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Wisconsin may be known for its cheese, but Minnesota lays claim to one of the country's largest locally produced cheese festivals. This weekend you can sample some of the best mozzarella at the Minnesota Cheese Festival on the State Fairgrounds.
Whether it's decorating tips, remodeling ideas or just to dream of what could be -- the parade of homes puts some of the best homes in the Twin Cities on display. Developer Tim O'Connor gave WCCO a tour of a home featuring an 11-foot taxidermy bear and aroma's pumped through the air ducts.
Jim Kowalski died Thursday in a plane accident while fishing in Canada, according to family member Deb Kowalski. Deb Kowalski said Jim suffered a head injury in the incident, and an autopsy is being performed. She said he was with a friend on the trip. Jim Kowalski, 67, founded Kowalski's Markets back in 1986 in White Bear Lake.
Four times each week, Phua and Blia Thao head to the Minneapolis farmer's market with crates of fresh produce. Their displays of chemical-free vegetables are rich in both color and nutrition. Blia said that a health-conscious consumer is driving an increase in his business.
Don't be surprised if you notice more RV's and motor homes out on the highways. While recreational vehicle sales dipped during the recession, buyers are now back. The RV Industry Association says more than 300,000 RV's are expected to be sold this year.
Wednesday brought good news for anyone looking for a job. Minnesota's new job numbers show that the second quarter openings reached the highest level in 12 years, with employers reporting more than 72,000 openings -- an increase of 15.3 percent from the same period a year ago. But almost half of the openings are for part-time jobs that average about $12.50 an hour.
Best friends Spencer Barrett and David Burke are trying to capture the "northern lifestyle" with a new Minnesota based clothing company, Great Lakes Apparel. With a blue loon as their logo, the guys hope to take the lake living Minnesotans love to the masses.
At the Cherokee Tavern in West St. Paul, four fantasy football leagues conducted their drafts. "I'm very excited," said J.J. Kurtz of Lakeville. "I got the Bears defense." Over the year, 36 million people will play fantasy sports. That's up from nine million in 2005. According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA), a player spends three hours per week managing a team and spends $467.60.
You may think the ongoing orchestra lock-out is a Minnesota thing. But musicians are saying what happens here could affect music across the world, as the ongoing musicians vs. the orchestra dispute got trickier today. A financial review came down and orchestra administrators said it proves they've been financially responsible.
It's peak allergy season – as if you didn't know already – and ragweed pollen is the culprit. It's the most common cause for seasonal allergies, and if you're having a tough time dealing with it, here are some products that doctor say could help. The first is an alternative to liquid nasal sprays that often cause uncomfortable drippage. It's an aerosol spray that's getting rave reviews.
It's one of the most common complaints from anyone driving downtown: timing the traffic lights to get a string of greens is a bit like hitting the lottery. But for anyone rushing between appointments or trying to get home after a long day at the office, shaving minutes off the daily commute is a payoff worth every penny.
The new state run health care exchange is already facing troubles and you can't even buy-in until October. On Tuesday the head of MNsure said its original estimates on premiums was too high. MNsure is the health exchange required under President Obama's health care reform plan.
The return to class also means parents may have to put some extra thought into grocery shopping. Kowalski's chef and culinary director Rachael Perron shares a few ways to make a quick, healthy dinner. At the meat counter of most grocery stores, you can find a wide variety of marinated chicken breasts and pork chops.
You may start to see a lot more vehicles with pink mustaches on the streets of St. Paul. A new, free car-sharing app called Lyft connects drivers and passengers. Twenty-six-year-old Rebecca Swanson has climbed aboard the bandwagon simply by having a smartphone and a car.
Inch'Allah is the story of a French-Canadian obstetrician walking the cultural and concrete wall dividing Palestinians and Israelis. While she tries to tread lightly -- befriending those on both sides of the conflict -- our pretty doctor can't help but tumble when the story pushes her into tragedy.
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.
From the time Armin Assadi could form memories, he sensed something was wrong. Violence clouds Assadi's earliest childhood memories.
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.
The Minnesota House unanimously passed legislation renaming the Community Solar Garden Program for former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
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.
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.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
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.
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.
A bill designed to stop children from being groomed in Minnesota schools is moving forward, introduced following a WCCO investigative series.
A former U.S. Attorney removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks" during a Minnesota immigration hearing is running for Congress as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar.
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.
For families already feeling the financial squeeze, medical debt can pile up, even with insurance. But managing, negotiating or forgiving that debt is possible thanks to some nonprofits providing relief.
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.
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.
Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last week pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and will avoid jail time by serving 30 hours of community service.
Kirill Kaprizov scored his 37th goal of the season, Matt Boldy notched his 36th, and Filip Gustavsson earned his fourth shutout of the season as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Utah Mammoth 5-0 on Tuesday night.
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.
A mix of rain and snow is pushing through Minnesota Thursday, 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.
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.
A major winter storm is set to bring significant snow and wind to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend. Some locations south of the Twin Cities metro are could even pick up more than a foot of snow.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the team announced Thursday.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, say catalytic converter thefts are back on the rise. People stole 37 more catalytic converters in the first two months of this year compared to the same time period in 2025.
A mix of rain and snow is pushing through Minnesota Thursday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
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.