Budget-Setting Session Reaches Deadline, But Show May Go On
A midnight deadline to adopt a new two-year budget bore down Monday on the Minnesota Legislature, which could see its stay in St. Paul extended by a rift over preschool.
A midnight deadline to adopt a new two-year budget bore down Monday on the Minnesota Legislature, which could see its stay in St. Paul extended by a rift over preschool.
Minnesota's legislative leaders have promised they're making progress on a budget deal. Now they have something to show for it.
Legislative leaders say they're making slow but steady progress on hammering out a deal for the state's next budget. Top House and Senate lawmakers were expected to resume private negotiations at Gov. Mark Dayton's residence Thursday with the goal of passing a budget by Monday's deadline. The two sides have met for hours every day this week but said little about the content of those talks.
Minnesota budget negotiations entered a holding pattern Tuesday, with each side urging the other to take the first step to bridge an enormous divide over tax cuts and transportation funding that has narrowed little through days of private meetings.
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.
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.
Pieces of Minnesota's $40-billion budget are starting to move. The work starts first in the Senate Monday with bills that fund state agencies and Minnesota's public universities and colleges.
A handful of gun bills are ready for a final vote. The Minnesota House was expected to take up bills Thursday that would legalize gun silencers and remove a requirement that gun permit owners notify state officials before bringing a firearm onto Capitol grounds. Other measures were also set for a vote.
Twin Cities light-rail transit officials today defended themselves at the State Capitol against what some lawmakers say is an "epidemic" of fare jumpers.
The Legislature has reached its spring break before grinding its way to the May 18 mandatory adjournment. Once lawmakers return in early April they'll concentrate on shaping a new two-year budget, but there's much more hanging in the balance. Here's a look at where many issues stand.
Minnesota's top Republican leaders proposed Tuesday a budget that includes $2 billion in tax cuts.
Minnesota House and Senate Republicans are ready to release a transportation plan they'll push as an alternative to a hefty proposal offered by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.
It's time to talk about the minimum wage again. The Republican-controlled House was expected to take up a bill Monday afternoon that would allow employers to pay tipped staff $8 hourly if tips bring their pay above $12 an hour.
The Department of Natural Resources is asking the Minnesota Legislature to raise entrance fees at state parks so it can maintain services at existing levels. Gov. Mark Dayton's budget proposes to bump the current $5 daily vehicle fee by $1 to $6, and the current 12-month $25 vehicle fee by $5 to $30.
A bill that would allow silencers on guns is gaining support at the State Capitol. Currently, the devices are banned in Minnesota, but the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee passed a measure legalizing them.
The prospect of legalizing silencers and removing disclosure to bring a firearm onto state Capitol grounds is heating up gun debate in Minnesota again. Gun rights advocates and gun control backers packed into a hearing room Thursday to testify on measures to expand firearm laws.
Gov. Mark Dayton says majority House Republicans are getting a "free ride" when it comes to the state's budget planning. Speaker Kurt Daudt says the House GOP will devote at least half of the state's $1.8 billion surplus to tax relief while also boosting spending for education and nursing homes. Other Republicans have called to return the entire surplus to taxpayers.
Call it Gun Day at the Minnesota Legislature. A House panel is planning to discuss a handful of firearm-related proposals Thursday.
Minnesota legislators want to set up an online service to link young businesses with capital. MNvest would work like the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. But instead of getting a CD or T-shirt for donating to a project, investors would own a piece of the company they support.
Minnesota's bank account is projected to run up a $1.87 billion surplus over the next two years, which will drive calls for new spending, tax cuts or most likely a mix. The Department of Minnesota Management and Budget provided the figure Friday in an updated economic forecast that shows stronger-than-expected growth projections, rising worker wages and surging consumer confidence.
The budget-setting preseason at Minnesota's Capitol is about to give way to the session's full-blown debate, helped along by an economic forecast that guides tax-and-spending parameters. Friday's release of the comprehensive report will determine whether Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature still have a projected $1 billion surplus at their disposal — or if it's gone up or down since the last look in December.
Behind a bill to add a scant three lines to Minnesota's hunting laws is a story of an aging man. George Krog served in the military, first in Cuba and then in the Philippines. He made a career out of working with steel, retired, paid his taxes and bought a deer hunting license every year. Now 84, Krog is afraid he won't get a shot at a buck again.
As lawmakers are trying to make changes to the state's lottery, Gov. Mark Dayton is celebrating it. At a news conference Friday morning, the Governor said the lottery has generated $2.4 billion for public projects since its inception 25 years ago.
A Minnesota state senator resigned Friday from an outside job leading a municipal association that lobbies at the Capitol, despite a ruling from ethics regulators that it wouldn't constitute a conflict of interest.
New campaign reports are about to shed more light on the price of political power. Reports being made public Tuesday contain details on financial activity for candidates, parties and political groups involved in last year's campaigns for Minnesota offices.
A swim instructor, certified to teach kids with special needs, is aiming to help Minnesota families through virtual trainings.
The Washington Post on Friday said it will not endorse Kamala Harris, Donald Trump or any other candidate this year.
Now this terrible chapter in American history is no longer hidden. But many Native families are still dealing with generational trauma created by those schools.
Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, died surrounded by his family, a post on his Instagram said.
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection with a shooting that killed two men at a tobacco shop in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood, county attorney says.
A swim instructor, certified to teach kids with special needs, is aiming to help Minnesota families through virtual trainings.
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection with a shooting that killed two men at a tobacco shop in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood, county attorney says.
Overnight video shows just how intense the fire was. Witnesses said it went up without warning and spread from one houseboat to another.
A Minneapolis man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his neighbor for pruning a tree he believed was on his property line, court documents show.
A 29-year-old St. Paul man had an open bottle and was driving more than 100 mph when he crashed Wednesday near downtown Minneapolis, killing a woman and injuring several others, charges say.
A swim instructor, certified to teach kids with special needs, is aiming to help Minnesota families through virtual trainings.
Homelessness is a difficult issue to quantify, but for more than three decades the Wilder Foundation has been trying to do just that through the Minnesota Homeless Study.
When a small town was looking for a dog park, a high school senior stepped up. Jaxon Wagner made an idea a reality in the town of Montevideo.
Two men are dead following a head-on crash involving two pickup trucks on Thursday morning in northeastern Minnesota.
A man accused of killing one person and injuring another while leading police on a high-speed chase in western Minnesota following a domestic violence-related standoff in Minneapolis was charged Thursday morning.
Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
In-person early voting is kicking off across battleground Wisconsin, with former President Barack Obama and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz hosting a rally in liberal Madison.
Racial justice advocates are calling for action after a substitute teacher in Woodbury was accused of reenacting George Floyd's murder in class.
Firefighters' efforts were hampered by the strong winds and downed power lines, as well as a broken natural gas line, officials say.
Inspiring a generation to connect by using culture, music and food — that is the goal of a group of diverse Minnesotans committed to bridging the gap between people of different backgrounds.
A Minnesota mother is on a mission to protect children with autism and ease the burden on their families.
After Denise Godwin received a terminal breast cancer diagnosis last November, she decided to go big in her final months with a haunted house display unlike any other in the Halloween Capital of the World.
A groundbreaking for a place that's expected to be a game changer for food entrepreneurs took place Wednesday. Northside Economic Opportunity Network's, also known as NEON, Collective Kitchen will provide commercial kitchen space — and opportunity.
A local food shelf gets a huge renovation and hopes to intercept violence in Minneapolis.
The Washington Post on Friday said it will not endorse Kamala Harris, Donald Trump or any other candidate this year.
Now this terrible chapter in American history is no longer hidden. But many Native families are still dealing with generational trauma created by those schools.
President Joe Biden expressed the nation's regret over the government's role in the abuse and neglect of Native American children.
President Biden in Arizona issued a formal presidential apology for the atrocities committed during a 150-year era of forced federal Indian boarding schools.
The governor blamed former President Donald Trump for losing the most manufacturing jobs in U.S. history. While technically and factually true, it's misleading and out of context.
A car, stolen in Chicago and recovered in Minnesota, was brought into Best Autobody in Blaine to be looked at. The car's owner now says the shop is asking for $30,000 or her car will be sent to auction.
Holiday spending could break an all-time record this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that sales could hit a whopping $989 billion this season.
Rising prescription drug prices can be tough to swallow, but apps and websites can help lower your pharmacy bill.
Years after Krispy Kreme vanished from Minnesota following a much-ballyhooed opening blitz, the doughnut chain is planning to return to the state.
Every year, about a third of all food in the United States goes to waste. A healthy portion of that is due to confusion about labeling dates.
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection with a shooting that killed two men at a tobacco shop in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood, county attorney says.
A Minneapolis man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his neighbor for pruning a tree he believed was on his property line, court documents show.
A 29-year-old St. Paul man had an open bottle and was driving more than 100 mph when he crashed Wednesday near downtown Minneapolis, killing a woman and injuring several others, charges say.
Celebrity chef and restauranteur Justin Sutherland was arrested inside a St. Paul Spirit Halloween store on Thursday after police say an officer spotted him with a woman who has a no-contact order against him.
A metal ring, about the size of a quarter, led to Matthew Ecker's murder charge for the death of Alexandra Pennig.
The EPA has finalized stricter rules meant to limit the exposure of children to lead paint.
One year into Minnesota's free school meals program, the state's DFL leaders are defending the decision to go millions of dollars over budget to serve nearly 150 million meals to students.
McDonald's said it believes onions may be to blame for the deadly E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder.
Fauci was scheduled to speak at Northrop at 6 p.m. Earlier in the day, some students gathered in support of the 11 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested on campus on Monday.
There are currently 4 million people in the U.S. right now that have a title in common: breast cancer survivor. But for half of them, another health battle begins when the cancer battle ends.
Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, died surrounded by his family, a post on his Instagram said.
Celebrity chef and restauranteur Justin Sutherland was arrested inside a St. Paul Spirit Halloween store on Thursday after police say an officer spotted him with a woman who has a no-contact order against him.
It's that time of year when people like to get frightened for fun, and a Twin Cities woman is using her artistic talents to fuel that fun in more ways than one.
Inspiring a generation to connect by using culture, music and food — that is the goal of a group of diverse Minnesotans committed to bridging the gap between people of different backgrounds.
Fans of the Purple One will have to waste a little bit more time before they get to see the forthcoming stage adaption of their idol's 1984 hit. Its debut is being delayed by roughly half a year.
Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw will require season-ending surgery after suffering a knee injury during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday.
Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold didn't blame the officials for a missed face mask call when he was sacked for a safety late in the fourth quarter of the Vikings' 30-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Demarcus Robinson caught two of Matthew Stafford's four TD throws in the Los Angeles Rams' 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Matt Boldy broke a tie 54 seconds into the third period, and the Minnesota Wild remained unbeaten in regulation, topping the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Thursday night.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards isn't just confident he could make the transition to the NFL — he believes he could go toe-to-toe with the league's best players.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
With nearly two weeks until Election Day, the polls are tighter than ever. One development that has Democrats concerned and Republicans thrilled is Trump's relative strength with minority voters.
Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork.
Did you know Minnesota has a real castle? Miller Castle, near Nisswa.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us through the long history and evolution of the Goldy Gopher mascot.
The town has embraced the stones so much that every summer they have Agate Days, also known as the largest rock show in Minnesota, with over 100 vendors.
Eagles, pigs and aliens are three things that don't typically fit together. But at Mimi and Papa's in the far-southern Minnesota town of Windom, there's a lot that doesn't quite fit together.
Homelessness is a difficult issue to quantify, but for more than three decades the Wilder Foundation has been trying to do just that through the Minnesota Homeless Study.
With glowing eyes and a crooked smile, jack-o-lanterns crop up every Halloween, but where did the tradition come from?
It takes 15 to 20 minutes for most adults to fall asleep. During that period, an odd sensation can occur which about seven out of 10 of us experience: bedtime twitches.
Holiday spending could break an all-time record this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that sales could hit a whopping $989 billion this season.
The earliest snowfall in the Twin Cities was Sept. 24, 1985 — coming in a fourth-tenths of an inch. The latest first snowfall was on Dec. 3, 1928.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Storms ripped through parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday evening. There were several reports of tornadoes and trees were downed in the metro and beyond, including in Cottage Grove, Anoka, Champlin and Fridley.
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday night, delaying Tuesday's opening.
A severe thunderstorm swept through the Twin Cities metro late Monday evening, bringing sights to behold.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has your latest forecast.
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.
We'll be heating back to the 70s in the coming days.
Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says this weekend will be sunny with temperatures in the 60s.
Friday will bring a sunny, cool end to the week.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has your latest forecast.
One dog shelter in Minnesota is making a huge impact for animals looking for a home after fleeing the hurricanes in Florida. WCCO's Tony Peterson reports.
After two drowning deaths rocked the community, a swim teacher is throwing a life raft to families with autistic children. WCCO's David Schuman has more.
A Minneapolis man has been charged with four counts after shooting his neighbor over a property dispute. WCCO's Frank McLister has the story.
We'll be heating back to the 70s in the coming days.