democrats joined Republicans to approve the changes.
House Republicans are putting a health care program for tens of thousands of low-income Minnesotans on the chopping block.
A highly contentious debate over education issues kept state lawmakers working through the weekend.
At a rally outside the capitol Saturday, activists say with a $2 billion surplus, now is the time to invest in education. Republicans want to use the surplus to lower taxes.
Republicans in the Minnesota House are firming up their stance on one of the session's biggest issues: education. A floor session on the GOP's education budget was expected to last hours Saturday. The House would spend about $157 million more on schools and families over the next two years. The bulk of that is in money districts can use however they like.
The Minnesota House is debating a Republican bill to put the brakes on spending for state government operations.
Wisconsin's Gov. Scott Walker spent Thursday in his neighboring state. The potential Republican presidential candidate had three private events, including an unannounced visit to the State Capitol for a meeting with Republican state lawmakers.
The Minnesota House was going on record about how to pour billions more into road and bridge construction. A Republican-crafted proposal to direct $7 billion to projects over the next decade was slated for a vote Tuesday. As drafted, it would redirect existing taxes on auto parts, vehicle leases and car rentals to construction and borrow billions more.
Republicans in the state House unveiled a sweeping tax relief package Monday they hope will mean lower taxes for more than 2 million Minnesotans.
Pieces of Minnesota's $40-billion budget are starting to move. The work starts first in the Senate Monday with bills that fund state agencies and Minnesota's public universities and colleges.
In their unfolding budget plan, Minnesota legislative Republicans are moving to strip powers from Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, ranging from limiting his team's authority to write regulatory rules to curbs on the administration's staffing.
Minnesota House Republicans are proposing to significantly alter state campaign finance law as part of a budget plan. A component of the majority party's budget plan released Tuesday would repeal Minnesota's program that makes candidates eligible for campaign subsidies if they abide by spending limits.
House Republicans are moving to cut the Metropolitan Council chairman's salary in half, a top GOP lawmaker told The Associated Press, a jab at Gov. Mark Dayton over a pay increase they believe went beyond the terms of a deal on commissioner salaries.
Senate Republicans are filing a second ethics complaint against a powerful Democrat stemming from his ties to an embattled nonprofit. Sen. Jeff Hayden served on the board of Community Action Minneapolis, which was found to have misspent $800,000 in taxpayer dollars.
Rochester would get a reprieve under a House Republican's bill to cut state payments to Minnesota's largest cities. GOP lawmakers have long taken issue with big local government aid to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth and Rochester.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Joshua Newville is not affiliated with the case at all, but says he felt he needed to say something after finding images on Google Maps from a few years ago.
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
Joshua Newville is not affiliated with the case at all, but says he felt he needed to say something after finding images on Google Maps from a few years ago.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
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.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
The DNR says the color shows up statewide, not just up north. Prairie parks out west, Mississippi River bluffs down south, and no overnight bag required.
Some families have reported that their kids have waited more than two hours to get on a bus, only to have the bus drive past them.
"We see over $82.5 million visitors throughout the state a year, and a large portion of that are coming through the fall," said Chris Morgan with Explore Minnesota.
Officials in Stearns County, Minnesota, are issuing an advisory about a wedding venue they say is operating despite a court order demanding its owner comply with safety regulations.
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.
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.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
An HR investigation into St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is complete, but the full report has not been released, and the police chief's attorney is demanding it be made public.
Americans are optimistic about scientific advances in AI, but concerned that AI may take jobs.
CBS News observed two MS NOW employees being turned away from the White House on Saturday morning.
Federal immigration officer Christian Castro is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
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.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
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.
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself.
An 85-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, woman helped stop an armed home intruder from stealing her vehicle this week by trapping him inside her garage, according to authorities.
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.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
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.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Minnesota named a starter and a backup for Sunday but said nothing about the quarterback who opened the season. Murray began the week in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Mike Trout hit a tying RBI single in the 10th inning, and Wade Meckler followed with a winning RBI single to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.
Zach Brown's college football career has been bumpy at times. After losing the starting quarterback job at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, last year, he's back in the driver's seat this season.
Justin Jefferson relished his return to the end zone at Minnesota's stadium in the season opener.
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.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
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.
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.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says it will continue to rain through tomorrow morning.
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 lingering shower is possible early Saturday, with another chance late Sunday near I-90. Highs hold in the upper 60s to near 70 into early next week, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
Southeastern Minnesota faces a flood watch through Saturday afternoon as heavy rain threatens to bring more than 4 inches to the Rochester area, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Heavy rain is moving through the Twin Cities Friday, with a flood watch in effect for Minnesota’s southeast corner, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants, and medical care. We're learning how doctors, nurses and clinics had to pivot to reach patients afraid to leave their homes to get care. Ubah Ali has the findings published in a prominent medical journal and the lessons learned.
There was some slipping and sliding on wet fields Friday night. In High School Sports Rally, hear how two undefeated teams duked it out in the rain, and how one local school is permanently honoring an NFL Hall of Famer who grew up playing football in the metro.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says rain will linger through Saturday morning.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says it will continue to rain through tomorrow morning.
Decades after his death: a Minnesota Prisoner of War has returned home. Today is National POW and MIA Day. At the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery, a World War II hero received the highest honor from congress. Our Reg Chapman shares the emotional moments.