Good Questions: West St. Paul, Hiccups, Bumper Crops
Every Friday, we tackle a bunch of viewers' burning questions. This week, Heather Brown explores the origin of West St. Paul's name, bumper crops and hiccups.
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Every Friday, we tackle a bunch of viewers' burning questions. This week, Heather Brown explores the origin of West St. Paul's name, bumper crops and hiccups.
Voicemails and landlines are going the way of dial-up.
For the past two days, Cecil the lion's story has been told over and over across the world. On Wednesday, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that if Dr. Walter Palmer illegally killed the animal, he needs to be "extradited, charged, and, preferably, hanged." That's extreme, but many people are outraged.
A Minnesota dentist is apologizing for killing a lion in Zimbabwe earlier this month. Dr. Walter Palmer said he thought the hunt was legal, but two guides are facing criminal charges for poaching because of where the lion was killed. The story has generated lots of anger and vitriol against the dentist across social media.
The first Republican debate for President is less than two weeks away and sixteen candidates will be vying for ten spots. The people who make it to the stage will be determined by the average of five national polls. So, how do polls work? Good Question.
Every Friday, Heather Brown takes a moment to answer some of your Good Questions that may have slipped through the cracks. This week, she's checking the weather, getting corny, and listening to Olivia Newton-John's "Physical."
You have heard the saying a million times: It's not the heat, it's the humidity. That will certainly be the case Friday, when dew points are expected to be in the 70s. So, what is dew point? Humidity is moisture in the air and there are two ways to measure it. One is dew point and another is relative humidity.
Apple is placing a big bet on the idea that we'll all be wearing our technology in the near future. But on its earnings call Tuesday, the company was mum when it came to how many Apple Watches it's sold.
According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, Donald Trump leads Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush by more than 10 points.
As of late Monday afternoon, all the Xcel Energy customers in Metro area affected by Friday night's storm had their power restored. So, how do crews get the power back on? Good Question.
Every Friday, Heather Brown takes a look at some of the burning questions our viewers have. This week, Heather Brown hits the snooze button, waters the lawn and swats away a pesky household pest.
On Wednesday afternoon, NASA released a series of photographs of Pluto that show ice mountains as high as the Rockies. Those pictures came from an unmanned spacecraft that took nine-and-a-half years to make the three-billion mile trip to the dwarf planet. The cost was $720 million dollars, but experts say the benefits are far more than that. So, why does Pluto matter? Good Question.
Starting at midnight Wednesday, Amazon will be offering huge discounts on 1,000 items to its Prime members. The online retailer has deemed Wednesday, July 15, Prime Day. Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, is responding with deals on 2,000 of its items.
Wade from Brainerd is already tired of mosquitoes this summer, but he still wants to know: What do mosquitoes eat? According to the American Mosquito Control Association, only females feed on blood because they require the protein to produce eggs.
When it comes to our jobs, how much do we work? Depending on the source, the average American full-time worker is working 42-and-a-half to 47 hours a week.
Trading on the New York Stock Exchange was halted for three-and-a-half hours on Wednesday due to a technical glitch. That's the longest period since the four-day shutdown after 9/11. So, who decides who shuts down the NYSE? Good Question.
What are Quaaludes? Good Question.
Strong storms rolled through Minnesota Sunday night and dumped two to four inches of rain across the Metro. That water raised parts of the Mississippi River seven inches and some sections of Minnehaha Creek about two and half feet.
Every Friday, we tackle a bunch of viewers' burning questions. This week, Heather Brown explores the taste of icy beverages, the naming of streets, and the facial fluctuations of American currency.
The Fourth of July is the celebration of America's independence, but here's a little known fact: We didn't actually declare our independence on that day.
Most of us will never see a raise of 25 percent in one year, but that's what happening for some Minnesota commissioners. Gov. Mark Dayton said he needs to give higher salaries to retain good leaders.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that marriage is now a fundamental right for same sex couples. Almost immediately, public officials weighed in saying county and state workers could refuse to hand out those licenses based on their religious beliefs.
Tuesday is going to feel to just a tiny bit longer. Just before midnight Coordinated Universal Time – or 7pm Central time – exactly one second will be added to our clocks. So, why do we add time? Good Question.
Mike from Park Rapids wants to know: Why are salad forks smaller? Though forks were around in the 15th century, they didn't become popular or affordable until the 19th century, when silver plate technology was invented.
Thursday's Supreme Court ruling means millions of Americans can still get tax credits to buy health insurance. The court ruled in favor of allowing states like Wisconsin, which never set up its own marketplace, to continue to offer financial assistance for health insurance.
The cold will stick around in Minnesota on Friday, but a warmer turn is coming.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Audits completed in the past 10 years show that Minnesota has lacked the teeth to properly vet attendance records and go after possible fraudsters proactively.
From severe weather to extreme heat and everything in between, 2025 was a year full of big swings and big storms across Minnesota.
Kelly Loeffler says 6,900 borrowers were suspended for 7,900 PPP and EIDL loans worth approximately $400 million.
From severe weather to extreme heat and everything in between, 2025 was a year full of big swings and big storms across Minnesota.
According to the Coon Rapids Police Department, the crash happened in the area of 119th Avenue Northwest and Northdale Boulevard Northwest at approximately 3:45 p.m.
Kaholy Her will be sworn in as mayor of Minnesota's capital city on Friday, officially kicking off her three-year term.
Not many people were outside on Thursday morning, but those who were shared their hopes for 2026. Many said they were starting off the year with a sense of optimism.
According to Minnesota Lottery, one Minnesota Millionaire Raffle ticket was sold at a Holiday Stationstore in Coon Rapids on 13051 NW Round Lake Blvd. The other was sold in International Falls at Forestland Sales on 1111 3rd St.
From severe weather to extreme heat and everything in between, 2025 was a year full of big swings and big storms across Minnesota.
According to Minnesota Lottery, one Minnesota Millionaire Raffle ticket was sold at a Holiday Stationstore in Coon Rapids on 13051 NW Round Lake Blvd. The other was sold in International Falls at Forestland Sales on 1111 3rd St.
As a new year begins, there are several new laws taking effect in Minnesota.
The Steele County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in finding a missing teenager, last seen in early December.
Family and friends are mourning a young mother and long-time waitress who lost her life on Christmas Eve.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
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.
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.
Audits completed in the past 10 years show that Minnesota has lacked the teeth to properly vet attendance records and go after possible fraudsters proactively.
Right now, Minnesota's child care system is in the national spotlight. But months ago, the federal government told state officials they needed to make serious improvements. As our Conor Wight shows us, the state was told that a lack of oversight could increase the risk of fraud, waste and abuse.
Kelly Loeffler says 6,900 borrowers were suspended for 7,900 PPP and EIDL loans worth approximately $400 million.
Republican Minnesota state Rep. Walter Hudson hopes the hearings raise awareness of the fraud problem on a national scale, but with a bit more focus than flair.
A congressional watchdog committee wants to grill Minnesota leaders about the state's multi-million-dollar fraud crisis. House Oversight hearings start on Capitol Hill next week. The committee's Republican chairman just accused top Minnesota Democrats of being asleep at the wheel, or worse. Jeff Wagner explains the high stakes heading into an election year.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
While no illness has been reported so far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says 54 stores in the state were affected by Gold Star Distribution's recall.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
The ringleader of what authorities called the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States has been ordered to forfeit more than $5 million.
Twin Cities police say they believe there could be more victims of a 37-year-old man charged earlier this month with child sex crimes.
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative is a tap room, a brewery, coffee shop and an event center on Marshall Street in northeast Minneapolis. During Christmas, it was unfortunately a community for thieves.
A grocery store worker on Minnesota's North Shore is charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a customer in the neck on Saturday afternoon while in the midst of a mental health crisis.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
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.
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Harrison Smith's 14th year as a steadying presence and energizing force in the secondary for the Minnesota Vikings has hardly been smooth.
All eyes will be on the University of Minnesota dance team this month as they hope to add to their 23 national titles at the UDA Dance Nationals in Orlando, Florida.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier said Thursday she will undergo surgery, sidelining her for the upcoming season of the 3-on-3 basketball league she cofounded.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned to practice on Wednesday, with his injured throwing hand improving enough to give him an opportunity to play in the final game of the season.
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."
Have you ever wondered how the actors memorize so many lines? A neurologist says everyone could strengthen their memories by taking cues from actors.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
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.
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.
Highs will reach the teens in the Twin Cities as clouds linger.
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 cold will stick around in Minnesota on Friday, but a warmer turn is coming.
The cold will stick around in Minnesota on Friday, but a warmer turn is coming.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it'll be sunny but cold tomorrow as clouds move out overnight.
Highs will reach the teens in the Twin Cities as clouds linger.
The Trump administration is taking action against thousands of Minnesota borrowers who may have taken out fraudulent loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The cold will stick around in Minnesota on Friday, but a warmer turn is coming.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it'll be sunny but cold tomorrow as clouds move out overnight.
The Wisconsin-River Falls football team is playing in the national championship this Sunday. They boast the best offense in all of Division III. But you don't get this far without a good defense, too. Ren Clayton introduces us to safety Andre Hall, whose "action sports side hustle" has taken a back seat during this title chase.