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Just as the charity was announcing a downturn in donations, the mysterious "St. Grand" is once again leaving generous donations in the Salvation Army's red kettles. A donation of $1,000 -- in the form of a bundle of 10 $100 bills -- showed up in a red kettle in Roseville on Black Friday.
You know the old saying: money doesn't fall from the sky? Well, it did on Black Friday at Mall of America. Serge Vorobyov threw $1,000 in dollar bills from the fourth floor of the Mall of America rotunda as a choir performed "Let it Snow" on the ground floor below.
Black Friday is the official start to the holiday shopping season, and it started earlier than ever -- 8 p.m. at the Mall of America. A new report by the University of St. Thomas says this is the mall where most Minnesotans will do their holiday shopping. "We love the bonding experience, hanging out with each other," said shopper Nicole Klinkhammer, who was at the mall Friday. There was a lot of buzz about starting Black Friday too early, but the Mall of America team says as long as people want to shop, they will be open. And it's working out fine so far. They project a higher turn-out than last year, when the mall opened at midnight.
Black Friday is the busiest day of the holiday shopping season, with an estimated 97 million Americans expected to search for the best deals. However, not everyone was celebrating the nation's hunt for great deals. A number of cleaning workers for retail outlets walked off the job on Friday to protest unfair labor practices.
If you're one of many Minnesotans replacing traditional holiday lights with energy-efficient LEDs and wondering what to do with all those old jumbled cords, the answer might be at your local hardware store.
In 1914, with the world on the brink of war and Woodrow Wilson in the White House, the Cozy Theatre opened its doors on Jefferson Street in Wadena.
Turkey Day has become a story of two birds: the kind you eat and the early kind. With fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, stores like Target, Best Buy and Toys R Us opened on Thanksgiving night.
After all of the Thanksgiving cooking comes the cleaning as garbage disposals get a major workout. "The day after Thanksgiving is usually our biggest day for drains, especially kitchen sinks," said Jason Kuehn, a plumber with Dean's Professional Plumbing and Heating.
The day before Thanksgiving means big business for several local businesses. Dec. 23 is actually the busiest day of the year at Rainbow Foods in St. Louis Park, but Thanksgiving Eve is a very close second.
Along with many malls and big box retailers, dozens of stores at outlet malls in Minnesota will also be open come eight o'clock Thursday night, but we wondered are outlet malls really a better deal? Beyond Albertville, shoppers can also check out deals in Medford and come next summer an outlet mall in Eagan will open its doors.
'Tis the season to bundle up and head to the Holidazzle. This Friday marks the final season of the dazzling display of lights.
You may be missing out on some fabulous food simply because it's nowhere to be found on the menu. We talked to several Twin Cities restaurants, coffee houses and fast food chains that all boast off-menu items.
The shopping frenzy known as Black Friday has turned into more than just a day-long, deep-discount event. More stores are opening their doors several hours before Friday. This year some sales start at 6 p.m. Thursday. That also means workers and shoppers will be leaving the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day to head to stores.
New designs and local chefs at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport caught the attention of an airport industry group, which named our airport the Best Food & Beverage Program not just in the country, but in all of North America.
Before you place a turkey at your table, one animal rights group wants you to know how some turkeys are allegedly being treated at a Minnesota farm.
Across Minnesota, local organizations, artists and leaders are hosting events that honor Black history and culture.
Nearly two weeks after 99 clergy members were arrested and charged during a protest at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, three are sitting down to share their story.
The mayor of a southern Twin Cities suburb resigned on Thursday, citing a need to focus on his mental health.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has winnowed thousands of submissions for its Name a Snowplow contest down to 30 finalists.
Two Minneapolis firefighters are being treated for burns suffered while battling a blaze Thursday morning at a two-story residence.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has winnowed thousands of submissions for its Name a Snowplow contest down to 30 finalists.
Minnesota's ICE surge is leaving many with strong feelings of fear and anxiety.
The crash happened on the Arrowhead Snowmobile Trail north of Orr at approximately 12:26 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.
A former Northfield Middle School teacher has been sentenced to 60 days of house arrest for sending sexual photos of herself to high school students.
The Associated Press reports one of its photographers witnessed several federal agents arresting a car full of activists at gunpoint Tuesday morning in south Minneapolis. None of the agents were wearing body cameras.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
The celebrated chef met with Sen. Tina Smith and read an open letter signed by other restaurateurs Ann Kim and Gavin Keysen.
After several hours, the Minneapolis City Council voted on Thursday to help families struggling because of the ICE surge.
U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell admonished the Trump administration for what he said was a failure to comply with judicial orders, warning it is "not above the law."
As immigration sweeps expand nationwide, the work of justifying detentions is overwhelming federal prosecutors, who are being forced to sideline a range of other cases in order to keep pace.
The mayor of a southern Twin Cities suburb resigned on Thursday, citing a need to focus on his mental health.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
The disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, is being investigated as a crime.
A federal judge has ordered the man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis to remain in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
About 100 Hennepin Healthcare employees are losing their jobs as the system closes or integrates some of its standalone clinics and services.
Recently released federal data shows the rate of improper payment in Minnesota's Medicaid program is far below the national average, the state's Department of Human Services says.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Catherine O'Hara was best known for her comic performances in projects including "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and "Schitt's Creek."
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly adding a guard ahead of the trade deadline.
Matt Boldy scored three times in the first 13 minutes and assisted on Jared Spurgeon's goal with 45.1 seconds left on the clock in overtime to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 6-5 victory over the Nashville Predators.
Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Bones Hyland had 20 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 128-126.
The Winter Olympics are a land of snow and frozen water — no "ice," though, at least not at the hospitality house being hosted by U.S. sports teams in Milan for the Games.
Eight Minnesota Wild players have been named to an Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games; seven will play. Defenseman Brock Faber is one of just two on the U.S. roster with Olympic experience.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
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.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
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.
Some light mixed precipitation is set to barrel through on Thursday night.
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.
Above-average temperatures continue Thursday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Above-average temperatures continue Thursday in the Twin Cities, with the several days above freezing.
Above-average temperatures continue Thursday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
If you’re looking to enjoy some good music this weekend, maybe take a trip to Red Wing.
Some light mixed precipitation is set to barrel through on Thursday night.
The celebrated chef met with Sen. Tina Smith and read an open letter signed by other restaurateurs Ann Kim and Gavin Keysen.
After several hours, the Minneapolis City Council voted on Thursday to help families struggling because of the ICE surge.
The Minneapolis City Council is trying to address the needs of the community as the ICE surge continues in the Twin Cities.