African heritage on display at Midtown Global Market for Kwanzaa event
The weeklong festival of Kwanzaa began on Friday with much fanfare at Lake Street's Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis.
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The weeklong festival of Kwanzaa began on Friday with much fanfare at Lake Street's Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis.
The holiday season certainly doesn't end with Christmas. Dec. 26 marks the first day of Kwanzaa. As Jonah Kaplan reports, you're not alone if you're still unsure about what the holiday means. Those who do celebrate tell us that asking questions is at its core.
As Christmas trees across the nation come down, a farm in Elk River, Minnesota, is finding a new purpose for the pines.
It's an ongoing tradition started by a resident who'd light up his block, but died in 2020.
'Twas the night before Christmas in Hopkins, the west metro. The neighbors would bag sand and light candles from the get go. So meaningful for mom, dad, brother and sister. Here now with the story is WCCO's Frankie McLister.
Volunteers also delivered hundreds of meals to those who couldn't make the trip, like 911 dispatchers, corrections officers, paramedics at nearby hospitals and Metro Transit.
Serving those who serve us. Hundreds of Minneapolis first responders are enjoying a hearty holiday meal on Christmas Eve. All of it thanks to volunteers and generous donors. Jeff Wagner went to the Northeast Moose Bar and Grill for the annual tradition.
While shoppers browse Scandinavian gifts and baked goods, it's the meat counter that sees the heaviest traffic.
With Christmas just hours away, last-minute shoppers are making final purchases. Those will add to an expected record $1 trillion in holiday spending this season. Ashley Grams stopped by the Mall of America to check in with shoppers.
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
Some love it, some don't. There's a good chance you'll be offered some eggnog this season. How did eggnog become the drink of the season? Good Question. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield explains the history behind the cup of cheer.
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.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
'Tis the season for shopping, giving, and wrapping presents. Did you ever wonder, why do we wrap gifts? Good Question. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield explains the history behind the holiday tradition.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Friday is the big liftoff day for travel at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
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.
For many student parents at Minneapolis College, the holiday season arrives during one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year.
When Sid Fletcher isn't at the North Pole, you might find him at his second home in Eden Prairie preparing to become Santa Claus.
At the Salvation Army North Division headquarters in Roseville, Minnesota, volunteers have been busy collecting and sorting toys and clothes for families in need.
To give shoppers a break from the cold blast, there are three heated tents throughout the market, serving up hot drinks.
The Local, which opened in 1997, is turning Christmas upside down with The Gaelic Glow.
As St. Paul counts down to its 140th Winter Carnival, history comes alive in a Grand Avenue storefront where Tommy Barrett and a team of volunteers are building a tribute to the city's beloved winter tradition.
Bentleyville Tour of Lights, the beloved holiday tradition in Duluth, Minnesota, will reopen Thursday evening after "significant damage" from Tuesday night's storm caused a temporary closure.
Shoppers will need to plan ahead as some grocery stores and retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving or have reduced hours.
The Bloomington Police Department created a new executive protection unit amid rising political violence and increasing threats to lawmakers.
After more than four decades serving Minnesota's cycling community, Grand Performance—a longtime bike shop on St. Paul's Grand Avenue—is preparing to close.
After months of back and forth, Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature found a way forward to establish a new Office of Inspector General to fight fraud and prevent the theft of taxpayer money in the first place.
Police in Bemidji, Minnesota, are investigating after a shooting that left three adults with critical injuries, according to officials.
The Minnesota House approved a pilot program that would legalize psychedelic mushrooms in the state for therapeutic use.
The Bloomington Police Department created a new executive protection unit amid rising political violence and increasing threats to lawmakers.
After more than four decades serving Minnesota's cycling community, Grand Performance—a longtime bike shop on St. Paul's Grand Avenue—is preparing to close.
After months of back and forth, Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature found a way forward to establish a new Office of Inspector General to fight fraud and prevent the theft of taxpayer money in the first place.
On Thursday, friends and fellow veterans said goodbye to Les Schrenk.
Federal officials are slamming Minnesota's decision to pardon a man one day before he was scheduled to be deported.
Police in Bemidji, Minnesota, are investigating after a shooting that left three adults with critical injuries, according to officials.
The man killed by police and the officer who shot him in Virginia, Minnesota, last week has been identified as Ethan Basche, 31, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
State air quality experts expect about two weeks of wildfire smoke impact in Minnesota this summer, and several days of unhealthy ozone levels.
The leader of Minnesota's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office is no longer in that role.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
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.
Federal prosecutors say a small-town Wisconsin police chief tried to help California gun dealers import illegal armor-piercing rounds from Europe.
Local and federal law enforcement are investigating after nearly 50 firearms and "a large quantity of ammunition" were stolen from a sporting goods store in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Friday.
Two Minnesotans were killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday evening in western Wisconsin.
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.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
After months of back and forth, Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature found a way forward to establish a new Office of Inspector General to fight fraud and prevent the theft of taxpayer money in the first place.
The Minnesota House approved a pilot program that would legalize psychedelic mushrooms in the state for therapeutic use.
Minnesota is now the first state in the country to enact a law that prohibits access to what's known as "nudification" technology.
First came cannabis. Now, there's a push to legalize psychedelic mushrooms in a pilot program.
A gun control ordinance has passed in the city of Minneapolis, but its enforcement is limited by law.
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.
Gas in the Twin Cities can be up to $4.20 a gallon these days, and it's happening as Minnesota is revving up for summer.
According to the letter, enforcement will be done by police and plainclothes officers, with businesses themselves being held accountable for repeat violations.
Some Twin Cities rideshare drivers say they may have to leave the road as gas prices continue to increase.
A large investment company is warning anyone with stocks to hold on to your hats. Information from JP Morgan says uncertainty is fueling inflation, but so far the market has been more resilient than expected.
Police in Bemidji, Minnesota, are investigating after a shooting that left three adults with critical injuries, according to officials.
The man killed by police and the officer who shot him in Virginia, Minnesota, last week has been identified as Ethan Basche, 31, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
The man who charged at Rep. Ilhan Omar and sprayed her with apple cider vinegar during a town hall in Minneapolis in January pleaded guilty on Thursday.
Police are investigating after a man was found stabbed to death in downtown Minneapolis Thursday morning.
The leader of Minnesota's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office is no longer in that role.
The Minnesota House approved a pilot program that would legalize psychedelic mushrooms in the state for therapeutic use.
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
When a loved one starts to lose their memory, it creates new challenges for family members. But in a western Minnesota town, they're battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia with music.
Brittany Haeg is living with the deep scars of gun violence. Her three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and her 6-year-old son David was hurt during the deadly mass shooting on Aug. 27, 2025.
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 Minnesota Star Tribune was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured more than a dozen others.
Mononymous country music star Hardy is set to kick off the final weekend of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
Keibert Ruiz homered, doubled twice and drove in four runs to lift the Washington Nationals to a 7-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Joe Senser, who also owned two popular Twin Cities sports bars, has died, according to the team.
Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs handed Minnesota the worst postseason loss in franchise history, beating the Timberwolves 133-95 to even their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.
CJ Abrams hit a grand slam with a career-high five RBIs, Drew Millas, Brady House and José Tena also homered and the Washington Nationals set their season high for runs in a 15-2 rout of the Minnesota Twins.
A defenseman for the Avalanche, 27-year-old Sam Malinski scored his first career playoff goal in Game 1 against the Wild.
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.
Sen. Tina Smith, who is retiring from the U.S. Senate, is a major presence in the race to succeed her.
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.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
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.
Construction season has arrived, potentially adding several minutes to your daily drive to work. So, how bad is the commute in the Twin Cities? Good Question.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
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.
Overnight temperatures will hit the 40s. Friday will be mostly pleasant with temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Weekend will have comfortable temperatures. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks it all down.
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.
Friday will be the warmest day of the week, pushing 70, before a cooler weekend.
Friday will be our warmest day with a high near 70. We stay dry with a bit of a breeze in the afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Warmth arrives Thursday in the Twin Cities after the last few chilly days.
The Bloomington Department police create new executive protection unit amid rising political violence.
Overnight temperatures will hit the 40s. Friday will be mostly pleasant with temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Weekend will have comfortable temperatures. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks it all down.
The 102-year-old World War II veteran passed away in March and his funeral was held Thursday morning in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate found a way forward to establish a new watchdog agency to fight fraud and prevent the theft of taxpayer money.
The Department of Homeland Security is now claiming that "At Chandee" has a deeper criminal record than initially reported.