How Did Christmas Trees Come About, And Why Are They Decorated With Lights?
It is estimated Americans will buy 30 million real trees this year -- but how did this tradition start?
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It is estimated Americans will buy 30 million real trees this year -- but how did this tradition start?
Minnesota is often referred to as the "State of Hockey" -- and that's being proven once again during the pandemic.
Kelsey from Chanhassen said she had COVID in October and has since recovered. She wanted to know: "Is it safe for me to see family members who also recently had COVID?
Misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine is spreading on social media. WCCO asks Dr. Nathan Chomilo to debunk some common myths circulating online.
Health leaders are encouraging Minnesotans to get the COVID-19 vaccine when becomes available. It won't be mandatory, but can institutions or places require people to get it?
Like many of our family traditions, those at the Guthrie Theater have had to change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With cookies, parties, heavy foods and alcohol, this time of year can have a big impact on our bodies. Throw in stress and little sleep and it can become more than some hearts can handle. So, what is Holiday Heart? And, what signs should we watch out for during the holiday season? Good Question.
Thursday is the first night of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday often known as the festival of lights. With it comes a number of rituals and traditions, but it's only been over the past century in North America that gift-giving has become associated with Hanukkah.
According to Pfizer's data, 66% of participants experienced pain at the injection site after the second dose, 60% reported fatigue, 52% headaches, 35% chills and 2% vomiting.
For the first time in two and half weeks, the sun came out on Tuesday -- but was it enough to get us the vitamin D we need?
In recent months, there's been a national discussion about history and what our children do and don't learn in the classrooms. Right now, the state of Minnesota is looking closely at those questions.
Three billion packages will be sent between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. That's 800 million more than last year.
If any Minnesotan family is having turkey this Thanksgiving, there's a very good chance the bird was grown and processed in Minnesota.
Immunization expert Patsy Stinchfield answers all your Good Questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
Going into the 2020 presidential election, several polls made it seem like Democrat Joe Biden had the race all locked up. But in many states, those numbers didn't pan out.
MDH is also recommending all Minnesotans between the ages of 18 to 35 get tested, especially if they are visiting friends and family over Thanksgiving. Even those people haven't had a known close contact or aren't showing symptoms, MDH is recommending a test.
Data suggests Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective in preventing the novel coronavirus -- but what exactly does that mean?
In Minnesota state races, there have been 27 recounts since 2000.
Whether you voted by mail or in person this year, all ballots end up the same place. So what happens once they're sent into the machine?
While we may celebrate Halloween differently this year, many traditions remain. Like scary pumpkins, and snacking on candy. So how did those traditions start? Good Question.
For decades, there has been intense political debate about how Americans elect the President. It's done by the Electoral College, which was established in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
Who is voting early? Good Question.
It's been more than 200 days since Minnesota schools first closed due to COVID. As winter approaches and cases rise, health officials warn the effects of the pandemic are wearing on us.
The Minnesota Secretary of State is reporting that more than 900,000 Minnesotans have already cast their ballots.
On Tuesday, the Twin Cities is expecting its first measurable snowfall for the season -- that's early. So, can the October snow tell us anything about the upcoming winter?
Strong winds early Friday will calm into the afternoon in Minnesota as we await an incoming winter storm over the weekend.
The U.S. military says four service members were killed in a plane crash in Iraq, as Iran's continued attacks on Gulf states keep oil prices high.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
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.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
According to Rochester Police, officers were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the 1900 block of Ashland Drive Northwest. The call was domestic-related, police say.
Rain is falling Thursday night in the Twin Cities, while snow is falling up north.
The Old St. Hubert Church has been a part of Atkins's family for decades.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
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.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home last June. Their son says what followed with the insurance company only made matters worse.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
The Minnesota House unanimously passed legislation renaming the Community Solar Garden Program for former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
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.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
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.
The suspect, who was killed following the shooting, had previously been imprisoned for several years for trying to support ISIS, the FBI said.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The fight to keep Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center open is in full swing, with leaders saying the hospital is in grave danger of closing after Medicaid cuts and budget confusion.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Travis Konecny scored the lone goal in a shootout to give the Philadelphia Flyers a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the team announced Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Kyler Murray on a free agent visit, focusing their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick in the 2019 draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Minnesota Vikings have cleared salary cap space taken by their failed strategy for contending last season by releasing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
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.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
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.
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.
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.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
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.
Strong winds early Friday will calm into the afternoon in Minnesota as we await an incoming winter storm over the weekend.
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.
Meteorologist Joseph Dames has the latest forecast.
Parts of Minnesota are under a high wind warning overnight Friday ahead of a possible whopper of a snowstorm, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
A mix of rain and snow is pushing through Minnesota Thursday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The Minnesota Vikings announced the signing of Kyler Murray on Thursday. The former Cardinals quarterback is the presumed starter this season.
A hit drama is getting buzz for how real it feels and a Minnesota doctor is making sure it stays that way. Our Beret Leone introduces us to the physician, Dr. Jacob Lentz, bringing medical accuracy to "The Pitt."
A hit drama is getting buzz for how real it feels and a Minnesota doctor is making sure it stays that way. Our Beret Leone introduces us to the physician, Dr. Jacob Lentz, bringing medical accuracy to "The Pitt."
The U.S. military has confirmed that at least four crew members were killed when an American KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed Thursday in western Iraq, with a recovery operation still underway and the status of two other service members unclear. That, and more headlines.
Meteorologist Joseph Dames has the latest forecast.