Good Question: Do We Need To Rake?
Every fall, we have to do something with the leaves that cover our yards. That's so the grass can freeze, we prevent snow mold and make sure little critters can't destroy our lawns.
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Every fall, we have to do something with the leaves that cover our yards. That's so the grass can freeze, we prevent snow mold and make sure little critters can't destroy our lawns.
Whether it's at work or in our personal lives, it seems some people just tend to get sick more often than others. Most of us work with someone who's never taken a sick day, while others use all of them up every year.
The Minnesota Wild has a brand new Zamboni – it's first new ice resurfacer in 14 years. It'll be a few weeks before the 8,620 pound machine is in "game shape," but that had us wondering: how do Zambonis work?
One of the biggest things couples fight about is money. A recent study by Harris Interactive for the American Institute of CPAs found the three biggest money-related arguments: wants vs. needs, unexpected expenses and insufficient savings. So that had us wondering: Should men and women have separate bank accounts? According to Nicole Middendorf, financial analyst and CEO of Prosperwell Financial, the answer is usually 'yes.' "Because, otherwise, I tend to find people fight too much," she said. "We are generally so busy in our lives that we don't take the time to communicate, especially about something that's not fun to communicate about."
Early Wednesday morning, a 29-year-old man from Chisago County died after swerving to hit a deer on I-35. That had Taryn from Red Wing wanting to know: What should we do if we see a deer?
Thursday morning, Twitter became a publicly traded company. Stocks soared and put the value of the social-media company at more than $30 billion. So with Twitter in the news, we wondered about one of its most well-known symbols -- the hashtag.
When our cell phone bill comes each month, many of us just pay it without a second glance. But if you read it closely, you'll see we're all paying a bunch of taxes, surcharges and fees.
Every winter, Minnesotans accidently find themselves stuck in the snow -- sometimes for hours, but even for days. It happened to one Wisconsin couple vacationing in Wyoming last week. They were rescued after six days trapped in their car that was stuck in the snow. A rancher found them yesterday morning and took them to safety.
Every year, people spend billions of dollars trying to get rid of cellulite, a condition that occurs in 70-90 percent of women. Men get it too, but it's very rare. So, that had us wondering: Why do women get cellulite? According to Dr. Elizabeth Farhat, a dermatologist with Allina Health Clinic, the big reason is hormones. Estrogen means women tend to have more fat than men, but where they store it and the structure of the skin play major contributing factors.
Scott from Plymouth wanted to know: Why do we like to stretch after a good night's sleep? According to Dr. Paul Mellick, a physiologist at the University of St. Thomas, we stretch because it feels good, but scientists aren't exactly sure why.
According to Ken Hollman of the Minn. Department of Natural Resources, the Twin Cities area is between 50-75% for peak falls colors. "I'd say we're a week or two behind," Hollman said. He says our later fall colors don't have much to do with the late spring, but rather the drought we've experienced across much of the state for the past two years. "Trees depend on water and nutrients in the ground that they take up their roots to build and create the chlorophyll and other chemicals that contain the colors," he said.
Minnesota's official influenza season started in October and will last through April. It's the same for much of the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, the months are reversed. Flu season down happens during their winter - from May through September.
This time of year, we are subject to all sorts of scary stuff. Some people love having the daylights scared out of them while others avoid it all costs. Hannah Borreson is one of those that could do without.
New details surfaced over the weekend about the United States spying on several world leaders, including tapping the personal cell phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Now, new information about spying on people and political officials in France, Mexico and Spain has emerged as well. It's angered many in those countries. Some have even threatened continued cooperation with the U.S. "It's totally unacceptable. This undermines the trust and this can harm our friendship," said Guido Westerwelle, Germany's foreign minister.
Over the past month, people trying to apply for health insurance through the federal exchange encountered major problems on the healthcare.gov website. On Tuesday, President Obama addressed the situation, saying, "No one is more frustrated about that than I am."
Last year, Minnesota corn farmers harvested 1.386 billion bushels of corn, just second to Iowa. It's big business – about $9.2 billion -- that has farmers working around the clock from mid-September through October to get the corn out of the ground before the first big snow.
It can cost us anywhere between $20 and $30 dollars just to shave the hair from our faces or legs. Sometimes, the price of the razor blades is more expensive than the razors themselves. So, why are razor blades so expensive? Good Question.
Fall in Minnesota is always beautiful, but this year the colors are especially vivid due to a wet early-mid summer and a sunny fall. This week, Heather Brown is digging into the mailbag to answer your Good Questions about autumn leaves.
Here are answers to the following: How long has it been since the Vikings have won a Super Bowl game? What does the state do with the street signs after it replaces them? Why do we call liver spots, liver spots?
Though the shutdown is now over, anger towards national politicians hasn't subsided. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll conducted last week showed 60 percent of Americans would be willing to fire every member of Congress and start over.
There's nothing unusual about a cool, wet October week. For example, Wednesday's high only climbed to the mid 50s – the same temperatures that feel so warm to us in early April.
We've all seen the beautiful leaves out there. But how exactly do they change colors? That's just one of the Good Questions you e-mailed us this week. Now back to leaves...
Having the Super Bowl return to Minneapolis was part of the sell for the new $975 million Vikings stadium. On Tuesday, that hope came closer to reality as the NFL announced Minneapolis is on short list to host the 2018 Super Bowl. The city is competing with Indianapolis and New Orleans, the 2012 and 2013 hosts.
The Department of Energy released its winter fuel outlook and found homeowners with natural gas can expect increases in their heating bills of up to 13 percent.
Caroline Schelquist, a junior at Minnetonka High School, plays basketball and volleyball. "In my off-season, I play on an A.A.U. basketball team and on a J.O. volleyball," Schelquist said. Minnetonka senior Josh Dalki plays football and baseball. He stopped basketball after the 8th grade. "I either play winter baseball or we obviously train a lot for football," Dalki said.
As March Madness is underway, the debate over whether or not to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is once again a hot topic at the state Capitol.
Police in Oakdale, Minnesota, are investigating after two officers and two Hampton Inn hotel employees were taken to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a new contract with quarterback Carson Wentz to bring back the 11th-year veteran for more depth after a problematic season at the vital position.
Police in Oakdale, Minnesota, are investigating after two officers and two Hampton Inn hotel employees were taken to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Minnesota lawmakers say they will introduce a bill to repeal Cesar Chavez Day after multiple women accused the late farm union and civil rights leader of sexual abuse.
At a hangout spot off Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, it's pure anticipation.
Police in Oakdale, Minnesota, are investigating after two officers and two Hampton Inn hotel employees were taken to the hospital after being exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl.
Authorities are investigating an alleged incident involving the Rogers High School boys' basketball team that occurred during travel to and from an away game.
Some Minnesota lawmakers want ticket resellers to face the music for charging exorbitant prices on the secondary market.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
A mother who was blackmailed by a Minnesota sheriff is speaking out for the first time in a WCCO Investigation. Darcey Duncan recently received a multi-million-dollar settlement for the abuse she endured. The former Chisago County sheriff pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct in 2023.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
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.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
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.
As March Madness is underway, the debate over whether or not to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is once again a hot topic at the state Capitol.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, who was shot multiple times by an assailant impersonating law enforcement testified in favor of making it a felony to masquerade as an officer.
Xcel Energy wants to increase rates for 492,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota. Customers can weigh in on the proposal during public hearings in April and May.
As fraud remains in focus in the Minnesota Legislature, the House on Monday unanimously approved a bill to repeal from state law a problematic program that prosecutors said was the target of a massive fraud scheme.
Delta is canceling flights at Midwest airports, including its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, ahead of expected significant snow and winds starting Saturday evening through Sunday, the airline said Friday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, who was shot multiple times by an assailant impersonating law enforcement testified in favor of making it a felony to masquerade as an officer.
The people of Minneapolis-St. Paul are being honored with a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for their response to the federal immigration enforcement operation this winter, the JFK Library Foundation announced Wednesday.
A rising number of threats against schools has the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension pushing for more resources to help people who may be on a pathway to violence.
According to police, one person was shot and killed on the 1500 block of Edmund Avenue.
A 29-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, is in custody in connection to threats that led to Wednesday's closure of all public schools in neighboring South St. Paul.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Sacramento-based Sutter Health announced plans to acquire Minneapolis-based Allina Health, promising a $2 billion investment in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but healthcare unions say workers weren't consulted.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
A northern California health nonprofit is planning to acquire Allina Health in a deal that was announced Tuesday.
Afroman spoke to CBS News after he won the case, which tested the limits of parody and the license artists can take in social commentary directed at public figures.
Spring break does not have to mean big travel plans or big spending for families who head to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, where a new exhibit invites children to climb, crawl and create as part of the art experience.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies." In an interview recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life.
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a new contract with quarterback Carson Wentz to bring back the 11th-year veteran for more depth after a problematic season at the vital position.
Authorities are investigating an alleged incident involving the Rogers High School boys' basketball team that occurred during travel to and from an away game.
Grace Zumwinkle and Kelly Pannek scored 11 seconds apart during a four-goal first period and the Minnesota Frost routed the Ottawa Charge 5-0.
Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points and had nine rebounds in his second straight start in place of the injured Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves took charge in the second quarter to cruise past the Utah Jazz 147-111.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The U.S. Senate has begun debate on a controversial elections bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship with a birth certificate or passport. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
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.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
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.
We're looking at a possible 70-degree day this coming Saturday, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
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.
We will see areas of fog again overnight with our rapid snowmelt kicking moisture into the air, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
It's warming up and there are signs of spring as temps could reach the mid-50s on Thursday.
Temperatures flirted with 50 degrees Wednesday, and Thursday will remain mild with highs in the 40s to low 50s, though lingering fog and low stratus may hold temperatures down in a few locations, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
We're looking at a possible 70-degree day this coming Saturday, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
Deputy Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, taught firefighters across Minnesota through the Minnesota Fire Service Certifications Board.
As March Madness is underway, the debate over whether or not to legalize sports betting in Minnesota is once again a hot topic at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Hoffman's bill would make impersonating an officer in Minnesota a felony instead of a misdemeanor. On Thursday, he recalled the horror of the night he and his wife were shot by an assailant.
Representatives for Liam Ramos and his father said the family entered the U.S. from Ecuador and used an official app to start the process of asylum, but DHS said that it has no record of that.