Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she's backing Biden in 2024, despite concerns about age
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who was one of the runners up to Biden in 2020, says she is firmly behind the president.
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Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap
Nearly half of all Minnesota students are not reading at grade level, as the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll. However, a $70 million bill called the READ Act, which will change the reading curriculum for all public school students starting July 1.
Requests from other prosecutors inspired AG Ellison's book on Chauvin trial
The attorney general and his book are already being sought out by other prosecutors handling police abuse cases.
Talking Points: What's changed since George Floyd's murder
On the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Esme Murphy spoke with key players to reflect on what has and has not changed since May 25, 2020.
Gov. Tim Walz talks rebate checks, legislature's other tax moves ahead of end of session
Democrats are calling it the most productive legislative session in Minnesota history. Republicans are crying foul, saying voters will punish the DFL at the polls for a gross overreach.
Latest Talking Points Video
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Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap (Part 1)
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students starting July 1.
Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap (Part 2)
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students starting July 1.
Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap (Part 3)
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students starting July 1.
New law aims to close MN students' pandemic reading gap
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students.
Talking Points: Attorney General Keith Ellison pens book about Chauvin trial
In his new book, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison writes about the high-stakes prosecution of former police officer Derek Chauvin, the officer convicted of murdering George Floyd.
George Floyd murdered 3 years ago this week
Floyd's death under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin not only changed our community but it changed the nation.
Talking Points: Breaking down the state election results (part 3)
On the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Esme Murphy spoke with key players to reflect on what has and has not changed since May 25, 2020. Murphy asked Local civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong if she's seen change and asked what still needs to be done. Murphy also checked in with Floyd's long-time girlfriend Courteney Ross.
Talking Points: What's changed since George Floyd's murder (part 2)
On the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Esme Murphy spoke with key players to reflect on what has and has not changed since May 25, 2020. George Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd, testified and sat through every hearing vowing justice for his family.
Talking Points: What's changed since George Floyd's murder (part 1)
On the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Esme Murphy spoke with key players to reflect on what has and has not changed since May 25, 2020. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison won prosecutions for murder and manslaughter against all four officers.
Talking Points: What exactly is “middle class” these days?
Democrats at the Minnesota Capitol say their bills together make up the largest tax cut for the middle class in history. But some of the tax cuts have cutoffs that have some wondering what constitutes the “middle class” these days. WCCO News’ Esme Murphy poses that question to Gov. Tim Walz.
Talking Points: Hospital care controversy forces end-of-session negotiations (Part 1)
Exhausted by the pandemic, nurses are leaving the profession and just last year Minnesota lost 2,400 nurses. Remaining nurses have to pick up the slack. The result: the union says current staffing levels are unsafe for patients and will continue to force more nurses to leave the profession.
Talking Points: Hospital care controversy forces end-of-session negotiations (part 3)
Both houses of the legislatures passed the Nurses by the Beside Act. But a multi-billion dollar threat by the Mayo Clinic threatens to sideline it. Esme Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democrat analyst, and Michelle Benson, a Republican analyst and former state senator, about the end-of-session negotiations and the possibility of a compromise.
Talking Points: Hospital care controversy forces end-of-session negotiations (part 2)
Both houses of the legislatures passed the Nurses by the Beside Act. But a multi-billion dollar threat by the Mayo Clinic threatens to sideline it. Dr. Rahul Koranne, the president of the association, provided the hospital's perspective regarding staffing ratios and the impact they believe it would have on patient care and access.
Talking Points: Behind the Mayo Clinic's stance on nurses' act
Both houses of the legislatures passed the Nurses by the Beside Act. But a multi-billion dollar threat by the Mayo Clinic threatens to sideline it.
2023 legislature paves way to restore felon voting rights, auto registration
Two new voting laws have passed in this whirlwind 2023 legislative session. On June 1, more than 55,000 Minnesotans convicted of felonies will have their voting rights restored. Minnesota also now has automatic voter registration for adults and pre-registration for teens.
Talking Points: 2023 legislature paves way to restore felon voting rights, auto registration (part 3
In this week's Talking Points, Esme Murphy took a look at two new voting laws passed in this whirlwind 2023 legislative session. Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democrat analyst, and Michelle Benson, a Republican analyst and former state senator, about the political impact of expanded voting rights.
Talking Points: 2023 legislature paves way to restore felon voting rights, auto registration (part 2
In this week's Talking Points, Esme Murphy took a look at two new voting laws passed in this whirlwind 2023 legislative session. For a Twin Cities pastor restoring felon voting rights was a personal mission. In 2002, Pastor Brian Herron was convicted of mail fraud and served prison time. Herron is well-known in Minneapolis and a community activist advocating against gun violence in the community. Murphy spoke with Herron about campaign to inform Minnesotans of their newly restored rights.
Talking Points: 2023 legislature paves way to restore felon voting rights, auto registration (part 1
In this week's Talking Points, Esme Murphy took a look at two new voting laws passed in this whirlwind 2023 legislative session. First, Murphy spoke with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about the effort to inform formerly incarcerated felons of their restored rights and voter fraud concerns amid expanded voter access.
Talking Points: After DFL's legislative spree, some top priorities remain
On Monday, the Minnesota Senate will take up a groundbreaking family leave bill, which would set up a state insurance program that would provide 18 weeks of paid leave for family and medical needs.
Talking Points: Controversy pits attorneys against each other in Zaria McKeever murder case
Esme Murphy spoke with the pastor of the Shiloh Temple Bishop Richard Howell about a community meeting his temple held for Zaria McKeever's family. He says there needs to be a new reckoning for juvenile offenders.
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Barway Collins gets memorial statue in park he used to play in
Eight years after 10-year-old Barway Collins' body was found in the Mississippi River, a statue of him has been commissioned to stand in Becker Park in Crystal.
Coon Rapids police identify girl hit by driver Sunday
The girl is in serious condition at a local hospital.
St. Paul's Grand Old Day returns to massive crowds, high enthusiasm
Prior to Grand Old Day's three-year hiatus, the event regularly drew crowds upwards of 200,000 attendees.
Man shot in Minneapolis' Near North neighborhood
Police say a man was shot in Minneapolis' Near North neighborhood Sunday morning.
Wildfire smoke prompts air quality alert for east central, southeastern Minnesota
The MPCA expects the air quality index to reach the "orange" level, which means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with heart and lung conditions, pregnant people, children and the elderly.
Greater Minnesota News
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Jason Horner charged with murder in killing of ex-girlfriend Sabrina Schnoor
Jason Horner, 38, was arrested just after 4 a.m. Sunday at an apartment in Waseca.
Wildfire smoke prompts air quality alert for east central, southeastern Minnesota
The MPCA expects the air quality index to reach the "orange" level, which means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with heart and lung conditions, pregnant people, children and the elderly.
Dozens displaced after fire scorches Mankato apartment complex
Mankato city officials say first responders were called to the 1200 block of Pohl Road on a report of a fire around 1:25 p.m.
Evacuation ordered at Rochester condos due to structural concerns
The evacuation in Rochester comes nearly a week after an apartment complex in Davenport, Iowa collapsed, injuring at least eight people.
Minnesota, Wisconsin included in $102.5M national settlement with Suboxone maker
States, led by Wisconsin, claimed that the company made modest changes to Suboxone to extend patent protection and keep generic versions of the drug off the market.
Wisconsin News
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Authorities fatally shoot man holding rifle while responding to domestic disturbance call in western Wis.
Law enforcement officers in western Wisconsin shot and killed a man Saturday night after authorities said he confronted the officers with a rifle in his hand.
Minnesota, Wisconsin included in $102.5M national settlement with Suboxone maker
States, led by Wisconsin, claimed that the company made modest changes to Suboxone to extend patent protection and keep generic versions of the drug off the market.
Federal government lawsuit accuses Wisconsin town of trespassing on tribal reservation
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to try to force a northern Wisconsin town to pay for failing to renew access easements on tribal land.
Republicans reject funding for top University of Wisconsin building project
The Republican-controlled budget committee voted along party lines to fund nearly $2.4 billion in building projects statewide, down from the $3.8 billion Evers had asked for.
Governor raises gay pride flag over Wisconsin Capitol in show of support for LGBTQ+ community
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has raised the gay pride flag over the Wisconsin Capitol in a sign of support for the LGBTQ+ community amid attacks from conservative lawmakers across the country.
Politics
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Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she's backing Biden in 2024, despite concerns about age
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who was one of the runners up to Biden in 2020, says she is firmly behind the president.
Inside Linda Hood's fight for adult changing tables in Minnesota
Linda Hood has been fighting for dignity, and she got a big win in the latest legislative session.
Biden signs debt ceiling bill that pulls U.S. back from brink of default
With just two days to spare, President Joe Biden has signed legislation that lifts the nation's debt ceiling.
Trump lawyers told DOJ they couldn't find classified doc discussed in audio
The recording — from a July 2021 meeting at Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey — is a crucial piece of evidence that prosecutors obtained in recent months.
President Biden to address nation on debt ceiling deal
Biden will speak to the nation for the first time from the Oval Office.
Consumer News
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With used car market still very hot, tips for auto shoppers
While people are starting to finally pay under sticker value, prices are very different from a few years ago. New and used vehicles still differ with a small price gap.
Experts say cost of beef is rising, high prices to persist for a while
If you're buying beef to throw on the grill this weekend, prepare to pay more.
Woman promotes internet safety after assault from app-hired handyman
A Carver County woman is promoting internet safety after being assaulted in her own home by a hired hand she found online.
Minnesotans can grow marijuana at home later this summer
There was a cannabis legalization celebration this week, as Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill into law. But well before you can buy marijuana at a retail dispensary, you'll be able to grow up to eight plants at home.
New plan aims to make Metro Transit safer for riders
Drug use and other crimes have for many become synonymous with the Metro Transit trains and buses over the years, which impacts the safety of those who rely on public transportation, including Minneapolis Public School students.
Crime News
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Jason Horner charged with murder in killing of ex-girlfriend Sabrina Schnoor
Jason Horner, 38, was arrested just after 4 a.m. Sunday at an apartment in Waseca.
Barway Collins gets memorial statue in park he used to play in
Eight years after 10-year-old Barway Collins' body was found in the Mississippi River, a statue of him has been commissioned to stand in Becker Park in Crystal.
Man shot in Minneapolis' Near North neighborhood
Police say a man was shot in Minneapolis' Near North neighborhood Sunday morning.
Brooklyn Park SWAT team responded to 2 unconnected incidents Saturday night
The Brooklyn Park SWAT team responded to two unconnected incidents at around the same time about two miles apart Saturday night.
Man stabbed to death inside home in St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood
Police located and arrested a suspect, and said the suspect and victim possibly knew each other.
Health News
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Parents express concern after Schulze Lake closure, potential viral outbreak
On Wednesday, 3-year-old Remi was splashing away at Schulze Lake Beach in Eagan. But by Thursday night, Mikayla Evans says her daughter was not herself.
Makers of toxic "forever chemicals" lied about safety, study claims
Companies hid evidence of PFAS' link to dead dogs, enlarged livers and birth defects, according to researchers.
Government, community members to focus on climate equity at Green Zone Summit
The Minneapolis Health Department is working with the community to improve the lives of those living in areas with high levels of environmental pollution.
Wolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez says he's been diagnosed with early-stage gum disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of U.S. adults 30 and older have some form of gum disease, and it's even more common after the age of 65.
What you need to know about loan forgiveness for healthcare workers in Minnesota
What you need to know -- and who qualifies -- for loan forgiveness under the DFL's recently passed "Nurse and Patient Safety Act."
Entertainment News
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St. Paul's Grand Old Day returns to massive crowds, high enthusiasm
Prior to Grand Old Day's three-year hiatus, the event regularly drew crowds upwards of 200,000 attendees.
Clay art of St. Paul's Glaze Haze aims to challenge perceptions of disability
There's some impressive and affordable clay art for sale in St. Paul, as talented artists are sculpting a whole new way for us all to look at art. The St. Paul clay art expo is on display for the next two weeks.
Tupac Shakur to be honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, will accept the honor on the artist's behalf on June 7 on Hollywood Boulevard.
Danny Masterson convicted on two counts of rape
A Los Angeles jury Wednesday has found "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
Janelle Monáe coming to The Armory on Sept. 11
Award-winning singer and actress Janelle Monáe will stop by The Armory on Sept. 11 as part of her Age of Pleasure Tour.
Sports News
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Twins get good news on Royce Lewis after scary somersault, face-first landing
Royce Lewis gave the Minnesota Twins a scare with an inadvertent somersault and a face-first landing.
Guardians top Twins 2-1 to split series, as McKenzie sizzles with 10 Ks in debut
Triston McKenzie tossed five scoreless innings in his injury-delayed season debut, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 for a split of the four-game series.
Arriaga helps Minnesota United earn late 1-1 draw with Toronto
Kervin Arriaga scored late in the second half to thwart Sean Johnson's bid for his 100th career clean she, rallying Minnesota United to a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC.
Mitchell's late basket lifts Lynx to first win of season, beat Mystics 80-78
Kayla McBride scored a season-high 24 points and Tiffany Mitchell put back her own miss with 3.0 seconds left to help the Minnesota Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 80-78 and avoided tying the franchise record for consecutive losses to open a season.
Will Brennan's rare homer against Sonny Gray gives Guardians a 4-2 win over Twins
Will Brennan hit the first homer allowed this season by Sonny Gray in the seventh inning and Logan Allen pitched six strong innings for the Cleveland Guardians in a 4-2 win against the Minnesota Twins.
Talking Points
More Talking Points
Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she's backing Biden in 2024, despite concerns about age
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who was one of the runners up to Biden in 2020, says she is firmly behind the president.
Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap (Part 1)
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students starting July 1.
Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap (Part 2)
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students starting July 1.
Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap (Part 3)
A $70 million bill called the READ Act will change the reading curriculum for all Minnesota public school students starting July 1.
Talking Points: Historic legislation aims to redress pandemic reading gap
Nearly half of all Minnesota students are not reading at grade level, as the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll. However, a $70 million bill called the READ Act, which will change the reading curriculum for all public school students starting July 1.
Finding Minnesota
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Kinstone: Wisconsin's astonishing answer to Stonehenge
John Lauritsen shows us some gigantic stones ended up just across the border in Wisconsin.
Two mansions of Minnesota lumber barons a popular destination for reunions, weddings
Imagine spending the night in a turn-of-the-century lumber baron's mansion. Well, now you can do exactly that.
Iron ore and baseball celebrated at Chisholm's Minnesota Museum of Mining
"Chisholm is kind of one of those amazing places that believes in itself no matter what. And they never say die," said Carol Borich.
The awe-inspiring Minneapolis water tower protected by 8-ton stone guardians
Minnesota has plenty of wacky water towers. But there's one in Minneapolis that's all about architecture and art.
Finding Minnesota: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper live on in Montevideo
In the late 1950s, there were no bigger names in music than Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. So when the teen idols announced they were coming to Montevideo as part of their Winter Dance tour, locals were gearing up.
Good Question
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How much could you get from your Minnesota rebate check?
Soon, rebate checks will be going out to 2.5 million Minnesotans as part of a $3 billion tax bill lawmakers passed this session.
How many workers get paid holidays off?
For millions of Americans, Tuesday was their first day back at work after a long weekend. But we know not everyone has that same privilege.
Good Question: Why are people using diabetes medication to lose weight?
You may have seen videos on TikTok or heard celebrities talking about Ozempic or Wegovy. They're medications used to treat diabetes. And now, for a lot of users, to lose weight.
Why is loneliness bad for our health? And how can we help ourselves and others?
As the country navigates the end of a pandemic, the U.S. surgeon general said Americans are suffering from an epidemic: Loneliness.
How does AAA calculate travel projections?
AAA projects that 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend, which is a very specific number.
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Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesota Fishing Opener 2023
Many WCCO viewers across the state Saturday took part in the unofficial start to Minnesota summer -- the fishing opener.
Gallery: Joe Kapp, former Vikings QB who led team to first Super Bowl, dies at 85
Joe Kapp, the quarterback who led the Minnesota Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance, has reportedly died. Kapp played three seasons with the Vikings, amassing a 23-12-3 record. He captained the Vikings to Super Bowl IV, which they lost 23-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Former President Trump's arraignment draws protesters, heightened security in NYC
Crowds gathered both to support and protest against former President Donald Trump as he was expected to surrender to authorities in appear in court in Lower Manhattan for the first time to face criminal charges, a historic first .
New foods unveiled at Target Field
The first home game of the Twins season is almost here. For the 2023 season, the Twins have eight local vendors serving food at Target Field this year as part of their Minnesota Made program.
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. report from June 5, 2023
An air quality alert is in effect for much of eastern Minnesota Monday morning, and another warm day is on the way after that.
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.
NEXT Weather: 4:30 a.m. report from June 5, 2023
An air quality alert in eastern Minnesota is set to expire at 9 a.m., and it'll be another warm day after that.
NEXT Weather: 10:00 p.m. report from June 4, 2023
Temperatures should be a bit cooler this week.
NEXT Weather: 5:30 p.m. report from June 4, 2023
An air quality alert is in effect through Monday morning, and more scattered storms are on the way.
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4 things to know from June 5, 2023
Saudi Arabia says it's slashing oil production, Canadian wildfires and ozone have forced much of Minnesota under an air quality alert, and more.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. report from June 5, 2023
An air quality alert is in effect for much of eastern Minnesota Monday morning, and another warm day is on the way after that.
Hastings Creamery losing access to city sewers after violating wastewater permit
Hastings Creamery is losing access to city sewer service, which means more than two dozen dairy farmers are facing a trough of trouble.
With used car market still very hot, tips for auto shoppers
Whether you're shopping new or used, the car market is hot.
Authorities shoot, kill Wisconsin man threatening family with gun
A deputy and police officer shot the man when he confronted them with a rifle, authorities said.