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There's no bigger fan cheering for the University of Minnesota to bring home the bacon this weekend than "Goldy Gopher." That's why we wanted to learn more about him. As it turns, out Minnesota was tabbed the "Gopher State" in 1857 in a political cartoon.
he Gopher football team meets Iowa on Saturday. It's the first test in a final stretch that features four teams with a winning record. "It's just one of those things where sometimes things aren't clicking right away for us," said quarterback Mitch Leidner. "And, you know, once they click it, like in the second half there, it's just too late I guess."
After his first career hat trick on Saturday, Justin Kloos of the University of Minnesota hockey team was named the Second Star of the Week by the Big Ten Conference on Tuesday. Kloos, of Lakeville, netted a hat trick against St. Cloud State to lead the Gophers to a 4-3 victory in overtime after Minnesota lost to the Huskies in St. Cloud 4-1 on Friday night.
Junior guard Zach Lofton has been dismissed from the Minnesota basketball program. Coach Richard Pitino said Wednesday that Lofton was dismissed for "failing to meet the expectations and obligations of the team." The dismissal is effective immediately. Pitino calls the decision difficult but says it was in the team's best interest "to move forward at this time."
In Richard Pitino's second season as Minnesota's coach, both he and the Gophers ought to be all the better for it. The players know his strategy, his personality and his expectations. He has learned their strengths and weaknesses, grasped the culture of the market and the program and figured out the routines of the job.
University of Minnesota men's hockey senior Travis Boyd was honored by the Big Ten Conference on Tuesday after the Gophers swept Bemidji State in their first home series of the season. Boyd was named the league's First Star of the Week after collecting four points over the two games in the series.
In his first season, University of Minnesota basketball coach Richard Pitino found out right away you can make a lot of friends in the Twin Cities by winning. Pitino put together a roster in his first season of many unknown players and finished with a school-record 25 wins as Minnesota went onto win the NIT after just missing the NCAA Tournament.
Illinois turned to its much-criticized defense Saturday for a late touchdown and a defensive stand that delivered a 28-24 win over Minnesota.
Minnesota has won four straight, is undefeated in the Big Ten and has locked up a spot in some kind of bowl game. Coach Jerry Kill says his Gophers (6-1, 3-0) have done all that without really playing their best.
A controversial football team is coming to town and not everyone is on board because of their name and mascot. At a press conference Thursday, the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media announced a rally, called "No Honor In Racism Rally," which will be held during next week's Vikings game.
Resiliency will be as important for Minnesota the rest of the season as its most tangible strength of running the ball well. Last week's win over Purdue provided plenty of time to polish both of those attributes.
Two University of Minnesota football players were honored by the Big Ten Conference Monday after the Gophers beat Purdue 39-38 in their homecoming game Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium. With the win, Minnesota improved to 6-1 on the season, 3-0 in conference play and became bowl-eligible for the third straight season.
David Cobb rushed for 194 yards and a touchdown and Ryan Santoso kicked a 52-yard field goal with 4:59 left to cap Minnesota's comeback on Saturday, giving the Gophers a 39-38 victory over Purdue and their first 3-0 start in Big Ten play since 1990. Cedric Thompson had two interceptions for Minnesota (6-1, 3-0).
Minnesota is built around a power running attack, with sound defense and special teams to back it up. The Gophers were even good enough one afternoon last month to beat San Jose State by three scores while completing only one pass. Mitch Leidner missed that game with injuries, and since he's returned there have been signs that, yes, this team can throw the ball.
The college basketball season hasn't started yet, but the University of Minnesota women's basketball team is already getting attention across the Big Ten Conference. Senior guard Rachel Banham was named the league's Preseason Player of the Year Thursday morning by both the coaches and the media involved in the Big Ten.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will likely miss the first month of the WNBA regular season to complete her rehabilitation following left ankle surgery.
The Minnesota Twins reinstated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list before beginning a three-game series against the New York Mets.
Fourth in the nation and the best finish by the Gopher Gymnastics team in program history happened last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the NCAA Championship.
Wyatt Johnston had two goals and Matt Duchene scored a tiebreaking power-play goal as the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 2 to even their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points, Julius Randle added 24 and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied past the Denver Nuggets 119-114 to tie their Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece.
The Minnesota Twins have placed right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
A Minneapolis wrestler took home the girls state title two years in a row, and now they're using that dominant strength to find success in their spring sport.
So far in his career, at least lately, Justin Jefferson has not had consistency in the guy throwing to him. Enter Kyler Murray.
The Minnesota Vikings are hoping a unique approach to this year's NFL draft will prove more successful than their past few efforts.
President Donald Trump is nominating University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan as the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Recently released 911 logs provide new insight into how police responded to the assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, including the fact that officers did not recover her body for nearly an hour after the initial shooting at her home.
Vail Communities says the Minnesota Department of Human Services will not renew its current contract, putting funding for its Uptown and Ramsey County clubhouses in jeopardy when it expires on June 30.
Fourth in the nation and the best finish by the Gopher Gymnastics team in program history happened last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the NCAA Championship.
Supporters of the mandate say it would ease the burden on vulnerable communities impacted by Operation Metro Surge and give them more time to access rental assistance.
Planting is underway and spring conditions have been good across much of Minnesota. But even so, some farmers are electing to sit out a year.
Elk River follows the cities of Champlin, Zumbrota, St. Francis and others in reverting to the old state symbol that was originally adopted in 1957.
Terrifying surveillance footage shows the moment a tornado smashed into a southern Minnesota home Friday.
Law enforcement in southern Minnesota canceled an alert for a 12-year-old boy who went missing Sunday night.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
Dozens of former employees are now suing their former bosses after they were all abruptly laid off from a metal fabrication plant in western Wisconsin.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
President Donald Trump is nominating University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan as the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
The ICE surge cost Twin Cities businesses major money. It turns out it cost everyday taxpayers too. Ubah Ali has the court filing with the new numbers.
No matter if you’re a Republican or Democrat at the capitol, they all agree that property taxes jumped high this year year, and homeowners are starting to feel the pinch.
Supporters of the mandate say it would ease the burden on vulnerable communities impacted by Operation Metro Surge and give them more time to access rental assistance.
The bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
The bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
Recently released 911 logs provide new insight into how police responded to the assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, including the fact that officers did not recover her body for nearly an hour after the initial shooting at her home.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O'Hara and other city leaders outlined ongoing efforts to improve safety and livability in the city's Uptown neighborhood during a news conference Tuesday morning.
Minneapolis police suspect a driver was under the influence when he fatally struck a bicyclist on the city's southside early Monday morning.
Legislation was introduced after Hannah LoPresto came forward as part of a WCCO Investigates series.
Teniki Steward, 40, was convicted of two counts of third-degree murder and two counts of criminal vehicular operation for the Dec. 16, 2024, crash.
National Nurses United warns Hennepin County Medical Center could close following federal health care cuts under H.R. 1, threatening care across Minnesota and the Midwest.
Hundreds of nursing home workers from across the Twin Cities are on strike Monday.
At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.
Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol are searching for solutions, trying to lend a hand to Hennepin Healthcare before it's too late.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
A previously unreleased song is one of many ways Prince is being honored a decade after his death.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will likely miss the first month of the WNBA regular season to complete her rehabilitation following left ankle surgery.
The Minnesota Twins reinstated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list before beginning a three-game series against the New York Mets.
Fourth in the nation and the best finish by the Gopher Gymnastics team in program history happened last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the NCAA Championship.
Wyatt Johnston had two goals and Matt Duchene scored a tiebreaking power-play goal as the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 2 to even their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points, Julius Randle added 24 and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied past the Denver Nuggets 119-114 to tie their Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
The pet insurance industry is relatively new, and experts say that's partly why there's a low number of policies, but it is growing.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be the warmest day so far this year.
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.
Wednesday will be the warmest day of the year so far, but the wind will pick up again, triggering red flag warnings in western Minnesota.
Wednesday will be hot and breezy, as highs push into the mid-80s with parts of southwestern Minnesota hitting 90, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Temps will warm into the 80s on Thursday with the potential for fire weather conditions.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be the warmest day so far this year.
Minnesota's 87 counties are unique but also united by one thing: outdated technology. In some cases, the programs date back to the 1980s. Caroline Cummings shows us how these computer systems can crash critical social programs.
Questions are being asked within the mental health community, as they feel the consequences of funding cuts. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and Jeff Wagner spoke with some people who fear losing access to critical daily support and purpose.
The ICE surge cost Twin Cities businesses major money. It turns out it cost everyday taxpayers too. Ubah Ali has the court filing with the new numbers.
Newly released records reveal why officers waited so long before checking on an assassinated lawmaker. As Conor Wight reports, officers were forced to make split-second decisions during an unprecedented attack.
