Good Question: Does Bad Weather Really Affect Holiday Plans?
If you were to listen to the headlines, "Nature threatens holiday happiness," you wouldn't be crazy to think no one will be getting home for the holidays.
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If you were to listen to the headlines, "Nature threatens holiday happiness," you wouldn't be crazy to think no one will be getting home for the holidays.
Imagine having to dress up an almost five-million-square foot space for the holidays! The daunting task is a reality for Brett Baudette, design manager at MOA. He says they "kick in to holiday gear" in mid-September, contracting out to about 100 workers who normally build inside the stores. "It's a team of construction workers," Baudette said. "It's kind of a fun change for them." They'll spend $250,000 on new decorations and labor, with most of the work executed in the middle of the night.
Caroline Kennedy was sworn in as the ambassador to Japan on Tuesday. So, that had Wendy from Eagan wondering: What does being an ambassador entail? According to the U.S. State Department, a U.S. ambassador is the president's highest-ranking representative to another country. That person's main role is to coordinate the Foreign Service office and the staff that serves under him or her. An ambassador is nominated by the president, but must be approved by the Senate. Some ambassadors are long-time diplomats, and others have been political friends or allies. In this case, Caroline Kennedy is a well-known person from prominent political family who will fill a high-profile ambassadorship.
The rules for car and booster seats can be confusing for any parent. Car seat laws vary by state. So what are the car seat laws and how do you know when your child should switch from a car seat to a seatbelt? Good Question.
For the first time since 1888, the first day of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving will overlap. Experts say that might not happen again until 79,811.
"One of the principles of the Affordable Care Act is that everybody has good insurance," said Dan McLaughlin, director of the Center for Health and Medical Affairs at the University of St. Thomas. "When you start pulling apart the insurance, all of the sudden you have inadequate insurance."
Every year, the average American family spends more than $100 on energy costs to power appliances that have been turned off. These "vampire appliances" - like televisions, cable boxes, DVD players, etc. - continue to use power once we turn off the power switch. According to the Department of Energy, this vampire power accounts for 4 to 5 percent of the energy use in a home. As is the case with almost all appliances, when we turn something "off," it's still usually "on" in standby mode.
Danyelle from Shorview asked: How long has Minnesota and the U.S. been issuing driver's licenses?
Every fall, we have to do something with the leaves that cover our yards. That's so the grass can freeze, we prevent snow mold and make sure little critters can't destroy our lawns.
Whether it's at work or in our personal lives, it seems some people just tend to get sick more often than others. Most of us work with someone who's never taken a sick day, while others use all of them up every year.
The Minnesota Wild has a brand new Zamboni – it's first new ice resurfacer in 14 years. It'll be a few weeks before the 8,620 pound machine is in "game shape," but that had us wondering: how do Zambonis work?
One of the biggest things couples fight about is money. A recent study by Harris Interactive for the American Institute of CPAs found the three biggest money-related arguments: wants vs. needs, unexpected expenses and insufficient savings. So that had us wondering: Should men and women have separate bank accounts? According to Nicole Middendorf, financial analyst and CEO of Prosperwell Financial, the answer is usually 'yes.' "Because, otherwise, I tend to find people fight too much," she said. "We are generally so busy in our lives that we don't take the time to communicate, especially about something that's not fun to communicate about."
Early Wednesday morning, a 29-year-old man from Chisago County died after swerving to hit a deer on I-35. That had Taryn from Red Wing wanting to know: What should we do if we see a deer?
Thursday morning, Twitter became a publicly traded company. Stocks soared and put the value of the social-media company at more than $30 billion. So with Twitter in the news, we wondered about one of its most well-known symbols -- the hashtag.
When our cell phone bill comes each month, many of us just pay it without a second glance. But if you read it closely, you'll see we're all paying a bunch of taxes, surcharges and fees.
An annual Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip for a family from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, ended early after wildfires forced visitors to evacuate the wilderness.
A person is dead after a lakeside home in Burnsville, Minnesota, burned to the ground Tuesday during what city officials called an hourslong situation involving a "person in crisis."
"Very heavy smoke" from fires in the Arrowhead, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and southern Canada will quickly inundate much of Minnesota with the help of a sagging front that will drag that air on south, the MPCA says.
Three Minnesota ice cream shops are in the running for a national title this summer.
The Mall of America in Bloomington is likely the most complicated place in the state to keep cool. WCCO got an exclusive look at the cooling system on the site's roof.
Gabriel Crombie pleaded guilty to aiding an offender in May, according to court documents.
An annual Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip for a family from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, ended early after wildfires forced visitors to evacuate the wilderness.
"Very heavy smoke" from fires in the Arrowhead, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and southern Canada will quickly inundate much of Minnesota with the help of a sagging front that will drag that air on south, the MPCA says.
The 62-year-old St. Cloud woman was booked into the Wright County Jail Monday for probable cause leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, the sheriff's office said. She has not been formally charged as of Tuesday morning.
Wildfires raging in northern Minnesota prompted evacuation orders Tuesday morning for some residents of Lake County.
For 66 years, the Lumberjack World Championships have brought the world's best to Hayward, Wisconsin.
Three people who died after a pontoon overturned on Lake Pepin over the weekend have been identified.
Two of the decedents were members of the Wabasha Fire Department, the chief confirmed.
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
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.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission found billionaire Elon Musk may have violated the state's election bribery law by offering $1 million checks to voters during an election last year.
The measure also allows states to opt out if they take action before the federal law is enacted.
Minnesota seniors living in assisted living communities and nursing homes will soon be able to enjoy a glass of wine or beer at resident happy hours without facilities navigating liquor licensing hurdles.
Happy hour is getting a little happier for Minnesota seniors.
Just days after his sudden death, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister is set to be sworn in on Capitol Hill.
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
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.
Gabriel Crombie pleaded guilty to aiding an offender in May, according to court documents.
The 62-year-old St. Cloud woman was booked into the Wright County Jail Monday for probable cause leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, the sheriff's office said. She has not been formally charged as of Tuesday morning.
A man labeled by the Department of Justice as the 78th person charged in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has pleaded guilty, according to a court document filed in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota on Monday.
The top prosecutors of Minnesota and Hennepin County say federal investigators are now sharing evidence in connection to the shootings by immigration agents in the state amid Operation Metro Surge earlier this year in Minneapolis, including Renee Good's SUV.
The Minnesota State Patrol and the Eagan Police Department responded to a report of a road rage incident on northbound Interstate 35E near Deerwood Drive around 5:16 p.m., according to Eagan police.
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Very heavy smoke" from fires in the Arrowhead, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and southern Canada will quickly inundate much of Minnesota with the help of a sagging front that will drag that air on south, the MPCA says.
More than 75,000 Minnesotans have been approved for the state's paid family and medical leave program, which launched at the beginning of the year.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
Dozens of Twin Cities hospice workers are walking the picket line Monday in a one-day strike after nearly a year of negotiations for an inaugural union contract.
Three Minnesota ice cream shops are in the running for a national title this summer.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
A St. Paul, Minnesota, neighborhood that has struggled to keep businesses might be turning a corner.
It's another action-packed weekend here in Minnesota, featuring hot dogs, book fairs, community celebrations and more.
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh pop star best known for singing the chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in 1983, has died. She was 75.
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Suni Lee is making a run at a third Olympics.
Ball, who won Rookie of the Year over Anthony Edwards after the 2020-2021 season, averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists last season. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly called him "a real point guard, which is — they're hard to find."
Kayla McBride scored a season-high 37 points, rookie Olivia Miles had a career-high 33 and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 104-100 on Monday night for their third straight victory.
It may not be the first sport you think of, but cheerleading is definitely a sport. There are an estimated 4.5 million participants across 70 countries, with most in the U.S., where the sport originated.
There's less than a month to go before the Aug. 11 primary, and one of the most watched and competitive races is the DFL race for the nomination for U.S. Senate between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig.
New campaign finance numbers are expected out later this week in federal races, including Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, where a flood of ads is evidence of a highly competitive race.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Mike Lindell, who leads the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary at 27%, is proposing conditional non-resident visas for undocumented immigrants with no criminal record — a position that differs from the Trump administration's approach.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
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.
When you get home from work in the evening, your first thought may be dinner. You might fire up the stove or oven, you could also start a load of laundry. Not long after that, you're running the dishwasher. You may think you're being efficient, but your house during this heat wave disagrees.
It's one of Minnesota's rules of the road in which two is better than one. But Jodi from Lakeville emailed WCCO saying a lot of drivers don't seem to care about the law.
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says wildfires raging up north are pumping smoke into the atmosphere, and a sagging front will drag some of that smoky air south.
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.
The metro is already feeling the heat and the smoke is still coming. That's going to have a big impact on the air we breathe. Ubah Ali has the warning signs to watch out for.
Dangerous heat will linger in the Twin Cities through Thursday, but poor air quality will linger a bit longer, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert Tuesday for much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, as the state is again dealing with the one-two punch of northern wildfires and a dangerous heat wave.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says wildfires raging up north are pumping smoke into the atmosphere, and a sagging front will drag some of that smoky air south.
The scorching hot weather isn't the only reason your home feels so steamy in the evening. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner helps you lower the temperature inside b resetting your routine.
State authorities are now leading the investigation into a house fire and stand-off that turned deadly in the south metro.
The metro is already feeling the heat and the smoke is still coming. That's going to have a big impact on the air we breathe. Ubah Ali has the warning signs to watch out for.
Dangerous heat will linger in the Twin Cities through Thursday, but poor air quality will linger a bit longer, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.