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Both political parties see opportunity in President Barack Obama's two-day visit to Minnesota that starts Thursday. For Democrats, their party's biggest name will draw attention to a signature initiative: the large, upcoming bump in the state's minimum wage. For Republicans, his presence alone will give them a tangible way to connect targeted Democratic candidates to a struggling president as campaign season intensifies.
Looking for an edge, Minnesota's Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor parties are promoting no-excuse absentee voting and setting up satellite offices around the state.
A leading Republican candidate for governor is calling for an investigation into how important documents were destroyed in the case of a high-profile sex offender. Thomas Duvall, 58, has a history of violent sexual crimes dating back to the 1970s.
A scramble began Monday among four Republicans angling to be Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's fall opponent as the GOP headed for its first competitive gubernatorial primary in two decades. Party leaders are hopeful the 10-week race doesn't turn nasty and hobble the eventual nominee. What the voter pool looks like come August is anyone's guess.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson has secured the endorsement of state Republican convention delegates in his bid for Minnesota governor. He notched the win Saturday on the fourth ballot. He outlasted state Sen. Dave Thompson and former state Rep. Marty Seifert. Thompson withdrew following a third ballot and threw his backing to Johnson. Seifert said he was headed to a primary regardless of the result.
Minnesota Republicans shaped the top of a high-stakes election ticket Saturday, endorsing investment banker Mike McFadden for U.S. Senate and backing county commissioner Jeff Johnson for governor as the party tries to end Democratic political dominance in the state. McFadden's win spares him a hard primary fight and offers a clearer path to a November challenge to Democratic Sen. Al Franken. The race could help determine if U.S. Senate control flips from Democratic to Republican this fall.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson has staked out an early lead as Republicans vote to endorse a candidate for Minnesota governor. After two ballots, he had a nine-point advantage over state Sen. Dave Thompson and former state Rep. Marty Seifert. Those two were practically tied. But all three were far from the 60 percent required for endorsement.
After elaborate videos, sharp-toned speeches and even indoor fireworks, Minnesota Republicans are voting to back a candidate for U.S. Senate. Half a dozen candidates vied Friday for the GOP endorsement at the state convention, with the winner likely having to overcome an August primary challenge to face Democratic Sen. Al Franken in November.
The Republican chase to be Minnesota Sen. Al Franken's fall challenger is reaching a crucial point in Rochester. Delegates to the state GOP convention will vote to endorse a candidate.
For Minnesota Republicans, this weekend's convention in Rochester won't deliver a typical knockout punch to all of the candidates who fail to get the endorsement of the party faithful.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Kurt Zellers has looked inside his own campaign for a running mate with the selection of former state Rep. Dean Simpson. The announcement Thursday is the latest pairing involving a current or former House member.
Minnesota lawmakers are gone from the Capitol after ending the 2014 session on Friday night. It was an unusually short and productive session. Included on the completed list is the bill to legalize medical marijuana, which became among the most publicly visible -- and contentious -- issues of the year.
There was something a little different going on at the State Capitol Tuesday: A major bill that everyone appears to agree on. It means a second round of tax cuts could be heading your way. State lawmakers already passed income tax relief on the way to hundreds of thousands of middle income Minnesotans. Now, homeowners and renters are getting a break.
Minnesota Republicans trying to oust Gov. Mark Dayton from office are giving negative reviews to the final State of the State speech of the Democrat's term. Reaction from the field of challengers was sharp and swift Wednesday night.
Political calculations are complicating consideration of a public works financing package. It's a marquee bill being closely watched from water-starved Worthington to the campgrounds-in-waiting at the new Lake Vermilion State Park.
Anoka Republican Jim Abeler says he won't seek re-election to his House seat as he focuses on running for U.S. Senate. Abeler, 59, a chiropractor by trade, is among several Republicans seeking to unseat Democratic Sen. Al Franken.
Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann is formally backing GOP candidate Tom Emmer to succeed her in Congress as an expected primary awaits that Minnesota race. Bachmann and other Republican officials stood with Emmer at a Tuesday news conference.
Lawmakers entered a 10-day Easter/Passover break on Friday. Next week, House Democrats will hit the road to talk about what they've done so far, and Republicans will be sharpening their election year message.
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.
Five Republicans running for Minnesota governor are leaving no doubt they are united in their opposition to a planned Senate Office Building. The candidates held a joint news conference Thursday at the Capitol to showcase their distaste.
Sarah Palin is endorsing Minnesota state Sen. Julianne Ortman as she seeks the Republican party's Senate nomination. The former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate says Ortman will fight for small businesses and understands "the burden our federal government places on hard-working Americans."
Legislative Republicans pressed Monday for a speedy resolution to a controversy over a proposed Senate office building, making clear they oppose its construction. Several GOP lawmakers said the state should make do with the space it has, and reconfigure Capitol renovation plans if necessary.
A tax relief measure put on a fast track in the Minnesota Senate on Wednesday could mean immediate breaks for at least 300,000 people. The Democratic-crafted proposal was unveiled a day after Gov. Mark Dayton implored lawmakers to speed up. The bill could get a floor vote as soon as Thursday.
Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke out against Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's recent decision to veto a measure that some say would've allowed businesses to refuse service to gay people. Bachmann (R-Minn.) was talking with a talk radio show host during the Conservative Political Action Conference last week.
She was not on the speaking program, but Hillary Rodham Clinton had presence at the nation's largest annual gathering of conservative activists on Saturday, as high-profile Republicans launched a dual effort to attack the prospective Democratic presidential candidate and improve the GOP's longstanding struggle with women voters.
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.
A Mexican immigrant whose skull was broken during his arrest by immigration officers last month in Minnesota says the beating was unprovoked.
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 Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
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.
The Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
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.
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."
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
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 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.
We return to above average freezing temperatures on Sunday, and have a chance at the 40s Monday. Lisa Meadows shares how long we'll remain above average and when we might see a hint of snow.
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.
Seasonable cold air returns Saturday with temperatures reaching the 20s for southern and central Minnesota and teens for northern Minnesota.
We have a slight cool down today before we return to temperatures above 30s. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks it all down and shares when we could hit 40.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
We return to above average freezing temperatures on Sunday, and have a chance at the 40s Monday. Lisa Meadows shares how long we'll remain above average and when we might see a hint of snow.
A right-wing influencer planned an event at the Whipple Federal Building, he was met with counter-protesters.
Native Americans gathered at the Whipple Federal Building on Saturday to bring forth the history of the land and its current significance.
It's been one month since Renee Good was killed by a federal ICE agent. Saturday Minnesotans gathered in Powderhorn Park to honor her legacy.
We have a slight cool down today before we return to temperatures above 30s. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks it all down and shares when we could hit 40.