Minnesota Senate advances bill establishing a new Office of Inspector General
A proposal to establish a new state government watchdog designed to fight fraud in public programs sailed through the Minnesota Senate on Thursday.
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A proposal to establish a new state government watchdog designed to fight fraud in public programs sailed through the Minnesota Senate on Thursday.
A new bill making its way to the Minnesota Senate floor would make tweaks to earned sick and safe time, a law that requires employers to give workers paid time off if they're sick or they're child is sick, amongst several other newer laws. WCCO's Caroline Cummings explains why.
Republican Keri Heintzeman is projected to beat Democrat Denise Slipy with more than 60% of the vote to replace Eichorn in Senate District 6.
Minnesota Democratic state Sen. Alice Mann, an ER physician, talks with Esme Murphy about criticism of her law which provides health care to undocumented Minnesotans.
The Minnesota DFL alleges she ignored campaign contribution limits by accepting more than the maximum allowed from nine different donors.
A former Minnesota state senator accused of attempting to pay a teenager for sex pleaded not guilty on Monday in his federal arraignment hearing in St. Paul.
A former Minnesota state senator is due back in federal court for an arraignment.
There is a budget battle brewing when the Minnesota Legislature returns to the state capitol on Monday after a week-long break, as the sprint to the finish line in mid-May begins.
The ethics standards in the Minnesota Legislature are facing fresh scrutiny after a prominent state senator didn't disclose a former legal client poised to benefit from a bill he sponsored.
Ethics rules are under the spotlight at the State Capitol following concerns about a conflict of interest involving a prominent state senator. Caroline Cummings explains why government watchdogs say it's time for a change.
At the State Capitol, there is a bipartisan effort to limit the authority of homeowner association (HOA) boards and make their dealings more transparent.
Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion said he would temporarily step down as chair of the chamber's ethics committee in the wake of concerns that he did not disclose a conflict of interest.
The GOP cited "serious concerns" alleging the Democrat used his legislative position to potentially benefit a private legal client.
J.P. Morgan revised its prediction for a recession to 60% for this year.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a special election in late April for the Brainerd Lakes-area seat vacated by former GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn, who faces a federal charge for allegedly soliciting a teenager for sex.
The proposal comes less than a year after a WCCO investigation into tracing crime guns through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' National Tracing Center.
The wife of Justin Eichorn, the former Republican Minnesota state senator federally charged with attempting to solicit sex from a minor, faces allegations from federal prosecutors that she helped try to conceal evidence for him.
Justin Eichorn, the former Republican Minnesota state senator who resigned last week after being charged with soliciting a minor for sex, was ordered to be released from a county jail and into a halfway home on Wednesday as he awaits his trial.
Justin Eichorn, the former Republican Minnesota state senator who resigned last week after being charged with soliciting a minor for sex, was ordered to be released from a county jail and into a halfway home on Wednesday as he awaits his trial.
The richest man in the world is using his deep pockets to try to sway next month's Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Elon Musk is offering $100 to anyone who signs a petition against what he calls "activist judges." Now, a DFL senator wants to ban that sort of influence here in Minnesota.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has called a special election for the Brainerd Lakes-area seat vacated by former GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn, who faces a federal charge for allegedly soliciting a teenager for sex.
A federal judge in Minnesota has blocked the release of a former state senator accused of soliciting a teenage girl for sex after he allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a special election in late April for the Brainerd Lakes-area seat vacated by former GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn, who faces a federal charge for allegedly soliciting a teenager for sex.
A federal judge in Minnesota has blocked the release of a former state senator accused of soliciting a teenage girl for sex after he allegedly obstructed the investigation by attempting to hide evidence.
Should you be allowed to remove your cat's claws? A new bill at the Minnesota Capitol would take that choice out of your hands.
Sloane Martin tells the story of the game beyond what fans see on TV, and brings fans exclusive conversations with the standout player of each game — a role she treasures.
A new exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul is putting skin under the spotlight.
Wisconsin business owner Bill Berrien, a supporter of President Donald Trump, ended his Republican campaign for governor on Friday, days after it was reported that he followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online, including a nonbinary pornography performer.
Minnesota announced Baldelli's firing following a season marked by a major selloff leading up to the trade deadline after the team faltered in June and failed to mount any momentum in July.
Three more measles cases have been reported in Minnesota in the past week.
Sloane Martin tells the story of the game beyond what fans see on TV, and brings fans exclusive conversations with the standout player of each game — a role she treasures.
A new exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul is putting skin under the spotlight.
Minnesota announced Baldelli's firing following a season marked by a major selloff leading up to the trade deadline after the team faltered in June and failed to mount any momentum in July.
Three more measles cases have been reported in Minnesota in the past week.
All Minnesota Department of Transportation staff are taking a moment to pause Monday following the deaths of two contractors last week.
Three more measles cases have been reported in Minnesota in the past week.
All Minnesota Department of Transportation staff are taking a moment to pause Monday following the deaths of two contractors last week.
First responders in northern Minnesota rescued two people who fell into a mine pit Saturday afternoon.
Six columns were added to a memorial outside of the Minnesota State Capitol Sunday, honoring firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Authorities say one person is dead and two others, including a 6-year-old, are hurt after a firetruck overturned near a school in Cottonwood, Minnesota, on Friday evening.
Wisconsin business owner Bill Berrien, a supporter of President Donald Trump, ended his Republican campaign for governor on Friday, days after it was reported that he followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online, including a nonbinary pornography performer.
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin says it will stop scheduling patients for abortions starting next week as it works to provide the service in the face of Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill.
A loyalist of Donald Trump who represents a broad swath of Wisconsin's rural north woods in Congress entered the governor's race in the battleground state Tuesday, shaking up the Republican primary.
A Republican manufacturer running for governor in Wisconsin as a conservative supporter of "family values" and President Donald Trump followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online.
For those who like to crank the thermostat up during the winter, a new report showing data for the Midwest and other parts of the country says you should be prepared for a much higher price tag this season if you have electric heat.
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.
One of the big buyers of Minnesota soybeans isn’t paying up this year. In fact, China isn’t purchasing any of the crop grown in the U.S. right now. Caroline Cummings takes us to a farm in Faribault to see the real-world impact.
Wisconsin business owner Bill Berrien, a supporter of President Donald Trump, ended his Republican campaign for governor on Friday, days after it was reported that he followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online, including a nonbinary pornography performer.
A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa's largest school district on Monday, days after he was detained on accusations that he was living and working in the country illegally.
President Trump will meet with top congressional leaders on Monday. It's a rare high-level sitdown with leaders from both sides. Maria Lisignoli has the latest details.
Prosecutors have charged the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk with aggravated murder and plan to seek the death penalty.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently suspended payments to 11 providers that serve adults with disabilities over "credible allegations" of fraud, according to a letter written by Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi and obtained by WCCO.
"Now that prices are changed, we're in a wait-and-see. Do people start drinking less? Do people start going out less? What happens to traffic counts? Does this still financially work? It's a big unknown," said Peter Poire-Odegard, who owns Roots Roasting in St. Paul.
Credit cards often provide zero liability for fraudulent transactions. In contrast, bank accounts are the sole responsibility of the account holder.
Nearly half a year after the state's last detection of the virus, avian influenza has been found in a southern Minnesota turkey flock, according to animal health officials.
The vast collection includes pink stuffed llamas, Christmas trees, fake gingerbread houses, Day of the Dead decorations and zombie statues.
A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa's largest school district on Monday, days after he was detained on accusations that he was living and working in the country illegally.
A man who escaped the deadly attack on a Michigan church Sunday morning described his fear as he realized a shooting was taking place.
Prosecutors have charged the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk with aggravated murder and plan to seek the death penalty.
Investigators remained on scene Monday in Grand Blanc Township, where a shooting and fire at a church left multiple people dead.
If the plea deal is accepted, he will be convicted of one count of distribution of child pornography and all other charges from his indictment will be dropped.
Three more measles cases have been reported in Minnesota in the past week.
One of Minnesota's few inpatient addiction treatment units will close in a few months.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently suspended payments to 11 providers that serve adults with disabilities over "credible allegations" of fraud, according to a letter written by Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi and obtained by WCCO.
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin says it will stop scheduling patients for abortions starting next week as it works to provide the service in the face of Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill.
Now there is an urgent need for aging adults to plan for the future as the senior living market can't keep up with demand as boomers age.
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Bad Bunny will lead the 2026 Super Bowl halftime festivities at Levi's Stadium on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.
Selena Gomez married Benny Blanco, the music producer and songwriter to whom she'd been engaged since last year. Gomez shared photos from the ceremony on social media.
Jimmy Kimmel is back on his ABC late-night show, but not everywhere.
The Chad Smith Foundation is launching its first-ever scholarship at the University of Minnesota's School of Music. It honors his parents, U of M grads who instilled a lifelong love of learning and arts in their family.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show just less than a week after network broadcaster ABC pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over remarks he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Sloane Martin tells the story of the game beyond what fans see on TV, and brings fans exclusive conversations with the standout player of each game — a role she treasures.
Minnesota announced Baldelli's firing following a season marked by a major selloff leading up to the trade deadline after the team faltered in June and failed to mount any momentum in July.
Drum is an 18-year-old from Alexandria, Minnesota, and spent nine months away from the rink after a life-changing spinal cord injury.
Alyssa Thomas scores 23 points, and DeWanna Bonner hits clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Phoenix Mercury rally from a 13-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4.
Nick Castellanos capped Philadelphia's 96-win season with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning as the Phillies beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1.
Medicaid fraud allegations continue to spread in St Paul, Minnesota, as debate over a possible special session on gun control continues.
Esme Murphy looks at the role of a key player on gun control and fraud allegations: House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Violence in Minnesota and around the nation, these past few months has some people turning to their faith.
The violence seen this summer in Minnesota and around the nation has many people turning to faith to sustain them. But for others, it's a time to question faith.
The violence seen this summer in Minnesota and around the nation has many people turning to faith to sustain them. But for others, it's a time to question faith. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Archbishop Bernard Hebda about his mission to bring hope following unspeakable tragedies.
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.
There's a cabin that blends into its surroundings so well, you almost can't see it. In Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shares the story behind the "Mirror Cabin" near the town of Ironton.
It's been 50 years since WCCO has been at its current location at the "Great Minnesota Get-Together."
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.
Junk mail has a new meaning nowadays. Rather than filling an actual mailbox, people are getting bombarded with texts and emails they never asked for.
A key ingredient for the quintessential Minnesota hot dish recipe keeps going higher and higher in price, giving people sticker shock at butcher shops and grocery stores.
From Sept. 3 to 7, Minnesota saw temperatures ranging from 11 to 15 degrees below average, with highs barely creeping into the 60s followed by nights in the mid-40s.
As National Guard troops patrol the streets of Washington, D.C., President Trump has threatened to send soldiers to other cities across the country to help stop crime, but can they perform law enforcement duties? The laws create a complicated answer.
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.
The new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is under construction just outside of Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Set to open in late 2026, the $40 million, first-of-its-kind project in the nation will be eight times the size of the existing museum. It will honor not only Minnesota's service members and their sacrifices, but the refugee experience as well. Watch and read more in Pauleen Le's series "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota."
The National Weather Service has issued multiple tornado warnings and many more severe thunderstorm warnings throughout wide swaths of southern and central Minnesota Monday afternoon.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says we're looking to flirt with 90 degrees as October arrives.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says today's high temperature will hit the mid-80s with sun and some afternoon clouds.
Highs will be in the 80s all week in the Twin Cities.
The Twin Cities are in for another unseasonably warm week.
One woman who had a front row seat to all of this, and narrated the journey for fans, is Sloane Martin. In this week's women in sports, Marielle Mohs shares the unique story behind the "the voice of the Lynx."
One of the big buyers of Minnesota soybeans isn’t paying up this year. In fact, China isn’t purchasing any of the crop grown in the U.S. right now. Caroline Cummings takes us to a farm in Faribault to see the real-world impact.
WCCO's Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello share the latest news headlines and updates from Monday afternoon.
With dozens of rare specimens, from feathered birds to armored reptiles, the Science Museum of Minnesota's “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” highlights how skin helps all species survive and thrive.
The 100th anniversary of the publishing of "The Great Gatsby" is but one of the new exhibits you can explore at the Minneapolis museum, explain Bridget Gallagher and Heather Hofmeister.