Twin Cities Pride Festival sees large turnout during first day
The annual Twin Cities Pride Festival is underway in Loring Park on Saturday and Sunday.
LGBTQ+
Twin Cities Pride organizers stress past, present and future for 50th anniversary
The Pride festival was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. It was scaled back last year, but this year it's back as normal, and it celebrates 50 years of the LGBTQ+ community in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Biden announces executive actions targeting anti-LGBTQ laws
Several states have enacted anti-LGBTQ measures.
La Crosse mayor won't veto city's ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy
Rally organizers said the ban is in direct violation of the freedom of speech and religion.
Wisconsin's High Court To Debate School's Gender Change Policy
The school district adopted a policy in 2018 that allows students to change their gender identity at school. Teachers and other school staff are required to use names and pronouns of the students' choosing without parental notice or consent.
Ban On LGBTQ 'Conversion Therapy' Falls Short In Minnesota Senate
Flanked by Democratic colleagues, Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble said at a news conference that his "heart is broken" on behalf of young people who will continue to suffer, "but I'm encouraged because now we've shown we have momentum and we have the votes to pass a measure like this."
Lawmakers In 19 States, Including Minnesota, Want Legal Refuge For Trans Youth
Lawmakers in both Minnesota and New York recently filed refuge state legislation modeled after the bill proposed in March by state Sen. Scott Wiener in California.
As Pride Festival Preps Virtual Celebration, Advocates Cheer SCOTUS Ruling On LGBTQ+ Equality
The first LGBT rights march happened in Loring Park in Minneapolis in June 1972. It would eventually evolve into the annual Twin Cities Pride Festival that now encompasses LGBTQ+, but this year Pride is going virtual.
'Monumental': Minnesota Leaders Applaud SCOTUS Ruling On LGBTQ Worker Protections
The court's 6-3 ruling extends the scope of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion, to include LGBTQ people.
Minneapolis Council Passes Ban On LGBT Conversion Therapy
The Minneapolis City Council passed a ban Friday on the controversial practice of conversion therapy for minors.
Stonewall Inn Marks 50th Anniversary Since Riots Kicked Off Gay Rights Movement
In 1969, the NYPD had a public morals squad. Those officers are the ones who raided the Stonewall Inn.
Minneapolis Couple Holds Title For Longest Married U.S. Gay Couple
Way back in 1971, Jack Baker and Mike McConnell legally obtained a marriage in license in Mankato.
WCCO's Christiane Cordero Shares 'Coming Out' Letter To Younger Self
So often with Pride the message is to love each other despite our differences. Along the way, remember to love yourself too.
Gov. Evers Orders LGBT Pride Flag To Fly Over Wisconsin Capitol
Evers said this "sends a clear an unequivocal message that Wisconsin is a welcoming and inclusive place where everyone can live without fear of prosecution, judgment, or discrimination."
Gun Range Provides Safe Space For LGBT Gun Rights Group
Pink Pistols, an LGBT gun rights group with chapters in dozens of cities across the nation, has been around in Minnesota for nearly two decades.
3 Cool Things To Do In St. Paul This Week
From an environmental film festival to a discussion about LGBTQ health, here's a lineup of options to help you get out and about in the days ahead.
U.S. To Halt Visas For Same-Sex Partners Of Diplomats
Two government officials said the change was made in order to make the requirements the same for same-sex and heterosexual couples.
Minnesota United FC Player Comes Out As Gay
This makes Collin Martin the only openly gay male player currently active in any professional sports league.
Vikings Hold Summit On LGBTQ Inclusivity In Sports
The team is the first in the NFL to hold a summit and fundraiser focused exclusively on LGBTQ inclusion in sports.
Religious Veto On LGBT Adoptions Approved In Kansas, Oklahoma
State lawmakers in Kansas and Oklahoma have approved legislation to grant legal protections to faith-based adoption agencies that cite their religious beliefs for not placing children in LGBT homes.
Mpls. Students Allowed To Indicate Chosen Name, Gender
"We all deserve to be referred to by our proper names and pronouns. Having one's gender identity recognized and validated is important."
Fmr. Viking Tuaolo Throws LGBT Super Bowl 'Inclusion Party'
Former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo held a unique Super Bowl party Wednesday night.
'This Case Is Not About A Cake': Opponents In LGBT Case Agree
In a legal case with profound implications for LGBT rights and religion's place in public life, the opposing sides agree on this: It's not about the cake.
1st Openly Trans Woman Elected To Major U.S. City Council
Andrea Jenkins has been elected as Minneapolis City Council member for Ward 8.
Trump Memo Upends LGBT Protections
Experts say the guidance is so sweeping it could prompt wide-ranging lawsuits against the government.
Latest News
Derek Chauvin to be sentenced on federal charges Thursday: How to watch
Derek Chauvin will learn his sentence Thursday for violating George Floyd's civil rights. WCCO will offer live, streaming coverage on CBS News Minnesota.
Florida man sentenced in death threat to Rep. Ilhan Omar
A federal judge sentenced a former Trump supporter to three years of probation and a $7,000 fine for sending an email threatening to kill Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and three other congresswomen.
Bemidji man flees courtroom after being sentenced, police report
The Becker County Sheriff's Office says 25-year-old Alexander Robere, of Bemidji, reported to the county courthouse in Detroit Lakes around 2 p.m. to be sentenced on an escape from custody charge for which he had posted bail.
After chaos over holiday weekend, Minneapolis residents want more security for future events
Concerned neighbors are worried about the Aquatennial later this month.
Watch Live: Biden presents Medal of Freedom to 17 Americans
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the country's highest civilian honor, intended for people who have made significant contributions to the U.S.
WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russian court
If convicted on drug smuggling charges, Griner could face 10 years in a Russian prison.
Minnesota is a cat state, and Wisconsin a dog state, survey purports
In general, the more populous states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois were all found to be dog states.
Parents concerned over increasing crime near University of Minnesota campus
Sending your child off to college is always stressful, but this year parents say they have the added worry about increasing crime in the Twin Cities.
U.K. PM Boris Johnson announces resignation after allies quit en masse
The embattled British leader is finally bowing out after a tumultuous week of high-profile resignations and a litany of scandals raising questions about his credibility.
Twin Cities News
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Florida man sentenced in death threat to Rep. Ilhan Omar
A federal judge sentenced a former Trump supporter to three years of probation and a $7,000 fine for sending an email threatening to kill Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and three other congresswomen.
Minnesota is a cat state, and Wisconsin a dog state, survey purports
In general, the more populous states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois were all found to be dog states.
Derek Chauvin to be sentenced on federal charges Thursday: How to watch
Derek Chauvin will learn his sentence Thursday for violating George Floyd's civil rights. WCCO will offer live, streaming coverage on CBS News Minnesota.
Next Weather: Warm, muggy Thursday, with isolated storms possible later on
Dew points are already in the upper 60s in many parts of Minnesota Thursday morning.
2 young adults sentenced for string of Twin Cities carjackings
Two young people are going to prison for years for a string of terrorizing carjackings in the Twin Cities.
Greater Minnesota News
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Minnesota is a cat state, and Wisconsin a dog state, survey purports
In general, the more populous states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois were all found to be dog states.
Bemidji man flees courtroom after being sentenced, police report
The Becker County Sheriff's Office says 25-year-old Alexander Robere, of Bemidji, reported to the county courthouse in Detroit Lakes around 2 p.m. to be sentenced on an escape from custody charge for which he had posted bail.
Next Weather: Warm, muggy Thursday, with isolated storms possible later on
Dew points are already in the upper 60s in many parts of Minnesota Thursday morning.
Some retired couples move to Florida; the Larsons decided to farm worms
When the Larsons retired a few years ago, they moved from the Twin Cities to central Minnesota. Mike got a little bored so he decided to become a farmer. A worm farmer.
4 hurt after shooting in St. Cloud
A 15-year-old boy was among the four people hospitalized Wednesday following a shooting in St. Cloud.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin court's open records ruling decried as gutting law
The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting when people who sue over open records requests can recover attorney's fees.
Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial primary heats up over gas
The two front-runners in Wisconsin's Republican primary race for governor went after one another Wednesday over gas prices.
July 4th parade shooting suspect contemplated 2nd shooting in Madison, police say
The man charged with killing seven people at an Independence Day parade confessed to police that he unleashed a hail of bullets from a rooftop in suburban Chicago and then fled to the Madison, Wisconsin, area.
Wisconsin court OKs immunity defense in alleged sex trafficker's killing
It's a decision that could help define the limits of legal immunity for trafficking victims nationwide.
Judge orders Wisconsin investigator not to delete records
A judge on Tuesday ordered that former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman not delete any records his office has compiled.
Politics
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Florida man sentenced in death threat to Rep. Ilhan Omar
A federal judge sentenced a former Trump supporter to three years of probation and a $7,000 fine for sending an email threatening to kill Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and three other congresswomen.
Watch Live: Biden presents Medal of Freedom to 17 Americans
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the country's highest civilian honor, intended for people who have made significant contributions to the U.S.
Wisconsin court's open records ruling decried as gutting law
The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting when people who sue over open records requests can recover attorney's fees.
Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial primary heats up over gas
The two front-runners in Wisconsin's Republican primary race for governor went after one another Wednesday over gas prices.
Under new law, Minnesota's THC edibles aren't supposed to look like candy
A news conference aimed at getting answers about Minnesota's new THC edible law is instead raising more questions. There is also uncertainty about who is supposed to enforce this new law.
Consumer News
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Metro Transit to switch to 2-car configurations for next 6 weeks
The transportation agency said that the change is being made because they want to examine how it "impacts the customer experience."
How much does it cost to be a wedding guest?
According to data from The Knot, 2.6 million couples are getting married this year. That's almost 500,000 more than an average year.
Chef Justin Sutherland seriously injured in July 4th boating accident
Friends and family say celebrated Twin Cities chef Justin Sutherland sustained significant injuries in a boating accident over the holiday weekend.
Hy-Vee withdraws potato salad varieties due to presumptive positive microbial test
The withdrawal includes all varieties and sizes of Hy-Vee Potato Salad and Mealtime Potato Salad available from grab-and-go refrigerated cases and deli service cases in Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Dollar Fresh Market locations and Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores.
24-hour self-service grocery store thrives in small Minnesota town
A number of small, Minnesota towns have lost their grocery stores over the years - creating an inconvenience for residents - and a bit of a food desert. But a couple in Douglas County thinks they've found a solution.
Crime
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Florida man sentenced in death threat to Rep. Ilhan Omar
A federal judge sentenced a former Trump supporter to three years of probation and a $7,000 fine for sending an email threatening to kill Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and three other congresswomen.
Bemidji man flees courtroom after being sentenced, police report
The Becker County Sheriff's Office says 25-year-old Alexander Robere, of Bemidji, reported to the county courthouse in Detroit Lakes around 2 p.m. to be sentenced on an escape from custody charge for which he had posted bail.
Derek Chauvin to be sentenced on federal charges Thursday: How to watch
Derek Chauvin will learn his sentence Thursday for violating George Floyd's civil rights. WCCO will offer live, streaming coverage on CBS News Minnesota.
After chaos over holiday weekend, Minneapolis residents want more security for future events
After chaotic scenes of violence in Minneapolis for the 4th of July holiday, concerned neighbors are worried about the Aquatennial later this month.
Teenager critically wounded in St. Paul shooting
St. Paul police are investigating Wednesday after a shooting in the Payne - Phalen neighborhood left a boy fighting for his life.
Health
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St. Paul pregnancy center vandalized
Birthright St. Paul was vandalized Tuesday by an abortion-rights group.
Guthrie Theater cancels upcoming shows due to COVID-19
While live entertainment continues to get back on its feet amid what seems to be the waning end of the COVID-19 pandemic, along comes another reminder that we're not out of the woods just yet.
Twin Cities teen gains new perspective after drug overdose
The 4th of July brings in double the amount of teenage boys into the emergency room for drug or alcohol use over any other weekend in the summer.
6 monkeypox cases now confirmed in Twin Cities, MDH urges awareness
The Minnesota health department has identified a total of six cases of monkeypox in the state.
Hy-Vee withdraws potato salad varieties due to presumptive positive microbial test
The withdrawal includes all varieties and sizes of Hy-Vee Potato Salad and Mealtime Potato Salad available from grab-and-go refrigerated cases and deli service cases in Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Dollar Fresh Market locations and Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores.
Entertainment
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"The Challenge: USA" premieres July 6 on CBS
The new show features former competitors from "Survivor," "Big Brother," "The Amazing Race" and "Love Island."
Guthrie Theater cancels upcoming shows due to COVID-19
While live entertainment continues to get back on its feet amid what seems to be the waning end of the COVID-19 pandemic, along comes another reminder that we're not out of the woods just yet.
Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Tom Barnard to leave KQRS after 36 years as host
KQRS, a classic rock station based in Golden Valley, announced that Tom Barnard would be retiring from the station, with his final show being scheduled for Dec. 23.
Minnesota's top pick among patriotic movies is "Apollo 13"
Other states went for films that feature explicitly hometown appeal, such as Texas choosing "The Alamo," Alabama going for "Forrest Gump," and Pennsylvania selecting "Gettysburg."
Sports
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WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russian court
If convicted on drug smuggling charges, Griner could face 10 years in a Russian prison.
Wild enter 2022 NHL draft with 2 first round picks
After a disappointing first round playoff exit by the winningest team in franchise history, the cash-strapped Wild will look to add some impactful players in the first round of the NHL draft Thursday.
Timberwolves introduce Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves introduced their star acquisition, center Rudy Gobert, at a press conference on Wednesday.
Wild GM Bill Guerin says Kirill Kaprizov is fine, still in Russia
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin said Kirill Kaprizov remains in Russia and is doing well, denying a report the star winger returned to the U.S. and adding the team is trying to find out more about the situation.
Minnesota Wild re-sign defenseman Jake Middleton to 3-year deal
The Minnesota Wild re-signed defenseman Jake Middleton to a three-year, $7.35 million contract Wednesday.
Finding Minnesota
More Finding Minnesota
Some retired couples move to Florida; the Larsons decided to farm worms
When the Larsons retired a few years ago, they moved from the Twin Cities to central Minnesota. Mike got a little bored so he decided to become a farmer. A worm farmer.
One-of-a-kind garden highlights Ojibwe culture, sense of beauty
Sue Foss began growing her garden near Sandstone in 1989. She and her husband, Rod, planted over 500 different kinds of flowers, shrubs and trees to honor the Ojibwe people.
Minneopa State Park enjoys a bison baby boom
"They are pretty laid back and calm. They really are," said park manager Ashley Steevens. "They're managed as a wild herd, so this is their territory. This is their home."
The story behind Faribault County's Jolly Green Giant statue
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how a giant statue ended up in the city of Blue Earth.
After More Than A Century, Southern Minnesota Restaurant Still Slinging 'Dam' Good Burgers, Pies
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to the Rapidan Dam Store in Blue Earth County.
Good Question
More Good Question
How much does it cost to be a wedding guest?
According to data from The Knot, 2.6 million couples are getting married this year. That's almost 500,000 more than an average year.
How does a park become a state park?
Just under 1% of Minnesota is state or national parkland, which places Minnesota 29th compared to other states across the country.
What will come of the January 6th hearings?
"The question then becomes though, even if the ex-president indicted, is there enough to convict," said constitutional law professor David Schultz.
Why is golf so hard?
"If you think of any other sport out there, whether it's football, baseball hockey, the ball is coming at you and react to it," said PGA pro Phil Anderson. "Whereas you have to think about it and make a movement away from a golf ball.
Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?
"One thing that scientists have known for a long time is that mosquitoes are attracted to the odor of used gym socks," Dr. Jon Oliver said.
Latest Galleries
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Flashback: "WCW Monday Nitro" at Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro."
Stars hit the red carpet at the 75th Annual Tony Awards
Stars of stage and screen hit the red carpet for the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night.
New Food Options At Target Field 2022
Opening Day is nearly here and the Minnesota Twins are unveiling new foods at Target Field, including Australian-inspired savory pies and an official grilled cheese sandwich of the ballpark.
2022 Celebrity Deaths
A gallery of the beloved celebrities who have died in 2022.
Viewers Share Their Love Stories
It's Valentine's Day, and Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield asked WCCO viewers to share their stories of romance. Here are some of the best we got!
Weather
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Weather
Next Weather: 9 a.m. weather report
WCCO meteorologist Riley O'Connor says that there is a rain or thunderstorm chance by the afternoon and evening, and a chance for pop-up showers Friday.
Next Weather: 6 a.m. report
Humidity levels will stay high on Thursday, and isolated storms are possible starting in the afternoon.
Next Weather: 4:30 a.m. report
Thursday if off to a warm and muggy start, with isolated isolated storms possible later on.
Tips for beating extreme heat
"The elderly and the really young," said CentraCare sports medicine physician Dr. George Morris. "Those are the two populations that I would worry about most."
What is Next Weather?
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.
Latest Video
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Latest Video
Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russian court
WNBA star Britney Griner pleaded guilty Thursday to drug charges in a Russian court. She has been in Russian custody since February. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers with the response from Washington.
A summer pairing from Madden's on Gull Lake
Head Chef Darrell Lorenz and bartender Melissa Kinney share recipes for togarashi salmon and yuzu honey, and a pear martini.
How to protect your garden from pests, critters
Karen Bachman Thull shared some advice for gardeners.
Next Weather: 9 a.m. weather report
WCCO meteorologist Riley O'Connor says that there is a rain or thunderstorm chance by the afternoon and evening, and a chance for pop-up showers Friday.
People check phones more often in silent mode, study finds
Phone addiction doubled when devices on silent, according to a new study out of Penn State.