Gov. Tim Walz activates Minnesota National Guard for wildfire response
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says it responded to a reported structure fire on the 6600 block of County Road 18 in Lake Edward Township around 5:22 p.m. Tuesday.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says dispatchers received a 911 call around 12:31 p.m. from a 19-year-old man reporting a paddle boat he was on had capsized on Little Emily Lake.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says deputies received a report at around 9:15 p.m. of a Merrifield man who had been shot by a family member during a domestic dispute.
Around 2,000 acres at Camp Ripley in north-central Minnesota have burned due to a wildfire that broke out in the area on Sunday, officials with the military training center said.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
We've heard the call from federal officials for counties to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several Minnesota sheriff's departments have what's called a 287(g) agreement with the agency. It can be controversial. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. The sheriff allowed WCCO into the Crow Wing County jail to talk about the agreements only with Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
As the ICE Surge continues, Homeland Security claims they've arrested 4,000 people in Minnesota. Most are taken to the Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling. It's a spot to hold detainees until they can be moved. Some go out of state, the rest to a handful of county jails that have agreements with the feds. So what does that look like and how are people being treated? For the first time during Operation Metro Surge, a sheriff is opening his jail to show WCCO the conditions. Crow Wing County's Sheriff in Brainerd gave our crew a tour and sat down for a candid conversation with Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle.
There's a cabin that blends into its surroundings so well, you almost can't see it. In Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shares the story behind the "Mirror Cabin" near the town of Ironton.
Cabin country is cleaning up from severe storms. Several trees toppled near Nisswa and several homes lost power.
Did you know you can go on safari in our state? In this week’s Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd, where animals from around the world are waiting.
An 18-year-old died in Crow Wing Friday night after three cars collided at an intersection.
Events like the Integrated Warning Team Workshop are an opportunity for meteorologists, utility companies, resort managers and law enforcement to share information, strategies and technology to help protect lives and property.
A central Minnesota deputy and a motorcyclist collided when the deputy made a U-turn in his patrol car Thursday evening, officials said.
An elementary school student used a school bus radio to get help for a driver suffering from a medical condition while on their route home from school in central Minnesota, according to officials.
The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened around 12:41 p.m. in the area of Highway 169 and Channel Drive in Garrison Township.
A man is dead and police are investigating after a crash in Crow Wing County Sunday afternoon.
Authorities in Crow Wing County are trying to piece together a terrifying timeline that included a deadly shooting, a fire and alleged abduction.
Did you know Minnesota has a real castle? Miller Castle, near Nisswa.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office said Sunday it is investigating the deaths of a 53-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman in Mission Township.
Police in the Brainerd lakes area say a man was seriously injured in an explosion while he was installing an electric vehicle charging station.
Economists estimate the global manganese market is worth more than $20 billion and growing. The mineral, though, is 100% imported in the U.S., despite it being an element that could appear in rocks almost everywhere.
A new discovery could bring a new kind of mining to cabin country. Geologists are reporting a massive discovery of manganese in the town of Emily. WCCO's Jonah Kaplan takes us there to see what's at stake.
Our weird winter and spring could mess with your plans this summer if you plan to spend it by a lake.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, are investigating after two teenagers were shot early Tuesday morning.
Minneapolis police are investigating at least two vehicle break-in incidents this week where nine vehicles were damaged.
Police in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, are looking for the suspect responsible for shooting a man and woman late Monday night.
It's the first day of meteorological fall, but it certainly won't feel like that Tuesday in the Twin Cities.
The corn goes from a farm field west of the Twin Cities to the busy ovens on the fairgrounds.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, are investigating after two teenagers were shot early Tuesday morning.
Minneapolis police are investigating at least two vehicle break-in incidents this week where nine vehicles were damaged.
Police in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, are looking for the suspect responsible for shooting a man and woman late Monday night.
Vance Boelter, the man sentenced by a federal court to two life terms and an additional 40 years for killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, is planning to rely upon the defenses of "justifiable taking of life" and "double jeopardy" in the state case against him, court documents filed on Friday said.
A day after three people were found dead in an Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, townhome, a nearby coffee shop is offering cups of comfort.
The corn goes from a farm field west of the Twin Cities to the busy ovens on the fairgrounds.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
The Tilt-A-Whirl turned 100 years old, and longtime fairgoer Bill Homan is also turning 100.
Five of St. Louis County's 10 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras were stolen this summer, a factor Sheriff Gordon Ramsay cited in the decision to end the contract.
Organizers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, which takes place along Minnesota's North Shore every winter, say they're changing the format of the race in 2027 to create a more challenging course for mushers.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
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.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
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.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning, the White House confirmed.
The Supreme Court divided 5-4 in allowing construction of the new White House ballroom to continue.
A family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who fled Ukraine amid the war with Russia, is self-deporting on Monday.
A family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who fled Ukraine amid Russian attacks is preparing to self deport, plus more of the day’s top stories.
A family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, were among the more than 200,000 Ukrainians who came to the U.S. through the United For Ukraine humanitarian program, which was recently ended by the Trump administration.
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.
Minneapolis police are investigating at least two vehicle break-in incidents this week where nine vehicles were damaged.
Police in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, are looking for the suspect responsible for shooting a man and woman late Monday night.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, was charged with murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang in Shakur's death.
A 24-year-old Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty for his role in the Boom Island Park mass shooting last summer that killed a woman and injured five men was sentenced Monday to 30 years.
A 36-year-old Twin Cities man is now in custody after two days on the run in connection with a double stabbing that occurred early Thursday morning in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
This year, your kid may be more likely to catch a back-to-school bug, as fewer students are getting their shots than at any time in the past decade.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
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.
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."
Ryan Jeffers had two homers, Walker Jenkins went deep for the first time in his major league career, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 11-1.
The Minnesota Frost re-signed captain Kendall Coyne Schofield to a two-year contract, ending any concerns the 34-year-old may take a year off after helping the United States win an Olympic gold medal in February.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
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.
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.
The corn goes from a farm field west of the Twin Cities to the busy ovens on the fairgrounds.
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.
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.
Patchy morning fog lifts quickly Tuesday, followed by another warm and humid day with highs in the upper 90s, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
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.
It's the first day of meteorological fall, but it certainly won't feel like that Tuesday in the Twin Cities.
High temperatures on Tuesday will be in the 80s and 90s across much of Minnesota, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Tuesday and Wednesday will be muggy in Twin Cities, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The forthcoming season marks 25 years of the Emmy-winning reality juggernaut "The Amazing Race."
Enbridge officials say it has decided on a two-day pause in the Line 5 Relocation project in northern Wisconsin following a recent gas leak.
The Blue Barn is a popular spot many people like to visit at the Minnesota State Fair for food and drinks. Shayla Reaves gives us a look at the new stuff and breakfast options this year.
Organizers of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, which takes place along Minnesota's North Shore every winter, say they're changing the format of the race in 2027 to create a more challenging course for mushers.
Minneapolis police are investigating another round of vehicle windows being smashed in.