Watch CBS News
This holiday season, retailers are expected to send us nearly 13 billion catalogs. According to the American Catalog Mailers Association, that's down from the peak in 2007 -- 20 billion -- but it's still 41 catalogs for every man, woman and child in the U.S. every year.
Earlier this week, cities and counties began sending out 2015 proposed property tax notices, including the estimated market value of your home. In Ramsey County, the assessments increased by an average of 10.4 percent. In Hennepin County, there was an average increase of 8.4 percent and in Anoka County, the average jump was 18.7 percent. So, how do cities and counties figure out how much our homes are worth?
Earlier Tuesday evening, the U.S. Senate failed to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline by a vote of 59 - 41. Immediately after the vote, Republicans said they'd bring up the issue again in January. The fight over this pipeline has been a long, contentious battle that began in 2008 when TransCanada, the company building the pipeline, applied for a construction permit.
According to one study, people spend an average of 2-4 hours a day hunched over their smartphones, which puts a lot of stress on the spine.
On Thursday, charities across the state will be asking for donations during Minnesota's sixth annual Give to the Max Day. Last year, more than 52,000 people gave $17 million in 24 hours, which is part of the $4 billion dollars Minnesotans give away every year.
On Tuesday, Best Buy announced it is joining other stores in opening even earlier on Thanksgiving Day. The retailer announced this year stores will open at 5 p.m. This follows Target's Monday announcement that it will open Thanksgiving Day at 6 p.m.
Could this year's early snowfall tell us anything about the rest of the winter?
Craig from Richfield and Beverly from Prior Lake asked: Who is responsible for removing campaign yard signs after the election? State law says yard signs must be removed 10 days after the state's general election, but doesn't stipulate who is responsible for taking them down.
You may have noticed new blue lights popping up near traffic signals all over the metro. They are small, generally tucked out of the way so they don't distract drivers. Over the past two weeks, they've been going up all over Ramsey County.
When you voted Tuesday, you probably noticed a lot of judges on the ballot. This puzzled Kirk from Oak Park Heights because he knows the governor also appoints them. On Washington County's sample ballot, there were 28 judge seats. Twenty-four were unopposed.
Good Question: Can we get enough Vitamin D from the Minnesota sun?
Starting tomorrow, an 88-foot white spruce from the Chippewa National Forest will make stops in 30 cities over 19 days on its way to Washington, D.C. It's going to spend part of November and all of December as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
Many of you have written us to share your, let's call it, distaste for all of the political ads on television. They're nothing new. So, Cheri from McGregor wanted to know: When did television political advertising start?
We know two bad things about candy for sure: it's basically sugar, which causes tooth decay, and its empty calories can lead to obesity. But really, how bad is it for kids to chow down on their bounty of Halloween candy? Deb Sheats is the director of the dietetic program at St. Catherine's University.
Brandon from Plymouth, Minn. has been thinking about the old Metrodome sign on Interstate 394. He wants to know: when are the signs coming down? The short answer is those signs will come down when they have new ones to put up.
At more than 5,500 miles, it's the longest-continuous international border. Three-hundred-thousand people cross it legally every day at more than 100 checkpoints. But just how secure is the border? Dr. William Beeman is a professor of Middle East anthropology at the University of Minnesota.
Starting next year, Social Security benefits will rise 1.7 percent -- or about $20 a month based on an average monthly Social Security payment of $1,192. That increase, or cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), has been pegged to the consumer price index (CPI) since 1975. It's one of several ways to measure inflation. So, how do we measure the CPI?
Ever get a prescription filled and find the bottle only half full? After that happened to WCCO viewer Angela a few times, she wrote to us wanting to know: Why is there so much extra space in pill bottles? "There are several reasons," said pharmacist John Hoeschen. He owns St. Paul Corner Drug on the corner of Snelling and St. Clair avenues.
The CDC reports the newest life expectancy numbers in the United States are at an all-time record high – 78.8 years. The authors of the study also found the life expectancy was 81.2 years for women but just 76.4 years for men – a gap of 4.8 years, the same as 2011.
Joann from Arden Hills asked: What's the difference between partly sunny and partly cloudy? "This is kind of a gray area," said WCCO-TV Meteorologist Matt Brickman. "I think meteorologists give themselves a little leeway. I always think in terms of percentages."
If you've been in the market for a new television, you've likely seen all of the new 4K displays at the stores. The major television manufacturers have come out with their own versions of the ultra-high definition sets even as the broadcast networks are still working to broadcast in 4K.
HBO just announced that, starting next year, it's cutting the cable cord. Fans of shows like "Veep" and "Game of Thrones" will no longer have to subscribe to the premium channel through their cable TV provider, but rather will be allowed to stream shows on the Internet.
If you've been listening to the political ads over the past few weeks, you've heard the term "middle class" mentioned over and over. This had Barbara from Mound wondering: Who's in the middle class? Pew Research says 44 percent of people identify as solidly middle class. That's down from 53 percent back in 2008.
Angela from Minneapolis asked: What is the most popular license plate for a cause in Minnesota? There are almost 4.5 million passenger license plates in Minnesota. According to the Department of Public Safety, the DNR Critical Habitat plates are the most popular at 101,412.
If you're feeling a little sluggish this time of year, you're not alone. Karina from St. Paul has been feeling more sleepy than usual. And when she's brought it up to her parents, they've always told her it's the change in the weather.
Three men were shot early Monday morning near a busy northeast Minneapolis intersection, and police say one of the victims is fighting for his life.
It was a somber Father's Day Sunday for one family in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the search continues for their father.
A strike is looming for 500 concessions workers at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday.
Sonia Citron had 21 points and Kiki Iriafen added 17, hitting a go-ahead basket late for a second straight game to help the Washington Mystics upset the Minnesota Lynx 84-79 on Sunday night.
Monday is a #Top10WxDay in the Twin Cities, featuring a mix of sun and clouds.
Three men were shot early Monday morning near a busy northeast Minneapolis intersection, and police say one of the victims is fighting for his life.
It was a somber Father's Day Sunday for one family in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the search continues for their father.
A strike is looming for 500 concessions workers at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday.
The Woodbury Police Department says the crash happened on the 600 block of Kingfisher Lane around 11 p.m.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting they say killed one man and injured another early Sunday morning.
Hail pelted several central Minnesota communities as storms rolled through on Friday afternoon and evening.
A police officer was shot in the southern Minnesota city of St. Peter Thursday night, authorities said.
One of five cannabis testing sites in Minnesota is shutting down, citing exorbitant costs as the reason.
Minnesota's job growth outpaced national rates in May, while the state's unemployment rate ticked down slightly, according to data released Thursday.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Hours after the announcement, community members were eager to learn more about the one challenged with leading the most scrutinized police department in the country.
Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
A grassroots movement is pushing for a new property tax to help fund schools in Minnesota's largest school district.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
Minnesota protestors charged with violence against federal officers are seeing their cases dismissed. We introduced you to Paul Johnson last night. He says officers beat him and then charged him with assault. Months later those charges were dropped. Tonight, our Conor Wight walks us through more than a dozen similar cases that won't go to trial because federal prosecutors moved to dismiss them.
Paul Johnson said that he had been tracking ICE vehicles in his neighborhood when it happened. He said he was boxed in before agents swarmed his truck, punching him and using pepper spray at close range.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary start this Friday. One of the most watched races is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side. A recent poll released by survey USA and KSTP showed Mike Lindell the long time associate of President Trump leading that race 27% to 22% for House Speaker Lisa Demuth to 17% for businessman Kendall Qualls. The margin of error at 5.4%. Lisa Demuth joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
A strike is looming for 500 concessions workers at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
For years, it was all hands on deck; a business model buoyed by a bevy of free time that sent sales surging in a way never before seen. But as Minnesota enters lake season, outdoor sales for boats, jet skis and more have almost dropped anchor.
Three men were shot early Monday morning near a busy northeast Minneapolis intersection, and police say one of the victims is fighting for his life.
Federal prosecutors are continuing to dismiss charges initially brought against people in Minnesota for allegedly assaulting federal officers during the winter.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting they say killed one man and injured another early Sunday morning.
According to court documents filed late last month, 34-year-old Kenneth Mills faces four counts of third-degree burglary and a count of possession of burglary or theft tools.
McKenna Wendel was last seen alive on March 14 and her body was found outside Brookings, an hour's drive north of Sioux Falls, on March 19.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
HCMC in Minneapolis got what they wanted, a large financial boost from lawmakers, and now the leaders of Minnesota's busiest trauma hospital say they'll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from the "Star Wars" sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" is expected to sell for at least $1 million at an upcoming auction.
A strike is looming for 500 concessions workers at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday.
Sonia Citron had 21 points and Kiki Iriafen added 17, hitting a go-ahead basket late for a second straight game to help the Washington Mystics upset the Minnesota Lynx 84-79 on Sunday night.
Alex Jackson's single tied the game in the seventh and the go-ahead run scored on an error, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Byron Buxton hit a grand slam in a 10-run fifth inning and the Minnesota Twins clobbered the Arizona Diamondbacks 16-8 on Saturday night.
Corbin Carroll had a three-run triple in the eighth inning to tie Arizona's career triples mark and fell a homer shy of the cycle in the Diamondbacks' 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
Minnesota's election season officially kicks off this week as both major parties hold conventions to endorse candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive battles on the Republican side and clearer paths for Democrats.
Both parties begin the endorsement process today in Rochester and Duluth, with the August primary just two months away.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
Milder winters mean more ticks survive to the following spring, and a southern species that can trigger a red meat allergy is now gaining ground in Minnesota as a result.
She didn't win her party's endorsement, but Republican Lisa Demuth plans to keep running for governor anyway. History shows that might actually work in her favor.
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.
It's a #Top10WxDay Monday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
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.
Monday is a #Top10WxDay in the Twin Cities, featuring a mix of sun and clouds.
It's a #Top10WxDay Monday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a shooting overnight Monday near the busy intersection of East Hennepin Avenue and University Avenue Northeast.
The Special Olympics USA Games are set to begin Monday in the Twin Cities, highlighting both competition and the important resources for athletes and their families.
It's a #Top10WxDay Monday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
A strike is looming for workers at Target Field in Minneapolis, and they have a message for anyone coming out for Monday night's game between the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers: Bring your own food.
It was a somber Father's Day for one family in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the search continues for their father.