Minnesotans prepare to help Floridians as Hurricane Idalia gains strength
Hurricane Idalia is forecasted to become an extremely dangerous Category 3 storm, packing winds up to 120 mph.
Watch CBS News
Hurricane Idalia is forecasted to become an extremely dangerous Category 3 storm, packing winds up to 120 mph.
Minnesotans heading south for Spring Break may come across neighborhoods that are still trying to recover from the storm. It's a recovery that could take years.
The Minnesota Twins start Spring Training in two and a half weeks in Fort Myers, Florida. But unlike past years, much of the area is still rebuilding after Hurricane Ian.
"There's still debris, there's still trees piled up on the side of the highways," said Twins pitcher Chris Paddack. "You're always seeing semi-trucks with palm trees or trash or whatever it might be."
The Minnesota Twins start Spring Training on Feb. 15 in Fort Myers, Florida where the effects of Hurricane Ian are still being felt. Ian hit Southwest Florida four months ago. The recovery is still ongoing.
Residents in at least four Florida counties were ordered to evacuate from barrier islands, low-lying areas and mobile homes.
A Minnesota woman curated a wish list to meet the specific needs of individuals in Fort Myers beach. And some of the needs may not be what you expect. WCCO's Marielle Mohs explains how you can help.
Many Minnesotans call Fort Myers home. One woman we've met is doing her part to get direct help to those in need.
"Having these [Polaris UTVs] gives us the ability to drive over things that we normally couldn't," Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. "That search-rescue-recovery, which is very critical, [the vehicles] are critical to our success."
Volunteers from non-profits like the Salvation Army and American Red Cross are now returning home after a two-week deployment in Florida. But the work there is far from over.
Lee County, which encompasses Fort Myers, has recorded an "abnormal increase" in cases as a result of flooding from the storm.
A Minnesota family that recently relocated to Fort Myers is surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Ian.
Many residents still lack food, running water and electricity in the storm's aftermath.
Paul Braun and his wife Barb were staying at a friend's condo on the 33rd floor of a Fort Myers building - which gave them a bird's eye view of the fury and a first-hand feel for the wind.
These Floridians dedicated years to building their dream homes in Port Charlotte and Key West. Now, one family's roof was ripped off "like a zipper" as another is "starting from zero."
With the death toll rising, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said the federal government was ready to help in a huge way.
Search and rescue efforts continued Sunday in hurricane-ravaged Florida. One of the hardest hit regions was Sanibel Island, where St. Paul Park natives Deborah and Daniel Tilson moved about a year ago.
Search and rescue efforts continued Sunday in hurricane-ravaged Florida. One of the hardest hit regions was Sanibel Island, where St. Paul Park natives Deborah and Daniel Tilson moved about a year ago.
It's been three days since Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers, Florida and finally some Minnesotans who live there are getting their first decent night's sleep in a real bed since that day.
Mike and Lorie Daniel survived Hurricane Ian from the fourth floor of their newly built hurricane-proof apartment building. However, the storm surge flooded the first floor of the building, and everyone living there is still without power and cell service, leaving the residents displaced.
FEMA and U.S. Coast Guard officials said about 4,000 people have been rescued in Florida by local, state and federal authorities.
Though people in the path of Hurricane Ian were hit hardest, many watched the effects from afar, including a 10-year-old from western Wisconsin.
Though people in the path of Hurricane Ian were hit hardest, many watched the effects from afar, including a 10-year-old from western Wisconsin.
At least 28 people died due to the storm, and many more were left without a home.
Ian was expected to weaken Saturday and "dissipate early Sunday," the National Hurricane Center reported.
Tristan Gray hit a three-run home run, Kody Clemens added a solo blast and the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident happened just after 8 a.m. on Highway 40 at 60th Street Southwest, west of Willmar.
The head-on collision happened on westbound Highway 212 at Valley View Road in Eden Prairie just before 8 p.m. Saturday.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
The head-on collision happened on westbound Highway 212 at Valley View Road in Eden Prairie just before 8 p.m. Saturday.
Police say they are working to determine if the man was struck by a vehicle or if a vehicle dragged him as it drove away.
Nearly 170 employees from Chisago County, Minnesota, are prepared to strike on Tuesday after contract negotiations between the county and the union failed.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident happened just after 8 a.m. on Highway 40 at 60th Street Southwest, west of Willmar.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, the main suspect in what Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the "largest-ever Medicaid fraud prosecution," has disappeared, according to officials.
Saturday high temperatures are expected to hit the 50s.
A teenager involved in a crash involving a Minnesota State Patrol vehicle last April near Clear Lake sustained a spinal injury and a significant brain injury. Since then, he's had 30 surgeries.
Two Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, residents are accused of making false claims to receive over $860,000 in medical assistance payments, according to court records filed Thursday.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
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.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor has won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, growing its liberal majority.
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.
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.
President Trump said the U.S. Navy will begin blockading ships from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz and intercept vessels that have paid tolls to Iran.
Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she might run for president in 2028, telling a gathering in New York that she is considering mounting a third bid for the White House.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the cyberattack "disrupted critical systems and digital services."
We're hearing from lawmakers after a shocking conversation with a United States soldier who survived the drone strike that killed Master Sergeant Nicole Amor last month in Kuwait. During an exclusive interview with Jonah Kaplan, that surviving soldier says Army leadership knew they were at risk, but failed to protect them.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez claimed she was "brutally assaulted by multiple people" for filming and reporting on Saturday's protest.
A Minneapolis gang member pleaded guilty to racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Friday.
Police say they are working to determine if the man was struck by a vehicle or if a vehicle dragged him as it drove away.
Two Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, residents are accused of making false claims to receive over $860,000 in medical assistance payments, according to court records filed Thursday.
![Sana Anetipa (cq) daughter held up a winning ticket of 200.00 that her father purchased while he played pull tabs Wednesday March 6, 2019 at Skinner's Bar in St.Paul, MN.] Jerry Holt • Jerry.holt@startribune.com](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2026/04/10/b1bd9e5c-9ff9-4571-afd3-04ee5241c416/thumbnail/640x360/2ed1c8596d3878dfb271d93754f426f4/gettyimages-1156603566.jpg#)
Federal charges accuse a payroll manager of embezzling more than a million dollars from a Minnesota company "to fund her gambling and pull-tab addiction."
Psychedelic mushrooms were widely known as a recreational and illegal drug in the 60s and 70s. Now, two bills at the Minnesota State Capitol would make it easier to access the fungi.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The video shows the patient on a mental health hold striking hospital support staff. Then, the patient takes a swing with the bed rail at EMT Rob Madsen who was waiting to transfer a patient.
Twin Cities doctors are sending a serious warning to families after seeing a surge in injuries tied to e-bikes and scooters.
City leaders referred four ordinances to staff that would create licensing, zoning, and health regulations for establishments where sexual activity between consenting adults may be facilitated.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota's own Bob Dylan will return to the Twin Cities to play a show at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater this summer.
Lady Gaga is still slated to perform in St. Paul later this week, despite canceling her Monday night show in Montreal.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
Tristan Gray hit a three-run home run, Kody Clemens added a solo blast and the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2.
Steven Stamkos scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over Minnesota, locking the Wild into the third seed in the Western Conference for the playoffs.
Kyle Duncan and Kelvin Yeboah each scored a goal to help Minnesota United beat San Diego FC 2-1.
Abby Hustler, Taylor Heise and Britta Curl-Salemme scored third-period goals to help the Minnesota Frost beat the New York Sirens 4-1.
Trevor Larnach hit a three-run home run, Brooks Lee added a solo shot and the Minnesota Twins used a seven-run third inning to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 for their fifth win in six games.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders. WCCO spoke with David Schultz, a congressional law professor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to get some clarity.
Julie Le, who was removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks," is now challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th District.
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.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
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.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, warm and a bit humid again with a high near 74.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner says highs will top out around 80 and it will be windy and humid.
Sunday high temperatures could hit the 80s.
The rain will continue overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning before it clears out. Sunday temperatures could reach the 80s. Meteorologist Katie Steiner shares when the rain returns and how long it'll stick around.
Throughout Operation Metro Surge, WCCO heard from many asylum seekers who say they were detained despite following all legal procedures. A Venezuelan college professor says he is a victim of this. He's back home, but as Frankie McLister reports, an ankle monitor leaves him with questions.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, warm and a bit humid again with a high near 74.
The Elk River ProStart Culinary Team joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield on WCCO Sunday Morning at 7 a.m.
We are just seven weeks away from the party endorsement conventions for both parties in Minnesota, where each party will endorse candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House. But that's not the end of the party process; on Aug. 11, there will be a statewide primary election. Some key candidates have already said they don't care about the endorsement process; they are going straight to the primary instead. Republican Amy Frederikson and Democrat Abou Amara give us a lens to look at the political landscape.
This is the time of year when you want to do some deep spring cleaning. An expert on the subject with some good advice, Robin Crockett with Heaven Scent Home Cleaning, joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield on WCCO Sunday Morning at 7 a.m.