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A 32-year-old Albany, Minn. man has been indicted on murder charges in connection with the Sept. 3 death of his infant son. Robert John Kaiser was indicted by a Stearns County grand jury Friday for first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in the death of a 2-month-old boy.
One person is dead and another was seriously hurt in a head-on crash near Kimball Thursday morning. Authorities were called to the area of Highway 15 and 150th Street, just north of Kimball, at about 5:54 a.m. on a report of a head-on crash.
An unusual call to the Stearns County Sheriff's Department Thursday led to a surprise discovery. The caller was out mowing a lawn near a wetland area and spotted a two-foot alligator in the grass.
The former mayor of the small Stearns County city of Richmond has been arrested and released. Scott Kron is under investigation for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the town's baseball association. Kron resigned his office earlier this summer citing health and personal reasons.
One person is dead and another is injured after a car accident in Stearns County Thursday morning. According to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, police responded to a call around 6:15 a.m. of a two motor vehicle accident at County Road 35 and County Road 37 in Millwood Township.
A Stearns County man is hospitalized after being shot in the stomach early Saturday morning. Deputies responded to a report of a shooting at about 2:17 a.m. on the 200 block of 3rd Street in Holdingford, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.
An Albany man has been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of his infant son. Robert John Kaiser, 32, has been charged with one count of murder in the second degree.
Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner says they will never stop trying to get the case of Jacob Wetterling resolved. He says he hopes by being featured on CNN's "The Hunt", new information will be uncovered.
Officers in Stearns County are searching for a male who allegedly robbed a woman's home Monday afternoon. According to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, the homeowner returned around 12:32 p.m. Monday and saw an adult male in her home.
The 911 emergency line is back up and running after an outage Saturday afternoon affected multiple counties in the metro area. According to officials, a routing outage is affected 911 calls that were made from landline phones. According to Century Link, the 911 line was down in Sherburne, Stearns, Wright and Benton counties.
Authorities in Stearns County say used fireworks may have sparked a fire that destroyed a trailer and all-terrain vehicle. No one was hurt. The sheriff's office says the fire was reported late Friday night in North Branch.
A 45-year-old St. Cloud man is dead after a disabled semi-sized tow truck rolled over him in St. Joseph Tuesday, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.
A 13-year-old boy from central Minnesota was hospitalized Tuesday after being run over by a tractor. The incident happened shortly after 2:30 p.m. on a farm along the 27000 block of County Road 17 in Millwood Township, the Stearns County Sheriff's Office said.
Officials around the state are reminding people to be careful in recreational waters as heavy rains have caused high water and rapid current. In Fillmore County, seven people were rescued from the Root River on Sunday after they experienced trouble while tubing.
A Minnesota inmate, investigated in the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling, says he had nothing to do with the boy's kidnapping nearly 25 years ago.
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether two men in prison for murder may have been involved with the abduction of Jacob Wetterling. Delbert and Tim Huber of Paynesville - who are father and son - murdered Albertville teacher Tim Larson in a dispute over $50 in 2011.
A St. Cloud man faces felony charges after attacking a nurse and two security guards at St. Cloud Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. According to St. Cloud Police, the assaults occurred just before 3 p.m. Joseph Charles Karnik, 24, is facing three felony-assault charges because of his history of violence towards law enforcement.
A Sauk Rapids man fought police officers, deputies and staff at St. Cloud Hospital after being arrested Saturday afternoon. Shawn Thomas Iees, 26, was spotted by Stearns County deputies and St. Cloud Police officers just before 2 p.m. while walking on Veteran's Drive near 24th Avenue North in St. Cloud, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's office. Officers attempted to stop Iees, who has three outstanding warrants, but he fled, leading to a brief foot chase.
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident in Sartell on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at about noon at a strip mall on the 1700 block of Pine Cone Rd. N., according to Lt. Jon Lentz of the Stearns County Sheriff's office. Police were also called to CentraCare Health Plaza in St. Cloud, which is about five miles away from the scene of the shooting.
The University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has set up a fund in memory of former Bulldog softball player Mandy Matula. The UMD Softball 1 Four Mandy Matula Fund was established in partnership with Matula's family. The fund will provide financial support for the Bulldog softball program. Matula was a starting pitcher and utility player with the Bulldogs from the 2007 through 2010 seasons.
After 17 months of waiting, a family finally learned how much time the man who killed their son will be in prison. A Stearns County judge sentenced 18-year-old Jesse Smithers to 10 years on Thursday. Smithers admitted to delivering the deadly punch in a St. Cloud alley almost a year and a half ago. On Sept. 21, 2012, Colton Gleason was walking with friends when a car pulled up, and Smithers got out and punched him. Colton died after falling and hitting his head.
Two Minnesotans are holding raffle tickets worth a million dollars Thursday morning. A total of 150 gamblers tickets won prizes in the Minnesota Millionaire New Year's drawing.
An 18-year-old Sauk Rapids man accused of a deadly assault has changed his originally plea of not guilty to 2nd-degree murder in a Stearns County court Friday morning. According to the Stearns County Attorney's office, Jesse Smithers amended his plea to 2nd-degree unintentional murder. In Sept. 2012, Smithers was riding in a car driving down a St. Cloud alley when he asked the driver to stop. He got out of the vehicle and approached three men nearby, including Colton Gleason. Smithers punched Gleason with a closed fist. He later died at St. Cloud Hospital from his injuries. Smithers was 17 at the time of the crime, and was charged as an adult.
The family of Mandy Matula is spending Monday balancing a sense of closure with unspeakable grief. After months of wondering what happened to her, they're spending the day visiting the site where her body was found.
Human remains were found in a Stearns County park on Saturday afternoon. According to authorities, the remains were found in a shallow grave by a hiker shortly after 1 p.m. at Mississippi County Park. The identity and gender of the remains are unclear. The Stearns County Sheriff's office is working with Eden Prairie Police and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to determine if the remains are those of 24-year-old Mandy Matula, who went missing back in May.
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.
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.
Americans are optimistic about scientific advances in AI, but concerned that AI may take jobs.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
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.
Minneapolis will be the fifth stop in an eight-city tour. Tickets for the Jan. 24 game at Target Center go on sale to newsletter subscribers at 3 p.m. and to the general public at 4 p.m. Thursday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The ICE agent charged with shooting a man during Operation Metro Surge appeared in federal court this morning. Christian Castro is accused of firing a single shot through the door of a Minneapolis duplex, striking Julio Sosa-Celis, in the foot. John Lauritsen was in the courtroom in St. Paul and talked with Castro’s attorney after the hearing.
How did a power pole suddenly tip over and spark a deadly fire? Right now, it remains a mystery. Thirty-one-year-old Kenny Green was trapped in his car by the tragic collapse. An attorney saw the story and says he couldn't stop thinking about the young father. As Frankie McLister reports, he's asking the state to investigate.
Hannah LoPresto, who says she was groomed by her high school band director, joined forces with a detective and a state lawmaker to strengthen Minnesota's mandatory reporting protections for children.
Kasey Pate and her mother opened SAW Brewing in St. Paul this summer, offering certified gluten-free beers at a time when taproom closures have affected craft breweries across the metro.