Minnesota unemployment rate reaches all-time low
Minnesota's unemployment rate sunk to 2% for the month of May, breaking another record.
Unemployment
Walz Blasts Lawmakers Over Unemployment Insurance Dispute
Gov. Tim Walz sharply criticized the Minnesota Legislature on Wednesday for failing to break its impasse over an unemployment insurance tax increase that businesses are already starting to pay.
Unemployment In Minnesota Falls To Lowest Level Since 1999
Minnesota's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level in more than 20 years as more people return to work.
Minnesota Businesses See Tax Hike Amid UI Impasse At Capitol
Employers across Minnesota are getting bills for higher unemployment insurance taxes after legislative leaders failed to reach a deal by a Tuesday deadline to avert an automatic hike.
Minnesota Unemployment Rate Drops To Pre-Pandemic Levels
Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped to pre-pandemic levels in December, hitting 3.1% for the first time since 2019.
Minnesotans Return To Work As State Unemployment Rates Drop
More Minnesotans are returning to work as the state's unemployment rates decreased, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Wisconsin Unemployment Unchanged At 3.9% In August
The nationwide unemployment rate in August was 5.2%. A year ago, in August 2020, the Wisconsin unemployment rate was 6.1%. Wisconsin lost 8,200 private sector jobs in August. Compared to a year ago, 70,300 more people were working in the private sector.
Enhanced Unemployment Benefits End, But Will People Return To Workforce?
Thousands of Minnesotans are losing their federal unemployment benefits Sunday.
Unemployment In Minnesota Remained At 4% In June; Job Losses Recorded For 1st Time This Year
Minnesota's unemployment rate held steady at 4% in June as the state recorded its first month of job losses since December.
Minnesota Unemployment Rate Drops To 4% As Businesses Scramble To Hire
From a Minneapolis post office to a pizza staple in Grand Marais, the plea for workers is plastered nearly everywhere you look.
Minnesota's Unemployment Rate Continued To Fall In April
Minnesota's unemployment rate continued to decline in April, dropping to 4.1%. That's down from 4.2% in March as more Minnesotans find work or return to jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DEED: Minnesota Had 127,000 Vacant Jobs In 4th Quarter 2020
Employers in Minnesota reported more than 127,000 job vacancies in the last quarter of 2020, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Minnesota Unemployment Rate Dips To 4.2% In March
State officials say Minnesota's unemployment rate dipped to 4.2% in March, down from a revised 4.4% in February, though people of color continue to feel the deepest impact of job loss due to the pandemic.
Minnesota Unemployment Dropped To 4.3% In February; People Of Color Disproportionately Impacted
Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% last month from 4.5% in January, state officials said Thursday, but the state still needs to make up ground on the road to economic recovery.
Minnesota Unemployment Dropped To 4.3% In February
State officials announced Thursday that Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% last month, down from 4.5% in January.
Federal Reserve Study Shows Minnesota Mothers Were Disproportionately Hit By Pandemic Job Losses
It's no secret the pandemic is tough on parents. But, Minnesota parents -- specifically mothers -- are taking an extra hard hit.
Gov. Evers, Wisconsin GOP Show Rare Signs Of Compromise In Tax Cut Bill
Gov. Tony Evers signed a bipartisan tax cut bill into law Thursday and signaled support for another bipartisan measure to help update the state's unemployment insurance system, rare compromises that come as Republicans have roundly denounced much of his state budget proposal as a liberal wish list.
Wisconsin Senate Poised To Pass Bipartisan Unemployment Bill
The Wisconsin Senate is poised Thursday to approve a bipartisan bill designed to begin updating the state's antiquated unemployment insurance system that Gov. Tony Evers has blamed for causing delays in the processing of claims filed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Employment Rate Drops Slightly As Minnesotans Leave Workforce, COVID Restrictions Result In Job Losses
State officials say Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped slightly last month as more Minnesotans left the workforce and the state shed nearly 50,000 jobs amid the tightened COVID-19 restrictions.
Stimulus Package Update: Plan Should 'Give As Generous Aid To Local Governments As Possible,' Economist Says
The proposed $908 billion coronavirus relief package is gaining traction in Congress. But will it be enough, and will it come in time?
Court Ruling To Let Students Laid Off During Pandemic To Collect Unemployment Assistance
The decision will make $14 million to $28 million available to teens across the state. A local group of students brought forward this issue to make a change.
Unemployment Rate Dropped To 4.6% In October As Minnesotans Leave The Workforce
State officials say Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped significantly in October. However, they noted that the main reason for the drop is that more Minnesotans are leaving the workforce.
Market Strategist Warns 'Pain Felt On Main Street Quite Distinct From What's Reflected In Stock Market'
In an economy beset by pandemic-induced hardship, why is Wall Street thriving while Main Street is struggling?
Wisconsin's Unemployment Rate Dropped To 5.4% In September
Wisconsin's unemployment rate dropped from 6.3% in August to 5.4% in September, below the national rate but 2 points higher than a year ago as the state deals with a surge in coronavirus cases.
Stimulus Package Update: What Happens To The Economy Without A Second Stimulus?
Spending from the first round of stimulus propped up the economy. But that money is gone, and a more stimulus is unlikely in the coming weeks.
Latest News
THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
6 teens rushed to hospital following Ham Lake crash
Officials saying it appears they were speeding when the vehicle hit a tree. The crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday on Xylite Street.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
Where To View Fireworks In 2022
Click on the city nearest to you to find information about their Fourth of July firework display plans.
After manhole explosions near U, Met Council warns not to flush gas down the toilet
Officials have issued a warning about what people can dump in the sewer, after several explosions forced evacuations near the University of Minnesota.
St. Paul police investigating homicide on Dale Street
Police in St. Paul say they're investigating a homicide after they found a dead body on the 600 block of Dale Street North overnight.
Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Why are Minneapolis and St. Paul going another year without 4th of July fireworks?
It's like Halloween with no candy, or Thanksgiving without a turkey. For another year, both Minneapolis and St. Paul have scrapped plans for large Fourth of July fireworks displays.
Residents in tiny Forada still working to rebuild one month after devastating tornado
Sheryl Herschman and her sister, Judy Sellgren-Ehle, moved back to Forada, their hometown, in the spring and inherited their family's campground business. "We didn't know we'd get baptized by fire, or in this case, wind," Herschman said.
Twin Cities News
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After manhole explosions near U, Met Council warns not to flush gas down the toilet
Officials have issued a warning about what people can dump in the sewer, after several explosions forced evacuations near the University of Minnesota.
St. Paul police investigating homicide on Dale Street
Police in St. Paul say they're investigating a homicide after they found a dead body on the 600 block of Dale Street North overnight.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
6 teens rushed to hospital following Ham Lake crash
Officials say it appears they were speeding when the vehicle hit a tree. The crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday on Xylite Street.
Greater Minnesota News
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10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
Minnesota agencies to crack down on drinking while boating over holiday weekend
"We have zero tolerance for people boating under the influence," said Lt. Adam Block, a boating law administrator with the DNR.
Residents in tiny Forada still working to rebuild one month after devastating tornado
Sheryl Herschman and her sister, Judy Sellgren-Ehle, moved back to Forada, their hometown, in the spring and inherited their family's campground business. "We didn't know we'd get baptized by fire, or in this case, wind," Herschman said.
Attack ad blames Rep. Angie Craig for high gas prices as battle over swing district heats up
A conservative group has already spent $620,000 on an advertisement targeting Rep. Angie Craig in what's likely just the beginning of a battle by both parties to win a critical district.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin's conservative high court hands GOP another weapon
The decision essentially prevents a governor from replacing the previous governor's appointees without Senate confirmation. The ruling left Democrats stunned.
Wisconsin court bats down challenge to Kohler golf course
Conservatives on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a conservation group couldn't challenge an agency's decision to sell state park land for the construction of a high-end golf course along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin governor, AG file legal challenge to 1849 abortion law
Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has filed a direct challenge to the state's 1849 criminal abortion law that bans nearly all abortions.
Anti-abortion groups look to update 1849 Wisconsin ban
Some Democrats and abortion rights supporters have questioned the validity of a law that had been on the books for 173 years but wasn't enforced due to the Roe decision.
Wisconsin's Tony Evers looks for boost from anger over abortion
Wisconsin's Democratic Gov. Tony Evers hopes to translate anger over the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade into votes this fall as he vows to fight a 173-year-old state abortion ban in any way he can.
Politics
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THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
Wisconsin's conservative high court hands GOP another weapon
The decision essentially prevents a governor from replacing the previous governor's appointees without Senate confirmation. The ruling left Democrats stunned.
'We're at a turning point": Deadline arrives for Nat'l Guard to be vaccinated
"We are in a war for talent," General James McConville, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, told members of the House Armed Services Committee. "That means recruiting our nation's best."
Minneapolis city council fails to override Frey's veto of 24-hour Hennepin Avenue bus lane
The council needed nine votes to override Frey's veto, but they only had eight.
Attack ad blames Rep. Angie Craig for high gas prices as battle over swing district heats up
A conservative group has already spent $620,000 on an advertisement targeting Rep. Angie Craig in what's likely just the beginning of a battle by both parties to win a critical district.
Consumer News
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Kris Lindahl files to trademark his outstretched arm pose
Kris Lindahl has filed to trademark this iconic pose you see on billboards all over the state.
Citing "operational challenges," Delta offers holiday weekend travelers waivers to rebook
Delta, one of the nation's largest airlines with a hub at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, has a free flight change policy for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, as the company expects a record number of travelers since the pandemic began.
Minnesota resorts are booked solid this summer
Some of the guests booked at the resorts this July 4th weekend are actually being re-booked from canceled trips last summer or even 2020. It's created a logjam of reservations for several weeks.
Proposed legislation will aim to close legal gap after several Minnesota families lose savings to pool contractor
A WCCO investigation has sparked state action to protect your money and property.
Metro Transit ridership rebounds as gas prices soar
Gas, groceries, and just about everything is getting more expensive. As we look for ways to save money, more are opting to hop on public transit.
Crime
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St. Paul police investigating homicide on Dale Street
Police in St. Paul say they're investigating a homicide after they found a dead body on the 600 block of Dale Street North overnight.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Man on the lam charged in fatal south Minneapolis shooting
A 31-year-old Twin Cities man who remains on the lam is now charged in a fatal shooting earlier this week in south Minneapolis.
Minneapolis police conduct internal review of homicide data following WCCO inquiries
Minneapolis police admitted the department didn't have confidence in the accuracy of the data the community can see. Now it's taking steps to fix that.
Health
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'We're at a turning point": Deadline arrives for Nat'l Guard to be vaccinated
"We are in a war for talent," General James McConville, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, told members of the House Armed Services Committee. "That means recruiting our nation's best."
Bloomington begins phasing out tobacco licenses for businesses
The city of Bloomington is taking more steps to end tobacco sales. Starting Thursday, the city will begin phasing out tobacco licenses.
COVID In Minnesota: Hospitalization rate stays below high risk level
The state's case growth rate, stands at 23.9 per 100,000 residents. That's still well above the high risk line of 10, but showing signs of slowly going down.
These companies are covering travel costs for abortions
Bellwethers from finance, technology and retail industries are bankrolling workers who need to access reproductive services.
Several Minnesota companies to reimburse workers who travel for abortion services
Law professor David Schultz says the companies could face consequences in states like Texas, which have criminalized not only abortion, but anyone facilitating an abortion.
Entertainment
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Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Tom Barnard to leave KQRS after 36 years as host
KQRS, a classic rock station based in Golden Valley, announced that Tom Barnard would be retiring from the station, with his final show being scheduled for Dec. 23.
Minnesota's top pick among patriotic movies is "Apollo 13"
Other states went for films that feature explicitly hometown appeal, such as Texas choosing "The Alamo," Alabama going for "Forrest Gump," and Pennsylvania selecting "Gettysburg."
For F1RST Wrestling's Arik Cannon, bringing the event back to Mall of America is "surreal"
Arik Cannon wasn't at the Mall of America on Sept. 4, 1995, when WCW wrestlers tussled in the rotunda for the first episode of "Monday Nitro. Now, 27 years later, he's finally going to get to see wrestling at the mall. In fact, he's in charge of the whole event.
These are the most popular game consoles in each state
In a single uninterrupted battle for supremacy of the living room, the console wars have given gamers such legendary installments as the Nintendo 64 and the PlayStation 2 and such cautionary tales as the Nokia N-Gage and the Ouya.
Sports
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Karl-Anthony Towns agrees with Timberwolves on $224 million extension
It's a huge commitment from the Timberwolves, and one they made as quickly as they possibly could: Starting in 2024-25, Towns will make $224 million over four years, and that follows the $70 million he's slotted to make over the next two seasons.
Andrés Giménez homer in 9th gives Guardians 5-3 win over Twins
Andrés Giménez watched his home run clear the center-field fence, kissed his bat and then flipped it while turning toward Minnesota's stunned dugout.
Top Minnesota teams face off, test out coming shot clock rule
Some of the best high school teams in Minnesota played each other with a shot clock that'll be part of regulation high school basketball in two years.
Idea to tackle youth umpire, referee shortage: Improve the behavior of coaches, parents
Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) is a nonprofit that partners with parent volunteer organizations to promote positive behavior at games.
USC and UCLA leaving Pac-12 for Big Ten in 2024
The University of Minnesota may have two major universities in California join the Big Ten in a couple years.
Finding Minnesota
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One-of-a-kind garden highlights Ojibwe culture, sense of beauty
Sue Foss began growing her garden near Sandstone in 1989. She and her husband, Rod, planted over 500 different kinds of flowers, shrubs and trees to honor the Ojibwe people.
Minneopa State Park enjoys a bison baby boom
"They are pretty laid back and calm. They really are," said park manager Ashley Steevens. "They're managed as a wild herd, so this is their territory. This is their home."
The story behind Faribault County's Jolly Green Giant statue
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how a giant statue ended up in the city of Blue Earth.
After More Than A Century, Southern Minnesota Restaurant Still Slinging 'Dam' Good Burgers, Pies
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to the Rapidan Dam Store in Blue Earth County.
'It's Bizarre': Southern Minnesota Ghost Town Still Attracting Summer Visitors
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us on a tour of a treasured ghost town in Fillmore County, near the Iowa border.
Good Question
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How does a park become a state park?
Just under 1% of Minnesota is state or national parkland, which places Minnesota 29th compared to other states across the country.
What will come of the January 6th hearings?
"The question then becomes though, even if the ex-president indicted, is there enough to convict," said constitutional law professor David Schultz.
Why is golf so hard?
"If you think of any other sport out there, whether it's football, baseball hockey, the ball is coming at you and react to it," said PGA pro Phil Anderson. "Whereas you have to think about it and make a movement away from a golf ball.
Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?
"One thing that scientists have known for a long time is that mosquitoes are attracted to the odor of used gym socks," Dr. Jon Oliver said.
What is the purpose of the "#ShowYourStripes" campaign?
"Just that slightest shift in an average puts us into a whole new climate, really upping those chances for all of the extremes that we have to deal with," said Climate Central Chief Meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky.
Latest Galleries
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Flashback: "WCW Monday Nitro" at Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro."
Stars hit the red carpet at the 75th Annual Tony Awards
Stars of stage and screen hit the red carpet for the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night.
New Food Options At Target Field 2022
Opening Day is nearly here and the Minnesota Twins are unveiling new foods at Target Field, including Australian-inspired savory pies and an official grilled cheese sandwich of the ballpark.
2022 Celebrity Deaths
A gallery of the beloved celebrities who have died in 2022.
Viewers Share Their Love Stories
It's Valentine's Day, and Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield asked WCCO viewers to share their stories of romance. Here are some of the best we got!
Weather
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Weather
Next Weather: 9 a.m. weather report
Friday will be cool and bright, but the holiday weekend brings with it the chance for some storms.
Next Weather: 5 a.m. weather reports
WCCO meteorologist Riley O'Connor says expect a beautiful and cooler day Friday.
Next Weather: 10 p.m. report
Meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports on the holiday weekend forecast.
Tips for beating extreme heat
"The elderly and the really young," said CentraCare sports medicine physician Dr. George Morris. "Those are the two populations that I would worry about most."
What is Next Weather?
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.
Latest Video
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Latest Video
Farmers market-ready recipes for the holiday weekend
Jenny Breen, market manager of the East Isles Farmers Market, shares a few recipes.
How to keep your pets from stressing on July 4th
Azure Davis, with Ruff Start Rescue, offers some advice for pet owners.
3 things you can do to help keep the heat out
Andy Lindus of Lindus Construction shares some tips for your home.
Next Weather: 9 a.m. weather report
Friday will be cool and bright, but the holiday weekend brings with it the chance for some storms.
1 in 3 say they don't see loved ones as much as they'd like
A new survey shows how much time we want to spend with friends, and what those gathering look like.