Why Minnesota farmers are turning to drones to spray their fields
It's Tyler Larson's first year running a spray drone. On Thursday morning, he was applying fungicide to a soybean field near Owatonna, Minnesota.
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It's Tyler Larson's first year running a spray drone. On Thursday morning, he was applying fungicide to a soybean field near Owatonna, Minnesota.
Police in Minneapolis are citing a May incident involving a missing man found by a drone as a positive example of how the technology can be used to keep the public safe. City officials are considering trying out a drones-as-first-responders program that neighbors are concerned could really mean public surveillance.
As a debate about first responder drones continues in Minneapolis, Conor Wight introduces a man who says he owes his life to the aerial technology.
The police drone debate has come to Minneapolis. Does speed responding to problems outweigh concerns about surveillance? Ashley Grams breaks down the pros and cons of using the flying first responders.
Crime-fighting tools perched on the top of sky-scrapers. It sounds like something out of a comic book. But as Photojournalist Tony Peterson and Jeff Wagner show us: police are praising the high-tech help.
A series of drone incursions into countries neighboring Ukraine and Russia is fueling concern that their four-and-a-half year war could spread.
While the drones are in the air responding, police officers are monitoring the camera feed and location from the station.
Every second counts in an emergency and new tech could save time and potentially lives. Bloomington is the latest metro police department to consider launching a drone first responder team. Ashley Grams has a behind the scenes look at what's becoming a growing trend.
Mitchell Bechtold, who is pastor for four churches in the area, has now filmed more than 40 churches across central Minnesota, with many still ahead.
A small-town priest is taking preservation to new heights.
A Twin Cities mom got a big scare this weekend when her 8-year-old son wandered far away from home.
A Twin Cities mom got a big scare this weekend. Her 8-year-old Felix wandered away. Jason Rantala shows us how local authorities used a high-tech tool to find him.
The Defense Department on Wednesday shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone in southwest Texas, federal officials confirmed to CBS News.
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.
The Twins pulled within six games of the White Sox in the AL Central and 3 1/2 games of the third AL wild card.
Minneapolis police are investigating after responding to a shooting victim found on the freeway.
On one of its last few days, one woman flew home to spend a few magical moments at the Great Minnesota Get Together.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back fan-favorite safety Harrison Smith.
For Jeena Gurung Vomhof, the Minnesota State Fair was supposed to be a celebration. A chance to share the art and traditions of the country she still calls home. Then came devastating news from Nepal.
Minneapolis police are investigating after responding to a shooting victim found on the freeway.
On one of its last few days, one woman flew home to spend a few magical moments at the Great Minnesota Get Together.
For Jeena Gurung Vomhof, the Minnesota State Fair was supposed to be a celebration. A chance to share the art and traditions of the country she still calls home. Then came devastating news from Nepal.
Police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, are investigating after four juvenile males fled from a shooting Friday evening.
A woman is in critical condition following a shooting overnight Saturday in north Minneapolis.
The Kandiyohi, Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV crash that left a juvenile with serious injuries.
After years of planning, the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley is nearly ready to open.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
A better chance for storms arrives Thursday night across central and northern Minnesota. A few could be severe with a slight risk for wind and hail.
Police in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, have an adult man in custody after social media threats were made towards both schools in the area on Tuesday.
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.
The federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro has been unsealed, detailing charges accusing him of lying to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in January, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Supreme Court left in place guidance from the Federal Communications Commission that allows political parties and committees access to cheaper rates for political ads.
Minnesota's new anti-nudification law can proceed while a lawsuit brought forth by billionaire Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company plays out, a federal judge ruled Friday.
The federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro has been unsealed, detailing charges accusing him of lying to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in January.
Christian Castro, the ICE agent facing federal charges for lying about the circumstances surrounding his decision to shoot a Venezuelan national in Minneapolis earlier this year, is now in custody.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
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.
Police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, are investigating after four juvenile males fled from a shooting Friday evening.
A woman is in critical condition following a shooting overnight Saturday in north Minneapolis.
Police are investigating a shooting overnight Saturday in a restaurant parking lot just north of Minneapolis.
Four teenagers are in custody after a vehicle pursuit in Minneapolis early Friday that resulted in a Hennepin County Sheriff's Office SUV being damaged, according to police.
The federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro has been unsealed, detailing charges accusing him of lying to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in January.
A group of over 150 Allina Health doctors in the Twin Cities has filed a 10-day unfair labor practice strike notice, their union said on Friday.
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced Tuesday that they completed the merger.
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.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
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 Twins pulled within six games of the White Sox in the AL Central and 3 1/2 games of the third AL wild card.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back fan-favorite safety Harrison Smith.
Colson Montgomery hit a two-run homer and Erick Fedde pitched five sparkling innings, helping the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1.
Several people were injured in a railing collapse at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, Thursday night, following a football game between Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Thomas Academy, according to the Minnesota Vikings.
Javon Tracy set the program record with two punts for touchdowns and Darius Taylor rushed for three first-half scores as Minnesota opened with a 59-7 romp past FCS opponent Eastern Illinois on Thursday.
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.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
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.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
Visitors are spending tens of millions of dollars to experience all there is at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 12-day production that costs tens of millions of dollars to put on.
There's more than 300 vendors keeping people fed at the Minnesota State Fair. That's a lot of competition for your cash and the limited space in your stomach.
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.
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.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest for your weekend forecast.
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 will be hot and humid in the Twin Cities, with scattered showers and storms expected Sunday, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Saturday will be hot and humid in the Twin Cities, with scattered showers and storms expected Sunday.
People in the Twin Cities will feel temperatures in the 80s on Saturday and Sunday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest for your weekend forecast.
Larry Schmidt's daughter, Emily, flew halfway across the country to surprise her dad with a state fair visit. His 75th overall.
A chance to celebrate all things Nordic heritage and culture returns. Nordic Music Fest will take place in Victoria, Minnesota next weekend.
African Fashion Week will return to the Twin Cities Sept. 12. Here's a sneak peek at what attendees can see.
After decades of fighting for justice, 145 people who were sexually abused in Minnesota's Winona-Rochester Diocese will now see some financial compensation.