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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.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk is cranking up the pressure to pass a major transportation package this year. The Cook Democrat said Thursday he thinks the Legislature will punt until at least 2017 if lawmakers fail this session to pass new funding for roads and bridges.
Gov. Mark Dayton is holding up his focus on education in his new budget as an investment in Minnesota's future. Schools and early learning programs make out well in the Dayton plan announced Tuesday.
The short week at the Minnesota Legislature means less time to complete work on some time-sensitive matters. Legislators were returning to St. Paul on Tuesday. By week's end, they hope to send Gov. Mark Dayton a bill containing about $20 million in tax deductions and credits.
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.
Minnesota lawmakers dangled the possibility of free vocational college tuition, student-loan forgiveness in certain career fields and tax breaks for the agriculture, mining and timber industries as potential uses for a $1 billion projected surplus.
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?
Top Minnesota lawmakers have had early discussions about cramming more work into the next five months so they could skip a 2016 session amid a construction-ravaged Capitol. Senate Minority Leader David Hann raised the prospect Tuesday, and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk hasn't ruled it out. Bakk acknowledged having preliminary talks with House Speaker Kurt Daudt about that option.
The strike of a gavel Tuesday will start Minnesota's Legislative session, a marathon of bills, amendments, debate and disagreements that will run into the spring. Here's a taste of what may be brewing at the Capitol this year.
Existing emergency accounts are probably sufficient to cover state costs related to severe June flooding and avoid the need for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature. That message was delivered Tuesday by Gov. Mark Dayton's administration.
Minnesota's defense against future budget shortfalls is a bit sturdier. State finance officials said Tuesday they deposited $150 million more into Minnesota government's main rainy-day account.
Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a trio of major bills that he says will help Minnesota's economic growth. The governor was surrounded by legislative Democrats on Tuesday as he signed the tax, budget and construction project bills without a single line-item veto.
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.
Mark Sanchez was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds following the altercation on Oct. 4. He was then charged with battery involving serious bodily injury, a felony.
St. Paul police are investigating after two men were injured in a shooting on the city's east side late Saturday night.
A man will receive millions of dollars after losing part of his leg due to a crash with a Metro Transit bus in Minneapolis more than two years ago.
The shooting at Willie's Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island left at least 20 injured, including four in critical condition, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said.
Democratic leaders in Congress have pushed for serious negotiations with Republican leaders and the White House to end the stalemate.
St. Paul police are investigating after two men were injured in a shooting on the city's east side late Saturday night.
A man will receive millions of dollars after losing part of his leg due to a crash with a Metro Transit bus in Minneapolis more than two years ago.
A treasurer of a non-profit in Isanti County, Minnesota is accused of using her position to steal nearly $100,000.
An 85-year-old man has died after a crash in Lakeville, Minnesota late Saturday morning. The 44-year-old driver in the other car suffered life-threatening injuries.
"I realized there were a lot of other people across the country doing the same thing I was. So I figured I could connect with them on an online platform and we could pass the time together," said Luke Wachowiak.
A treasurer of a non-profit in Isanti County, Minnesota is accused of using her position to steal nearly $100,000.
Nearly a week after a small plane crashed near an airport in McGregor, Minnesota, almost everyone is out of the hospital, and man's best friend is back with his owners.
Data entry errors in DWI testing equipment may impact at least 277 cases and have prompted the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to order a statewide inspection of the instruments.
Health officials in Minnesota is reporting two new measles cases, bringing the state's total number this year to 20.
An inmate is dead after an apparent fight with his cellmate on Thursday inside Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City.
Nearly a week after a small plane crashed near an airport in McGregor, Minnesota, almost everyone is out of the hospital, and man's best friend is back with his owners.
Working as a starting pitcher in the NL Division Series between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers has been one tough job.
A federal judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man accused of smuggling lab equipment to Russian companies to a year and a day in prison.
Wisconsin's Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul has decided not to run for governor and will instead seek reelection to a third term.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is asking a judge to immediately put on hold his order that would require elections officials to verify the citizenship of all 3.6 million registered Wisconsin voters before the next statewide election in February.
When the news broke that Milton's would be closing, many longtime patrons were stunned.
Kelly Kunz began what she calls "Street Justice Ministry" months ago, buying a bus and using it to give essentials to those on the streets.
A 90-year-old former network producer is sharing her life lessons in a book, detailing her upbringing from a farm in Minnesota to Manhattan and back.
Love Your Melon began with beanies and a mission to fight childhood cancer. Now, one of its founders is bringing it all back with a bold new vision.
Donald Henson of Penn Hills is facing federal charges of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a governmental officer or employee and damaging government property.
The 2025 election is just over three weeks away and one of the biggest races is for St. Paul mayor. There are five candidates who are running. Incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter talked about his vision for a third term with Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
Democratic leaders in Congress have pushed for serious negotiations with Republican leaders and the White House to end the stalemate.
Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment amid his ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, a spokesperson said.
President Trump said Friday he will impose an additional 100% tariff on imports from China starting next month — marking a significant escalation in the U.S.-China trade war.
President Trump is vowing to retaliate if China enforces stricter curbs on exports of materials used in electronics, defense weapons and high-tech products.
It's a pretty polarizing food — some love it, some not so much. Cottage cheese has been hard to find recently because sales are skyrocketing.
A beloved Minnesota brewery that closed its taproom in 2023 and ceased operations completely earlier this year is set to make a return.
Owamni, a decorated Indigenous restaurant that sits along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, is relocating — but it's not going far.
It's common nowadays to wear something in or over your ears to listen to music, a podcast or talk on the phone. Some people use them for hours on end every single day.
A new initiative is letting people bring open alcoholic drinks onto the streets of Shakopee and inside participating businesses. But it's getting mixed reviews one month in.
Mark Sanchez was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds following the altercation on Oct. 4. He was then charged with battery involving serious bodily injury, a felony.
St. Paul police are investigating after two men were injured in a shooting on the city's east side late Saturday night.
The shooting at Willie's Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island left at least 20 injured, including four in critical condition, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said.
A treasurer of a non-profit in Isanti County, Minnesota is accused of using her position to steal nearly $100,000.
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione asked a New York federal judge on Saturday to dismiss some criminal charges, including the only count for which he could face the death penalty, from a federal indictment brought against him in the December assassination of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive.
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione asked a New York federal judge on Saturday to dismiss some criminal charges, including the only count for which he could face the death penalty, from a federal indictment brought against him in the December assassination of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive.
Health officials in Minnesota is reporting two new measles cases, bringing the state's total number this year to 20.
A North Dakota judge has upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for kids.
Some Minnesotans in the state's 6th Congressional District are calling on Republican Rep. Tom Emmer to restore health care funding and end the government shutdown.
You likely know what OCD stands for, but many people don't know what having obsessive-compulsive disorder actually means.
Diane Keaton had a decades-long career with performances in 1977's "Annie Hall," the "The Godfather" films, and many more.
"Purple Rain," the movie that launched Prince into superstardom in 1984, is hitting the stage.
Three Banana Ball games will be held in Minneapolis next year, according to the Minnesota Twins, who say all of the games will feature the Savannah Bananas and the Loco Beach Coconuts.
Dolly Parton's spokesperson told CBS News that she was filming the video to address fans' concerns.
Disney is hiking single-day ticket prices at two of it most popular parks for certain holiday periods.
Mark Sanchez was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds following the altercation on Oct. 4. He was then charged with battery involving serious bodily injury, a felony.
Koi Perich returned an interception for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and Minnesota held on to defeat Purdue 27-20.
Kirill Marchenko had his fourth career hat trick and Elvis Merzlikins made 48 saves in his season debut to carry the Columbus Blue Jackets past Minnesota 7-4 to spoil the Wild's home opener on Saturday.
A'ja Wilson scored 31 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young both added 18 and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier earned her third consecutive All-WNBA First Team selection on Friday.
Rep. Nolan West says day cares aren’t safe enough, and he has firsthand experience.
Ahead of the next legislative session, Rep. Nolan West is leading the effort to redraft all Minnesota day care regulations, including safety rules.
Ahead of the next legislative session, Rep. Nolan West is leading the effort to redraft all Minnesota day care regulations, including safety rules.
Her has represented St. Paul in the state legislature since 2019. Among the neighborhoods she represents are Cathedral Hill and Mac-Groveland.
Melvin Carter is seeking a 3rd term as St. Paul mayor. He has four opponents running against him. One of them is Rep. Kaohly Her.
Ramsey Park is so large some people call it "The Little Yellowstone of Minnesota." And it was actually a state park at one point. But in 1957, Redwood Falls acquired the land for $1 and then made a few changes.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to one of the last limestone kilns in the state.
Earlier this month, many students went back to school after summer vacation, but in the town of McGregor, Minnesota it's always the first day of school.
In the United States, there are 13 different towns named Long Beach. The one in Minnesota is the smallest, but it's found a colorful way to stand out.
The Aerial Lift Bridge has been granting safe passage for so long that it's become part of the city's skyline. It's evolved over the years, but many of its original parts are still intact.
It's a pretty polarizing food — some love it, some not so much. Cottage cheese has been hard to find recently because sales are skyrocketing.
You likely know what OCD stands for, but many people don't know what having obsessive-compulsive disorder actually means.
It's common nowadays to wear something in or over your ears to listen to music, a podcast or talk on the phone. Some people use them for hours on end every single day.
Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield finds out if there is "ick" in the licks.
The Twin Cities each have a unique personality, pace, and history. But in the mid-1800s, both were still searching for what to call their communities.
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 photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says there will be on-and-off showers throughout the day.
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.
Wind gusts will reach up to 35 mph, and there's a chance for some on-and-off showers throughout the day.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says to expect clouds and gusty winds for most of the day.
We have a bit of rain headed our way. Rain will move through the state on Sunday. Lisa Meadows breaks down the timing and shares how much rain we could see.
Esme Murphy has the latest headlines and updates from WCCO.com.
When you think of CHS Field, you probably think of baseball games, but this month it's transforming into a spooky attraction unlike any other.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says there will be on-and-off showers throughout the day.
The 2025 election is just over three weeks away and one of the biggest races is for St. Paul mayor. There are five candidates who are running. Incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter talked about his vision for a third term with Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
The NHL is working on building diversity. In the 2025 draft, teams selected 20 players who are Black, Indigenous, Asian-American and Latin-American, a record. In 2022, the NHL released its first diversity report showing 90% of players are white, a much higher percentage than in other pro sports.