Good Question: Does Buying Stuff Really Make Us Feel Better?
'Tis the season for shopping, and one study says that we in the Twin Cities sure do like our stuff. A dating website ranks Minneapolis as the second-most materialistic city in the country.
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'Tis the season for shopping, and one study says that we in the Twin Cities sure do like our stuff. A dating website ranks Minneapolis as the second-most materialistic city in the country.
These five enterprises will give you an edge on shopping for the unique decoration this holiday.
No waiting in line here as Santa strolls from table to table to visit and pose for pictures you take with your own camera. Meanwhile, kids occupy themselves with snacks from the Call of the Wild restaurant, available craft activities or coloring sheets.
Thousands of people are expected to gather at the Mall of America to mark the anniversary of the debut of a song written by a Minnesota teen who died of cancer. Zach Sobiech was 18 when he died from osteosarcoma in May.
Holiday travelers dreaming of a White Christmas in America can find joy in knowing they can hear sleigh bells in the snow by visiting places in New England and the Great Lakes region such as Concord, New Hampshire, Madison, Wisconsin and Stowe, Vermont.
The Twin Cities man who tossed1,000 $1 bills to strangers at the Mall of America on Black Friday says it was worth it. Apple Valley-resident Serge Vorobyov, 29, threw money from the third floor rotunda railing on Friday afternoon. The money fell down to a crowd that had gathered to listen to holiday music. When the performers starting singing "Let It Snow," Vorobyov started tossing the cash. He told police he was going through a divorce and having financial problems. He only had $1,000 to his name.
Bloomington police cited a 29-year-old man for disorderly conduct for tossing 1,000 dollar bills over an upper floor railing at the Mall of America. Serge Vorobyov, of Apple Valley, admitted throwing the money as a choir performed "Let it Snow" on Friday.
You know the old saying: money doesn't fall from the sky? Well, it did on Black Friday at Mall of America. Serge Vorobyov threw $1,000 in dollar bills from the fourth floor of the Mall of America rotunda as a choir performed "Let it Snow" on the ground floor below.
In the season where hundreds of homes are decorated with holiday displays, there's one residence in Bloomington that always draws a crowd. An oak tree in Bob Little's yard shines bright every year, attracting spectators from all over. In the light of day, an old oak tree may not inspire the holiday spirit. "There isn't Santa Clauses moving, and things spinning, and red this and green that," Little said.
Black Friday is the official start to the holiday shopping season, and it started earlier than ever -- 8 p.m. at the Mall of America. A new report by the University of St. Thomas says this is the mall where most Minnesotans will do their holiday shopping. "We love the bonding experience, hanging out with each other," said shopper Nicole Klinkhammer, who was at the mall Friday. There was a lot of buzz about starting Black Friday too early, but the Mall of America team says as long as people want to shop, they will be open. And it's working out fine so far. They project a higher turn-out than last year, when the mall opened at midnight.
A Thanksgiving tradition returns Thursday with the sixth annual Walk to End Hunger inside the Mall of America. This year's event has been expanded beyond its 5K family-fun walk to raise money for 12 Twin Cities area hunger-related charities.
While many of us are looking forward to that big Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, there are thousands of Minnesotans who struggle putting food on the table on a daily basis. Marcia Fink with the United Way joined the WCCO This Morning show on Tuesday to tell us how we can make a difference during the holiday season.
Imagine having to dress up an almost five-million-square foot space for the holidays! The daunting task is a reality for Brett Baudette, design manager at MOA. He says they "kick in to holiday gear" in mid-September, contracting out to about 100 workers who normally build inside the stores. "It's a team of construction workers," Baudette said. "It's kind of a fun change for them." They'll spend $250,000 on new decorations and labor, with most of the work executed in the middle of the night.
Being located inside a popular mall and being considered a "hotel restaurant" -- two things that can go hand-in-hand with dining only for convenience and necessity. FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar had both hurdles to overcome when they opened earlier this spring.
Just in time for the holidays, a new kind of store is opening at the Mall of America. Earlier Tuesday, Verizon Wireless unveiled what it calls its first "Destination Store." The store opens Wednesday night and replaces the old Verizon store on the second floor of the mall.
All this week at WCCO-TV, we're highlighting small businesses here in Minnesota. For Tuesday, we're highlighting a new store at the Mall of America where boys can be boys. J.M. Cremps already has a store west of the Twin Cities in Dassel, but the owners have opened a new store at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
A Twin Cities company has quickly grown from the owners' New Brighton home to an online retailer to a retail store at Mall of America. The New Brighton-based business Sigma Beauty was started online by a veterinarian and an engineer, and now they have claim $25 million in annual sales.
Don't let entertaining the out of towners daunt you. Check out these local places for great Thanksgiving weekend entertainment.
Typically, Tuesday isn't a huge day to schedule weddings, but this week is a different story. Because this Tuesday is 11/12/13, some couples have decided to take the plunge. Across the country, David's Bridal estimates that 3,000 couples will exchange vows on the day.
Visitors to the Mall of America can have the chance to write letters to members of the military in honor of Veteran's Day. Thousands of letters expressing thanks and encouragement will be mailed to members of U.S. armed forces, veterans and military families — both at home and abroad.
Cast members from "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" stop at the Mall of America Tuesday as part of their National Victory Tour. Cast members appearing include Jena Malone, who plays Johanna; Sam Claflin, who plays Finnick; Meta Golding, who plays Enobaria; and Bruno Gunn, who plays Brutus.
While many other consumers will simply avoid holiday crowds at shopping malls or even wait until Cyber Monday, retail stores across the nation will be buzzing with activity on the day after Thanksgiving. The following are five of the best American cities for Black Friday deals.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is rarely short on opinion, and he weighed in on the federal government shutdown with WCCO's Nina Moini on Sunday. Ventura was at the Mall Of America, signing copies of his latest book.
The Mall of America has stepped up security following the deadly attack by the Somali militant group al-Shabab at a mall in Nairobi, Kenya. Officials at the Bloomington mall say some of the extra security precautions will be noticeable and some won't be.
The mall attack in Kenya is resonating here in the Twin Cities, where we have the Mall of America and several other high-profile shopping centers.
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
After seeing footage of an ICE arrest in Minneapolis, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said that if those federal officers worked for him, "they'd have a problem right now."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says he worries about escalating tensions amid ICE enforcement. But top ICE official Marcos Charles says his officers act "lawfully and with professionalism."
Anti-ICE protesters at Minneapolis' Whipple building were peaceful Sunday afternoon.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
Anti-ICE protesters at Minneapolis' Whipple building were peaceful Sunday afternoon.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
About 1,500 active-duty soldiers are on standby in Alaska for possible deployment to Minneapolis, a U.S. defense official told CBS News Saturday.
In a since-deleted tweet, the Department of Homeland Security appeared to blame the family for endangering their six children before later faulting "rioters" instead.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
A damaged pipeline caused an explosion in Pine County, Minnesota, on Friday.
While many of the headlines have focused on the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota is feeling the impacts of the immigration crackdown, too.
The American Civil Liberties Union is filing a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of three Minnesotans — two Somali men and one Latino man — "whose constitutional rights were violated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agents," the ACLU of Minnesota announced Thursday morning.
Most good Minnesota high school hockey teams face the offseason reality that their best players may leave for juniors. This year, Rogers had three key players decide not to, which has benefited the roster.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
A western Wisconsin town is reveling in the national spotlight.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
The Department of Labor recently posted: "One Homeland. One People. One Heritage. Remember who you are, American." Several Trump critics on the social media site drew a parallel to a notorious Nazi slogan, "One People, One Realm, One Leader."
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
WCCO gathered data on core staple items from Aldi in Apple Valley, Target in Fridley and Cub Foods in north Minneapolis.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
The Department of Labor recently posted: "One Homeland. One People. One Heritage. Remember who you are, American." Several Trump critics on the social media site drew a parallel to a notorious Nazi slogan, "One People, One Realm, One Leader."
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
An Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, man has been charged with theft of public property after a federal agent accused him of stealing a rifle and suppressor from an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis on Wednesday, court records show.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections is disputing the suggestion made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that Minnesota is not honoring ICE arrest detainers, calling that "categorically false."
A former employee at a Twin Cities school district who pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material will be on probation for three years, court records show.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says it began distributing payments on Friday to over 2,600 Minnesotans.
Just one day after dropping his bid for reelection, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state's paid family leave program is one of the most transformational bills the state has ever passed.
Roughly 12,000 Minnesotans have already applied for the state's new paid family leave program, according to an update by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
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.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Mats Zuccarello scored 1:47 into overtime to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 5-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
Zvonimir Ivisic scored 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds off the bench and Keaton Wagler had 17 points to lead No. 13 Illinois to a 77-67 victory over Minnesota.
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that catcher Victor Caratini and the Minnesota Twins have agreed Friday to a $14 million, two-year contract.
Kevin Durant scored 39 points and made a season-best six 3-pointers to lead the Houston Rockets to a 110-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota has brought back all-time leading rusher Mohamed Ibrahim as running backs coach.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
The shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised several legal questions.
The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised many legal questions. Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.
The DFL race pits two prominent party leaders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, against each other.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
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.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
New polling shows most voters do not think last week's deadly ICE shooting was justified. But the Trump administration thinks so and suggested that Renee Good was a domestic terrorist. Experts say that's not a label to be taken lightly.
ICE is making arrests in Minnesota right next to shoppers grabbing groceries. The tense encounters are happening at places like Target, Walmart and other private businesses.
It's a question many people have been asking: What is the cost of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minnesota? WCCO was able to get some numbers.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
From the frozen ponds and lakes to the packed indoor rinks serving as community hubs, hockey is uniquely celebrated and cherished in Minnesota like no other state in the country.
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.
NEXT Weather Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we're under a cold weather advisory tonight and tomorrow.
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're reaching the statistically coldest time of the year in Minnesota, and the patterns are set up for an especially chilly stretch here, WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso reports.
Light snow is possible Sunday as bitter cold moves into the state.
Light snow is possible Sunday as bitter cold moves into the state. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso has the latest forecast.
NEXT Weather Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we're under a cold weather advisory tonight and tomorrow.
Some of them rallied and marched at the Lake Street Post Office.
Jason Rantala has the latest from where federal agents are headquartered.
The break happened on 3rd Avenue South and East Franklin Avenue.
The festival includes 10-minute plays on the topic of freedom, explain Jane Peña, script coordinator, and playwright Dexieng Yang.