Twin Cities Restaurants Say They'll Need Huge St. Patrick's Boost To Stay Afloat
New figures show Minnesota's hospitality and tourism industry lost more than $15 billion in revenue over the last two years.
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New figures show Minnesota's hospitality and tourism industry lost more than $15 billion in revenue over the last two years.
The rate of new daily cases per 100,000 residents stands at 9, which is below the line of high risk (though above the line for caution), and down significantly from the recent peak of nearly 230.
The rate of new daily cases per 100,000 residents stands at 10.2, which is considered just barely above the line of high risk, but also significantly down from the recent peak of nearly 230.
It's been two years since restaurants were forced to shut down for in-dining service after COVID-19 first arrived in Minnesota. Now, businesses are planning to have a more normal March for the first time in years.
The University of Minnesota announced Friday that it's further loosening its indoor masking requirements, no longer requiring masks in common areas, sports arenas and at spring commencement events.
State health officials on Tuesday reported 575 new COVID-19 cases and 17 more deaths as key metrics continue to creep toward less concerning levels.
Minnesota's average COVID-19 positivity rate is below 5%, and cases are their lowest since August.
Minnesota health officials on Tuesday reported 1,457 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths, as key figures continue to trend downwards.
As Minnesota marks two years since its first confirmed COVID-19 case, state health officials reported 908 new cases and 18 more deaths Monday.
"We should not consider it a failure if COVID comes back again. We should consider that a typical lifespan of viruses," Dr. George Morris said.
Minnesota's rolling average COVID-19 positivity rate is below the line the state health department considers as cause for caution, now sitting at 4.9%. This marks the first time that figure has been below the line of caution since early August 2021.
The NFL will reportedly abandon all COVID-19 protocols immediately.
Minnesota's rolling average COVID-19 positivity rate has nearly fallen below the line the state health department considers as cause for caution, now sitting at 5.1% after spending many weeks in double-digit territory.
The rate of new daily cases per 100,000 residents stands at 19.9, significantly down from the recent peak of nearly 230. However, the line of high risk is drawn at 10 per 100,000 residents.
Since WCCO first shared Latasha Lee's story in July, the certified nursing assistant school was granted a two-year approval following a state inspection. Lee is now allowed to have 10 students per class, up from three during the provisional licensing period.
As Minnesota's rolling average COVID-19 positivity rate continues to fall, health officials on Monday reported 1,122 new cases and 28 more deaths.
The prison system initially closed its doors to visitors in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold. The DOC reopened to visits in July 2021 but closed them down again this past December amid the omicron surge.
Health officials in Minnesota reported 961 new cases and 15 deaths Friday, a day after mask mandates were dropped in the Twin Cities.
As the Twin Cities lift their mask mandates and a new Omicron subvariant is being tracked in Minnesota, state health officials reported 1,075 new COVID-19 cases and 47 more deaths Thursday.
Minneapolis and St. Paul have lifted their mask mandates, effective immediately, the mayors of both cities announced Thursday.
Another type of the Omicron variant has been detected in Minnesota, and health officials are tracking it.
The rate of new daily cases per 100,000 residents stands at 29.9, significantly down from the recent peak of nearly 230. However, the line of high risk is drawn at 10 per 100,000 residents.
Meanwhile, Minnesota officials on Tuesday reported 2,012 new cases and 32 more deaths due to COVID-19, seven of which happened before the start of February.
Minnesota's rolling average COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped below the high-risk threshold for the first time in nearly two months.
Mask mandates have been a hot topic at school board meetings across the country. But now districts like Eastern Carver County and Stillwater are moving to masks optional but recommended.
Sam Ehlinger shined with a three-touchdown performance in the Denver Broncos' 34-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
The weekend is starting off with some showers and storms in the Twin Cities.
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
Colson Montgomery hit his 28th homer and Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs to help the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Friday night.
An Elgin boy and his mother were in a burn unit at a hospital in Minnesota after they were struck by lightning during a camping trip in a remote area of Wisconsin near Lake Superior.
Carol Sawyer lived to 100, only missing the Minnesota State Fair two times in her life. Now, her legacy lives on through a bench dedicated in her honor. Fairgoers can be part of that legacy by stopping by it, snapping a photo and sharing it on social media.
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
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.
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.
A lawsuit accuses the global manufacturing company 3M of contaminating public drinking water wells in Hastings, Minnesota, with the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid.
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.
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.
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
"Space is the hot thing," President Trump said at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged in a Minneapolis shooting during Operation Metro Surge has been released from a Texas jail, the Associated Press reports.
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.
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.
Minneapolis police say a man was killed in a shooting early Friday morning in the East Phillips neighborhood.
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.
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."
Audience members at a stage performance of "9 to 5: The Musical" in the U.K. were heard gasping aloud at the news of Dolly Parton's death Tuesday.
Sam Ehlinger shined with a three-touchdown performance in the Denver Broncos' 34-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
Colson Montgomery hit his 28th homer and Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs to help the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Friday night.
The Minnesota Twins have called up top prospect Walker Jenkins with the status of All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton unclear.
Dallas Turner's performance for the Minnesota Vikings during training camp after a strong finish last season has underscored why they were so happy to get him in the first round of the 2024 draft.
The PGA Tour Americas is back in Brainerd. With some big Minnesota sports names changing sports for the week.
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.
The candidates for the Minnesota general election are all set, and the campaigns are shifting into a higher gear.
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.
The weekend is starting off with some showers and storms in the Twin Cities.
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.
Saturday morning rain gives way to mostly cloudy, muggy afternoon, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Some Minnesotans may wake up to a rumble of thunder on Saturday morning before feeling humid conditions in the afternoon, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
Showers and storms will pass through much of Minnesota early on Saturday, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
WCCO's Reg Chapman updates on the news of the day.
If you're looking for some Minnesota-made and inspired art, apparel and more, the Minnesota State Fair has got a vendor you'll want to check out.
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.
Show off your best milk mustache, check out some high-flying dogs, investigate Ice Age fossils, watch some amazing Irish dancing, and groove to the architects of the Minneapolis Sound at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand!
This weekend, you can celebrate all things K-pop with your fellow fans at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Nancy Xiong and Andrew Meledres visit WCCO to break down all you need to know about this year’s KPOP MINNECON.