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The Independence Party is less mighty in the eyes of the state of Minnesota. The secretary of state's office formally informed the party's leader in a letter Tuesday that it has been downgraded from major- to minor-party status.
A retired English teacher will help set Republicans' agenda for making changes to the state's schools. Rep. Sondra Erickson, a Princeton Republican who retired from teaching in 2000, said school districts have been dizzied by new rules and policies after three elections that shifted control of state government.
A retired English teacher will help set Republicans' agenda for making changes to the state's schools. Rep. Sondra Erickson, a Princeton Republican who retired from teaching in 2000, said school districts have been dizzied by new rules and policies after three elections that shifted control of state government.
After two years of vilifying the federal health overhaul and the state's health insurance exchange, Minnesota Republicans face Democratic opposition in the Senate and governor's office that will scale back their hopes for a wholesale makeover.
Republicans taking over the state House are forming committees that emphasize their rural/urban split with Democrats. The GOP reduced the number of committees overall even as it added new panels to focus on mining policy and jobs in greater Minnesota.
Wisconsin Democrats reshuffled their legislative leadership on Tuesday, with a state senator from La Crosse taking over as minority leader in the Senate after Republicans increased their majority in last week's election.
uesday's election exposed electoral challenges for both Democrats and Republicans moving forward. Democrats suffered all but one of their majority-costing statehouse losses in districts outside the Twin Cities and their suburbs.
There will be competition among Republicans for who leads the party's new House majority. Minority Leader Kurt Daudt of Crown and former Majority Leader Matt Dean of Dellwood both say they're running to be House speaker when the Legislature returns to action. They are asking for support from the 72-member caucus, which meets Friday to pick its leadership.
The day after the election was a great day for Republicans, except in Minnesota. Nationally, Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate and boosted their majority in the U.S. House. For the first time since President Obama took office, he will face a Congress with Republicans in control of both houses.
The party's over for Minnesota Democrats. After two years of calling the shots in state government — a span in which they legalized gay marriage, raised the minimum wage and launched a state-run health exchange — their new reality is one of shared control with Republicans who gained a state House majority.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he's willing to meet newly emboldened state House Republicans half way on key issues facing the state as long as they reciprocate.
Gov. Scott Walker wants to move quickly in passing his second term agenda through a Legislature controlled by Republicans who tightened their grip on the majority with wins in the midterm election.
Republicans have grabbed control of the Minnesota House and broken up the Democrats' short run of one-party rule at the Capitol. House Speaker Paul Thissen conceded early Wednesday that Democrats had lost control of the chamber.
Control of the Minnesota House hinged Tuesday on fewer than two dozen races where loads of money fed fierce contests between the Democrats in charge and the Republicans looking to take over.
Democratic Sen. Al Franken hoped to win a second term in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday more comfortably than he won his first. Franken's victory by a mere 312 votes in a 2008 recount made him an alluring target for Republicans, who hoped to seize control of the Senate.
The leading candidates for Minnesota's top offices are spending the final campaign weekend giving pep talks to the party faithful knocking on doors and calling persuadable voters. Democratic Sen. Al Franken told canvassers in a St. Paul suburb that races are "won at the door" and says his 312-vote win six years ago proves nothing can be taken for granted.
In a cramped office tucked behind an old 10-cent general store, the voice of 10-year-old Parker Hall cuts through the hum of non-stop conversation. Fueled by bottles of Dr Pepper and a big bag of candy, he asks if he can count on a vote for GOP candidates. Then another call. And another. He's at it for hours.
National Republicans are targeting Minnesota's 7th District with a barrage of last-minute TV ads. That's where Democratic U.S. Representative Collin Peterson is facing off with Republican Torrey Westrom.
Republican Secretary of State hopeful Dan Severson is suggesting his website was hacked for political reasons. Severson's campaign website crashed earlier this week. At news conference in St. Paul Friday, he said an early investigation shows it was breached by outsiders but they haven't identified who did it.
Minnesota is one week out from Election Day, and many political campaigns are going "old school." Thousands of Minnesota mailboxes are filling up with campaign literature.
Democrats seeking to maintain control of Minnesota's House of Representatives have a hefty cash advantage heading into Election Day. Fundraising reports Tuesday show House Democrats' campaign arm has more than $1 million on hand.
President Barack Obama is making a rare appearance on the campaign trail to help the Democratic challenger to Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin's hotly contested race. Obama was scheduled to campaign Tuesday evening with Democrat Mary Burke, a former Trek Bicycles executive and state commerce secretary who is running close against Walker.
Republican Gov. Scott Walker hasn't said much publicly about his positions on abortion or gay marriage, but he proudly trumpets his stances on both issues in a letter to a conservative group whose endorsement he wants. In the Sept. 5 letter to Wisconsin Family Action, Walker says he passed legislation that gives women seeking abortions more information and health protection and that he cut off state funding for abortion providers.
The Associated Press invited Gov. Mark Dayton and his GOP challenger, Republican Jeff Johnson, to respond to several questions ahead of next month's election. Here are their verbatim answers.
Republican Senate challenger Mike McFadden is turning a Minnesota Senate debate against Democratic incumbent Al Franken into an infomercial. McFadden's campaign announced Friday it would pay to re-air their only one-on-one debate so far.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
The Minneapolis City Council is poised to pass a gun control ordinance on Thursday, which includes a ban on assault style weapons, large capacity magazines, ghost guns and would restrict firearms in some public places.
CJ Abrams hit a grand slam with a career-high five RBIs, Drew Millas, Brady House and José Tena also homered and the Washington Nationals set their season high for runs in a 15-2 rout of the Minnesota Twins.
The bill, which passed 92-42, earmarks $24 million in extra funding in the current two-year budget to support ongoing weapons screenings at the Capitol and the State Patrol staff needed to keep that operating.
A defenseman for the Avalanche, 27-year-old Sam Malinski scored his first career playoff goal in Game 1 against the Wild.
The Minneapolis City Council is poised to pass a gun control ordinance on Thursday, which includes a ban on assault style weapons, large capacity magazines, ghost guns and would restrict firearms in some public places.
The bill, which passed 92-42, earmarks $24 million in extra funding in the current two-year budget to support ongoing weapons screenings at the Capitol and the State Patrol staff needed to keep that operating.
The 80 mph collision severely injured the trooper and two passengers in the back of the stolen car.
Renee Devereux valued the loss at over $1,000. Hundreds of hours of work, gone in an instant.
The move comes after a district court judge ordered the government to turn over the evidence regarding a case where a man is accused of dragging ICE agent Jonathan Ross with his car in Bloomington, Minnesota, six months before Ross shot and killed Good.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
United Kingdom native Nahla Summers has biked across America before, but this time is different. Now in Minnesota, she's doing it this time on a quadcycle she bought off Facebook Marketplace.
Anglers are just days away from the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, and you can bet lakes and rivers are going to be busy.
The woman believed to be the biological mother of "Baby Angel," a newborn found dead in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota in 2011, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor on Tuesday.
The Minnesota DNR is keeping a three-walleye daily limit in place for Mille Lacs Lake starting with the May 9 fishing opener, with harvested fish required to be at least 17 inches and only one allowed over 20 inches.
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.
The Minneapolis City Council is poised to pass a gun control ordinance on Thursday, which includes a ban on assault style weapons, large capacity magazines, ghost guns and would restrict firearms in some public places.
The battle over new gun restrictions has stalled at the state Capitol. But now, Minnesota's largest city wants to weigh-in. However, state law prevents cities from enforcing their own gun restrictions. So is the symbolic stance worth the potential cost of a court battle? Ashley Grams explains why some city council members wants to make good on a promise made months ago.
The bill, which passed 92-42, earmarks $24 million in extra funding in the current two-year budget to support ongoing weapons screenings at the Capitol and the State Patrol staff needed to keep that operating.
The Minnesota House on Wednesday approved a measure to maintain boosted Capitol security and provide protection when needed for lawmakers off Capitol grounds.
A former cellmate has previously claimed that the note was written by Epstein after a failed suicide attempt less than a month before his death.
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.
The 80 mph collision severely injured the trooper and two passengers in the back of the stolen car.
Renee Devereux valued the loss at over $1,000. Hundreds of hours of work, gone in an instant.
The woman believed to be the biological mother of "Baby Angel," a newborn found dead in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota in 2011, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor on Tuesday.
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.
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
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.
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.
CJ Abrams hit a grand slam with a career-high five RBIs, Drew Millas, Brady House and José Tena also homered and the Washington Nationals set their season high for runs in a 15-2 rout of the Minnesota Twins.
A defenseman for the Avalanche, 27-year-old Sam Malinski scored his first career playoff goal in Game 1 against the Wild.
Anglers are just days away from the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, and you can bet lakes and rivers are going to be busy.
Before Cheryl Reeve became the winningest coach in the WNBA, she got her first job in the league in 2001, making $5,000.
Vonn, who suffered a complex tibia fracture at the Milan Cortina Games that nearly led to amputation, is among 48 athletes nominated to the U.S. Alpine ski team for the upcoming season.
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.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
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.
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 we being to warm up again tomorrow, with highs near 70 expected by the weekend.
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 we will warm back into the 60s tomorrow.
Severe weather season has arrived in Minnesota, and there's a chance for you to help the National Weather Service when the next round of storms rolls in.
A frost advisory is in effect through Thursday morning for the Twin Cities and southeastern Minnesota, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we being to warm up again tomorrow, with highs near 70 expected by the weekend.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca. In this week’s Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how visitors can take a journey from pioneer life to present day.
A judge is now reviewing federal evidence in the deadly shooting of Renee Good. It's the first time the feds have turned over their findings in a shooting by a federal agent during Operation Metro Surge. The ruling that forced the review actually came from a separate case involving the ICE agent who fired the deadly shots.
The battle over new gun restrictions has stalled at the state Capitol. But now, Minnesota's largest city wants to weigh-in. However, state law prevents cities from enforcing their own gun restrictions. So is the symbolic stance worth the potential cost of a court battle? Ashley Grams explains why some city council members wants to make good on a promise made months ago.
The Minnesota House on Wednesday approved a measure to maintain boosted Capitol security and provide protection when needed for lawmakers off Capitol grounds.