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The Minnesota House took action today to slow down a surge in smart phone thefts: requiring new smart phones to include a "kill switch." Lawmakers say smart phone thefts make up 40 percent of the robberies in Minneapolis and St Paul, and 62% of robberies at the University of Minnesota.
The Minnesota on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill to try to slow down a surge in state heroin deaths on Wednesday. The bill, called "Steve's Law," makes it easier to call 911 without penalty if there's a heroin overdose. And it distributes a heroin antidote for overdose emergencies.
The day of reckoning over the Minnesota Lottery's foray into online gaming has been put off. House members voiced disapproval Tuesday over Internet and gas pump gambling options the lottery introduced.
The Minnesota Senate's proposal for publicly backed construction projects totals more than $1.1 billion in combined borrowing and cash-financed projects. The proposal released Monday calls for borrowing of $846 million and about $200 million in cash from the state's surplus.
Bills legalizing medical marijuana could be voted on in both the Minnesota House and Senate this week, but the House and Senate versions are significantly different. That has led to disagreements among supporters that some say threaten passage of any type of bill.
The Minnesota House has passed a bill allowing the state to keep newborn blood samples indefinitely unless a parent refuses. The legislation approved 69-58 on Thursday returns to the Senate because the House version differs due to an amendment banning sale of the samples and related test results and data.
A group that's fighting to stop Minnesota's wolf hunt is howling mad after running afoul of the spam filter on the state House email system. Howling for Wolves founder Maureen Hackett says tens of thousands of emails sent via the group's website to Minnesota House members were blocked since August, blunting the momentum they were trying to build for suspending the state's wolf hunting and trapping season.
The Minnesota House has passed a bill banning gun possession by people convicted of certain abuse crimes or subject to restraining orders. The bipartisan measure marks a rare instance where lawmakers appear ready to tighten gun restrictions.
Innocent people who are wrongfully convicted could get as much as $100,000 for each year of imprisonment under a bill passed by the Minnesota House.
A teacher who spoke out for gay students during a bullying debate in the state's largest school district says he's running for a state House seat. Jefferson Fietek will challenge Rep. Mark Uglem, a Champlin Republican, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.
The Minnesota House voted early Wednesday to pass a bill aimed at strengthening the state's anti-bullying law, sending the measure to Gov. Mark Dayton to sign. After nearly 12 hours of debate, the House passed the bill on a 69-63 vote that fell mostly along party lines.
The Minnesota House has approved a budget plan that would spend another $322 million of the state's surplus. Debate went late into the night Thursday as lawmakers, mostly minority Republicans, offered some 40 amendments.
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.
A Minnesota House panel has approved a measure that would ban people convicted of domestic abuse from having guns. The public safety committee approved the measure Tuesday on a voice vote. It's sponsored by Cottage Grove Democrat Dan Schoen.
The up-and-down medical marijuana bill at the Capitol may be down again. Top lawmakers in the House and Senate say it's not likely to pass this year. Advocates of legalizing medical marijuana are hoping to make Minnesota the 20th state in the country to do so. Thursday, the advocates said it's possible to pass it this year. But it's not about medicine at this point at the Capitol; it's about math.
The Minnesota House on Thursday voted unanimously to guarantee children don't get denied a school lunch for lack of money. The bill, which passed 130-0, gained traction amid reports that some districts either denied lunches to kids who couldn't afford them or gave them a lesser meal than their peers.
A Minnesota House panel is considering temporarily changing state law to let bars stay open until 4 a.m. when the All-Star Game comes to town this July. The new closing time would pave the way for revelers in Hennepin County to celebrate America's national pastime for two extra hours.
The Minnesota House has given overwhelming approval to a $500 million package of tax cuts and repeals. Thursday's 126-2 vote comes just more than a week into the legislative session. The bill heads to the Senate, where leaders haven't publicly embraced the plan.
Barely a week into the legislative session, a $500 million package of tax cuts and repeals is being put to a vote in the Minnesota House. The Legislature is racing to undo some business sales taxes adopted last year, including one on warehousing services that will kick in April 1.
A $500 million package containing middle-income tax cuts and the repeal of some business taxes is zooming through the Minnesota House. Only three days into their session, House Tax Committee members approved the plan Thursday.
A sudden vote Thursday left a bill containing $20 million in emergency heating assistance one step from Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, who could have it on his desk by day's end. The Senate voted 65-0 to send a revised measure back to the House.
Objections to a bill that would expand the victim-notification process after a retail or wholesale business data breach were strident and frequent during a hearing Tuesday afternoon of the Minnesota House commerce committee.
With Minnesota still in the throes of the coldest winter in 35 years, a state House committee is seeking solutions for a propane shortage affecting residents who use the fuel for heating.
David FitzSimmons knew when he joined a very small group of legislative Republicans who voted for legal gay marriage in Minnesota that he might face political fallout on his conservative home turf. And he did.
The top Republican in the Minnesota House was detained by Montana authorities last September when a deal to buy an antique truck soured and a friend accompanying him displayed the lawmaker's gun, according to just-surfacing court records and a statement issued Friday. Rep. Kurt Daudt, the House minority leader, was briefly placed in handcuffs, and his friend was arrested and charged.
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.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
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.
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
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.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
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.
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.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
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."
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
Grace Grocholski scored 21 points, Mara Braun added 16 and Minnesota beat No. 10 Iowa 91-85 on Thursday night for its fifth straight victory.
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.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.
Temps are set to fall into the teens by the evening due to gusty winds from the north.
Minnesota falls below freezing Friday, but a nice warmup is just around the corner, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Thousands of people oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by driving around every single day looking for agents. They consider it their job to stop arrests when they can. Advocacy groups say they've trained tens of thousands of people on how to do it safely and legally. Some of those observers have been arrested, or, in the case of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, killed. Conor Wight hopped into the backseat with some observers to show us how they operate.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
We've heard the call from federal officials for counties to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several Minnesota sheriff's departments have what's called a 287(g) agreement with the agency. It can be controversial. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. The sheriff allowed WCCO into the Crow Wing County jail to talk about the agreements only with Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle.
After smashing an anti-ICE sculpture on the front steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, a far-right influencer has been told to stay away. A Ramsey County judge ordered Jake Lang to stay three blocks away from the Minnesota State Capitol. WCCO's Reg Chapman talked with the veterans group behind the sculpture.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.