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You know about Prince, First Avenue, Paisley Park, and Purple Rain but what about where it all began? In this week's Finding Minnesota John Lauritsen went on a one-of-a-kind tour to learn about the lesser-known parts of Prince's life.
From barred owls to barn owls, the International Owl Center is a sort of school for people who give a hoot about these birds.
During World War II, President Roosevelt called the president of Carleton College to see if the school would help with pilot training. That's how Stanton Airfield was born.
As we get closer to the election, politicians are doing what they can to get your vote. But over 40 years ago, a mayor in the northern Minnesota town of Kinney did what she could to get her city a new water system. That meant seceding from the union.
At the top of the quarter-mile hike is the appropriately-named Inspiration Peak, a beauty that only a glacier could make. It's more than 1,700 feet above sea level, and the panoramic view allows you to see for miles, even into other counties.
Houston County is designated as "The Heart of Quilt Country." Not just because of cloth quilts, but rather quilts made out of paint.
Grandpa Rudy's Little Western Town was built by a creative man with a vision.
With the help of her son and an 80-year-old airplane, a 95-year-old Kenyon woman can cross something pretty big off her bucket list.
Social distancing has us keeping our space, but also spending more time outdoors.
About 1,400 people live in the town of Dawson, but that doesn't account for the entire population. Every city has its thing. And in 1987, the first gnome moved to town.
There's a place in northern Minnesota where the mail is delivered by boat. It has to be: roads don't actually reach many of the cabins on Lake Vermilion. In this week's Finding Minnesota, WCCO's John Lauritsen went along for the ride on Lake Vermilion in St. Louis County, and got a history lesson on the family behind it all.
Our neighbors to the west, the Dakotas, are known for their colorful sunflower crops. But the flowers have been popping up in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes, too.
During the Cold War, a piece of property in Dakota County served as a missile site and a launching pad. But in this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how its new owners are hoping to transition from missiles to Mediterranean cooking.
Have you ever thought about building a treehouse and then living in it? A northern Minnesota couple did exactly that and then took it to another level.
If you've ever driven by Franconia Sculpture Park in Chisago County, there's a good chance you did a double take. From the educational to the entertaining, some of the pieces are 40 feet tall. But most people don't know how all of it got started.
The city of Saint Paul said they are seeing a higher number of potholes than average this year.
The future of self-driving cars, including robotaxi service Waymo, is up for debate at the Minnesota Capitol where lawmakers are discussing a regulatory framework to give the vehicles a clear lane to operate in the state.
Police departments in the Twin Cities are offering a look at the cost and strain brought on by Operation Metro Surge.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, who was killed in the war with Iran, was a wife and mother of two. A day after hearing the unthinkable, the nation and her hometown are now grieving with her loved ones.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
Several roads in Stearns County, Minnesota, are closed after a flatbed truck carrying propane crashed and started leaking propane, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.
Bailey Monnens-Dahl, 14, has been missing from her Farmington home for five days.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
A Twin Cities woman is accused of making violent threats toward Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, including multiple intimations she planned to shoot the GOP official.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
The future of self-driving cars, including robotaxi service Waymo, is up for debate at the Minnesota Capitol where lawmakers are discussing a regulatory framework to give the vehicles a clear lane to operate in the state.
Operation Metro Surge is winding down but there is still more agents here than normal. Some House Democrats think anyone who lived here over the course of that immigration enforcement action should pay state taxes. Caroline Cummings has more on this proposal from the state capitol.
Wednesday’s hearing marks the second time Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison testified before the House Oversight Committee.
Several Republicans on the Oversight panel joined with Democrats in supporting the motion to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told lawmakers that fraud "happened on my watch," but defended his administration's handling of the allegations.
Gas prices in Minnesota are climbing, mirroring a national trend experts say is at least in part caused by the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
As the strikes from U.S. and Israel continue, and Iran strikes back, the violence and turmoil could have significant worldwide ramifications.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
One person is dead and others are injured in a crash early Wednesday involving a Ramsey County Sheriff's Office squad car in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
A man who claimed to provide services for children with autism in Minnesota but instead raked in millions of dollars from fraudulent Medicaid billings pleaded guilty on Monday.
A Twin Cities woman is accused of making violent threats toward Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, including multiple intimations she planned to shoot the GOP official.
A Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to murdering a high school student in 2022 was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison on Monday.
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Minnesota on Monday sued Trump administration officials Dr. Mehmet Oz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an attempt to stop them from withholding $243 million in Medicaid spending, warning it may have to cut health care for low-income families if the funding is held back.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minnesota Department of Health said there have been 10 reported cases in the state so far this year. There were five cases as of the last update, which came on Feb. 19.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
The 80-year-old will play at Grand Casino Arena on Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
Indiana ends a four-game skid with a commanding 77-47 win over Minnesota as Sam Alexis sparks an early blowout.
Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, winning 100 games with the school, including a 12-0 national title-winning season in 1988.
Kirill Kaprizov broke the franchise career goals record with 220, Mats Zuccarello, Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes each had a goal and assist and the Minnesota Wild beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 Tuesday night.
Anthony Edwards scored 41 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a sluggish first half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-110.
The Minnesota Wild filled a need at their weakest position ahead of the NHL trade deadline by acquiring center Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
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 have another nice day in our future, but a spring storm is on the horizon. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the timing of the storm and if we'll see rain or 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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will stay mild through the weekend.
Some areas of greater Minnesota could get some precipitation over the next few days, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
The metro will get more days in the 50s through Friday, when parts of the state will get more precipitation, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak.
We have another nice day in our future, but a spring storm is on the horizon. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the timing of the storm and if we'll see rain or snow.
The small community of Fairmont is rallying to save their opera house, one of the oldest operating theaters in the United States.
Our frequent freeze and thaw cycle this winter has caused more potholes. The city of St. Paul is seeing more than average and are already working on patching them.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will stay mild through the weekend.
Operation Metro Surge is winding down but there is still more agents here than normal. Some House Democrats think anyone who lived here over the course of that immigration enforcement action should pay state taxes. Caroline Cummings has more on this proposal from the state capitol.