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Wishing for warmer weather hasn't brought much change, so maybe goats, beer poking and even a kidnapping can help. The city of New Ulm has two big festivals on the last Saturday before Lent, designed to hasten the arrival of spring.
Radio listeners in central Minnesota occasionally hear a voice that's so unexpected and so unconventional, they have to stop and listen. It's the sweet, grandmotherly voice of Lenore Olson, selling shoes and boots just a few weeks before her 90th birthday.
As we travel around Minnesota, it's nice to find some sweet little surprises. For example, you could say Mr. B Chocolates in Willmar puts the "candy" in Kandiyohi County.
At a time when most drivers become more cautious and more attentive to their brakes, there are others who prefer to hit the gas. They're the ones who create race tracks on frozen lakes so they can take slippery turns over and over again.
The element of surprise is part of any drama or comedy at the theater, but what's unusual is when the performers on stage are surprised and unaware of what's happening next.
With more than 10,000 lakes, Minnesota has thousands of lakeside bars and restaurants. This time of year, though, there's a bar in west-central Minnesota that's actually on a lake. It's known as Hillbillies Ice Hole, and it's on the northern end of Lake Lida, about 300 yards from the public access point.
Hotel chains provide a lot of options for those vacationing in Minnesota, but many people prefer the Northwoods-style lodges with unique local features.
A few nights from now, many of us will raise a glass and toast the arrival of 2014. Few places in Minnesota have welcomed as many new years as a bar in North St. Paul.
If all you see outside now are lifeless fields of brown and white, you're not looking closely enough. Naturalist Matt Schuth is ready to lead dozens of visitors on a long walk through the woods at the Arboretum on Nov. 28.
Santa Claus is well-known for making house calls on Christmas Eve, but there's one Minnesota neighborhood where Santa greets kids for an entire month. He has a homemade workshop in Kelley Archer's front yard at 4124 Elmwood Circle in St. Bonifacius.
If you're into huge holiday lights displays, there's a new one in Minnesota that's worth a road trip. It's already one of the brightest in the state in just its second year.
Knowing how to yodel is not required when you visit Biwabik, but you might be inspired to try. It's a Northwoods town with a Bavarian personality.
A night at the theater often means driving to the city for shows at the Ordway, Guthrie or Orpheum. But one couple has been keeping the suburbs entertained for more than five years.
You might think things would get a little lonely in a place where you can count every resident on one hand. However, Minnesota's smallest city, Funkley, population 5 in the 2010 census, does get quite a few visitors.
Sometimes a simple gesture can be so inspiring, it leads to something bigger than anyone expected. That's what we found in central Minnesota. A few years ago, people chipped in to put a few winter wreaths on the graves at the State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls.
On Wednesday, at a session inside the Neighborhood House on Robie Street East, residents in St. Paul shared their concerns. Many highlighted the impacts of rising property taxes.
The union would have to give a 10-day notice before a strike can begin.
The St. Paul Police Department says officers were called to an apartment complex on the 100 block of Robert Street South around 1:45 p.m. for a welfare check.
Surveillance video captured two suspects smashing a window and targeting locked display cases containing the high-value cards at Duck! early Saturday morning.
Cusi (pronounced Koo-see) was born on May 6 and is "extremely active, as far as sloths go," according to Zookeeper Em Brunmeier.
In a matter of minutes, a storage shed at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, Minnesota, went up in flames early Tuesday.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
A 9-year-old child died Tuesday evening after drowning in a western Wisconsin water park.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
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.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
On Wednesday, at a session inside the Neighborhood House on Robie Street East, residents in St. Paul shared their concerns. Many highlighted the impacts of rising property taxes.
Minnesota's Conviction Review Unit is shutting down after losing federal funding, the state's attorney general announced Wednesday.
Colin McGuire is trying to learn to walk with a special device. Born with cerebral palsy, he's required to undergo different kinds of occupational and physical therapy weekly in order to improve his quality of life. For the past month, he hasn't gotten any of that.
Minnesota's sweeping fraud crisis took center stage at the State Capitol today. Lawmakers questioned agency leaders who tried to root out fraud by cutting 3,400 service providers from Medicaid programs. WCCO's Conor Wight introduces us to families now caught without care.
A group of 15 people who the feds say conspired to "violently oppose law enforcement" pleaded not guilty today inside federal court today. It was a hearing met with protesters outside before, during and after. Frankie McLister was there.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
Surveillance video captured two suspects smashing a window and targeting locked display cases containing the high-value cards at Duck! early Saturday morning.
A group of 15 people accused of conspiring to "violently oppose law enforcement" during Operation Metro Surge pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Wednesday.
Minneapolis public officials say they'll be cracking down on impaired driving and gun safety during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
While one of the suspects fired a gun, no one was hurt.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Taj Bradley struck out 11 to tie his career high, Josh Bell, Kody Clemens and Luke Keaschall homered and the Minnesota Twins beat the Houston Astros 8-3 on Wednesday night.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his annual list of the 100 best players in the NFL, and only one Minnesota Viking made the 2026 edition. You can probably guess who it is.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier is one step closer to returning to the court.
LeBron James sent the NBA world into a tizzy on Tuesday with the news that he'll test free agency instead of returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next season.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
With six weeks before the primary, the stakes are building in the U.S. Senate contest contest between two of Minnesota's brightest DFL stars: Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
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.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow looks dry, hot and humid.
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 is tracking the chance for severe storms in southern Minnesota tonight.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says there is a threat of severe storms across southern Minnesota this evening, including the Twin Cities metro.
A Next Weather Alert is in effect through the evening as storms with potentially severe elements develop across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The legacy left behind by a Minnesota mother who died in a horrifying way. Investigators believe her 17-year-old daughter killed Monk inside their Maplewood home. Ubah Ali spoke with the people Gigi Monk inspired.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow looks dry, hot and humid.
Baseball fans might remember cheering on the Twins from the Metrodome’s iconic blue seats. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how spectators can relive that experience at a new home field in Atwater.
Minnesota's second-largest city is dealing with a major money problem. St. Paul's new mayor wants the public to weigh-in on how to solve it. Ashley Grams listened in on an important conversation tonight.
The Minnesota office in charge of reviewing questionable convictions is shutting down.