Minnesota, Wisconsin primaries to show progressive-DFL establishment clash
Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of Tuesday's election.
Watch CBS News
Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of Tuesday's election.
David Crowley, backed by Gov. Tony Evers, faces democratic socialist Francesca Hong in a Wisconsin primary that could signal how far left the Democratic Party is willing to go.
A judge sided with the Wisconsin Elections Commission Wednesday, ruling that state law does not allow absentee voters to change their ballot after it has been returned — a setback for Democrats amid a scrambled governor's primary field.
Barnes withdrew from the Democratic primary less than two weeks before the Aug. 11 election, on the same day a newspaper reported it had asked him about allegations of inappropriate behavior reviewed by the state party.
Hong's rise in the Wisconsin Democratic primary has exposed a sharp divide, with some voters saying they would cross party lines in November rather than support a DSA-aligned candidate.
In-person absentee voting began Tuesday in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, the same day a judge was set to hear arguments on whether voters who already returned mail ballots should be allowed to cancel and recast them.
A new lawsuit argues that Wisconsin's elections commission is wrongly blocking absentee voters from canceling their ballots and requesting new ones, with nearly 91,000 ballots already returned ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.
The state Democratic Party is asking Wisconsin's elections commission to allow voters who already returned absentee ballots to cast new ones, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the governor's race and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley rejoined it.
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her Democratic primary campaign for Wisconsin governor Friday, citing financial problems she said would distract from an election Democrats need to win.
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Efforts to quickly and quietly oust the president of the University of Wisconsin system are drawing fire from a Republican legislative leader.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Joel Brennan, a former top official in Gov. Tony Evers' administration, announced Thursday that he is running to succeed the two-term Democrat, joining a crowded primary field for the 2026 election.
A Democrat who served four years as Wisconsin's lieutenant governor and narrowly lost a 2022 U.S. Senate bid is running for governor in the battleground state.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ordered that a pair of three-judge panels hear two lawsuits that argue the battleground state's congressional maps must be redrawn because they unconstitutionally favor Republicans.
Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' sweeping plan for overhauling the state's aging prison system is moving forward with bipartisan support despite complaints from Republican lawmakers that their concerns were not being addressed.
Wisconsin's Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul has decided not to run for governor and will instead seek reelection to a third term.
A conservative Wisconsin appeals court judge announced Wednesday she is running for an open seat on the battleground state's Supreme Court, promising to stop the politicization of the courts after record-high spending in the last race fueled by billionaires Elon Musk and George Soros.
Wisconsin business owner Bill Berrien, a supporter of President Donald Trump, ended his Republican campaign for governor on Friday, days after it was reported that he followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online, including a nonbinary pornography performer.
A loyalist of Donald Trump who represents a broad swath of Wisconsin's rural north woods in Congress entered the governor's race in the battleground state Tuesday, shaking up the Republican primary.
A Republican manufacturer running for governor in Wisconsin as a conservative supporter of "family values" and President Donald Trump followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online.
Sunday will be a #Top10WxDay with sunshine and a high temperature of around 80 degrees.
The fight over Flock cameras could be moving to Minnesota's Capitol City. The automatic license plate-reading cameras continue to spark debate across Minnesota, with some cities cutting ties with the technology, as other cities deal with vandals taking matters into their own hands.
Far-right influencer and pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionist Jake Lang was arrested Saturday, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Ty France homered and drove in three runs and Randy Vásquez and two relievers combined on a two-hitter as the San Diego Padres beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 in the opener of a three-game series between teams fighting for wild-card berths.
Olivia Miles scored 24 points, Natasha Howard added 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 94-84 on Friday night for their sixth straight win.
The fight over Flock cameras could be moving to Minnesota's Capitol City. The automatic license plate-reading cameras continue to spark debate across Minnesota, with some cities cutting ties with the technology, as other cities deal with vandals taking matters into their own hands.
Far-right influencer and pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionist Jake Lang was arrested Saturday, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Minneapolis leaders are trying to figure out what role data centers play in the city's future. Mayor Jacob Frey says he wants to harness the economic benefit without the environmental cost.
Police in Minneapolis are investigating after at least 87 vehicles were damaged across several areas of the city in nine separate incidents early Friday.
Police in Minneapolis are trying to set the record straight after five people found dead in six days have fueled online speculation about an outside actor. As of Friday, authorities and families of three of the victims have shared publicly that their deaths came as a result of battles with mental health.
Advocates say a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota is the type of diversification needed to keep the industry alive in the region. Concerned neighbors worry that it could compromise the watershed and tarnish the wilderness area. Beyond environmental concerns, some wonder if a copper-nickel mine in the area makes sense.
A Minnesota hemp farmer won't let a looming federal ban cut down his efforts to create family fun.
A motorcyclist was killed in northern Minnesota Thursday afternoon when a semi truck ran him over during a crash, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Gov. Tim Walz's move to ban mining near the Boundary Waters highlights a long-standing debate: Can a copper-nickel mine operate in a northern Minnesota watershed without tarnishing the world-class Boundary Waters? The answer depends on who you ask.
Michelle Brant suffered a cardiac arrest while at her home in Zimmerman, Minnesota, back in March. In the United States, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less than 12%.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
The crash happened at approximately 7:12 a.m. on westbound I-94 at milepost 13 in St. Croix County near Roberts, Wisconsin, according to the State Patrol.
Wisconsin residents headed to the polls Tuesday — or voted early — to have their say in the 2026 primary. Here are live results.
Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of Tuesday's election.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
The Pentagon has given separation notices to both the publisher and the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, according to people familiar with the matter.
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stay that will remain in place until the Supreme Court takes further action.
An unexpected reunion with one of the president's friends turned foes is gaining attention.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released nearly 700 documents Wednesday in his office's investigation into Fleet Farm, alleging the company "ignored an internal warning" about selling firearms to a "straw buyer."
Target is reporting its second straight quarter of comparable sales gains, saying a merchandising overhaul under the discount retailer's new CEO was attracting more customers.
Police in Minneapolis are investigating after at least 87 vehicles were damaged across several areas of the city in nine separate incidents early Friday.
Marquez Hill Turnipseed, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May. He told investigators he went to the park to help fellow gang members in attacking an opposing gang on the evening of June 1, 2025.
A 34-year-old man is accused of playing shadow puppets with the grapple of a boom and crushing his coworker's head as they were trimming trees in Apple Valley, Minnesota, on Thursday evening.
Jurors heard Duane "Keffe D" Davis tell detectives his nephew Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson fired the shots that killed Tupac Shakur.
A 25-year-old New Brighton, Minnesota, man is accused of shooting at a deputy and his canine partner while chasing a minivan down a Maplewood road.
Could you have a life-saving kidney? A Minnesota woman with end-stage renal disease says she needs one.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Friday marks the fifth annual National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, which has the goal of raising awareness about a drug epidemic that costs tens of thousands of lives a year.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
Hairball, an '80s rock 'n' roll tribute band, will replace the Rod Stewart show at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand that was slated for Sept. 1.
The Renaissance Festival, county fairs, Picklefest and Potato Days — there's plenty to do this weekend in Minnesota.
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Co-stars and friends of Hayden Panettiere are remembering her for her friendship, intelligence and talent after her shocking death on Sunday.
Ty France homered and drove in three runs and Randy Vásquez and two relievers combined on a two-hitter as the San Diego Padres beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 in the opener of a three-game series between teams fighting for wild-card berths.
Olivia Miles scored 24 points, Natasha Howard added 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 94-84 on Friday night for their sixth straight win.
Marc Lore is selling the majority of his stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, ESPN reports, giving the franchises a new controlling owner.
Minnesota Vikings wide receivers have had an eventful week with the Baltimore Ravens visiting for joint practices.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
The candidates for the Minnesota general election are all set, and the campaigns are shifting into a higher gear.
The Minnesota primary is Tuesday, with the final barrage of political ads in overdrive and candidates making their final pitches.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
Parents will be digging deeper into their wallets this back-to-school season.
Minnesotans have become quite familiar with drought in recent years. Not only how it affects the water supply, but also the rules that can come with it.
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.
Sunday will be a #Top10WxDay with sunshine and a high temperature of around 80 degrees.
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.
Today is our second Top 10 Weather Day! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Meteorologist Katie Steiner shares when we can see our next chance of rain and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.
We have a second Top 10 Weather Day on Sunday! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Parts of Minnesota could see isolated rain early Sunday morning. Another chance comes later in the week. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when that chance may be and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.
A second WCCO Top 10 Weather Day is planned for Sunday, it'll be a beautiful day with temperatures in the 80s. We do have rain in our future. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when the rain comes and what to expect weather-wise on the first day of the fair.
Today is our second Top 10 Weather Day! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Meteorologist Katie Steiner shares when we can see our next chance of rain and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.
We have a second Top 10 Weather Day on Sunday! Temperatures will be in the low 80s. Parts of Minnesota could see isolated rain early Sunday morning. Another chance comes later in the week. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when that chance may be and what you should expect if you're heading to the fair Thursday.
Flock cameras continue to spark debate across Minnesota, with some cities cutting ties with the technology, as other cities deal with vandals taking matters into their own hands.
A second WCCO Top 10 Weather Day is planned for Sunday, it'll be a beautiful day with temperatures in the 80s. We do have rain in our future. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when the rain comes and what to expect weather-wise on the first day of the fair.
Jake Lang held a protest outside Minneapolis City Hall. His protest was met with counter-protesters. He, a few of his followers and a few counter-protesters were all taken into custody.