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What exactly is the standard in the Catholic Church these days? Among the lurid revelations in the past few weeks there is one that I keep coming back to. It is not the most graphic, but it is one that those at the highest levels of the Archdiocese knew about.
This Halloween, families are expected to spend nearly $8 billion celebrating the holiday. That's a 50 percent jump since just 2005. And a lot of the money is going to costumes. Americans spend about a $1 billion on children's costumes each year, and another $1.2 billion on adult costumes. How it all got started dates back to the Middle Ages. For the folks at the Theatrical Costume Rental in Minneapolis, 20 percent of their yearly business is done during the month of October. Duck Dynasty, What Does the Fox Say and Jack Sparrow are just a few popular costumes this year.
A national group of victims of sexual abuse by priests protested outside the headquarters of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on Thursday. The demonstrators spoke out against the new panel the archdiocese has created, to investigate abuse allegations.
The head of a task force that will review issues related to clergy sexual misconduct in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is expected to announce more details about the group.
When Jennifer Haselberger uncovered what looked like recent, troubling sexual behavior by several Minnesota priests — a stash of possible child pornography on one priest's computer hard drive, another with a well-documented history of sexual compulsion still leading a parish — she tried to ring alarm bells at the top ranks of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese.
A former Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis employee is calling for a "comprehensive, external review" of priest files. Jennifer Haselberger released a statement Saturday asking Archbishop John Nienstedt to publicize a list of clergy who have engaged in acts of sexual misconduct, as well as those who could pose a threat to children. Haselberger worked at the archdiocese from 2008 to last April, when she resigned because of concerns about the way sexual abuse allegations were handled.
The top deputy at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis resigned Thursday amid fresh criticism of how top church officials handled cases of priests accused of sexual abuse.
St. Paul native and popular author Lino Rulli – who's also a former WCCO-TV reporter – has a new book out. It's called "Saint" and it's another serving of Rulli's humorous and irreverent take on religion and the Catholic Church. Rulli's ability to make people laugh while talking about God has taken him far. He went from having a cable show in the Twin Cities, to reporting at WCCO, to his current job for the past seven years hosting a national daily Sirius radio show.
Pope Francis said today, he won't judge clergy for their sexual orientation, and that he will not judge anyone gay who is searching for the Lord. The Pope also said he believes women should play a greater role in the church.
Attorneys said 6,000 pages of secret church documents reveal in detail the Vatican's role in child sex abuse cases. St. Paul-based attorney Jeff Anderson said the letters show an elaborate abuse cover-up in Milwaukee from the 1950s through today.
A silver bell rang inside the Basilica of Saint Mary as part of a mass to celebrate the installation of Pope Francis.
Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope Wednesday and chose the name Francis, becoming the first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium.
Pope Francis is the first ever from the Americas, an austere Jesuit intellectual who modernized Argentina's conservative Catholic church.
Cardinals have filed into the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to elect the next pope amid deep divisions and uncertainty over who will lead the 1.2 billion-strong Catholic Church.
The former bishop of the La Crosse diocese is among the 115 cardinals gathered in Vatican City for their final days of talks before the conclave to elect a new pope.
It is refreshing to learn about a successful school at a time when our education system is under such scrutiny.
Declaring that he lacks the strength to do his job, Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he will resign Feb. 28 -- becoming the first pontiff to step down in 600 years.
Michele Bachmann is calling her bid for re-election her toughest race yet. On Thursday, the congresswoman and her DFL challenger Jim Graves faced off in their second debate.
A religious leader from Canada visited the Twin Cities Monday to speak out against gay marriage. The Archbishop of Ottawa spoke at the University of St. Thomas, where the Minnesota Catholic Conference is underway.
The group working to add a ban on same-sex marriage to the Minnesota Constitution started a television ad campaign across the state on Monday.
The story has been out there for months, in all its horrifying detail. But somehow those details make it all the more chilling.
The Obama Administration's decision to force all employers to provide birth control coverage in their insurance plans, including religious-affiliated institutions like hospitals and universities, is creating incredible controversy.
Groups supporting a constitutional ban on gay marriage in Minnesota say they've raised more than $1.2 million to persuade voters to approve the ballot measure in November.
A Twin Cities attorney, who's had success in similar sexual abuse cases, is now involved in the Penn State scandal.
The boycott is to protest the Catholic Church's support of a constitutional amendment that would ban same sex marriage.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
Barrel Theory co-owner Tim Johnson told WCCO that plans are in place for a light opening by late September, with a full opening by the first week of October.
Angel Reese broke a WNBA record with her 29th double-double this season, Allisha Gray made six 3-pointers and finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds, and the Atlanta Dream beat the league-leading Minnesota Lynx 89-81 in their last game before the FIBA World Cup break.
The White Sox will move to begin a four-game series in Houston on Monday.
Authorities in the southeastern Twin Cities are investigating after three people were found dead inside a residence Sunday.
Barrel Theory co-owner Tim Johnson told WCCO that plans are in place for a light opening by late September, with a full opening by the first week of October.
Authorities in the southeastern Twin Cities are investigating after three people were found dead inside a residence Sunday.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
Jena Hanson, a 20-year-old from Owatonna, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for the Minnesota dairy industry and families for the next year.
A Minnesota college professor has been sentenced to three years' probation for stealing gun parts and ammunition from a Twin Cities store, according to court records.
Minnesota is facing its worst drought conditions in five years, experts say. About 88% of the state is either experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.
Minnesota's Iron Range has a history of iron ore mining dating back to the 1880s. But renewed conversations about copper-nickel mining in the area are fueling debate up north and beyond. Neighbors in the Ely area are navigating the divisive issue while staying largely united.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
DFL nominee for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar talks about the race with WCCO's Esme Murphy live at the State Fair.
Minnesota's highest court on Saturday denied Mike Lindell's request for a recount in the Aug. 11 Republican primary for governor after the MyPillow founder said he would personally pay for a hand recount and audit of every paper ballot cast in the race.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ended Mike Lindell's fight for the governor's office.
The judge delivered a victory for Stanford University's student newspaper, which said some international students were afraid to speak out because of the deportation threat.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen has pleaded guilty to DWI in connection with a March traffic incident that led to his arrest, according to court records filed on Thursday.
Police say the statue of Olympic champion and Minnesota native Suni Lee has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen.
A teenager and two children were detained early Tuesday morning in connection to vehicle break-ins in south Minneapolis, according to police.
Minnesota officials say Christian Castro, charged in a January Minneapolis shooting, could cross into Mexico now that Texas has released him without honoring the state's extradition request.
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
Minnesota joined 23 states in suing the Trump administration Thursday, trying to stop new rules that could cut off federal funding for birth control clinics and other family planning services.
Minnesota will receive between $214 million to $307 million after tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, settled a landmark social media addiction lawsuit Wednesday.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
The legendary Minneapolis duo looks back on the Fair, a friendship that began as teenagers, the origin of "Jimmy Jam," and the challenge of turning more than 500 recordings into one homecoming show.
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Angel Reese broke a WNBA record with her 29th double-double this season, Allisha Gray made six 3-pointers and finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds, and the Atlanta Dream beat the league-leading Minnesota Lynx 89-81 in their last game before the FIBA World Cup break.
The White Sox will move to begin a four-game series in Houston on Monday.
Tyrese Spicer scored three minutes into second-half stoppage time and Orlando City salvaged a 3-3 draw with Minnesota United after blowing a two-goal lead.
The Minnesota Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement, a lingering injury that has affected the All-Star for much of the season.
Andrew Benintendi had all three of his team's hits with his sixth-inning home run being the difference as the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
There's a buzz at the fairgrounds as vendors, exhibitors and 4-H families get ready to welcome millions of people across a very specific stretch of time. Why is the Minnesota State Fair 12 days? Good Question.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be hot and humid with a high in the upper 80s and a heat index around 90.
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.
Outside of a stray storm Sunday morning, the heat and humidity are the main story to end the weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso has the latest forecast.
The humidity returns, with temps in the 80s and it'll linger into Sunday. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows has more.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be hot and humid with a high in the upper 80s and a heat index around 90.
Sunday marks the last day for a longstanding St. Paul brewery, but it wont be the end of beer at the building. Jason Rantala shows us who is setting up shop.
Authorities in the southeastern Twin Cities are investigating after three people were found dead inside a residence Sunday.
The festival is free and family-friendly, with authentic Egyptian food, cultural activities, church tours, kids’ activities, shopping, and more.
A unique golf tournament in the Twin Cities is going to be celebrating five years next month. The Beyond Season Golf Tournament aims to celebrate diversity. Money raised will help support programs that allow more people to access the game.