Watch CBS News
Several upcoming events on the calendar could help energize campaigns for Minnesota governor and legislative offices. They'll drive the messages voters will hear from candidates and their allies over the next two months.
The seat in Minnesota's 6th congressional district is completely up for grabs, with Rep. Michele Bachmann opting not to run for re-election. While the District is heavily Republican, two years ago businessman and Democrat Jim Graves came within one percentage point of beating Bachmann.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican challenger Jeff Johnson are getting big infusions of public money for their campaigns. Dayton received $534,000 in public subsidies in his bid for a second term, while Johnson took in about $389,000.
A new television ad from Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike McFadden accuses Democratic Sen. Al Franken of voting almost 100 percent of the time with President Obama. The ad, with a humorous tone, ties Franken to Obama with a very Minnesotan insult: a Franken look-alike struggling to back his boat into the water.
Minnesota's Supreme Court has dismissed a voter's call to have Rep. Bob Barrett removed from the November ballot over his residency. Valerie Mondor had petitioned the court to toss Barrett from the election.
Republicans closed ranks Wednesday behind the winner of Tuesday's primary election for governor. Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson won a decisive primary victory over three opponents. He'll face incumbent Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. Johnson promises a campaign of ideas, not smears.
The two-man race to decide which Republican will challenge Sen. Al Franken has split the party's former leaders. Businessman and political newcomer Mike McFadden has the backing of former Republican Sens. Norm Coleman and Rudy Boschwitz.
A residency dispute involving a Minnesota legislator has landed in court and could put a Republican-held seat in contention at a time when the party is fighting to wrest chamber control from Democrats.
U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann says she is not necessarily thinking about running for president again, disputing a recent report that suggested she was. Bachmann said last year she didn't plan to run for re-election for her Minnesota seat in congress this year.
Republican candidate Kurt Zellers said Wednesday he had signed a conservative group's pledge that rules out any net tax increases and most new fees as budget options if he becomes Minnesota governor, a position he reinforces in a television ad ahead of next month's wide-open GOP primary.
On its current trajectory, Minnesota's next two-year state budget will top the $40 billion mark. The Republicans seeking to defeat Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton say they would slam the brakes on spending if they're put in charge.
A national Republican group is promising "significant" spending to support Minnesota Republicans' effort to retake the state House.
The City of Stillwater is taking a controversial stance on who they want in parades. The city has upped its entry fee to $1,000 for politicians wanting to walk in this weekend's Log Jam Parade, according to reports.
Both political parties see opportunity in President Barack Obama's two-day visit to Minnesota that starts Thursday. For Democrats, their party's biggest name will draw attention to a signature initiative: the large, upcoming bump in the state's minimum wage. For Republicans, his presence alone will give them a tangible way to connect targeted Democratic candidates to a struggling president as campaign season intensifies.
Looking for an edge, Minnesota's Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor parties are promoting no-excuse absentee voting and setting up satellite offices around the state.
A leading Republican candidate for governor is calling for an investigation into how important documents were destroyed in the case of a high-profile sex offender. Thomas Duvall, 58, has a history of violent sexual crimes dating back to the 1970s.
A scramble began Monday among four Republicans angling to be Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's fall opponent as the GOP headed for its first competitive gubernatorial primary in two decades. Party leaders are hopeful the 10-week race doesn't turn nasty and hobble the eventual nominee. What the voter pool looks like come August is anyone's guess.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson has secured the endorsement of state Republican convention delegates in his bid for Minnesota governor. He notched the win Saturday on the fourth ballot. He outlasted state Sen. Dave Thompson and former state Rep. Marty Seifert. Thompson withdrew following a third ballot and threw his backing to Johnson. Seifert said he was headed to a primary regardless of the result.
Minnesota Republicans shaped the top of a high-stakes election ticket Saturday, endorsing investment banker Mike McFadden for U.S. Senate and backing county commissioner Jeff Johnson for governor as the party tries to end Democratic political dominance in the state. McFadden's win spares him a hard primary fight and offers a clearer path to a November challenge to Democratic Sen. Al Franken. The race could help determine if U.S. Senate control flips from Democratic to Republican this fall.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson has staked out an early lead as Republicans vote to endorse a candidate for Minnesota governor. After two ballots, he had a nine-point advantage over state Sen. Dave Thompson and former state Rep. Marty Seifert. Those two were practically tied. But all three were far from the 60 percent required for endorsement.
After elaborate videos, sharp-toned speeches and even indoor fireworks, Minnesota Republicans are voting to back a candidate for U.S. Senate. Half a dozen candidates vied Friday for the GOP endorsement at the state convention, with the winner likely having to overcome an August primary challenge to face Democratic Sen. Al Franken in November.
The Republican chase to be Minnesota Sen. Al Franken's fall challenger is reaching a crucial point in Rochester. Delegates to the state GOP convention will vote to endorse a candidate.
For Minnesota Republicans, this weekend's convention in Rochester won't deliver a typical knockout punch to all of the candidates who fail to get the endorsement of the party faithful.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Kurt Zellers has looked inside his own campaign for a running mate with the selection of former state Rep. Dean Simpson. The announcement Thursday is the latest pairing involving a current or former House member.
Minnesota lawmakers are gone from the Capitol after ending the 2014 session on Friday night. It was an unusually short and productive session. Included on the completed list is the bill to legalize medical marijuana, which became among the most publicly visible -- and contentious -- issues of the year.
Connor Prielipp allowed two hits in a season-high seven innings and fellow rookie Walker Jenkins homered to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a METRO Green Line train Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to Metro Transit police.
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.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a METRO Green Line train Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to Metro Transit police.
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.
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.
A grieving Twin Cities mother took the stand on Friday in the trial of a man charged with the murder of his son, plus more of the day’s top stories.
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.
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.
Connor Prielipp allowed two hits in a season-high seven innings and fellow rookie Walker Jenkins homered to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
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.
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.
Pesky drizzle and showers Saturday with some sun, and a little milder Sunday, says meteorologist Mace Michaels.
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 Lisa Meadows says it will continue to rain through tomorrow morning.
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.
Get ready for some spooky scares at Valleyfair; get ready for lots of beer and a party you won't want to miss at Fulton Brewing; Flickr brings its multi-day Mode celebration to Minneapolis; and rubber ducks will race down Perro Creek at the Bayport Derby days!
A fall festival with live music and delicious drinks is brewing Saturday in the Twin Cities.
One of Minnesota's largest celebrations of Latino culture and community is happening Saturday with a new venue: CHS Field in Lowertown, St. Paul. Liliana Letran Garcia and Jessica Pleguezuelos of CLUES visit WCCO to discuss the event.
Saturday in Burnsville, Minnesota, a patriotic endurance challenge took place with a meaningful mission at its core.
A grieving Twin Cities mother took the stand on Friday in the trial of a man charged with the murder of his son, plus more of the day’s top stories.