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Minnesota lawmakers are caught in a dust-up over office space at the State Capitol, and it's threatening to delay the massive Capitol restoration now underway. The three-year, $272 million project is on time and on budget. But the tenants in the new building -- including the governor, the Senate, the House and the attorney general -- cannot come to agreement over how much space they will control.
Minnesota lawmakers moved Tuesday to set up swift approval of tax deductions and credits affecting thousands of people and business owners getting ready to file 2014 forms. Tax committees in the House and Senate advanced legislation that lines Minnesota's code up with some recent federal changes. Final votes in each chamber could come later this week, sending the bill to a supportive Gov. Mark Dayton before personal income tax filing season begins next week.
Minnesota's state band rehearses in a basement cafeteria, stores its music in a hard-to-reach closet and can't afford a marimba. But it could get some official appreciation if a pair of state House bills quietly introduced Thursday become law. A group of DFL lawmakers wants to throw the band $50,000 over the next two years and guarantee free rehearsal space.
Keith Downey says he plans to run for re-election as chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota.
Free vocational college tuition for Minnesota high school graduates? Student-loan forgiveness for working in specialized fields or rural communities? Tax breaks for the mining and timber industries? A prohibition on performance bonuses for Minnesota health exchange executives?
An interesting new idea from some Minnesota lawmakers this year: Cancel next year's legislative session. The "No Session 2016" movement began the first hour of the first day of the 2015 legislature, when top leaders revealed that they're talking about it.
A wave of senior citizens and slow growth in Minnesota's working-age population will force the state to focus on improving education and productivity in its workforce in the coming decades, state experts told lawmakers Wednesday. More collaboration between businesses and the public sector, especially in rural Minnesota, could help train and retain young workers to thrive in an aging state, speakers at the One Minnesota legislative conference said.
A retired English teacher will help set Republicans' agenda for making changes to the state's schools. Rep. Sondra Erickson, a Princeton Republican who retired from teaching in 2000, said school districts have been dizzied by new rules and policies after three elections that shifted control of state government.
The next chief sergeant-at-arms of the Minnesota House will have something most recent predecessors lacked: A law enforcement background.
A Minnesota House staff member who began as a chamber page 36 years ago is on the verge of becoming its chief clerk.
One of the top environmental issues in the legislative session that opens in January could be how best to protect Minnesota's wetlands. The GOP takeover of the Minnesota House has changed the landscape for the environment and natural resources at the Capitol. Republican leaders have given a strong signal of their priorities by restructuring the committees that will deal with those issues.
Rep. Kurt Daudt was in the WCCO-TV studio to talk with Esme Murphy on Sunday morning.
The fall election produced Minnesota's lowest voter turnout since 1986, according to results certified Tuesday. Final figures for this November's election put participation at 50.5 percent of eligible voters. That's the smallest percentage since 48 percent voted in the 1986 election.
uesday's election exposed electoral challenges for both Democrats and Republicans moving forward. Democrats suffered all but one of their majority-costing statehouse losses in districts outside the Twin Cities and their suburbs.
The one-time car salesman from Crown became the GOP's most powerful leader after taking Republicans from minority status to a 72-seat majority in the Minnesota House. Rep. Kurt Daudt, 41, becomes the second-most powerful politician in Minnesota, behind Gov. Mark Dayton. "It is the greatest honor of my life to be elected to be the next speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives," Daudt said.
DFLers in the Minnesota House have elected Rep. Paul Thissen of Minneapolis as their new minority leader. Thissen had been House speaker. But with Republicans winning control of the Minnesota House in Tuesday's elections, Democrats are returning to minority status in that chamber.
Minnesota voters gave Gov. Dayton a solid re-election victory. But unlike the last two years of Democratic dominance, Dayton's fresh reality is a new Republican majority in the Minnesota House. "I'm proud to say that Democrats' total control of state government in Minnesota is over," said Rep. Kurt Daudt, the House minority leader. Exuberant Republicans will take back the House they lost just two years ago. That's when they battled Gov. Dayton to a budget standoff, and a 17-day government shutdown -- the longest in U.S. history.
There will be competition among Republicans for who leads the party's new House majority. Minority Leader Kurt Daudt of Crown and former Majority Leader Matt Dean of Dellwood both say they're running to be House speaker when the Legislature returns to action. They are asking for support from the 72-member caucus, which meets Friday to pick its leadership.
Minnesota House Republicans will come into next year's legislative session with a majority and a tiny bit of breathing room.
Republicans have grabbed control of the Minnesota House and broken up the Democrats' short run of one-party rule at the Capitol. House Speaker Paul Thissen conceded early Wednesday that Democrats had lost control of the chamber.
Election Day arrived in Minnesota with Democrats feeling good about sweeping the biggest races in the state — for governor and U.S. Senate — and perhaps all of the statewide offices. But the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party was fighting a rear-guard action to hang on to the Minnesota House, with plenty of incumbents at risk and Republicans needing just seven seats to bring back divided government for the first time since 2012.
Control of the Minnesota House hinged Tuesday on fewer than two dozen races where loads of money fed fierce contests between the Democrats in charge and the Republicans looking to take over.
Democrats seeking to maintain control of Minnesota's House of Representatives have a hefty cash advantage heading into Election Day. Fundraising reports Tuesday show House Democrats' campaign arm has more than $1 million on hand.
Gov. Mark Dayton rolled into this city's old-brick main drag this week on a mission to save Rep. Shannon Savick, eagerly shaking hands and running down reasons voters should send her back to St. Paul for a second term. On Friday, Dayton was off to St. Cloud to help Rep. Zachary Dorholt, another freshman in a tough race.
A Minnesota House candidate is being sued in civil court after cutting his neighbor's garage in half in a property dispute. A lawsuit filed by Mark Besemann, of Iron, against Roger Weber, a Nashwauk Republican, asks for $20,000 in damages to the garage and $20,000 in punitive damages.
A Virginia man flew to Minnesota to try and meet a teenage girl he allegedly contacted through social media and coerced into creating sexually explicit material, according to an indictment filed by U.S. Department of Justice.
The full list is finally out, and Minnesota's sports teams earned some deserved representation, including one hometown hero in the top 25 and another just outside it.
Amazon Prime Day is over, but there are still some extended deals to be found.
As the Minneapolis park worker strike enters its 15th day with no clear end in sight, the City Council is expected to vote on a resolution of support on Thursday.
The nonprofit Tubman broke ground on Wednesday night at Harriet's Haven for Pets in Maplewood.
A Virginia man flew to Minnesota to try and meet a teenage girl he allegedly contacted through social media and coerced into creating sexually explicit material, according to an indictment filed by U.S. Department of Justice.
As the Minneapolis park worker strike enters its 15th day with no clear end in sight, the City Council is expected to vote on a resolution of support on Thursday.
The nonprofit Tubman broke ground on Wednesday night at Harriet's Haven for Pets in Maplewood.
The Minneapolis City Council has approved new contracts for the city's police officers with a vote of 8-4.
Four people were hospitalized and several businesses sustained damage after a shooting late Wednesday night on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.
Federal investigators say a pilot failed to maintain clearance from power lines and crashed while attempting to land a hot air balloon in Rochester earlier this year.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
As rain became scarce the past few years for Minnesota's sweet corn farmers, it put the crop in jeopardy more than once.
Multiple state and federal agencies are working together following a massive spill of coal ash wastewater from a northern Minnesota energy plant.
A Native American tribe in northern Minnesota celebrated with state leaders Wednesday the return of nearly 12,000 acres of land.
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened around 10:46 a.m. at 710th Street and 240th Avenue in Spring Brook.
A group of farmers is changing how they use their land by working with nature to improve their animal's health, along with the soil and water.
A faculty committee has recommended that a former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse be removed from his tenured position over his involvement in adult entertainment.
"I was like, okay we got to do something about this. We have to write a story that actually talks about what it's like to have a disability and that you are just a normal person," said writer Katie Mettner.
There may be no better cultural ambassador for Wisconsin than Charlie Berens.
Spike Moss spent decades fighting for his community, much of that time along Plymouth Avenue.
Veterans who had been living on the street now have a new home in St. Paul as part of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans' effort to end homelessness.
On the museum's website, a banner reads: "There's no place like home. Donate to keep the ruby slippers where they belong."
Since the crash, the Elk River hockey community has donated more than $16,000 to help Charles Gabrelcik in his recovery.
President Biden spoke at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in northwest Philadelphia before traveling to Harrisburg Sunday afternoon.
The Minneapolis City Council has approved new contracts for the city's police officers with a vote of 8-4.
CBS News correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the latest from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The Minneapolis Police Department may soon have some of the highest-paid officers in Minnesota.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance delivered a speech on the third night of the Republican National Convention and accepted the party's nomination for vice president.
The survey from Reuters and Ipsos found that 87% are concerned about people resorting to violence instead of peacefully resolving their differences.
Whether you plan to hit the water, savor the treats or maybe just stay indoors, Minnesotans are in for a hot summer weekend.
A 2019 blue Hyundai Elantra has given Erin Walters the freedom to travel across the country. That all changed a week ago after she tried renewing her car insurance with State Farm and was denied.
A recent study shows that Minnesota is ranked sixth in the nation for business, with high marks coming from areas judging the state's competitiveness, workforce, infrastructure, economy, quality of life and business friendliness.
TikTok chose to do its media presentation in the Twin Cities at Glam Doll Donuts in south MInneapolis. Among the presenters were two local women who are thriving on the platform.
Customers of Downtown St. Paul's sole grocery store will have five fewer hours to shop each day.
A Virginia man flew to Minnesota to try and meet a teenage girl he allegedly contacted through social media and coerced into creating sexually explicit material, according to an indictment filed by U.S. Department of Justice.
Four people were hospitalized and several businesses sustained damage after a shooting late Wednesday night on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.
Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of CAIR-MN, says the building had been vacant for more than a year without incident, then the plans for the space were announced to neighbors in May.
Erick Haynes was sentenced to life in prison in April for the murder of McKeever, the mother of his 1-year-old child.
The Minnesota State Patrol says it's investigating a hit-and-run crash early Wednesday morning in Burnsville that seriously injured a 24-year-old man.
The nice weather this week might have you wanting to go for a swim, but several beaches in Minneapolis are still off limits.
South Dakota Judge John Pekas dismissed a lawsuit filed by an anti-abortion group, Life Defense Fund, that sought to have the question removed even though supporters turned in more than enough valid signatures to put it on the ballot.
U.S. News and World Report also named the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to its Honor Roll, which recognizes the best hospitals nationwide.
The funny bone is anything but funny. So why does it hurt so bad when it gets hit? It turns out there's a "humerus" answer.
According to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, West Nile has been confirmed in samples taken from Anoka and Dakota counties.
From major floods to a major festival — work is underway to transform St. Paul's Harriet Island into an oasis for festivalgoers.
Minnesota's largest Black-sponsored festival will ring in its 42nd year this weekend with performances from two of hip hop's most legendary artists.
Nominations for the 76th annual Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday, with "Shōgun," "The Bear," "Hacks," "Only Murders in the Building" and "Baby Reindeer" all earning multiple major nods. See the full list of nominees for the 2024 ceremony here.
"Big Brother" announced Tuesday the 16 new Houseguests who will move into the "Big Brother" house and, for the first time ever, have the power to vote in a 17th houseguest.
After many people criticized Andress' rendition of the National Anthem online, comparing her with Fergie, the singer says she's going to rehab.
The full list is finally out, and Minnesota's sports teams earned some deserved representation, including one hometown hero in the top 25 and another just outside it.
Christian Benteke scored the first and last goals of the match and picked up an assist in between to rally D.
Nate Deziel, a North Dakota State University graduate from Moorhead, Minnesota, surged past the pack, which, at one time, consisted of a five-way tie for the lead.
Five Gopher women's basketball players, Amaya Battle, Mallory Heyer, Sophie Hart, Grace Grocholski and Niamya Holloway, coached kids at the Sanneh Foundation's summer camp on Wednesday morning.
A nonprofit organization is leading the way to help put down clay tennis courts across Minneapolis.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
Some supporters at Saturday's rally in Pennsylvania were hoping to hear former President Donald Trump announce his vice presidential pick. For now, the assassination attempt is overshadowing everything in this heated presidential race. Esme Murphy has the latest in Talking Points.
Instead of watching old, classic cars leave the state, a museum in Wright County is trying to keep them around at the Veit Museum near Buffalo.
When Belgian immigrants settled in Ghent, they brought along rolle bolle — a sport that's sort of a cross between curling and lawn bowling — but you don't play with a ball, you play with a bolle.
The town of Remer is surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods and marshes. A perfect place for squirrels, deer, bears and maybe even Bigfoot.
Native Americans, Swedish immigrants and even cattle thieves have all taken shelter in a little spot along the St. Croix River.
Claws, scales, teeth and tails: There's a place in Medford where alligators and snakes have taken over.
The sounds of summer wouldn't be complete without the familiar tune of mosquitoes buzzing. But did you ever wonder: Why do mosquitoes buzz? Good Question.
The funny bone is anything but funny. So why does it hurt so bad when it gets hit? It turns out there's a "humerus" answer.
It's an age-old question that's been studied for years: When is the best time to exercise? Good Question.
Summer projects around the house are a staple of the season. Figuring out which ones to tackle yourself versus hiring a professional can be tough for beginners.
If you were traveling this holiday weekend, you might have helped break a record. More than 3 million passengers went through TSA checkpoints on Sunday — the most ever in a single day.
The Minnesota State Fair has announced its new offerings for 2024, and they include plenty of fried foods, plenty of dairy, and plenty of sweet corn. See the full roster of new items here.
Thousands lined the streets of Hennepin Avenue on Sunday for the Twin Cities Pride Parade.
Many Minnesotans will be cleaning up Thursday from a storm system that brought sizable hail, heavy winds and possible tornado touchdowns.
Minnesotans were delighted by an otherworldly light show Friday night that was on a level the state hadn't seen in nearly two decades.
Many Minnesotans were treated to a stunning double rainbow on Thursday.
Meteorologist Joseph Dames says Thursday will be so lovely that it's been declared a #Top10WxDay!
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.
The Twin Cities will soak up the sunshine on Thursday — a #Top10WxDay!
Meteorologist Joseph Dames says the NEXT Weather team has declared Thursday a #Top10WxDay!
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says Thursday will be a #Top10WxDay!
Chalk artist Shawn McCann visits WCCO to discuss this weekend's eye-popping event at the Shops at West End.
Local professional matchmaker Sabrina Lorbiecki from It’s Just Lunch Twin Cities discusses an event for singles craving the old-school romantic moments of “Bridgerton.”
"SpongeBob SquarePants" is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week.
As the Minneapolis park worker strike enters its 15th day with no clear end in sight, the City Council is expected to vote on a resolution of support on Thursday.
The nonprofit Tubman broke ground on Wednesday night at Harriet's Haven for Pets in Maplewood.