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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.
There was something a little different going on at the State Capitol Tuesday: A major bill that everyone appears to agree on. It means a second round of tax cuts could be heading your way. State lawmakers already passed income tax relief on the way to hundreds of thousands of middle income Minnesotans. Now, homeowners and renters are getting a break.
Minnesota Republicans trying to oust Gov. Mark Dayton from office are giving negative reviews to the final State of the State speech of the Democrat's term. Reaction from the field of challengers was sharp and swift Wednesday night.
Political calculations are complicating consideration of a public works financing package. It's a marquee bill being closely watched from water-starved Worthington to the campgrounds-in-waiting at the new Lake Vermilion State Park.
Anoka Republican Jim Abeler says he won't seek re-election to his House seat as he focuses on running for U.S. Senate. Abeler, 59, a chiropractor by trade, is among several Republicans seeking to unseat Democratic Sen. Al Franken.
Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann is formally backing GOP candidate Tom Emmer to succeed her in Congress as an expected primary awaits that Minnesota race. Bachmann and other Republican officials stood with Emmer at a Tuesday news conference.
Lawmakers entered a 10-day Easter/Passover break on Friday. Next week, House Democrats will hit the road to talk about what they've done so far, and Republicans will be sharpening their election year message.
This legislative session has stalled out with battles over a proposed $90 million Senate office building and a proposed minimum wage increase. But the battle is not between Republicans and Democrats - it's the Democrats who are fighting amongst themselves. With Democrats controlling the Minnesota House and Senate as well as the governor's office, it's the Democrats who are battling with each other over key issues.
Five Republicans running for Minnesota governor are leaving no doubt they are united in their opposition to a planned Senate Office Building. The candidates held a joint news conference Thursday at the Capitol to showcase their distaste.
Sarah Palin is endorsing Minnesota state Sen. Julianne Ortman as she seeks the Republican party's Senate nomination. The former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate says Ortman will fight for small businesses and understands "the burden our federal government places on hard-working Americans."
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
The park has welcomed four-legged friends for more than 30 years.
If the case is moved to federal jurisdiction, it will still be prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
Minnesota coach Dawn Plitzuweit has welcomed an infusion of new talent and agreed to a new contract.
It may have been a bumpy start when Jayden Kurtz first stepped on the ice. Fast forward 15 years and Kurtz is coming off a week spent at the NHL draft combine.
The park has welcomed four-legged friends for more than 30 years.
If the case is moved to federal jurisdiction, it will still be prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
We love the water here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and researchers are hoping to better understand what we think about their water quality.
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
Aaron Banks, 52, entered a guilty plea to one count of theft as part of a plea deal, according to court records.
A crash between an SUV and a motorcycle in eastern Minnesota earlier this month left three people dead, officials said.
Authorities say a semi truck driver in southern Minnesota sideswiped another vehicle Tuesday morning, causing a collision with a third car and killing one of the drivers.
A man charged with threatening a police officer with a knife inside a northern Minnesota dollar store before the officer shot him has been found not guilty due to mental illness, according to court records.
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.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
Two women were involved in a deadly head-on crash Tuesday night in Chisago City, Minnesota.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Hours after the announcement, community members were eager to learn more about the one challenged with leading the most scrutinized police department in the country.
Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
The park has welcomed four-legged friends for more than 30 years.
The federal government accused 15 people of working together to block and try to hurt ICE agents. The charges lay out some violent rhetoric. But Ubah Ali found some community groups think the government is trying to shift the story.
Emotions were high Wednesday as the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board decided the fate of the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park. Frankie McLister was there for the final say.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
The feds arrested two more anti-ICE protesters today. Both were in front of a judge in St. Paul Federal court this afternoon. Esme Murphy has the latest developments.
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.
For years, it was all hands on deck; a business model buoyed by a bevy of free time that sent sales surging in a way never before seen. But as Minnesota enters lake season, outdoor sales for boats, jet skis and more have almost dropped anchor.
Jester Concepts' Monday announcement noted that Borough will mark its remaining five weeks of service through June 27 with events celebrating the restaurant's history, and it encouraged customers to reserve tables during the final weeks.
If the case is moved to federal jurisdiction, it will still be prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
A St. Paul man is accused of threatening Kaohly Her when she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives on the day her colleague Melissa Hortman was assassinated inside her home.
Aaron Banks, 52, entered a guilty plea to one count of theft as part of a plea deal, according to court records.
Aimee Bock filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on June 16, contesting both her guilty verdict and the sentencing guidelines applied in her case.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
HCMC in Minneapolis got what they wanted, a large financial boost from lawmakers, and now the leaders of Minnesota's busiest trauma hospital say they'll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances.
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from the "Star Wars" sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" is expected to sell for at least $1 million at an upcoming auction.
Rio de Janeiro's Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed in the parking lot of a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire.
There's plenty to do in Minnesota this weekend, including some major anniversary parties, Maple Grove's ever-popular Chalkfest and much more!
Anthony Head played librarian and mentor Rupert Giles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and recently appeared in "Ted Lasso."
Minnesota coach Dawn Plitzuweit has welcomed an infusion of new talent and agreed to a new contract.
It may have been a bumpy start when Jayden Kurtz first stepped on the ice. Fast forward 15 years and Kurtz is coming off a week spent at the NHL draft combine.
This time in track and field, Lucy Haugland is competing in the 400, 800 and 1,500 meters in front of a hometown crowd.
Trevor Larnach led off the game with a home run, Kody Clemens added a three-run shot and the Minnesota Twins clinched another series in Texas with an 12-2 victory over the Rangers.
Minnesota Twins catcher Victor Caratini is a master of the strike zone. He's one of the best in baseball at using replay to turn balls into strikes.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
Minnesota's election season officially kicks off this week as both major parties hold conventions to endorse candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive battles on the Republican side and clearer paths for Democrats.
Both parties begin the endorsement process today in Rochester and Duluth, with the August primary just two months away.
Friday, the Democratic and Republican parties begin the process of endorsing nominees for statewide offices.
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.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
Milder winters mean more ticks survive to the following spring, and a southern species that can trigger a red meat allergy is now gaining ground in Minnesota as a result.
She didn't win her party's endorsement, but Republican Lisa Demuth plans to keep running for governor anyway. History shows that might actually work in her favor.
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 rain will move out tonight and tomorrow will be breezy and cool with highs in the lower 70s.
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.
Severe thunderstorm watches are in effect through Wednesday night in parts of the metro, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Multiple days in the next week look to bring clouds and rain, but Saturday should stay dry, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Scattered storms will continue into the evening.
Five-year-old Ash Thibodeaux got to meet the team of first responders and check out the helicopter that raced nearly 200 miles to save his life.
Prosecutors are trying to block an ICE agent's road rage case from going to federal court. Charges say that agent cut traffic then pointed a gun at a driver on Highway 62.
City parks are found across the state but a town in Murray County has one that’s gone off the rails. In this week’s Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how End-O-Line Railroad Park got its name.
The federal government accused 15 people of working together to block and try to hurt ICE agents. The charges lay out some violent rhetoric. But Ubah Ali found some community groups think the government is trying to shift the story.
Emotions were high Wednesday as the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board decided the fate of the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park. Frankie McLister was there for the final say.