Good Question 'Reply All': Junk Email, Hypic Jerk & Frank V's Height
Jim from Maple Grove wanted to know: Why do we use the word "spam" to describe our junk emails? Heather Brown answers that and other questions.
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Jim from Maple Grove wanted to know: Why do we use the word "spam" to describe our junk emails? Heather Brown answers that and other questions.
When you think of nonprofits, homeless shelters or food shelves might come to mind. But during the Super Bowl, many of you wondered why the NFL is considered a nonprofit, too. You emailed us wondering: What does it take to be a nonprofit?
This Saturday, the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys will start its annual cookie sales fundraiser. Last year, the 41,000-strong Girl Scouts River Valleys council sold 4.3 million boxes and brought in $17 million. Each girl sold an average of 146 boxes. "I can learn how to sell things and operate a small business basically," said Girl Scout Sarah Albert of Brooklyn Park.
This January, several Minnesota schools closed schools five times due to extreme wind chills. The average temperature has hovered around 10 degrees and it has snowed 22.6 inches. But how that does compared with Januaries past?
After two inches of snow fell in parts of Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana on Tuesday, traffic in some places came to a standstill for 24 hours. Thousands of children had to spend the night at school and rescue crews brought food and water to stranded drivers.
The cheapest seats for this Sunday's Super Bowl are going for $1,500 a piece. That's down from nearly $2,500 last week due to fears of cold and rainy weather at the outdoor MetLife Stadium. According to Ticket King, the Minnesota-based ticket reseller, there are about 4,000 available tickets left on the secondary market for the 82,000-seat venue. Andrew Baydala, executive director of business operations for Ticket King, says a 50-yard line club seat ticket is now going for nearly $9,000 on the secondary market.
Riley, the Heine family's English setter, can sleep anywhere, anytime. So, that had Karen from Edina wanting to know: Why do dogs sleep so much? According to Dr. Travis with Uptown Veterinarians, dogs have natural circadian rhythms, like humans. He says some dogs sleep far more than others, and are influenced by their owners' schedules.
In his twelve years as superintendent at Minnetonka Public Schools, Dr. Dennis Peterson has called off school three, maybe four times. Each time it was for snow, not cold.
Throughout the day, many of us listen to music at the office, on the bus and on the street.
Right now, Papa Murphy's is fighting a push to tax its take-and-bake pizza. The pizza is not considered "prepared" food, so it's exempt. Looking at your grocery receipt to see what's taxed often doesn't make a whole lot of sense. So how is food tax decided? Heather Brown takes a close look at this Good Question.
The third Monday of every January is one of ten national holidays that government employees get every year. Most children have no school and every state and federal employee receives a paid day off. The first official observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday was on January 20, 1986 – 18 years after the Civil Rights leader was shot. But David Chang, a professor of U.S. history at the University of Minnesota, says the idea for the holiday came just four days after the assassination in 1968.
Kathy from Roseville asked: How long is a person with the flu contagious? The Minnesota Department of Health follows the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control when it comes to influenza.
American Airlines plans to end its direct flights from MSP to New York's LaGuardia and Washington's Reagan National Airports. The changes are part of a deal with the Justice Department to push through American's merger with U.S. Airways. American agreed to give up some of its airport slots to lower-cost airlines. So do airline mergers hurt us or help us? According to Myles Shaver, a professor business strategy at the Carlson School of Business, opinions are mixed.
Minnesota is considering a new recycling program where you could return your drink containers for 10 cents a piece. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency held a public hearing to release a report that argued our can and bottle recycling rate could rise from 45 percent to 84 percent with a 10-cent deposit fee. The report said a new program would add 1,000 jobs in the state, but costs beverage producers $29 million.So that had us wondering: How does Minnesota rank in recycling?
LT. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon announced on Tuesday she will not seek re-election with Gov. Mark Dayton this fall. The former DFL state senator and Duluth city councilwoman said she considered her work on health care and seniors most rewarding during her term, but that she had "expected to be more involved in some policy initiatives and I found ways to do that."
If you've made it through a Minnesota winter, then you're familiar with those whitish-grey shoe stains from all that salt. From commuting shoes to just allowing the salt to take over, everyone has a coping strategy. Bob Fisher, owner of Bob's Shoe Repair in Wayzata, says Winter is a great time for business. He's been repairing shoes, or "saving souls" as he puts it, for 43 years.
This one came to us without a name, but it's from someone who wanted to know: How do they read our gas meters?
From curved televisions to connected cars, this year's Consumer Electronics Show has all the latest tech trends. But what you won't find much about is the traditional personal computer. That prompted a blogger with the Washington Post to declare: "The PC is dead."
More than 100 former New York City workers - including police officers and firefighters - were charged Tuesday with defrauding the disability system. Some are accused of fishing or doing karate after saying they were too injured or too depressed to work. Prosecutors say the alleged scams cost the federal government about $400 million. Every year, Americans pay $1.1 trillion in private insurance premiums, but a big chunk of that money goes to pay out false insurance claims.
This winter, you've probably heard your house make some scary noises -- a pop, a bang, sometimes it's even loud enough to wake us up in the middle of the night.
On Monday, AAA and mechanics across the Twin Cities were flooded with calls from people whose car batteries had died. So, that had Jeff from Minneapolis and Kristen from Cottage Grove wondering: How often should we start our cars when it's this cold? Paul Hagen, owner of Hagen's Auto Body, says cars are made very differently from twenty years ago, making them more likely to start in the cold.
Ila from Bemidji wanted the answer to a Good Question we get all the time: How do they keep from water in a water tower from freezing?
The editorial board of America's largest newspaper, the New York Times, says a man the government calls a traitor should be given a deal. Last year, Edward Snowden stole and then leaked top secret documents about how the National Security Agency gathers its information. He's been living in Russia, because he could end up in prison for life if he comes home.
Volunteering always ranks right up there when it comes to New Year's resolutions. Here in Minnesota, it's a place where we excel. Almost 38 percent of Minnesotans give money or time -- ranking the Land of 10,000 Lakes second in the country.
With 2013 right around the corner, people are starting to think about their resolutions. A popular one is always getting in shape.
The Baltimore Ravens will participate in two joint practices during training camp this summer, including a home clash with the Washington Commanders.
A federal court will decide whether a Minnesota man can continue his fight to stay in the U.S.
Police said officers responded to a reported active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday.
The number of human-biting mosquitoes in and around the Twin Cities metro was low, according to surveillance done by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District on Wednesday.
A federal officer faces charges in connection with a shooting in north Minneapolis that left a man wounded, and that two agents were caught lying about under oath.
A federal court will decide whether a Minnesota man can continue his fight to stay in the U.S.
The number of human-biting mosquitoes in and around the Twin Cities metro was low, according to surveillance done by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District on Wednesday.
A federal officer faces charges in connection with a shooting in north Minneapolis that left a man wounded, and that two agents were caught lying about under oath.
Minneapolis is expected to play host to the 2028 NFL draft, according to multiple reports.
If you're a Smashing Pumpkins fan in Minnesota, today may be the greatest day you've ever known. Billy Corgan and his band are bringing their next tour to Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
Authorities arrested a 48-year-old man they believe is responsible for shooting at a fire suppression aircraft in northern Minnesota on Friday.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday traveled to Two Harbors to see damage caused by wildfires ripping through the area, state officials said.
A Minnesota motorist was shot in the face Friday by "an errant round" fired by someone on a family's nearby target shooting range.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office says the crash occurred on County Road 18, 3.5 miles north of Lake Lillian, around 7:17 p.m. Saturday.
David Storbakken's story is one of the many Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives cases.
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
Minnesota lawmakers crossed the finish line at the State Capitol just before midnight. But even with bipartisan agreements in place, the final hours were anything but smooth.
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
According to a new CBS News poll, many Americans don't believe the war with Iran is helping U.S. economic and strategic interests.
The 2026 Minnesota legislative session is over and finished on time — just barely
The legislation, which passed in the state Senate, was also supported by healthcare professionals. It would have banned semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
With more Americans opting to drive rather than fly amid higher costs, South Dakota tourism officials say the state is well-positioned as a regional road trip destination.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
A federal officer faces charges in connection with a shooting in north Minneapolis that left a man wounded, and that two agents were caught lying about under oath.
Authorities arrested a 48-year-old man they believe is responsible for shooting at a fire suppression aircraft in northern Minnesota on Friday.
A New York judge ruled Monday on whether evidence found in Luigi Mangione's backpack during his arrest can be used during his state trial.
A 72-year-old Minnesota man allegedly told police he tried to kill his wife so she would not have to "deal with" living off significantly reduced Social Security benefits.
Charges say two women had been arguing over $50 when one of them fatally shot the other at a Minneapolis apartment earlier this month.
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
A Twin Cities teenager is facing an unimaginable battle: terminal cancer. She's fortunate enough to have family by her side through her fearless fight as they all hope for a miracle.
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia has led Mayo Clinic since 2019, and the organization said it was his decision to "complete his tenure at the end of this year."
Twin Cities emergency room physicians, nurses and technicians made an emotional plea Tuesday for lawmakers to do something about Minnesota's gun laws.
If you're a Smashing Pumpkins fan in Minnesota, today may be the greatest day you've ever known. Billy Corgan and his band are bringing their next tour to Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Dave Ryan announced Wednesday that May 22 will be his last day at KDWB, ending a 33-year run at the Twin Cities station.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
A trial in the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was set to begin later in May.
The Baltimore Ravens will participate in two joint practices during training camp this summer, including a home clash with the Washington Commanders.
Minneapolis is expected to play host to the 2028 NFL draft, according to multiple reports.
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking homer and Kody Clemens had two doubles and two RBIs as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.
Amy Klobuchar is putting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear. She faces no significant opposition in the race for the DFL endorsement and her existing record of statewide wins is formidable.
The legislation establishes a list of requirements aimed at improving transparency and reducing conflicts within HOAs. Minnesota estimates that 25% of its residents live in an HOA, and 82% of new homes are built within one.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Dana Ohman, an attorney who handles HOA disputes, about some of the most common questions homeowners have.
Sen. Tina Smith is using her last months in office to vocally campaign for progressive and environmental causes. She hopes that a progressive will succeed her when Minnesotans go to the polls next November.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
The carillon has 56 bells, and the Mayo Clinic said that makes it one of the largest instruments in the world and the largest instrument in Minnesota.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
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.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
A symbolic change is bothering some Minnesotans. Now their local leaders are listening; several cities are voting to fly the old state flag instead of the new one. While it was a drastic redesign, it wasn't the first.
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.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says there's a marginal risk of flash flooding and severe weather in parts of central and southern Minnesota on Monday.
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.
Tuesday morning starts with rain early and then dries out. Highs in the upper 50s, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
More severe weather is possible on Monday in parts of Minnesota.
Monday will be dry during the day in Minnesota, but another round of possibly severe storms could arrive in the evening.
Minneapolis is expected to play host to the 2028 NFL draft, according to multiple reports.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says there's a marginal risk of flash flooding and severe weather in parts of central and southern Minnesota on Monday.
Gov. Tim Walz has declared an emergency and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to battle wildfires in parts of northern Minnesota.
Minnesota lawmakers crossed the finish line at the State Capitol just before midnight. But even with bipartisan agreements in place, the final hours were anything but smooth.
Convention Grill chef Elliott Jones shares a preview of the breakfast offerings.