Good Question 'Reply All': Junk Email, Hypic Jerk & Frank V's Height
Jim from Maple Grove wanted to know: Why do we use the word "spam" to describe our junk emails? Heather Brown answers that and other questions.
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Jim from Maple Grove wanted to know: Why do we use the word "spam" to describe our junk emails? Heather Brown answers that and other questions.
When you think of nonprofits, homeless shelters or food shelves might come to mind. But during the Super Bowl, many of you wondered why the NFL is considered a nonprofit, too. You emailed us wondering: What does it take to be a nonprofit?
When Stillwater native Rachel Frederickson took home $250,000 on Tuesday night's The Biggest Loser, Twitter lit up with criticism of the former high school swimmer. She'd shed 150 pounds over seven months to get down to a 105-pound frame. That was almost 60 percent of her body weight – the biggest percentage body weight loss in the show's history.
For people who use social media a lot, it can be hard to remember what it was like before Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. According to one study, sponsored by Facebook, found some of us spend more than two hours a day connected to our phones.
This Saturday, the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys will start its annual cookie sales fundraiser. Last year, the 41,000-strong Girl Scouts River Valleys council sold 4.3 million boxes and brought in $17 million. Each girl sold an average of 146 boxes. "I can learn how to sell things and operate a small business basically," said Girl Scout Sarah Albert of Brooklyn Park.
Don from St. Anthony has four foot snow drifts on his roof, so he asked: Can too much snow cause a roof to collapse?
This January, several Minnesota schools closed schools five times due to extreme wind chills. The average temperature has hovered around 10 degrees and it has snowed 22.6 inches. But how that does compared with Januaries past?
After two inches of snow fell in parts of Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana on Tuesday, traffic in some places came to a standstill for 24 hours. Thousands of children had to spend the night at school and rescue crews brought food and water to stranded drivers.
CenterPoint Energy says customers should expect this month's bill to be 35-50 percent higher than last month because of the record cold. According to Xcel Energy, its customers are expected to use 14 percent more natural gas this January compared to January 2013.
The cheapest seats for this Sunday's Super Bowl are going for $1,500 a piece. That's down from nearly $2,500 last week due to fears of cold and rainy weather at the outdoor MetLife Stadium. According to Ticket King, the Minnesota-based ticket reseller, there are about 4,000 available tickets left on the secondary market for the 82,000-seat venue. Andrew Baydala, executive director of business operations for Ticket King, says a 50-yard line club seat ticket is now going for nearly $9,000 on the secondary market.
Riley, the Heine family's English setter, can sleep anywhere, anytime. So, that had Karen from Edina wanting to know: Why do dogs sleep so much? According to Dr. Travis with Uptown Veterinarians, dogs have natural circadian rhythms, like humans. He says some dogs sleep far more than others, and are influenced by their owners' schedules.
In his twelve years as superintendent at Minnetonka Public Schools, Dr. Dennis Peterson has called off school three, maybe four times. Each time it was for snow, not cold.
Throughout the day, many of us listen to music at the office, on the bus and on the street.
Right now, Papa Murphy's is fighting a push to tax its take-and-bake pizza. The pizza is not considered "prepared" food, so it's exempt. Looking at your grocery receipt to see what's taxed often doesn't make a whole lot of sense. So how is food tax decided? Heather Brown takes a close look at this Good Question.
The third Monday of every January is one of ten national holidays that government employees get every year. Most children have no school and every state and federal employee receives a paid day off. The first official observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday was on January 20, 1986 – 18 years after the Civil Rights leader was shot. But David Chang, a professor of U.S. history at the University of Minnesota, says the idea for the holiday came just four days after the assassination in 1968.
The chief federal judge for Minnesota has issued a stern warning to the chief federal prosecutor for the state, as well as to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, warning them that they must comply with court orders or they risk criminal contempt charges.
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.
Eleven-year-old Mickey Watkins is no longer just the kid known for his make-shift snowboard.
Minnesota's highest court has agreed to review a lower court's decision that removed the Twin Cities archdiocese from a trans librarian's lawsuit over her firing from a Catholic high school.
Part of Highway 62 in Edina, Minnesota, closed temporarily Thursday morning due to a "large police and fire presence."
A northern Minnesota woman has been convicted on five federal counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson after authorities say she stabbed one of her children before setting her house on fire with another inside.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laid out his anti-fraud legislative package on Thursday, one day after the White House paused $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to the state until a comprehensive action plan is laid out to fight fraud.
The Minnesota State Patrol says four people are dead and one person is fighting for their life in a crash that happened Wednesday evening near the shores of Lake Mille Lacs in east-central Minnesota.
A man was arrested and charged after threatening to kill a Minnesota state senator on Facebook.
Fraudsters have stolen millions in taxpayer money in Minnesota, putting pressure on lawmakers to find fixes.
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.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
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 chief federal judge for Minnesota has issued a stern warning to the chief federal prosecutor for the state, as well as to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, warning them that they must comply with court orders or they risk criminal contempt charges.
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.
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.
Some Minnesota lawmakers and law enforcement members want to take action against crypto scams.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities this week, but not as tourists. As Ashley Grams reports, they're hoping to learn how Minnesota protesters handled the ICE surge.
Consumers are urged to stop using the pressure cookers and dispose of them immediately.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Trump's economic plan late last week: tariffs. But the president fought back, slapping a 15% global tariff on imported goods.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
A northern Minnesota woman has been convicted on five federal counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson after authorities say she stabbed one of her children before setting her house on fire with another inside.
A man was arrested and charged after threatening to kill a Minnesota state senator on Facebook.
Fraudsters have stolen millions in taxpayer money in Minnesota, putting pressure on lawmakers to find fixes.
Federal and local officials on Wednesday announced charges against a dozen people allegedly associated with a Minneapolis gang involved in drug trafficking.
Police Chief Brian O'Hara called the shooting "senseless" and asked anyone with information to come forward.
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.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laid out his anti-fraud legislative package on Thursday, one day after the White House paused $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to the state until a comprehensive action plan is laid out to fight fraud.
Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration will "temporarily halt" some Medicaid funding to the state of Minnesota over fraud concerns.
Hennepin County leaders, along with top brass from Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center, opened the books in front of a panel of Minnesota senators Wednesday.
Members of the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee voiced their frustrations and concerns Monday as they work to tackle the crisis in the state's autism programs.
Streaming giant Netflix declines to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Nick Reiner, 32, was charged with two counts of murder in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The EP, released on Ash Wednesday and called "Days of Ash" is "of the moment we wish we weren't in . . . but are," Bono said.
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis was scratched from the team's exhibition game lineup as a precaution because of tightness in his right side.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was fined $25,000 by the NBA for what the league described as "throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands.".
Eleven-year-old Mickey Watkins is no longer just the kid known for his make-shift snowboard.
The Dallas Stars surged into the Olympic break on a six-game winning streak. The Minnesota Wild won their last five games to finish 8-1-1 before the NHL 's three-week schedule pause.
Elliot Cadeau had 15 points and L.J. Cason scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half as No. 3 Michigan beat Minnesota 77-67 on Tuesday night to clinch at least a share of the Big Ten title for the first time in five years.
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.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democratic analyst, and Amy Frederiksen, a Republican analyst, about the political impact.
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.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
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.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
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.
Time is running out if you still have an ice shelter on the lake in Minnesota.
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 tomorrow will be slightly warmer as it hits the mid-40s.
It will stay quite mild Thursday night, and tomorrow will be even warmer.
Friday will be slightly warmer as we hit the mid-40s, then the wind picks up from the northwest, WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso reports.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be slightly warmer as it hits the mid-40s.
It's been winter to remember for a kid on the north side of Minneapolis, all thanks to a photo showing his urge to adventure.
Time is running out if you still have an ice shelter on the lake in Minnesota. While many anglers have already packed up this season, photojournalist Joe Van Ryn and Adam Duxter introduce us to a few that are getting out there for the first time.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities this week, but not as tourists. As Ashley Grams reports, they're hoping to learn how Minnesota protesters handled the ICE surge.
Another bitter back-and-forth between leaders in Minnesota and Washington after the Trump Administration announced it is withholding $259 million earmarked for Medicaid. They say it's an effort to fight fraud. But as Conor Wight explains, that fight over fraud could leave millions of Minnesotans in limbo.