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Pete Larson has discovered thousands of fossils around the world, co-authored three books and led the team that unearthed the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. But there's one black mark on his record: a federal conviction that landed him in prison almost 20 years ago.
The baseball home opener is a time when Twins fans can dream big. A sold-out crowd filed into Target Field full of excitement Monday afternoon, in anticipation of what this season will bring.
Federal officials say a deadly strain of bird flu has been confirmed at two more South Dakota farms, condemning about 100,000 more turkeys to destruction and raising the number of affected Midwest farms to 22. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said late Friday that a flock of 53,000 turkeys at a farm in McCook County and 46,000 turkeys at a farm in McPherson County are infected.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been meeting with Minnesota turkey producers to hear their concerns about the bird flu outbreak, and says she plans to speak with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack soon to discuss the federal response to the crisis.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis plans to start a national center to spur development on Indian reservations, which have been plagued by poverty passed down through generations, according to the Fed bank's outgoing president.
Another Minnesota turkey farm is dealing with an outbreak of the bird flu. State officials confirm a farm in Stearns County found the H5N2 strain of avian influenza, making it the fifth commercial turkey grower to be hit with the virus.
Officials say a bird flu strain that's deadly to poultry has been confirmed on a fifth turkey farm in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the H5N2 strain in a flock of 71,000 turkeys in Stearns County.
A South Dakota man is dead after a rollover crash early Saturday morning in Scott County. The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened just before 4 a.m. on Highway 169, south of Marystown.
A monthly survey of bankers suggests a weakening economy lies ahead for rural parts of 10 Midwestern and Western states.
In a far corner of North Dakota, just a few hundred miles from the proposed path of the Keystone XL pipeline, 84,000 barrels of crude oil per day recently began flowing through a new line that connects the state's sprawling oilfields to an oil hub in Wyoming.
Fred Eckhardt of Boyd, Minn. is on a quest to get a card from every town in Minnesota and South Dakota- that means stops at garage sales during his cross-country trips. It was during one of those stops at an Illinois farm nearly 30 years ago, that he found something unusual.
Move over grape salad! Minnesotans apparently love their salmon dishes, according to data from Google Trends. The Huffington Post has compiled a list of the most-Googled recipes by state, and it seems we just can't get enough of that leaping fish.
A Belle Fourche man convicted of trying to pay for sex with underage girls at the 2013 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
A state House committee has approved a proposal that would void a High School Activities Association policy on transgender student participation in sports. The House State Affairs Committee on Monday voted 10 to 2 to support the measure.
A new aerial analysis of the Black Hills National Forest shows the pine beetle epidemic is still growing but slower than before.
A pipeline that will deliver Missouri River water to towns and rural water systems in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota has picked up more funding from Washington. The Lewis and Clark Regional Water System will receive an extra $6.6 million from Bureau of Reclamation, in addition to the original $2.4 million budgeted for this year.
Jody Biever and other members of her family have been attending the Big Stone City school for decades, so the possible loss of state funding has rallied them and other members of the community. "We all kind of band together when something goes wrong," she said.
As a blizzard slams the Northeast, mid-winter warmth is breaking records in the Northern Plains. Record-high temperatures in the 50s and 60s were set in parts of the region Monday, and Tuesday temperatures were expected to climb even higher — into the 70s even in southwestern South Dakota.
A federal judge in South Dakota has ruled the state's ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional, but the decision doesn't mean gay couples can immediately wed.
A federal judge has declared South Dakota's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional, but has stayed the decision pending appeal.
A Colorado man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for trying to buy sex with an underage girl during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
A South Dakota man accused of seriously injuring a baby who repeatedly woke him up has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
South Dakota authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect in the death of the 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office says Joseph Patterson violated the terms of his bond by contacting the boy's mother.
Anglers can spear northern pike and catfish on all lakes along the South Dakota and Minnesota border until the end of February. A valid South Dakota fishing license and a game fish spearing and archery permit is required.
Some Rapid City Native American leaders are upset they were left out of a meeting Monday with Mayor Sam Kooiker over the death of a tribal member who was shot and killed by a Rapid City police officer because he allegedly charged at the officer with a knife.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Joshua Newville is not affiliated with the case at all, but says he felt he needed to say something after finding images on Google Maps from a few years ago.
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
Joshua Newville is not affiliated with the case at all, but says he felt he needed to say something after finding images on Google Maps from a few years ago.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
The DNR says the color shows up statewide, not just up north. Prairie parks out west, Mississippi River bluffs down south, and no overnight bag required.
Some families have reported that their kids have waited more than two hours to get on a bus, only to have the bus drive past them.
"We see over $82.5 million visitors throughout the state a year, and a large portion of that are coming through the fall," said Chris Morgan with Explore Minnesota.
Officials in Stearns County, Minnesota, are issuing an advisory about a wedding venue they say is operating despite a court order demanding its owner comply with safety regulations.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
An HR investigation into St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is complete, but the full report has not been released, and the police chief's attorney is demanding it be made public.
Americans are optimistic about scientific advances in AI, but concerned that AI may take jobs.
President Trump said Friday that he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, the latest move to target media outlets over their reporting.
Federal immigration officer Christian Castro is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself.
An 85-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, woman helped stop an armed home intruder from stealing her vehicle this week by trapping him inside her garage, according to authorities.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Minnesota named a starter and a backup for Sunday but said nothing about the quarterback who opened the season. Murray began the week in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Mike Trout hit a tying RBI single in the 10th inning, and Wade Meckler followed with a winning RBI single to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.
Zach Brown's college football career has been bumpy at times. After losing the starting quarterback job at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, last year, he's back in the driver's seat this season.
Justin Jefferson relished his return to the end zone at Minnesota's stadium in the season opener.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
From making the paper for Crayola crayons to getting a visit from Mr. Rogers. John Lauritsen shares the history behind a Little Falls paper mill, and how its ruins have become its future, in this week's Finding Minnesota.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, there's a good chance that part of it came from a country outside the United States.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says it will continue to rain through tomorrow morning.
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.
A lingering shower is possible early Saturday, with another chance late Sunday near I-90. Highs hold in the upper 60s to near 70 into early next week, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
Southeastern Minnesota faces a flood watch through Saturday afternoon as heavy rain threatens to bring more than 4 inches to the Rochester area, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Heavy rain is moving through the Twin Cities Friday, with a flood watch in effect for Minnesota’s southeast corner, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants, and medical care. We're learning how doctors, nurses and clinics had to pivot to reach patients afraid to leave their homes to get care. Ubah Ali has the findings published in a prominent medical journal and the lessons learned.
There was some slipping and sliding on wet fields Friday night. In High School Sports Rally, hear how two undefeated teams duked it out in the rain, and how one local school is permanently honoring an NFL Hall of Famer who grew up playing football in the metro.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says rain will linger through Saturday morning.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says it will continue to rain through tomorrow morning.
Decades after his death: a Minnesota Prisoner of War has returned home. Today is National POW and MIA Day. At the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery, a World War II hero received the highest honor from congress. Our Reg Chapman shares the emotional moments.