Youngest African American mayor in the U.S. visits St. Paul church
Jaylen Smith was 18 years old when he was sworn into office as mayor or Earle, Arkansas, a town of 2,000 people.
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Jaylen Smith was 18 years old when he was sworn into office as mayor or Earle, Arkansas, a town of 2,000 people.
During this Black History Month, a history maker is sharing his inspiring story here in the Twin Cities. Jaylen Smith is recognized globally as the youngest African American Mayor in U.S. history. WCCO's Reg Chapman explains how he's trying to inspire the next generation of leaders.
The Black and Funny Improv Festival looks to uplift black voices, while breaking down barriers of improvisational comedy, but organizers say they need a little help to make sure they're around for years to come. Our Jason Rantala has the story.
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Bennett was just 16 when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped her develop live music skills. Her studies continued under Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness founder Gary Hines, but the legacy started even earlier, with family.
The keys to unlocking the doors of Black history may not rest in the pages of school history books, but rather in segregated schools made for Black children.
Born into slavery in Mississippi, Frederick McGhee's family escaped with union soldiers to Tennessee where he got a law degree.
It's a success story even local historians have trouble comprehending. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield introduces us to a Minnesota leader who shattered every barrier imaginable.
Some St. Paul students had the opportunity to go bring history to life by peering through the lens of their school's namesake, St. Paul's own Gordon Parks. WCCO’s Ubah Ali takes us inside his exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and speaks with a high school student on Parks' lasting impact.
Gordon Parks High School students had the opportunity to bring history to life by peering through the lens of their school's namesake, legendary St. Paul artist Gordon Parks.
They've talked to the president of a building group, a high school ESL teacher, and a man who runs a grill company. They are talking with Black men, but they hope another demographic is listening.
You may think, for a pastor, Sunday is always the big day, but Pastor Jerry McAfee says the days in between matter too.
At New Salem Baptist in North Minneapolis, McAfee’s pulpit is indoors, but he’s proven his ministry is outdoors.
Bringing healing and wellness to people of color is a year-round mission for Carter. That mission is lived out through her two businesses, The Zen Bin wellness studio and Heal, a plant-based café.
You may not know his name but if you've ever been to St. Paul, you've likely seen his work. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield has the story of a deeply talented architect who defied all odds. It's part of our on-going celebration of Black History Month.
Eig unearthed transformative firsts about Dr. King – many via newly-released government documents. His book reveals, and it debunks.
Patton always dreamed of bringing the music that comes from his heart to the big stage in his hometown, and now that dream is a reality.
The Minnesota History Center's newest exhibit hopes to show Black Americans' fight for racial equity and full citizenship in the years following the Civil War.
For the past 18 years, a local barber has dedicated his talent and time to people experiencing homelessness.
Seena Hodges, founder and CEO of The Woke Coach, visits WCCO to talk about her new book, "From Ally to Accomplice,” and the opportunities we have this holiday season to tackle tough topics with family members.
This month marks 60 years since KKK members bombed the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama – killing four Black girls and injuring at least 20 people. A group of Minnesotans has just returned from Birmingham where they contributed to a conference commemorating that terrorist attack. Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, joined us Thursday with more.
"There would be more challenges today with [Dr. King's] speech than there was back then," said Dr. Henry Morris. "It has become alright again to be a public bigot."
The new book "Can't Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie like Our Mama" shares a story about family and love that will feel familiar to many Minnesotans.
Seena Hodges, founder and CEO of anti-racism training consultant The Woke Coach, is releasing her debut book, “From Ally to Accomplice: How to Lead as a Fierce Antiracist.” She joined WCCO to talk about the steps we can take to understand our privilege and power and learn to use it for the benefit of others.
New businesses and entrepreneurs are taking up space in a place that was once hard to access.
Three years ago, Minneapolis found itself in the national spotlight over race relations, and now several national organizations are giving their time and money to the Twin Cities.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and while we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday.
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
Nearly 100 Minnesotans, who say pollution problems harmed their health, have won a multi-million-dollar legal settlement.
"Because we have taken out thousands of criminals, their crime is down," the president said when speaking about Minnesota. "Not because of anybody else, it's because of us their crime is down."
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
Nearly 100 Minnesotans, who say pollution problems harmed their health, have won a multi-million-dollar legal settlement.
"Because we have taken out thousands of criminals, their crime is down," the president said when speaking about Minnesota. "Not because of anybody else, it's because of us their crime is down."
As dusk settles over Minneapolis, something unexpected appears on the side of the YWCA building.
Food insecurities are a growing concern among many cultures. Many in the Twin Cities' Muslim community have stopped working and leaving their homes due to Operation Metro Surge.
Whether it's a Venezuelan restaurant on the West Side of St. Paul, Minnesota, or a bakery on Lake Street in Minneapolis, there's widespread economic pain for Latino-owned businesses.
Police in Duluth, Minnesota, say they're actively searching Tuesday for the shooter who killed a man near the city's Goat Hill neighborhood.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
A St. Cloud, Minnesota, man is charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of his wife, the daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson.
Two Republican candidates in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race have dropped out: one for a heartbreaking reason, while the other is entering a different race.
People describing themselves as constitutional observers tell WCCO that in the past week, reports of ICE agents disguising themselves have flooded in from the Twin Cities Metro and rural areas of the state.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
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.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
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.
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
The latest police data shows a drop in some crime numbers in Minneapolis to start 2026. Homicides, robberies and burglaries are all down from this time last year. But there's conflict over who gets credit. Ashley Grams is here with a closer look at the stats and what's behind them.
After more than two months, Governor Tim Walz believes the end of Operation Metro Surge could be just days away. Ubah Ali was in East St. Paul to hear from community members.
A federal grand jury refused to indict six Democrats who drew President Trump's ire by taping a video telling members of the military that they must reject "illegal orders," three sources told CBS News.
A high-profile former prosecutor who was part of a wave of resignations from the Justice Department's office in Minneapolis last month has a surprising new client: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
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.
"Because we have taken out thousands of criminals, their crime is down," the president said when speaking about Minnesota. "Not because of anybody else, it's because of us their crime is down."
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
Police in Duluth, Minnesota, say they're actively searching Tuesday for the shooter who killed a man near the city's Goat Hill neighborhood.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he expects the ongoing Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement actions in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota to last "days, not weeks and months."
FBI Director Kash Patel posted videos of a person outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, on the morning of her disappearance.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
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.
Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
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.
A Minnesotan competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy took a moment to address the situation closer to home in his home state, calling the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during Operation Metro Surge unconstitutional.
Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye were ejected Monday night after an altercation early in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's 138-116 win.
Anthony Edwards scored 21 of his 30 points in the first half as the Minnesota Timberwolves used a dominant second quarter to cruise to a 138-116 win against the short-handed Atlanta Hawks.
In a surprising move to some, the Wild have two goaltenders playing in the Milano Cortina Winter Games: Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt, who is in his first full NHL season.
The Republican Party endorsing convention is in May, and Demuth has said that if she doesn't win the endorsement, she will drop out, but several candidates are expected to continue to the August primary.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
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.
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.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and while we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday.
The monthslong Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Minnesota has sparked ongoing protests, some measured tens of thousands of demonstrators, others just a few dozen.
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?
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will warm about 10 degrees above average tomorrow with highs in the mid-30s and sunshine.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says clouds are clearing out and the wind will settle down tonight.
The Twin Cities are in the midst of a warmup, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
A warming trend kicks in on Thursday. We pop up into the 40s with a storm system missing us to the south, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augusytniak reports.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will warm about 10 degrees above average tomorrow with highs in the mid-30s and sunshine.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday. While we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday for tonight's Good Question.
Nearly 100 Minnesotans, who say pollution problems harmed their health, have won a multi-million dollar legal settlement. The former Water Gremlin plant in White Bear Township released excessive amounts of a cancer-causing chemical for more than 15 years. Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle explains how this settlement offers the plant's neighbors much more than money.
The latest police data shows a drop in some crime numbers in Minneapolis to start 2026. Homicides, robberies and burglaries are all down from this time last year. But there's conflict over who gets credit. Ashley Grams is here with a closer look at the stats and what's behind them.
After more than two months, Governor Tim Walz believes the end of Operation Metro Surge could be just days away. Ubah Ali was in East St. Paul to hear from community members.