Minnetonka police launch state's first drone program
The goal, Minnetonka police say, is to cut response times, give officers more information before arriving on scene and improve community outcomes.
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The goal, Minnetonka police say, is to cut response times, give officers more information before arriving on scene and improve community outcomes.
A first-of-its-kind program is taking flight in a Twin Cities suburb Monday. Minnetonka police are dispatching drones to some emergencies before first responders even arrive on scene. As photojournalist Tony Peterson and Ubah Ali show us, police say it's about responding faster, safer, and smarter.
Red Wing police officers say four to five drones were spotted flying around a nuclear plant on Wednesday.
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
Mysterious reports of drone sightings have been popping up around the U.S., including areas around the Twin Cities.
President-elect Donald Trump claimed the federal government wants to "keep people in suspense" on the mystery drones.
Israel's government says a drone was launched toward the prime minister's house, with no casualties.
Dramatic new videos show a nighttime rescue of a 3-year-old boy lost in a Wisconsin cornfield.
Israel says 99% of the missiles and drones launched by Iran in an overnight assault were downed by its air defenses, with help from its allies.
Duluth police say its drone unit played a pivotal role in the arrest of an assault suspect early Tuesday morning.
The drone attack was conducted by an Iran-affiliated militant group, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
Flying drones has become a popular hobby in the last decade. The FAA launched the "12 Days of Drones" program this holiday season to ensure everyone is safe from the ground up.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called the "barbaric" tactics "a symptom of how poorly Russia's military leaders know they're doing."
"All of these explosive devices are homemade, based on tutorials that can be found on the internet," Mexico's defense secretary said.
U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones were carrying out an operation against ISIS targets when they were confronted by Russian jets for the second time in less than 24 hours, officials said.
The Kremlin present no evidence of the alleged "terrorist act," but said Putin was safe and working, with his schedule unchanged.
Military analysts are dubious of the latest wild claims from Kim Jong Un's regime, which is furious over the latest U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises.
The pilots "prevented an American MQ-9 drone from violating (Russia's) temporary airspace," the defense ministry said.
The camera view is lost briefly after the apparent collision but it comes back to show what the Air Force said was damage to the propeller from the strike.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby has said the U.S. was trying to prevent the fallen drone from getting into the wrong hands.
The U.S. military says a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea, 75 miles southwest of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. After the incident, the drone was unable to fly and crashed into international waters, where the U.S. is attempting to recover the wreckage before the Russians can get to it. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports.
Officials say at least 8 people were killed across the country as the latest barrage of explosives-laden drones hit energy infrastructure and civilian homes.
Wednesday, Minneapolis residents can share their thoughts about the police department using drones.
Investigations from fatal or near fatal car accidents can leave roads closed for hours. But troopers say having an eye in the sky could change that.
The Minneapolis Police Department is planning to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of its law enforcement and training activities.
Expect more clouds and relatively mild air for Christmas Day as the overall gloomy pattern continues.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
In five years, Clinton Ward allegedly made millions by importing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the Twin Cities via "an expansive net of distributors" in what officials call the most prolific drug operation in Minnesota history.
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.
It's an ongoing tradition started by a resident who'd light up his block, but died in 2020.
In five years, Clinton Ward allegedly made millions by importing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the Twin Cities via "an expansive net of distributors" in what officials call the most prolific drug operation in Minnesota history.
It's an ongoing tradition started by a resident who'd light up his block, but died in 2020.
One year ago, Dan Reed could barely walk. His kidneys were shutting down and he had little hope of getting a transplant. Now, he's well on the road to recovery.
For two decades, the only Spanish-language cancer support group in the state has been quietly changing lives.
Gama, originally from Mexico, has been operating the Pastaleria Gama bakery on Lake Street in Minneapolis for 10 years now. Her store was empty for long stretches of time on Christmas Eve, which she said has never been the case in the past.
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.
Sabrina Schnoor, 25, was found dead under an Interstate 35 overpass bridge in May 2023.
From a cat that accidentally made an 8,000-mile journey in a shipping container to a tunnel made just for turtles, all kinds of animals made the headlines in Minnesota this year.
There is no denying 2025 was a difficult year in Minnesota. A list of the biggest news stories is fraught with tragedy, attacks on the vulnerable and political division and dysfunction.
Several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting delayed starts on Monday amid a messy morning commute.
A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional Slender Man has been ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital after she escaped from her group home last month.
Several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting delayed starts on Monday amid a messy morning commute.
The U.S. Justice Department has sued three states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, and D.C. for not turning over requested voter information to the Trump administration.
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
On Sunday, members of Minnesota's Somali community spoke out against President Trump's social media post calling for an end to temporary protected status.
Gama, originally from Mexico, has been operating the Pastaleria Gama bakery on Lake Street in Minneapolis for 10 years now. Her store was empty for long stretches of time on Christmas Eve, which she said has never been the case in the past.
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
The nationwide ban on a toxic cancer-causing chemical, once on hold, has moved forward to protect people around the country.
The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association submitted a vote of no confidence on Dec. 8, with 72 of Minnesota's 87 sheriffs voting in favor.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Buy now, pay later plans are becoming more popular for shoppers this holiday season.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
In five years, Clinton Ward allegedly made millions by importing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the Twin Cities via "an expansive net of distributors" in what officials call the most prolific drug operation in Minnesota history.
Court records say Eh Tha Blay, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting third-degree property damage.
Sabrina Schnoor, 25, was found dead under an Interstate 35 overpass bridge in May 2023.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead early Tuesday morning on the city's north side.
A 32-year-old man is facing multiple assault charges after he allegedly pointed a handgun at two St. Paul police officers, resulting in him being shot on Sunday.
The clock is ticking to snag a few more gifts and prepare for that holiday trip to visit family. As the pressure builds, so does the stress.
The Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association says of the middle and high schools they know of, only 49% have an athletic trainer providing some level of service.
From 2021 to 2025, Smart Therapy Center submitted claims totaling $31.8 million across all Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, according to that data. But the provider was only approved for a fraction of those payments.
The family of a Minnesota Vikings player who died at training camp from heat exhaustion in 2001 is still fighting to protect others.
A Twin Cities metro area school shifted to e-learning after a flu outbreak impacted nearly a quarter of its students. A senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health said flu season is "definitely picking up."
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
The nearly 100-year-old cinema will close briefly after New Year's Day and reopen on Jan. 9 with a showing of Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother."
The junior cornerback transferred to Minnesota from Iowa this spring. He was a depth defensive back and special teamer for the Hawkeyes. But this year, with a larger role, he's had a breakout season.
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have gone from 29 combined wins last season to just 15 this season entering their Week 17 matchup on Christmas Day.
Steven Stamkos scored 53 seconds into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Anthony Edwards scored 38 points to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns for the first time and hold off the New York Knicks 115-104.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his hand and will not play on Christmas Day against the Detroit Lions, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
Fear and uncertainty continue in Minnesota's Somali communities as ICE continues its intensified focus on the Twin Cities.
Opposition to ICE actions is widespread among Democratic elected officials throughout the state, though nowhere more than in Minneapolis, home to the state's largest Somali population.
Minnesotans who welcomed a child this year were able to start applying this week to the state's new paid family and medical leave program to take time off in 2026.
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.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
The story of "The Wizard of Oz " is 125 years old, yet still reinventing itself in all kinds of forms.
It's the time of year when we accumulate the most stuff. When we do, people often throw around the word "hoarding." But it turns out it's a frequently misunderstood term.
Why do we have oily or dry skin? A dermatologist explains the root cause and how it can change over time.
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.
Expect more clouds and relatively mild air for Christmas Day as the overall gloomy pattern continues.
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 Adam Del Rosso says it could drizzle in the evening on Christmas.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says it would rain in the Twin Cities on the night of Christmas.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says fog is possible tonight into tomorrow.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says it could drizzle in the evening on Christmas.
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