Raffles: The Future Of Campaign Fundraising In Minnesota?
One Minnesota lawmaker thinks that raffles to raise campaign money are the perfect way to spice up dull political parties.
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One Minnesota lawmaker thinks that raffles to raise campaign money are the perfect way to spice up dull political parties.
House Republicans are targeting the state's new law meant to boost water quality, putting Gov. Mark Dayton on defense over one of his marquee initiatives.
Ilhan Omar took the oath as the nation's first Somali-American lawmaker this week, just days after an 8,500-mile journey that retraced her path from her war-torn homeland to Kenya to the Minnesota Capitol.
Preliminary results show Republicans have control of the Minnesota Senate and House.
A candidate for the Minnesota House has been arrested on suspicion of domestic assault and strangulation.
A bill inspired by the aftermath of Prince's death looks like it will be abandoned at the State Capitol in the final days of the 2016 legislative session.
Minnesotans may soon be able to make sure their pets are taken care of well into the future. Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would let people create a trust fund for their pets.
A powerful Minnesota GOP legislator who was cited last summer for making out with a fellow lawmaker in a public park announced Wednesday he won't run for re-election. Rep. Tim Kelly will leave his Red Wing-area seat after eight years. As current chair of the House transportation committee.
A Minnesota lawmaker is stepping away from politics to follow his love of beer. Rep. Mark Anderson, R-Lake Shore, announced Tuesday that he will not seek a third term in order to focus on the three businesses he runs with his wife, Barb.
Lawmakers and political groups are setting the stage for the battle for control of the Legislature. Their quest for cash is shaping up, too.
When Tom Emmer burst — vociferously — onto Minnesota's political scene a decade ago, the Republican's style rocketed him through the state Legislature and brought him within a whisker of the governor's office. He retreated following that 2010 loss to conservative talk radio, but has been back at it as a congressman for the state's 6th District for a year.
A top state Republican leader is calling for Minnesota House hearings into the actions of the Democratic state auditor. This is after a WCCO investigation discovered county auditors who accuse State Auditor Rebecca Otto of pressuring them into long-term audit contracts with her office, even though a new state law allows them to hire private audit firms starting next year.
Jostling has begun among Minnesota cities, counties and state government agencies to get road projects, nature trails, amphitheaters, prison repairs and much more into a public-works borrowing plan that Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature will assemble next year.
Minnesota's legislative leaders have come to an agreement on a one-day special session.
Minnesota's Legislature finalized a two-year spending plan just before a midnight deadline struck, but they adjourned with a near-certain special session looming to solve an education budget standoff with Gov. Mark Dayton.
The Minnesota House passed the education finance bill early Monday morning. Just before 4:30 a.m. the House passed the bill 71 to 59.
Already gazing ahead to next year, Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt is indicating time has run out on a transportation and tax-cut deal for the 2015 session.
Minnesota lawmakers are starting a three-day sprint to hash out the specifics of a budget deal. Legislators were expected to return to the Capitol Saturday for a weekend of around-the-clock work to finish bills and pass a budget.
The Minnesota Lottery's experiment with paperless, instant-play tickets sold over the Internet and other platforms will come to an end because Gov. Mark Dayton decided Thursday against vetoing legislation suspending the games.
Soon, Minnesota drivers can show proof of insurance with a smartphone. Both the Minnesota House and Minnesota Senate unanimously approved the new law. Now, it goes to the governor for his signature.
Minnesota's legislative session is moving into its final, frantic week with the full outline of a new state budget still a blur but some potential elements of an agreement coming into focus. The few people in on private negotiations are saying almost nothing, but the Capitol has turned into its usual hothouse of rumors and compromise scenarios.
Minnesota lawmakers got a visit Wednesday from a well-known celebrity chef and food writer lobbying to save the "Snowbate" tax credit for production companies. Andrew Zimmern greeted House members, some of whom took selfies with the famous chef.
Minnesota lawmakers are hoping to send more help to turkey farmers and the state as they fight a deadly bird flu outbreak.
Schools and families are joining Minnesota's governor to say House and Senate education budget proposals are too small. Both the GOP-led House and DFL-controlled Senate would increase education spending.
Some smaller measures in tax plans on the table in Minnesota's budget discussion aim to make a big impact on public health and child safety. They won't get the attention of business property tax breaks or across-the-board income exemptions causing clashes, but the measures stand a decent chance of happening.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday.
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
An early morning house fire killed one person and injured another Sunday in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, officials say.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
An early morning house fire killed one person and injured another Sunday in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, officials say.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
On GOP caucus night, a straw poll for governor among 13 candidates saw House Speaker Lisa Demuth emerge as the winner. House Speaker Demuth will be front and center for the next three months during the upcoming legislative session. She spoke to Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday.
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Lindsey Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete in the Milano Cortina Games, is in stable condition after her crash.
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
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.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
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 Adam Del Rosso says highs return to the mid 30s this afternoon with the help of a SE wind and a little sunshine to end the day.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says warmth will return to wrap up the weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
In an effort to push back on Operation Metro Surge dozens of businesses in the Twin Cities are fundraising. They're using everything from beer, to ice cream, to art. Ashley Grams shows us how the community is coming together.
We've seen a lot of creativity amidst the unrest of the last few weeks, and as Photojournalist Nick Lunemann shows us, we are hearing it too.
Dry January might be over, but for many people, the choice to not drink goes well beyond just one month. One local distillery has opened a new space to make sure all feel welcome, whether you're drinking or not.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.