Watch CBS News
The Salvation Army is known for helping people in crisis and for their presence during the holidays, but the organization is launching a new program to help those in need create a life where they don't have to rely emergency services.
Kids took over ringing bells at red kettles across the Twin Cities Saturday. The Salvation Army teamed up with Thrivent Financial for "Kids at the Kettle Day." For every coin dropped into a red kettle Saturday, Thrivent will double it up to $25,000.
It isn't Santa's workshop and the volunteers aren't his elves. But at the Salvation Army, the work is underway to make sure more than 800 kids have gifts on Christmas Day.
'Tis the season to hop in the car with the family and take an evening drive to see all the Christmas lights in the neighborhood. Some houses have a string or two, while others go all out. So we asked where to find the best Christmas lights in Minnesota, and you picked a spectacular display in Willmar that took 900 hours to put up. And this isn't a city display -- it's just one family's house and yard.
It's clothing donations all year long that help support important Salvation Army programs.
It's the 12th consecutive year someone has gifted gold coins in the Fargo-Moorhead area during its holiday season bell-ringing campaign.
With Thanksgiving in our rear-view mirror, we've entered the holiday season and with it comes a drive to give to charity. For the fourth straight year, anonymous donor "Saint Grand" made their first donation of the season over the weekend.
In the spirit of the holiday, hundreds of volunteers are making the day a little brighter for those in need. About 500 people gathered at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis Thursday afternoon for a Thanksgiving meal.
The Salvation Army kicked off the giving season with its "Rock the Red Kettle" Campaign Saturday. Hundreds of bell ringers set up throughout the Twin Cities Saturday afternoon.
For the next six hours, every child in the Twin Cities is entitled to a free coat, hats and gloves. It's because of Coats for Kids, a Salvation Army program going on all day Thursday in 11 locations.
Going to the dentist can be both expensive and scary. That's why a group of doctors are helping thousands get free dental care Saturday. Around two dozen patients received free teeth cleanings, extractions and other procedures they may not otherwise be able to afford.
Housing nearly 600 people a night is typical for the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. But those numbers remain steady with the hot weather, barely giving staff a break to prepare adequate room.
With warm weather and clear skies, heading out for a camping trip is one of America's most popular excursions. Here are some of the best money-saving tips while camping.
The Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center in downtown Minneapolis is packed with people seeking refuge from the extreme cold.
The Salvation Army is welcoming people without shelter to use its eight Twin Cities worship and service centers, as well as its Harbor Light shelter in downtown Minneapolis during the dangerous cold snap. Staff at Harbor Light are planning for people to be inside for the next 48 hours or more, beginning on Saturday night. Staff say they have plenty of blankets, extra food and warm beverages on hand.
With historic cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills expected to start next week, the Twin Cities Salvation Army said it's opening nine additional shelters as warming stations for those needing to get out of the extreme cold.
A group of anonymous Santas are helping the Salvation Army fill its red kettles this holiday season in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Derek Lilyquist and Jeremy Gilbert spent 30 hours ringing bells for the Salvation Army in front of the County Market in Hudson, Wis. Their goal was to raise $50,000 for a homeless shelter in nearby New Richmond. Friday night, about an hour before the end of their marathon, Lilyquist and Gilbert topped their goal, raising nearly $52,000.
Two years ago, I headed north to find an entire Christmas village twinkling on the shores of Lake Superior. And as Mike Waldren told me on Twitter, it was 100 percent worth the drive.
Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Kevin Love brought a Range Rover full of coats to the Salvation Army in Northeast Minneapolis on Tuesday as part of his sixth annual winter coat drive.
The Salvation Army is equipped to help the hundreds of homeless men and women who come to them for shelter a night, but since the cold snap hit, their space has become crowded.
After five days of non-stop bell ringing, the three contenders working towards the Salvation Army World Bell Ringing record have decided to walk away. The three agreed on the tie record, ending the hunt at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Tuesday is the day for a Minnesota man who has set his sights on a world record with a holiday twist. Jim Brickson, captain of the Albert Lea Salvation Army, plans to be bell-ringing for no less than 80 consecutive hours at the Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea.
Just as the charity was announcing a downturn in donations, the mysterious "St. Grand" is once again leaving generous donations in the Salvation Army's red kettles. A donation of $1,000 -- in the form of a bundle of 10 $100 bills -- showed up in a red kettle in Roseville on Black Friday.
Thanksgiving came early for folks at the Salvation Army in St. Paul. They put out the traditional turkey and stuffing spread with a fine dining feel, complete with a wait staff and white table cloths. To top it off, their special meal was cooked-up by a chef with a five-star background.
Cusi (pronounced Koo-see) was born on May 6 and is "extremely active, as far as sloths go," according to Zookeeper Em Brunmeier.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his annual list of the 100 best players in the NFL, and only one Minnesota Viking made the 2026 edition. You can probably guess who it is.
In its latest financial report, Minnesota-based General Mills said it plans to "generate $3 billion in cumulative cost savings" by the end of the 2030 fiscal year.
A 9-year-old child died Tuesday evening after drowning in a western Wisconsin water park.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier is one step closer to returning to the court.
Cusi (pronounced Koo-see) was born on May 6 and is "extremely active, as far as sloths go," according to Zookeeper Em Brunmeier.
In its latest financial report, Minnesota-based General Mills said it plans to "generate $3 billion in cumulative cost savings" by the end of the 2030 fiscal year.
Minneapolis public officials say they'll be cracking down on impaired driving and gun safety during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
One of the most distinctive landmarks in northeast Minneapolis is up for sale.
While one of the suspects fired a gun, no one was hurt.
In a matter of minutes, a storage shed at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, Minnesota, went up in flames early Tuesday.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
A 33-year-old Cold Spring, Minnesota, man is accused of fatally stabbing an employee of a group home on Saturday.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
A 9-year-old child died Tuesday evening after drowning in a western Wisconsin water park.
A woman from Eveleth, Minnesota, is dead and a Brooklyn Park man is in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash Monday evening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
The 96,000-square-foot library, built near the Badlands where Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s, opens on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Several new Minnesota laws are set to take effect on Wednesday that address school district safety, update decades-old government technology and provide funding for various projects across the state.
Former Rep. Karen Clark, Minnesota's first openly lesbian legislator and the longest-serving lesbian state lawmaker in the U.S., died at age 80 on Tuesday following a brief illness.
The Supreme Court ended its term with a major ruling striking down President Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship.
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
Minneapolis public officials say they'll be cracking down on impaired driving and gun safety during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
While one of the suspects fired a gun, no one was hurt.
A 17-year-old Twin Cities girl is charged with murdering her mother in a case that police call "tragic and deeply disturbing."
Lisa Clemons, founder of A Mother's Love Initiative, responds to many shooting scenes. She says they keep seeing younger and younger shooting victims and suspects.
Minnesota conservation officers are warning boaters to leave the alcohol on shore as they prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year on the water.
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his annual list of the 100 best players in the NFL, and only one Minnesota Viking made the 2026 edition. You can probably guess who it is.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier is one step closer to returning to the court.
LeBron James sent the NBA world into a tizzy on Tuesday with the news that he'll test free agency instead of returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next season.
Yordan Alvarez's grand slam highlighted a six-run fourth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4.
Summer workouts are underway for the Gophers men's basketball team, and Isaac Asuma is back for his third year with the program. To some, it's a bit of a surprise.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
With six weeks before the primary, the stakes are building in the U.S. Senate contest contest between two of Minnesota's brightest DFL stars: Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
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.
A Next Weather Alert is in effect through the evening as storms with potentially severe elements develop across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
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.
As the first round of storms wanes in Minnesota on Wednesday, another stronger system is expected to hit the state in the evening.
A second round of storms may develop along a stalled boundary later Wednesday, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Two rounds of storms are in store for the state on Wednesday.
The Minnesota DNR is using part of a 3M settlement to spruce-up, or build, some outdoor spaces.
Civic Bridgers’ new campaign Land of Neighbors is hoping to bridge divides and help Minnesotans listen to each other.
A new Minnesota law requiring warning labels on social media took effect Wednesday, but why didn’t we see them when we checked our phones?
Kim Cassens with Nothing Bundt Cakes shares the most popular items for Fourth of July.
A Next Weather Alert is in effect through the evening as storms with potentially severe elements develop across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.