The "Loon Lady" on a mission to protect Minnesota's state bird
While loons face natural predators like eagles, snapping turtles and large fish, humans are their biggest danger.
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St. Paul officials say city systems expected to come back online "within next week" after cyberattack
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said the individuals who launched the attack demanded a ransom, which the city did not pay.
After summer of darkness, street lights repaired around Lake of the Isles
Light may be on the horizon after months of darkness in a Minneapolis neighborhood.
Pine County community gathers to search for missing 85-year-old Juanita Rosa
Sunday morning, community members joined friends and family searching near Rosa's home in Hinckley, where she lives with family.
Officer stabbed by inmate at MCF-Rush City, DOC says
Three other officers were hurt while trying to subdue the inmate, who was suspected of possessing "hooch."
Man charged in crash that killed 11-year-old in rural Hennepin County
Court documents show the 18-year-old St. Paul man was charged with criminal vehicular homicide in Hennepin County on Monday.
Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair
Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states has led to water rescues, power outages and road closures.
Lynx beat Liberty 83-71 in WNBA Finals rematch
Kayla McBride scored 18 points and DiJonai Carrington added 15 to help the Minnesota Lynx beat the New York Liberty 83-71.
Meet Minnesota's matriarch of women's hockey
Girls hockey became a high school sport more than 30 years ago, but women have been playing in Minnesota long before that. And one woman has been the heartbeat of that movement since the 1970s.
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Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair
Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states has led to water rescues, power outages and road closures.
Weather to stay warm and calm for the rest of the weekend
With severe weather now out of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, we're in store for calmer and slightly cooler afternoon temperatures on Saturday.
Don't expect Minnesota's "Summer Glory Index" to be high in 2025
The Summer Glory Index rates how great Minnesota's summer days are based on high and low temperatures and rain.
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Forever Home Fridays: Meet Gypsy and Khan!
Azure Davis from Ruff Start Rescue visits WCCO with Gypsy and Khan, a bonded pair in search of their forever home.
NEXT Weather: 5 p.m. report for Minnesota on Aug. 11, 2025
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says an air quality alert for the entire state will persist into tomorrow morning as smoke clears slowly from west to east.
Women of all ages brought together through hockey league
Girls' hockey became a high school sport more than 30 years ago, but women have been playing in Minnesota long before that. One woman has been the heartbeat of that movement since the 70s. In this week's WoMN in Sports, Marielle Mohs shows us how she's still growing the game today.
Attorneys say a nursing mother shouldn't be in ICE custody — here's why
A nursing mother has spent more than four weeks in ICE custody and her attorneys are fighting for her release. As Caroline Cummings reports, her attorneys say she should be free while her case moves forward.
Minneapolis event provides connections for trans people during critical time
Growing connections within the transgender community was the focus of the annual Trans Equity Summit in Minneapolis Monday. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and Derek James show us why this event is important to this community.
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National champion rower from Western Wisconsin sets sights on Olympics
Julia Rodrigue attended Hudson High School in Wisconsin and was active in three sports. In college, she stumbled into a sport she had never tried. Three years later, she's a national champion and climbing.
Meet Minnesota's matriarch of women's hockey
Girls hockey became a high school sport more than 30 years ago, but women have been playing in Minnesota long before that. And one woman has been the heartbeat of that movement since the 1970s.
Paramount acquires UFC rights in 7-year deal with TKO Group
Paramount will become the new home to all UFC events in the U.S., while UFC's CEO says the White House may host a July 4 event broadcast on CBS.
Rapids take 2-1 victory over Minnesota United
Darren Yapi scored twice in the second half to spark the Colorado Rapids to a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United.
Lynx beat Liberty 83-71 in WNBA Finals rematch
Kayla McBride scored 18 points and DiJonai Carrington added 15 to help the Minnesota Lynx beat the New York Liberty 83-71.
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What are the origins of National Night Out?
The first Tuesday of August is a unique night meant for nothing more than connection with those living on your street and the people tasked to protect it: National Night Out, which is now in its 42nd year.
Tips to keep wildfire smoke out of your home
Homeowners know the saying, "water finds a way." Add wildfire smoke to that distinction, another savvy invader harming indoor quality, where people should feel protected from it.
Two meteor showers peak Tuesday night. Here's how to view them.
Be sure to turn your eyes to the night sky, as brief flashes of light will streak through outer space on Tuesday night.
How should we clean produce?
From farmland to store shelves and, soon, your kitchen, produce is a healthy choice that sometimes needs a healthy rinse.
Is crying actually good for you?
Tears come for many reasons: a joyful reunion, a surprising win, a frustrating loss and a forever loss, too. And sometimes, tears come for reasons we can hardly explain.
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100-year-old Rondo woman reflects on life, legacy
Sometimes there are milestones so rare that they turn a care center into the most joyful place in town.
Philandro's Pantry aims to honor namesake's legacy by feeding community
After a successful food giveaway earlier this summer, a local organization is making its services more permanent.
Beloved Heights Bakery closes after 72 years
Friday morning, a line with dozens of hungry customers stretched out to the intersection. The Heights Bakery has been serving sweets to the Columbia Heights community for 72 years.
Minnesota Fringe Festival features musical produced entirely by kids
The Minnesota Fringe festival brings over 100 performing arts performances to over a dozen metro venues, and one of this year's shows is produced entirely by kids.
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Every new food, drink and vendor at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
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.
Gallery: Vietnam through the lens of Arthur Phillips Sr.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
Twin Cities News
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Man charged in crash that killed 11-year-old in rural Hennepin County
Court documents show the 18-year-old St. Paul man was charged with criminal vehicular homicide in Hennepin County on Monday.
Meet Minnesota's matriarch of women's hockey
Girls hockey became a high school sport more than 30 years ago, but women have been playing in Minnesota long before that. And one woman has been the heartbeat of that movement since the 1970s.
Minneapolis summit provides resources for trans community
Organizers said the summit is built with the communities it serves, with sessions on legal rights, health care access and ways to build supportive networks in Minnesota.
Man accused of fatally shooting bar patron outside St. Paul's Midway Saloon
The 29-year-old man is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, according to court documents filed Friday in Ramsey County.
Teacher Resource Center helps educators stock classrooms with school supplies
On average, teachers spend $1,000 out of their own pockets on school supplies each year. But a Twin Cities organization is working to ensure everyone has what they need for the school year.
Greater Minnesota News
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Alice Lake accidentally drained due to "mechanical issue"
Officials are working to restore a lake northeast of the Twin Cities after a "mechanical issue" caused nearly all the water to drain.
Pine County community gathers to search for missing 85-year-old Juanita Rosa
Sunday morning, community members joined friends and family searching near Rosa's home in Hinckley, where she lives with family.
North Dakota man drowns in Minnesota's Cass Lake, sheriff says
A North Dakota man drowned early Saturday evening in northern Minnesota, according to the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
The "Loon Lady" on a mission to protect Minnesota's state bird
While loons face natural predators like eagles, snapping turtles and large fish, humans are their biggest danger. Boat strikes, lead poisoning from ingesting fishing tackle and fishing line entanglement are the main causes.
Officer stabbed by inmate at MCF-Rush City, DOC says
A correctional officer was stabbed by an inmate on Saturday afternoon at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City, according to the state's Department of Corrections.
Wisconsin News
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Minnesota motorcyclist killed in western Wisconsin crash
A motorcyclist from Minnesota was killed in a crash with a truck pulling a trailer in western Wisconsin on Sunday.
Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair
Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states has led to water rescues, power outages and road closures.
These are the best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Niche released its list of best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Did your child's high school make the list?
Wisconsin bear with jar stuck on head freed, relocated and released
The Chequamegon Humane Association in Ashland, Wisconsin, said the bear had the jar on its head for more than a week.
Wisconsin officials confirm first measles cases of the year
Wisconsin's Department of Health Services confirmed nine cases of measles in Oconto County on Saturday, the first cases the state has seen this year.
Politics
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Politics
Attorneys say a nursing mother shouldn't be in ICE custody — here's why
A nursing mother has spent more than four weeks in ICE custody and her attorneys are fighting for her release. As Caroline Cummings reports, her attorneys say she should be free while her case moves forward.
Trump deploys federal law enforcement to D.C., plans to meet with Putin
President Donald Trump says he'll hold a news conference to discuss crime and cleaning up Washington, D.C., after taking the controversial step of deploying federal law enforcement throughout the nation's capital.
Trump says homeless should leave D.C. "IMMEDIATELY," after floating federal takeover
President Trump is hinting at further federal police action in D.C., teasing a press conference on Monday aimed at "ending the Crime, Murder, and Death."
The complexities of bringing Vance Boelter to trial
Vance Boelter, the man charged in the deadly Minnesota lawmaker shootings, pleaded not guilty in federal court last week. Nicole Kettwick, an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and managing partner at Brandt Kettwick Defense, discusses the complexity of his case with Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield.
European leaders rally behind Ukraine ahead of Trump-Putin summit
European nations have rallied behind Ukraine as President Trump prepares for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Consumer News
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Minnesotan opens her dream bakery after corporate world exit
One Minnesota woman left the corporate world to run her own bakery in Saint Paul's Lowertown.
Is the Twin Cities restaurant scene in crisis?
Some recent, big-name restaurant closures in Minneapolis have fueled concerns about the health of the Twin Cities dining scene.
Construction no longer threatens Stanley's in NE Mpls.
A popular northeast Minneapolis bar and restaurant is no longer under threat of closure due to construction in the area.
Test shows how online tags compare to in-store prices at big box stores
WCCO tests if in-store and online prices are different at Target, Walmart and Best Buy.
Coon Rapids Walmart permanently closing at the end of August
Around 176 people will be permanently laid off as a result of the closure, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Crime News
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Man charged in crash that killed 11-year-old in rural Hennepin County
Court documents show the 18-year-old St. Paul man was charged with criminal vehicular homicide in Hennepin County on Monday.
Man accused of fatally shooting bar patron outside St. Paul's Midway Saloon
The 29-year-old man is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, according to court documents filed Friday in Ramsey County.
12-year-old accidentally shoots self in St. Paul, police say
The boy was taken to Regions Hospital in critical condition.
Officer stabbed by inmate at MCF-Rush City, DOC says
A correctional officer was stabbed by an inmate on Saturday afternoon at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City, according to the state's Department of Corrections.
A woman is fatally shot in her bathroom. Who pulled the trigger?
After Minnesota nurse Alex Pennig was found dead in her bathroom, her friend Matthew Ecker told investigators she shot herself. But evidence at the scene left detectives with some big questions about how Pennig died.
Health News
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After daughter's Batten diagnosis, Minn. family fights to find cure
A Victoria, Minnesota, family is channeling their heartbreak into hope.
Another statewide air quality alert has been issued for Minnesota
Minnesotans will once again experience hazy conditions and poor air quality this weekend, as wildfires continue to burn across Canada, sending smoke south with the change in wind direction.
Minnesota sees spike in overdoses involving sedatives
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a health advisory last week warning of an increase in overdose cases involving sedatives.
Hennepin County commissioners discuss taking over HCMC
Changes could be coming at the area's largest trauma hospital. At a packed meeting Tuesday, Hennepin County commissioners said they have to take extreme measures to make sure it stays open.
Minnetrista mom of 3 uses data, science at health lab to improve her life
A participant in the 2025 Twin Cities Marathon is a mom of three from Minnetrista who is taking extra steps to make sure she's running her best and in the safest way.
Entertainment News
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Paramount acquires UFC rights in 7-year deal with TKO Group
Paramount will become the new home to all UFC events in the U.S., while UFC's CEO says the White House may host a July 4 event broadcast on CBS.
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, dies at 48 from cancer
Brandon Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years, his family said.
Blaine man's giant backyard guitar honors rock 'n' roll legends
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
WCCO's "Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max" premieres Thursday
Football season is here and WCCO is bringing you a new show to get you ready for gameday.
Loni Anderson, star of "WKRP in Cincinnati," dies at 79
Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," died Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday.