Deep Freeze May Have Cost Economy About $5 Billion
Hunkering down at home rather than going to work, canceling thousands of flights and repairing burst pipes from the Midwest to the Southeast has its price. By one estimate, about $5 billion.
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Hunkering down at home rather than going to work, canceling thousands of flights and repairing burst pipes from the Midwest to the Southeast has its price. By one estimate, about $5 billion.
A monthly economic report suggests supply managers surveyed in nine Midwestern and Plains states are optimistic about the regional economy over the next six months. The confidence index for the Mid-America Business Conditions Index jumped to 66.5 last month from 57.2 in November.
With weather not posing a problem, shoppers flocked to their neighborhood malls and stores on Saturday to finish or, in many cases, begin their holiday shopping. According to retail analysts, Saturday is expected to be the busiest shopping day in the shortened season. And with just three days remaining until Christmas Day, many are finding deep discounts as retailers try to trim inventories. And it's not just people getting presents under the tree. Leah Goldade of Lulu and Luigi's Pet Boutique says business is brisk.
A new Census report shows that Iowa and several other Midwest and Plains states have the lowest poverty rates when cost of living is factored into the calculation. The report released Wednesday showed that Iowa had the lowest rate at 8.6 percent. The national rate under the new measure is 16 percent.
Have you ever considered changing careers? It's a common thought, but a gutsy move in a tough economy. So now, with the economy improving, we asked some people who've done it: How to start and two key questions to ask before making a change.
A new survey of business leaders suggests the economy will continue growing in nine Midwest and Plains states through the rest of 2013 but at a slower pace than earlier this year. The survey's overall economic index rose to 53.8 in August from July's 53.5.
Economic growth slowed down this month in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states, according to a report issued Thursday. The overall economic index for the region slipped to 55.8 in August from 57.3 in July, but was far ahead of the 47.1 in August 2012.
Depending on your views, same sex marriage may -- or may not -- change the face of Minnesota. But based what has happened in other states, same sex marriage could have an important economic impact.
State officials assured legislative leaders on Thursday that Minnesota's economy is on the upswing judging by promising jobs figures and tax collections, which will help buy off debt owed to schools and could enable the state to win a credit-rating upgrade.
While the national economy struggles, Minnesota's unemployment rate just hit its lowest level in five years.
Two United States Senators were in St. Paul Thursday, pushing for federal money to fix what they say is a national crisis on the Mississippi River.
A century ago, the seven-story brick building a few blocks from downtown was a factory — a symbol of an era when Milwaukee and other cities ringing the Great Lakes were industrial powerhouses churning out steel, automobiles and appliances.
It's a big night for racing in the Twin Cities, as the horses at Canterbury park are ready for the start of the racing season. It's not just the jockeys and trainers who have something to be excited about.
Have a beer, help the economy? That seems to be the idea in some cities that have rushed to embrace craft brewers.
A big jump in new orders suggests the economy is improving in nine Midwest and Plains states, but it's too soon to say whether that trend will continue, according to a monthly survey released Monday.
Supervalu is eliminating about 1,100 positions nationwide, or about 3 percent of its workforce, less than a week after the supermarket operator completed the sale of five of its grocery chains.
It's been more than five years since we've seen the Dow at such high levels, but most of us don't feel like celebrating.
A new study by Wilder Research finds homelessness continues to rise in Minnesota but not as dramatically as during the economic crash.
A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwest and Plains states dipped last month, suggesting only slow growth for the region over the next three to six months.
Minnesota's medical device makers say a new tax to help pay for the federal health care law could cause cutbacks, and even layoffs.
Minnesota lawmakers are being told to expect a new state economic forecast on Feb. 28, but also being warned that more uncertainty from Washington will cloud the picture.
A new survey of business leaders suggests the economy will remain sluggish in nine Midwest and Plains states, and hiring will be slow over the next three to six months.
The economy in nine Midwest and Plains states likely will remain sluggish because of weakness in ethanol and food production, but conditions vary widely across the region, according to a report released Monday.
Voters' views of Tuesday's elections, according to a preliminary exit poll conducted in Minnesota for The Associated Press:
A 21-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash in northeast Minneapolis early Friday morning.
A ground stop issued earlier at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to weather has been lifted, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Minnesota clinched the program's first NCAA finals appearance in women's gymnastics, joining top three seeds Oklahoma, Florida and LSU to battle for the national title.
The Minnesota Lynx re-signed five-time All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, who's coming off one of the most productive seasons in WNBA history.
A man shot in south Minneapolis Thursday evening should survive, police say.
A 21-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash in northeast Minneapolis early Friday morning.
A ground stop issued earlier at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to weather has been lifted, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
A man shot in south Minneapolis Thursday evening should survive, police say.
A Minnesota woman has filed a claim against the U.S. government over her treatment during an arrest by federal agents.
The men who recorded the video say they released it so the world could get a fuller understanding of what happened beyond the viral clip.
The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to end a mining ban near the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.
A farm in Monticello, Minnesota, is recovering after a barn fire on Saturday killed dozens of animals, according to the facility.
Kale Misegades averaged a 36 point double-double this season as his Henning Hornets went undefeated until the state semifinal, where they got upset in overtime to the eventual state champs.
"I lost six of my battle buddies who were sitting pretty close to me and that's a struggle within itself. The invisible wounds are hard to heal," Sgt. Cory Hicks said.
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 woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
The man accused of attacking two lawmakers and their spouses is expected back in court.
A Minnesota woman has filed a claim against the U.S. government over her treatment during an arrest by federal agents.
Aliya Rahman alleges she was unlawfully arrested and mistreated by ICE agents.
A new, but fragile, ceasefire is now underway in the Middle East.
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
A man shot in south Minneapolis Thursday evening should survive, police say.
Federal agents say they executed criminal search warrants at two Twin Cities stores on Thursday as part of an investigation into $2.1 million of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fraud.
A federal jury convicted a Minnesota man of illegally possessing a machine gun while on the way to a Twin Cities high school graduation.
A 19-year-old man has been sentenced for criminal vehicular homicide in a crash last year in Independence, Minnesota, that killed an 11-year-old girl, according to court records filed Wednesday.
A 21-year-old White Bear Lake, Minnesota, man pleaded guilty on Thursday in a fatal high-speed crash that killed two young men during a street race last summer.
At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.
Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol are searching for solutions, trying to lend a hand to Hennepin Healthcare before it's too late.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
At 5 years old, William Staley Olesen is a ball of energy. Watching him run around, laugh and play, it would be hard to know just how much he has already been through.
With a billion in Medicaid cuts, Hennepin Healthcare, a hospital that serves people with or without insurance, will likely close if state lawmakers don't act.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota's own Bob Dylan will return to the Twin Cities to play a show at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater this summer.
Lady Gaga is still slated to perform in St. Paul later this week, despite canceling her Monday night show in Montreal.
Minnesota clinched the program's first NCAA finals appearance in women's gymnastics, joining top three seeds Oklahoma, Florida and LSU to battle for the national title.
The Minnesota Lynx re-signed five-time All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, who's coming off one of the most productive seasons in WNBA history.
The Minnesota Wild have entered the playoffs with fully professed confidence in both of their goalies.
A north Minneapolis dance coach wants to give her team a glimpse at greatness.
The Minnesota Vikings own nine picks in the NFL draft this year after missing the playoffs last season.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
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 Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Thunderstorms are rolling through the metro area, and there's some chance for stronger storms in southeastern Minnesota.
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.
Rain should arrive in the late morning and continue into the afternoon. Some stronger storms could hit far southeastern Minnesota, with wind, hail and tornadoes possible.
A passing cold front will bring showers and storms to the Twin Cities on Friday, as well as a big drop in temperatures.
A passing cold front will bring showers and storms to the Twin Cities on Friday, as well as a big drop in temperatures.
Electric Fetus in Minneapolis is getting ready to host its annual Record Store Day tomorrow with DJ sets, live music food and special deals.
Luke Panek, insurance restoration expert with Lindus Construction has a list of five things to do to protect your home.
Roxanne Heaton, Executive Director of Minnetonka Center for the Arts joins the WCCO Mid-Morning crew along with stone carving teacher Frank Picos.
Thunderstorms are rolling through the metro area, and there's some chance for stronger storms in southeastern Minnesota.
Walking is the most popular way of being active, but it may not be enough to keep a person healthy.