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One new factor cyber monday shoppers might encounter this year: sales tax. In June, the United States Supreme Court gave states the go-ahead to collect sales tax on online purchases. That includes Minnesota, which began enforcing its own requirements in October.
Thousands of people shopped locally to support Small Business Saturday. In downtown Stillwater, you can find window shoppers, people hustling and bustling with bags full of gifts, and lots and lots of ornaments. Jim Beboer and his family make it a point to shop small this holiday season. They visited Käthe Wohlfahrt of America, which specializes in Christmas ornaments made in Germany.
Minnesotans are eager to be the first to gobble up Black Friday deals -- a day early. Big stores opening their doors on Thanksgiving include Target, Macy's, Sears, Kohl's, and JCPenney. A few customers even camped out at the Best Buy in Apple Valley to make sure they got what they were looking for.
For many families, it's an annual tradition. You cut down your Christmas tree at the same place, year after year. You may see the little trees on the way to find the big ones. So, how are Christmas trees grown? Good Question. We headed to Krueger's Christmas Trees in Lake Elmo. Deb and Neil Krueger have sold Christmas trees there for 35 years.
It's crunch time in the J. Selby's kitchen on Thanksgiving day. "Anybody who comes to the door gets a meal," said J. Selby owner Matt Clayton. The staff is volunteering their time preparing the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner without the turkey. J. Selby's is a fully plant-based restaurant.
Later Thursday, shoppers will be out hunting for those Black Friday bargains. The National Retail Federation predicts consumers will spend $720 billion this holiday season.
According to research by online marketplace Lend Edu, the average American will spend $175.65 on Thanksgiving. That money is not just spent on food though. The day before Thanksgiving proves to be an extremely busy one at local nail salons. Nail Bar and Spa in St. Louis Park was packed all day with folks wanting to put their best finger forward before sitting down for supper.
A birthday trip did not go as planned for some Twin Cities couples who booked a house on VRBO. As WCCO-TV found, their experience has them sending a warning to other travelers before using the wildly popular rental website.
Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas may seem like a daunting task, but ten commercial buildings throughout Minneapolis were up to the challenge to reduce emissions by 15 percent.
Mendota Heights is now the 17th city in Minnesota to raise the age to buy tobacco to 21.
It is the time of year when people are shopping online and packages start piling up on doorsteps. Every year, police warn to watch for people stealing packages off the front porch. More cameras could help curb the problem. Home cameras can catch a variety of things. Tom Henderson's caught a fill-in mail carrier throwing a package a few weeks ago. A few years ago, it caught a man stealing a package off his porch.
Every year, Americans waste about 40 percent of the food we grow and make. Experts say part of that reason could be people don't understand the dates printed on the packaging of the foods.
Just days before families sit down for their Thanksgiving feasts, there is a warning about what could be on your table. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday that no romaine lettuce is safe to eat. This comes after E. coli made dozens of people sick. This warning is extensive, and grocery stores across the United States are already taking precautions to keep their customers safe.
"CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any."
Televisions are one of the most advertised and several retail experts, including RetailMeNot, say consumers can find plenty of Black Friday deals at a great value. Twin Cities shopping expert Lisa Baker found 50 different televisions at a discount between two retailers alone: Twin Cities-based companies Target and Best Buy.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
According to Rochester Police, officers were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the 1900 block of Ashland Drive Northwest. The call was domestic-related, police say.
Rain is falling Thursday night in the Twin Cities, while snow is falling up north.
The Old St. Hubert Church has been a part of Atkins's family for decades.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
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.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
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.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home last June. Their son says what followed with the insurance company only made matters worse.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
The Minnesota House unanimously passed legislation renaming the Community Solar Garden Program for former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
The suspect, who was killed following the shooting, had previously been imprisoned for several years for trying to support ISIS, the FBI said.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The fight to keep Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center open is in full swing, with leaders saying the hospital is in grave danger of closing after Medicaid cuts and budget confusion.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
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.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Travis Konecny scored the lone goal in a shootout to give the Philadelphia Flyers a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the team announced Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Kyler Murray on a free agent visit, focusing their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick in the 2019 draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Minnesota Vikings have cleared salary cap space taken by their failed strategy for contending last season by releasing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
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.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
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.
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.
Parts of Minnesota are under a high wind warning overnight Friday ahead of a possible whopper of a snowstorm, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
A mix of rain and snow is pushing through Minnesota Thursday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The rain has arrived in the metro and snow further north. There will be strong winds throughout the remainder of Thursday and all day Friday. Cooler temps arrive by Friday afternoon and a winter storm on Saturday. Chief Meteorologist breaks down the timing of it all, how much snow we should get and how to stay weather aware.
A strong area of low pressure will slide across Iowa Saturday night into Sunday. Because this system will have a lot of moisture with it, they say heavy snow is likely across southern and central Minnesota with the current expected track., WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Parts of Minnesota are under a high wind warning overnight Friday ahead of a possible whopper of a snowstorm, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the team announced Thursday.