1 dead when utility pole falls on vehicle in Hopkins, sparking fire
Xcel Energy says "the pole was inspected recently and was in compliance with all required safety standards."
Minnesota
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Sheriff sends warning letters to gang members ahead of Minnesota State Fair
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is putting young people with potential gang connections on notice days before the start of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
Far-right instigator arrested for probable cause riot in Minneapolis
Far-right influencer and pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionist Jake Lang was arrested Saturday, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Target pulls Halloween costume it calls "offensive" and "hurtful"
Target says it's no longer selling a Halloween costume that it describes as "offensive" and "hurtful," according to a company statement released on Monday.
Wisconsin HS football player dies from injuries sustained during game
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Child seriously injured by lawn mower in central Minnesota
A Michigan child is in the hospital after being run over by a lawn mower in central Minnesota Friday afternoon.
Charges: Tree trimmer crushed coworker's head while playing shadow puppets
A 34-year-old man is accused of playing shadow puppets with the grapple of a boom and crushing his coworker's head as they were trimming trees in Apple Valley, Minnesota, on Thursday evening.
Allina hospice nurses vote to authorize 7-day unfair labor practice strike
Hospice nurses who work for Minnesota-based Allina Health have voted to authorize a seven-day unfair labor practice strike, the union representing them said on Monday.
Sidekick "ankle exoskeleton" shoes bringing science fiction tech to life
Exoskeletons are moving beyond science fiction. One company, Dephy, is putting the tech into something familiar: a pair of shoes.
Mining near Boundary Waters
Does a copper-nickel mine near Minnesota's Boundary Waters make sense?
Advocates say a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota is the type of diversification needed to keep the industry alive in the region. Concerned neighbors worry that it could compromise the watershed and tarnish the wilderness area. Beyond environmental concerns, some wonder if a copper-nickel mine in the area makes sense.
Can Minnesota's Boundary Waters be mined safely?
Gov. Tim Walz's move to ban mining near the Boundary Waters highlights a long-standing debate: Can a copper-nickel mine operate in a northern Minnesota watershed without tarnishing the world-class Boundary Waters? The answer depends on who you ask.
Twin Metals has spent $650M on Minnesota mine still awaiting approval
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
NEXT Weather Headlines
As Minnesota drought conditions worsen, relief remains uncertain
Minnesota's drought has reached extreme levels in part of northwestern Minnesota, as more than 88% of the state is now feeling the impacts.
Why Minnesota could see a warmer-than-average fall this year
Between Minnesota's third longest heatwave on record and the first 100-degree day in four years, it's safe to say this summer has been a scorcher. If you're hoping for a big cooldown come fall, the odds aren't in your favor.
Severe drought expands in Minnesota, threatening farms
Drought conditions have spread across much of Minnesota, with some of the state's driest conditions in central and northern Minnesota.
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Thousands of beagles bred for research in Wisconsin get a new life
The final 155 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that bred dogs for biomedical research, are beginning new lives after being relocated to a Florida rescue — the last of more than 2,000 dogs released from the facility this year.
Patisserie 46 unveils new State Fair-inspired creations
Chef John Kraus shares a preview of the Banana Butterscotch Barnraiser.
Here's why high school seniors should consider training for a career in the trades
Dunwoody College President Scott Stallman shares some information for those looking at a trade-based education.
1 dead when utility pole falls on vehicle in Hopkins, sparking fire and power outage
Police say an investigation is underway after a utility pole fell on a vehicle, sparking a fire and killing the person inside early Sunday evening in Hopkins, Minnesota.
Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire on American Airlines flig
A passenger's laptop caught fire on an American Airlines flight Friday, with the pilot reporting that some passengers may have been burned, according to air traffic control audio.
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Padres beat Twins 8-1 for a three-game sweep
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs and drove in four runs for the red-hot San Diego Padres, who beat the Minnesota Twins 8-1 for a three-game sweep in a showdown of teams pushing for wild-card spots.
Wisconsin HS football player dies from injuries sustained during game
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Loons beat Earthquakes, 5-1
Kelvin Yeboah scored two goals to help Minnesota United beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-1 to snap a nine-game winless streak.
Padres beat Twins 7-5
Jake Cronenworth raced home with the tying run on an error and Ty France singled in the go-ahead run during a four-run rally in the seventh inning that gave the San Diego Padres a 7-5 win against the Minnesota Twins.
France homers, drives in 3 runs as Padres beat Twins 6-2
Ty France homered and drove in three runs and Randy Vásquez and two relievers combined on a two-hitter as the San Diego Padres beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 in the opener of a three-game series between teams fighting for wild-card berths.
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What are the "August blues"?
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
Is profanity allowed in political ads?
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
Why are loon eyes red?
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
Here's why school supply prices are up in 2026
Parents will be digging deeper into their wallets this back-to-school season.
What triggers a water ban?
Minnesotans have become quite familiar with drought in recent years. Not only how it affects the water supply, but also the rules that can come with it.
Community Journalism
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St. Paul clears out Pig's Eye Park encampment
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
St. Paul authorizes $1M for shelters ahead of encampment closures
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
St. Paul shifts approach on homeless encampments with planned closures
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Metrodome's blue seats find new home at Atwater baseball field
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
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Minneapolis police investigate weekend stabbings at bar, after-hours club
Police are investigating two weekend stabbings that occurred in Minneapolis early Sunday: one inside a popular North Loop bar, and one at a northside after-hours club.
Sheriff sends warning letters to gang members ahead of Minnesota State Fair
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is putting young people with potential gang connections on notice days before the start of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
1 dead when utility pole falls on vehicle in Hopkins, sparking fire
Police say an investigation is underway after a utility pole fell on a vehicle, sparking a fire and killing the person inside early Sunday evening in Hopkins, Minnesota.
As Minnesota drought conditions worsen, relief remains uncertain
Minnesota's drought has reached extreme levels in part of northwestern Minnesota, as more than 88% of the state is now feeling the impacts.
St. Paul firefighters respond to 3 separate fires within 90 minutes
Officials say emergency crews in St. Paul responded to three different fires within 90 minutes of each other on Saturday.
Greater Minnesota News
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Child seriously injured by lawn mower in central Minnesota
A Michigan child is in the hospital after being run over by a lawn mower in central Minnesota Friday afternoon.
Semi driver swerved into motorcyclist in fatal northern Minnesota crash, charges say
A Pennsylvania man is accused of causing a fatal crash on a northern Minnesota highway last week by swerving his semi into a motorcycle and pushing it into a cable barrier.
1 dead, 1 injured in central Minnesota crash
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office says it received a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 2 and County Road 33 in Roseville Township just before 2 p.m. Saturday.
Does a copper-nickel mine near Minnesota's Boundary Waters make sense?
Advocates say a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota is the type of diversification needed to keep the industry alive in the region. Concerned neighbors worry that it could compromise the watershed and tarnish the wilderness area. Beyond environmental concerns, some wonder if a copper-nickel mine in the area makes sense.
Minnesota hemp farmer sees potential in industry, despite looming federal ban
A Minnesota hemp farmer won't let a looming federal ban cut down his efforts to create family fun.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin HS football player dies from injuries sustained during game
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Salmonella, E. coli outbreak linked to Minnesota-grown alfalfa sprouts
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Former Wisconsin TE Jack Pugh died from pneumonia linked to heart disease
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
Western Wisconsin man, 48, killed in crash on I-94
The crash happened at approximately 7:12 a.m. on westbound I-94 at milepost 13 in St. Croix County near Roberts, Wisconsin, according to the State Patrol.
Wisconsin election results and live counts for August 2026 primary
Wisconsin residents headed to the polls Tuesday — or voted early — to have their say in the 2026 primary. Here are live results.
Politics
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Democrat Christina Bohannan tries again in pivotal US House race in Iowa
After losing one of the closest House races in the country, Democrat Christina Bohannan is campaigning earlier and deeper into rural Iowa, including counties she did not visit before the 2024 election.
Matt Little's primary victory sets up high-stakes battle for Minnesota's CD2
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
Matt Little's primary victory sets up high-stakes battle for Minnesota's 2nd CD
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Consumer News
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Minnesota expert shares guidance amid illnesses linked to alfalfa sprouts
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Salmonella, E. coli outbreak linked to Minnesota-grown alfalfa sprouts
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals has spent $650M on Minnesota mine still awaiting approval
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
Minnesota AG releases documents in Fleet Farm straw buyer lawsuit
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released nearly 700 documents Wednesday in his office's investigation into Fleet Farm, alleging the company "ignored an internal warning" about selling firearms to a "straw buyer."
Target's comeback quarter: More shoppers and a $994M tariff refund
Target is reporting its second straight quarter of comparable sales gains, saying a merchandising overhaul under the discount retailer's new CEO was attracting more customers.
Crime News
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Semi driver swerved into motorcyclist in fatal northern Minnesota crash, charges say
A Pennsylvania man is accused of causing a fatal crash on a northern Minnesota highway last week by swerving his semi into a motorcycle and pushing it into a cable barrier.
Minneapolis police investigate weekend stabbings at bar, after-hours club
Police are investigating two weekend stabbings that occurred in Minneapolis early Sunday: one inside a popular North Loop bar, and one at a northside after-hours club.
Sheriff sends warning letters to gang members ahead of Minnesota State Fair
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is putting young people with potential gang connections on notice days before the start of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
White Bear Lake man pleads guilty to sexually assaulting 14-year-old girl
One of five Minnesota men facing criminal sexual conduct charges for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty on Friday, according to court documents.
Police: Over 80 vehicles damaged across Minneapolis in 9 separate incidents
Police in Minneapolis are investigating after at least 87 vehicles were damaged across several areas of the city in nine separate incidents early Friday.
Health News
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Allina hospice nurses vote to authorize 7-day unfair labor practice strike
Hospice nurses who work for Minnesota-based Allina Health have voted to authorize a seven-day unfair labor practice strike, the union representing them said on Monday.
Minnesota woman with end-stage renal disease in need of kidney donor
Could you have a life-saving kidney? A Minnesota woman with end-stage renal disease says she needs one.
Minnesota expert shares guidance amid illnesses linked to alfalfa sprouts
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
How one mother works to provide access to Narcan training
Friday marks the fifth annual National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, which has the goal of raising awareness about a drug epidemic that costs tens of thousands of lives a year.
Salmonella, E. coli outbreak linked to Minnesota-grown alfalfa sprouts
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Entertainment News
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Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Hairball replaces Rod Stewart show at Minnesota State Fair
Hairball, an '80s rock 'n' roll tribute band, will replace the Rod Stewart show at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand that was slated for Sept. 1.
4 Your Weekend: What to do in Minnesota Aug. 21-23, 2026
The Renaissance Festival, county fairs, Picklefest and Potato Days — there's plenty to do this weekend in Minnesota.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.