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Teams from the state and federal emergency management offices are headed to four Minnesota counties to start adding up the damage from recent storms and flash flooding. The surveys were starting Tuesday and Wednesday in Jackson, Nobles, Renville and Rock counties.
Finally, on Sunday many people had a much-needed, sunny day to dry out. But the extensive damage from flooding in several parts of the state will take a long time to fix. The process is underway to tally up the damage and see if the state qualifies for federal aid.
Even people who don't live near a lake or river saw flooding Saturday. There were flash floods rushing through places like the Uptown area of Minneapolis. On many a day, you'll find Bryan Meyer and his friends enjoying the view from his apartment stoop.
Every couple plans their wedding with the hope that it will be the perfect day. But flooding at Harriet Island in St. Paul is causing a lot of anxiety for some brides and grooms-to-be. So far, four weddings have been cancelled because of the swollen Mississippi River, and couples are scrambling to make last-minute changes.
All the people who've been filling sandbags to protect homes and businesses in Prior Lake, Minn. are now bracing for this rain. The south metro city is experiencing the worst flooding the community has seen in 30 years. Fifty homes on and near the lake have been impacted so far.
The rain in the forecast had one community working together Friday to protect their streets and homes. The water continues to rise in Prior Lake. Streets are flooding and homes are in danger.
Emily from St. Cloud wants to know what happens to all the sandbags after the flooding is over? If the sand isn't contaminated with floodwater, it can be used as fill for things like playgrounds and sidewalks. But in most cases, the sand is contaminated.
Brick by brick, stone by stone, work continues on the new Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota. But as quickly as the museum building takes shape, severe flooding left a home with few belongings.
A temporary impound lot is now open in St. Paul at the state fairgrounds after the threat of flooding closed the city impound lot. St. Paul police said via Twitter, the lot is at the north end of the fairgrounds. Police are asking drivers to enter the fairgrounds from Hoyt Avenue off Snelling Avenue.
President Barack Obama pledged the federal government's help Thursday in recovery after massive flooding hit many parts of Minnesota this month, telling a town hall audience near the roaring Minnehaha Falls that they'll have a strong partner when they know how severe the damage is.
During President Obama's visit Thursday to the Twin Cities, Gov. Mark Dayton said he'll ask for federal disaster help. A flood warning remains in effect for many Minnesota rivers, including the Mississippi River. It's expected to crest Thursday night in St. Paul at 20.5 feet.
Walking up to Newport's clay levee, which is holding back the rain-swollen Mississippi River, city administrator Deb Hill doesn't like what she is seeing.
Flooding in Shakopee, Minn. has led to the closure of three rides Wednesday at a popular Twin Cities amusement park. According to officials at Valleyfair, the park has closed the Renegade and Excalibur rollercoasters and the Thunder Canyon water ride.
Minnesotans from all across the metro came to Carver. Minn. Wednesday to help fill up more sandbags. The Minnesota River that runs along the community is expected to crest Wednesday. But more rain in the forecast has people preparing for the worst. The downtown flooded badly back in 1965.
Numerous highways and bridges are closed across the state as cities continue to deal with flooding and damage from torrential rains. In the metro area, the Stillwater Lift Bridge remains closed to pedestrian, vehicle and water traffic as waters on the St. Croix rise.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman declared a state of emergency Tuesday as the Mississippi River continues to rise there and create flooding issues. It's the same situation in Ramsey County, and Harriet Island is under water.
Flood waters are beginning to recede in some parts of Minnesota, but the damage will be around for some time. That's especially true for a Le Sueur family. The Carlsons had to run to escape a mudslide in their home.
Several pumps are keeping St. Paul's floodwaters at bay. The ever-widening Mississippi River is attracting curious spectators like Barb Stahowiak. "I'd walk here almost every day during the fall flood, I think it was 2010, and it did not rise like this, not at all," Stahowiak said.
Due to recent flooding caused by days of heavy rain, Waterville in southern Minnesota is mostly under water. "Nobody's ever seen it, and you can never be prepared for it," said resident Brian Spatenka.
The brimming water level on Lake Superior has led a Canadian-U.S. regulatory board to increase the outflow through gates on the St. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie. The International Lake Superior Board of Control says the flow setting of the control structure at the head of the St. Marys Rapids will increase Wednesday, and it warms anglers to beware of changing flow and water levels.
Gov. Mark Dayton made the rounds of more Minnesota cities along flood-swollen rivers Tuesday to meet with emergency managers and local elected officials. Delano City Administrator Phil Kern told the governor a conservative estimate of damage from the Crow River is already at $250,000, about 10 percent of the city's budget.
From the top of the state, to the bottom, Emergency Management Director Kris Eide has seen firsthand the damage the flooded has caused. "We thought we'd dodged a bullet," Eide said. Eide was referring to the fact that floods usually happen in the spring and not summer. She said while the work of previous sandbagging has taken its toll, there is still more work to be done.
The Delano area continues to deal with high water from the swollen Crow River after heavy rain came through the area last week. The Crow River crested late Monday night, reaching a depth of just over 21 feet. It's the second-highest in history for the city of Delano, but still two feet under the record set back in 1965.
When our state has flooding, experts are able to tell us days out exactly how high a river will rise. And they're usually correct within a couple inches. With millions of gallons of water involved, how do they know?
The flooding that's happening around Minnesota may be causing problems for some, but others are having a little fun with it. One Norwood Young America family may have even created a new sport. Rachel Slathar posted a video of her dad waterskiing through a big puddle being pulled by her horse.
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes has signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to its first playoff series win in 11 seasons.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
Big changes could be coming to Minneapolis Public Schools, as the district is set to unveil it's "transformation plan" Tuesday evening.
Police in Elk River, Minnesota, say a potential bomb threat prompted students to be sent home early Tuesday morning, but they found no threat while searching the school.
Minnesotans have purchased more than $250 million worth of cannabis products since the state launched the licensed business market a year ago.
Big changes could be coming to Minneapolis Public Schools, as the district is set to unveil it's "transformation plan" Tuesday evening.
Minnesotans have purchased more than $250 million worth of cannabis products since the state launched the licensed business market a year ago.
A lawsuit and the threat of tens of millions of dollars in damages have dampened a victory for neighbors opposed to data center development in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
The Minneapolis City Council is considering an ordinance that would mandate a "human monitor" in the front seat of driverless cars.
As the seasons change, it's time to start planning for fall fun, but getting to a popular spot in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, may look a little different this year.
Police in Elk River, Minnesota, say a potential bomb threat prompted students to be sent home early Tuesday morning, but they found no threat while searching the school.
For those who use diesel fuel, the cost has gone up 30 cents a gallon in the last week and more than $2 dollars in the last year. Minnesota farmers say the increasing cost could impact consumer prices.
Sarah McNamara wasn't expected to make it to birth; she is now 3.5 years old and the winner of the 2026 Toddler of the Year contest.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is canceling a Twin Metals Minnesota mineral lease.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are investigating after a man was found dead in the yard of a home Sunday morning.
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.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
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.
Small businesses lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue during Operation Metro Surge and Minnesotans stepped up to help them out. But as Frankie McLister reports, nearly half of the applications to one of those taxpayer-funded recovery efforts were fake.
The Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor laughed and wiped away tears Sunday as he described the seconds before the plane hit the water: a warning to tighten his seat belt, then impact.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the U.S. Postal Service Monday from enforcing new regulations for voting by mail, just days before midterm election voting is set to start in Minnesota.
The U.S. Supreme Court is keeping new Postal Service rules on hold, meaning Minnesota's mail-in voting process will stay the same for the upcoming election.
President Trump is calling claims that artificial intelligence could destroy humanity a hoax, plus more of the day’s top stories.
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 Elk River, Minnesota, say a potential bomb threat prompted students to be sent home early Tuesday morning, but they found no threat while searching the school.
Police say a man was injured Saturday evening in a shooting at a Circle Pines, Minnesota, gun shop.
On Saturday, law enforcement across the country observed National Police Woman Day.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a shooting that took place overnight near the 300 block of 1st Avenue North.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections has denied supervised release for a man convicted in the 1970 killing of a St. Paul, Minnesota, police officer.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
The money will fuel a 10-year push into precision medicine at a hospital system that treats children from before birth through young adulthood.
Hospice nurses who work for Allina Health are set to begin a seven-day strike on Friday.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
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."
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes has signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to its first playoff series win in 11 seasons.
The Yankees beat the Twins 8-3 Monday on a night they clinched their 61st postseason berth and ninth in 10 seasons.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray began the week in the NFL concussion protocol in continuing his recovery from an illegal hit to the head that forced him out of his first game with the team in the first quarter.
Behind almost every hockey player is a hockey parent. Emmy Loycano, a Westonka, Minnesota, hockey mom, never played the sport. But her husband did, and her boys do. Her daughter, Lily Loycano, always came along for the ride.
Carson Wentz came in after Kyler Murray's first-quarter concussion in his Minnesota debut and led a spirited comeback against the rival Green Bay Packers as the Vikings scored 29 straight points to close a 39-22 victory to open the season Sunday.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
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.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
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.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
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.
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.
After a warm first half of September, temps will start to chill, with some soaking rain expected later this week.
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.
A few showers could pass through Wednesday evening. Otherwise, we stay dry until Friday, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Temps are expected to hit the 70s on Tuesday, and there's a chance for some rain in the evening on Wednesday.
Sunshine returns with breezy northwest winds early, then a quieter afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Small businesses lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue during Operation Metro Surge and Minnesotans stepped up to help them out. But as Frankie McLister reports, nearly half of the applications to one of those taxpayer-funded recovery efforts were fake.
After a warm first half of September, temps will start to chill, with some soaking rain expected later this week.
Crews are about halfway through one of the biggest restorations the Twin Cities has ever seen. Every square inch of the country's oldest basilica is being restored. Crews have started what is perhaps the most delicate day of the year-long project.
The district is facing a $40 million budget shortfall and a drop in enrollment.
According to new numbers from the Office of Cannabis Management, the department issued more than 300 business licenses for dispensaries in Minnesota.