How to help Minnesota communities affected by flooding
From Waterville to Cook, parts of the state are dealing with devastating floods and residents are looking for relief.
Watch CBS News
From Waterville to Cook, parts of the state are dealing with devastating floods and residents are looking for relief.
Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar took an aerial tour of the region earlier in the day to survey flood damage. Thereafter, Walz said he would potentially call a special session if the damage costs end up higher than the relief money currently available.
This June sees above average rainfall for much of the state.
Heavy rains have caused record-setting flooding in the Midwest. In Iowa, water in some areas has risen above records from 1993. And in Minnesota, parts of the Mankato area were evacuated after the Blue Earth River caused a partial failure of the Rapidan Dam.
When it opened in 1910, the dam doubled the power capacity of Mankato's electric system, according to the Blue Earth County Historical Society.
The National Weather Service says several Minnesota rivers are in major flood stage, and many points are approaching or exceeding record flood levels.
Emergency crews are monitoring the dam closely, blocking off the bridge as a steady stream of people came by to take a look.
Businesses in Northfield are preparing for a potential rush of floodwaters to impact them. WCCO's David Schuman has the latest.
The governor called in the National Guard to help residents in the small town of Waterville. They've been battling high water for days just about 70 miles south of the Twin Cities. Caroline Cummings shows us how residents are getting ready for more flooding to come.
Flooding has put an iconic dam in jeopardy, along with homes and a business nearby. Due to a build-up of debris, the Rapidan Dam near Mankato is in “imminent failure condition,” according to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department. John Lauritsen shows us the damage that’s already been done and why a family’s livelihood could be next.
Twenty-one counties in the state of Iowa are under a disaster declaration. More than a dozen rivers flooded in the northwest part of the state. Our Jonah Kaplan traveled from the Twin Cities to Spencer, Iowa, where he's keeping an eye on the rising water there.
As parts of Minnesota continue to endure unprecedented flooding, state leaders say they're prepared to respond. Beret Leone shows us what they're doing to help.
Blue Earth County owns the Rapidan Dam and it's their job to maintain the integrity of it. WCCO Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle has been digging in to learn more about this dam.
Rising water levels led to the partial failure of the Rapidan Dam in the town of Rapidan on Monday morning. The water is washing away buildings and powerlines next to the dam, leading to power outages and dangerous debris in the water. John Lauritsen shows us how people are now bracing themselves for the worst.
High water in Minnesota is already causing major problems. A big one on Monday: a Minnesota dam has failed. The Rapidan Dam sits in the Blue Earth River near Rapidan Township and Mankato. Our John Lauritsen has been monitoring conditions there all day.
One Waterville, Minnesota, resident said "hundreds of cabins and homes" have been flooded and that his cabin saw about 18 inches of water.
Experts believe the Cannon River finally crested in Northfield on Sunday evening, reaching 901.52 feet above sea level.
Experts believe the Cannon River has finally crested in Northfield, reaching 901.52 feet Sunday at about 8 p.m., potentially setting a new record.
In Warsaw, the owner of Channel Inn put out a call for help on Facebook, and within minutes, community members started showing up to help fill sandbags.
Sunday night, flood warnings are still in place across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In Rice County, rivers rose fast overnight, flooding into neighborhoods in Morristown, Faribault, Warsaw and other small communities. WCCO's Kirsten Mitchell was there as people raced to save their homes.
With 1,000 volunteers and 60,000 sandbags filled and distributed, city and county officials said they don't know when this flood fight will end.
The flood fight is on across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Local leaders say this is the worst flooding the town of Waterville has ever seen. Our Jason Rantala is there and he's seen the damage firsthand.
Gov. Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency in the southern Minnesota city of Waterville and has activated the National Guard to help in the fight against rising floodwaters.
Flooding in one Sibley County town is leaving residents with only one way in or out.
The Crow River in Delano is expected to crest on Sunday night, bringing the river to major flooding stage.
"Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is. Likely be more," President Trump said after mentioning the three U.S. service members killed in the operation.
Ann-Renée Desbiens made 17 saves for her fourth shutout of the season and the Montreal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 4-0 on Sunday to take the PWHL lead.
The East Range Police Department says Sgt. Cody Siebert's death was unexpected.
The National Weather Service says Saturday's band of snow left behind about 4 to 6 inches of light, fluffy snow.
The sheriff's office says 38 people were cited and released, and one person was jailed for riot.
The sheriff's office says 38 people were cited and released, and one person was jailed for riot.
A former Oakdale, Minnesota, police officer has been sentenced to one year of probation for misconduct after he failed to report he had been making repeated calls to a person with known mental health issues while on duty.
A 25-year-old man reached a deal to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, last summer.
The rotunda at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, has hosted nearly every type of event over the years, but celebrated a first-of-its-kind event on Saturday.
Minnesota's leaders are reacting to the news about the United States and Israel attacking Iran. A Minnesotan, who grew up in Iran, spoke with WCCO.
The East Range Police Department says Sgt. Cody Siebert's death was unexpected.
The National Weather Service says Saturday's band of snow left behind about 4 to 6 inches of light, fluffy snow.
The U.S. and Israel announced a major military operation against Iran early Saturday. President Trump threatened the Iranian government for weeks over their nuclear program and Iran's violent crackdown on protesters in January.
Wintery weather returns this weekend.
A 69-year-old man has been arrested after a Lakeville, Minnesota, woman's death was ruled a homicide, the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
"Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is. Likely be more," President Trump said after mentioning the three U.S. service members killed in the operation.
March will be pivotal as Minnesotans attempt to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud. The federal government says it is withholding $259 million in Medicaid funding and that the state has 60 days to prove that it has rooted out fraud in existing programs. The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Shireen Gandhi, joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
CBS News has learned that the casualties occurred among American personnel based in Kuwait.
President Trump posted on social media that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed after a massive U.S. and Israeli military operation Saturday.
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham said the operation would be "violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful."
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
Consumers are urged to stop using the pressure cookers and dispose of them immediately.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Trump's economic plan late last week: tariffs. But the president fought back, slapping a 15% global tariff on imported goods.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
A former Oakdale, Minnesota, police officer has been sentenced to one year of probation for misconduct after he failed to report he had been making repeated calls to a person with known mental health issues while on duty.
A 25-year-old man reached a deal to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, last summer.
The man who killed two and wounded 14 also had photos of Iranian leaders in his home, a source said.
A teenager who has admitted to shooting and killing another teen in Minneapolis, for now, is not expected to spend any time in an adult prison. The family of the victim is distraught.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minnesota Department of Health said there have been 10 reported cases in the state so far this year. There were five cases as of the last update, which came on Feb. 19.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laid out his anti-fraud legislative package on Thursday, one day after the White House paused $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to the state until a comprehensive action plan is laid out to fight fraud.
Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration will "temporarily halt" some Medicaid funding to the state of Minnesota over fraud concerns.
Hennepin County leaders, along with top brass from Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center, opened the books in front of a panel of Minnesota senators Wednesday.
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
As a musician and performer, Prince showed a generation that being different wasn't a liability. Now, an author and illustrator are telling the story of Prince's life in a new children's book.
A 19th-century George Méliès film, thought to be long lost, has been found among a box of brittle movie reels that a Michigan donor brought to the Library of Congress, officials said.
Bobby J. Brown's breakout role was as a police officer on HBO's "The Wire." He appeared in 12 episodes across four seasons.
Streaming giant Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Ann-Renée Desbiens made 17 saves for her fourth shutout of the season and the Montreal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 4-0 on Sunday to take the PWHL lead.
Bobby Durkin, Cade Tyson and Langston Reynolds combined to score 65 points to lead Minnesota past UCLA 78-73 on Saturday.
Kelvin Yeboah's rebound goal and Drake Callender's four saves gave Minnesota United FC a 1-0 win over Cincinnati FC on Saturday.
The Wild were taken down by the Utah Mammoth 5-2 on Friday night to end Minnesota's winning streak at six games.
Sisters Mya and Ashlee Wilson lead the Hill-Murray girls basketball team in scoring, assists and rebounds. Head coach Betty Trull says they bring more than just strong statistics to the program.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democratic analyst, and Amy Frederiksen, a Republican analyst, about the political impact.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we will begin to warm tomorrow with some rain possible later in the evening.
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.
The National Weather Service says Saturday's band of snow left behind about 4 to 6 inches of light, fluffy snow.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says to expect a quiet, but cold end to the weekend before a warmup tomorrow.
Sunday will see highs in the 20s, but more sunshine is expected. We start the week warmer, climbing back into the 30s.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we will begin to warm tomorrow with some rain possible later in the evening.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says to expect a quiet, but cold end to the weekend before a warmup tomorrow.
March will be pivotal as Minnesotans attempt to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud. The federal government says it is withholding $259 million in Medicaid funding and that the state has 60 days to prove that it has rooted out fraud in existing programs. The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Shireen Gandhi, joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
For Iranians living in Minnesota, the common thread in their response is emotion. As our Conor Wight shows us, some hope this is the start of liberation. While others fear for the future.
Three U.S. service members have been killed and five wounded in the Iran operation. U.S. Central Command announced the news shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday.