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Reddit users had plenty of suggestions, including more access to water filling stations, more water misters for the hot days ahead, and an overhaul of how the fair keeps the interiors of its buildings cool. Other suggestions were a little more ... fanciful.
The FFA Livestock Show kicks off Friday and runs through Labor Day. You can also catch the 4-H Fashion Revue Show, the Last Chance Forever Bird Show, and learn all there is to know about goats!
At least six pickle foods made the fair's 2023 new foods list, while many other vendors hopped on board, too.
In 1966, Fairchild the gopher was born, and was later joined later by his nephew, Fairborne, in 1983.
There are more than 200 police officers, sheriff's deputies and state troopers from more than 60 law enforcement agencies at the fairgrounds this year.
There’s a record number of law enforcement personnel all around the fairgrounds this year at the Minnesota State Fair. Investigative Reporter Jonah Kaplan gives a behind the scenes look.
Hours spent digging back through the WCCO archives give a special, nostalgic look at the Great Minnesota Get-Together from years past.
The Minnesota State Fair is no stranger to massive crowds, and for some, the sights, sounds and smells of the fair can be as fun as they are overwhelming.
The Minnesota State Fair is no stranger to massive crowds, and for some, the sights, sounds and smells of the fair can be as fun as they are overwhelming.
Thursday is Seniors Day at the Minnesota State Fair, with a discounted admission price of $13 for visitors 65 and older.
Take a brief look back in time to see what the Minnesota State Fair looked like in 1960s -- compared to the same spots in 2023! From the Grandstand to the WCCO Booth, it's a unique look back in time.
One of the most iconic rides at the State Fair will be closed for the rest of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Among the winners this year at the fair were two high-profile recent food vendors with an eye toward giving fairgoers a truly international culinary experience.
From pronto pups to cotton candy, everything seems bigger at the Minnesota State Fair. But there's a new attraction that lets you cut the competition down to size!
A major malfunction at the Minnesota State Fair grounded a popular ride on Wednesday.
The Space Tower is an iconic attraction and landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Built in 1964, it's hundreds of feet of history.
The Space Tower is an iconic attraction and landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Built in 1964, it's hundreds of feet of history.
Sandwiched in between the food and rides at the Minnesota State Fair, you'll find political signs, booths, and politicians. Esme Murphy talks to voters at the GOP and DFL booths.
It was another packed barn for the best in show Wednesday at the Minnesota State Fair Rooster Crowing Contest.
If you go to see Yia Vang and the Union Hmong Kitchen crew at the fair this year, you'll be treated to a few new items, including a five-spice coconut Thai tea and a steamed bun made with love by Vang's mother and the rest of her church crew.
A very special fan joined the WCCO gang at the fair Tuesday. Hollywood star Josh Duhamel came by to tell us about his new show on CBS called “Buddy Games.” And the 4 crew had a chance to try some Buddy Games for themselves!
Landing a spot at the Minnesota State Fair as a vendor can catapult a business. But getting there is a process that can take years.
Landing a spot at the Minnesota State Fair as a vendor can catapult a business. But getting there is a process that can take years.
The giant pumpkin competition at the Minnesota State Fair may be the most well-known, but there’s about 150 different categories in the vegetable and potato competition.
You've probably heard about the largest pumpkin competition at the Minnesota State Fair. But there are actually 150 categories in the vegetable and potato competition. They're on display in the Agriculture Horticulture Building.
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?
State and local agencies say they were forced to spend big and fast without any warning.
Upgrading this software and other outdated programs used to administer critical social services is a top priority for all of Minnesota's 87 counties, which manage enrollment and case management for Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance.
New York lost its 12th consecutive game, falling 5-3 to the Twins on Tuesday night.
President Donald Trump is nominating University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan as the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
State and local agencies say they were forced to spend big and fast without any warning.
President Donald Trump is nominating University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan as the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Recently released 911 logs provide new insight into how police responded to the assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, including the fact that officers did not recover her body for nearly an hour after the initial shooting at her home.
Vail Communities says the Minnesota Department of Human Services will not renew its current contract, putting funding for its Uptown and Ramsey County clubhouses in jeopardy when it expires on June 30.
Fourth in the nation and the best finish by the Gopher Gymnastics team in program history happened last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the NCAA Championship.
Planting is underway and spring conditions have been good across much of Minnesota. But even so, some farmers are electing to sit out a year.
Elk River follows the cities of Champlin, Zumbrota, St. Francis and others in reverting to the old state symbol that was originally adopted in 1957.
Terrifying surveillance footage shows the moment a tornado smashed into a southern Minnesota home Friday.
Law enforcement in southern Minnesota canceled an alert for a 12-year-old boy who went missing Sunday night.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
Dozens of former employees are now suing their former bosses after they were all abruptly laid off from a metal fabrication plant in western Wisconsin.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
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.
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.
State and local agencies say they were forced to spend big and fast without any warning.
A new court filing is tallying the cost of Operation Metro Surge, two months after the historic crackdown. A lawsuit filed by the Minnesota attorney general puts the price tag at more than $600 million for business losses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ubah Ali shows us how they came up with those numbers and the suit against the federal government.
Upgrading this software and other outdated programs used to administer critical social services is a top priority for all of Minnesota's 87 counties, which manage enrollment and case management for Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance.
President Donald Trump is nominating University of Minnesota economist Christopher Phelan as the next chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
The ICE surge cost Twin Cities businesses major money. It turns out it cost everyday taxpayers too. Ubah Ali has the court filing with the new numbers.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
The bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
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.
Recently released 911 logs provide new insight into how police responded to the assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, including the fact that officers did not recover her body for nearly an hour after the initial shooting at her home.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O'Hara and other city leaders outlined ongoing efforts to improve safety and livability in the city's Uptown neighborhood during a news conference Tuesday morning.
Minneapolis police suspect a driver was under the influence when he fatally struck a bicyclist on the city's southside early Monday morning.
Legislation was introduced after Hannah LoPresto came forward as part of a WCCO Investigates series.
Teniki Steward, 40, was convicted of two counts of third-degree murder and two counts of criminal vehicular operation for the Dec. 16, 2024, crash.
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?
National Nurses United warns Hennepin County Medical Center could close following federal health care cuts under H.R. 1, threatening care across Minnesota and the Midwest.
Hundreds of nursing home workers from across the Twin Cities are on strike Monday.
At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.
Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol are searching for solutions, trying to lend a hand to Hennepin Healthcare before it's too late.
A previously unreleased song is one of many ways Prince is being honored a decade after his death.
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.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
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.
New York lost its 12th consecutive game, falling 5-3 to the Twins on Tuesday night.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will likely miss the first month of the WNBA regular season to complete her rehabilitation following left ankle surgery.
The Minnesota Twins reinstated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list before beginning a three-game series against the New York Mets.
Fourth in the nation and the best finish by the Gopher Gymnastics team in program history happened last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the NCAA Championship.
Wyatt Johnston had two goals and Matt Duchene scored a tiebreaking power-play goal as the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 2 to even their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
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.
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.
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.
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?
The pet insurance industry is relatively new, and experts say that's partly why there's a low number of policies, but it is growing.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
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 highs will reach the mid-80s tomorrow and the wind will pick up again.
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 Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be the warmest day so far this year.
Wednesday will be the warmest day of the year so far, but the wind will pick up again, triggering red flag warnings in western Minnesota.
Wednesday will be hot and breezy, as highs push into the mid-80s with parts of southwestern Minnesota hitting 90, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says highs will reach the mid-80s tomorrow and the wind will pick up again.
Some of you will watch this next story in real time on TV. Others, maybe on YouTube on your phone. The media we consume, and how long we spend consuming it, can impact our mental health. Jeff Wagner examines screen time perils in Good Question.
More programs are on the chopping block as Twin Cities schools deal with deficits. As Ashley Grams explains, the community is worried about the cuts still to come.
A new court filing is tallying the cost of Operation Metro Surge, two months after the historic crackdown. A lawsuit filed by the Minnesota attorney general puts the price tag at more than $600 million for business losses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ubah Ali shows us how they came up with those numbers and the suit against the federal government.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be the warmest day so far this year.