Restoration to begin on Mounds View mermaid statue
For decades, drivers on Highway 10 got glimpses of the 30-foot statue standing high above the city of Mounds View. Seven years later, it's out of storage.
Minnesota
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Minnesotans celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas
Dozens of people gathered at the Market Square of Mendota Village to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah by lighting the first candle.
Historic gay bar pushes back reopening after fire
The LGBTQ+ bar located in the Loring Park neighborhood closed on March 23 after a garbage truck hit a power pole that landed on the building, sparking flames.
Minnesota's top stories of 2024 every month
Here's a look at the most clicked WCCO.com stories from each month in 2024.
St. James Hotel in Red Wing full of history
The story behind the St. James Hotel is simple: 11 business owners needed a place for people to stay when they came to town. Likely none of them envisioned their establishment would one day end up on the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Paul schools warming families with coat drive
St. Paul Public Schools' Project REACH is collecting coats and blankets for children and families experiencing homelessness.
What you need to know about returns, gift cards and holiday travel
Leftovers are in the fridge and the presents under the tree are unwrapped. But what if Santa didn't get your wish list just right?
2 arrested after young child's death on Christmas
St. Paul police say narcotics may have played a role in the death of a toddler on Christmas.
DNA samples help identify unknown man buried in the Twin Cities
After nearly 40 years, an unknown man buried in a Minnesota cemetery has been identified.
NEXT Weather Forecast
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Here are the top Minnesota weather stories of 2024
It's been a weather year of extremes in Minnesota, with a warm winter, floods and a drought to cap off the summer.
Recent weather has snowmobile businesses optimistic
If the snow can stick around, they could get back on track. But across the industry there is concern about what the Arctic Cat news means for snowmobile dealers.
Winter solstice means less than 9 hours of sunlight in the Twin Cities
To help you endure the dearth of sunlight, WCCO has put together a guide to the solstice in the Twin Cities, including how short the day will be, when the sun will rise and set and more.
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NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on Dec. 25, 2024
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says rain will move in late Thursday and stick around into the weekend.
Minnesota hotel provides modern comforts while staying true to its 150-year history
Over the years, presidents and famous musicians have stayed at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing. In this week’s Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how the historic hotel is getting ready to celebrate 150 years in business.
Iconic mermaid statue to be restored in 2025
A north metro icon is preparing for her return after being removed nearly a decade ago. WCCO's Kirsten Mitchell and Photojournalist Nick Lunemann share how the city of Mounds View is trying to restore the famous mermaid.
19 Bar delays reopening, still renovating after fire
Owners had hoped to reopen for New Year's Eve but said construction and inspections are taking a bit longer than anticipated.
Drugs suspected in young child's death
St. Paul police say narcotics may have played a role in the death of a toddler on Christmas.
Sports News
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Sports News
HSSR: Dec. 20, 2024
Watch an unforgettable moment during an Alexandria football game that brought the crowd to tears. Plus, a tough battle in boy’s basketball between Rockford and Zimmerman.
Wolves beat Mavs 105-99 after Doncic injury
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 105-99 Christmas Day victory over Dallas after Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic left the game with a strained left calf.
Minnesota's top sports stories of 2024
From deep playoff runs to disappointing seasons and superstar contracts to broken business deals, it's been a noisy, chaotic and occasionally celebratory year for Minnesota sports.
Twins acquire Mickey Gasper from Red Sox for reliever Jovani Morán
The Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper.
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Finding Minnesota
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St. James Hotel in Red Wing full of history
The story behind the St. James Hotel is simple: 11 business owners needed a place for people to stay when they came to town. Likely none of them envisioned their establishment would one day end up on the National Register of Historic Places.
Museum in Little Falls is decked out with nutcrackers
During the first week of December, Little Falls holds Christmas tours around town. It's a chance for historic buildings to deck their halls and spread their cheer.
Inside the 93-year-old Duluth watchtower that's attracted Norwegian royalty
Duluth is known for its scenic views across the city, but one location stands out from the rest.
Retreat in Sartell allows visitors to sleep under the night sky
One family's creative design in central Minnesota allows guests to sleep under the stars — at any time of year.
Detroit Lakes art installation features 36-foot tall troll
"Thomas Dambo, he believes the trolls really help us kind of shine a light on how we can take better care of the environment and be better to each other," said Stearns.
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Union Gospel Mission serves free Christmas meals
Volunteers at St. Paul's Union Gospel Mission served up hundreds of Christmas Day meals during a free lunch on Wednesday.
Twin Cities Salvation Army receiving $250K grant
The Salvation Army says it's a proven fact that donations decline when the bells aren't ringing. Fewer volunteers mean fewer rings and fewer dollars raised.
Santa's helper Dan Reed in need of kidney transplant
Dan Reed is on a campaign to get more people to become donors. The more people he can register, the higher up he gets on the transplant list.
Native veterans face unique challenges after service. MACV is there to help.
Army veteran Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car for six months.
Free grocery store Today's Harvest opens 2nd location in Maplewood
It looks like any other grocery store, but when you check out at Today's Harvest in Maplewood, shoppers aren't spending a dime.
Buck Hill raises $7K for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
The Buck Hill slopes played host to "Carve for a Cure" on Sunday, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Woman walking again 4 years after paralyzing injury
As an equestrian with years of experience, Jen Kelly has taken a tumble or two — until a tumble in September 2020 where she broke three vertebrae in her neck and crushed her spinal cord.
Cris Carter gives back to community, thinks of former teammate Randy Moss
A Vikings Hall of Famer is experiencing all kinds of emotions. Cris Carter is dealing with the announcement by Randy Moss of his cancer condition. Saturday night he surprised kids on behalf of the Salvation Army with a gift bag that lacked for nothing.
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Minnesota's tiniest residents celebrate Halloween
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
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.
Northern lights in Minnesota: Oct. 10, 2024
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Northern lights spotted over Minnesota: Sept. 16, 2024
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Twin Cities News
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Restoration to begin on Mounds View mermaid statue
Until 2018, for more than five decades, drivers on Highway 10 got glimpses of the 30-foot statue standing high above the city of Mounds View. Seven years later, it's out of storage.
Minnesotans celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas
Dozens of people gathered at the Market Square of Mendota Village to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah by lighting the first candle.
2 arrested after young child's death on Christmas
St. Paul police say narcotics may have played a role in the death of a toddler on Christmas.
Historic gay bar pushes back reopening after fire
The LGBTQ+ bar located in the Loring Park neighborhood closed on March 23 after a garbage truck hit a power pole that landed on the building, sparking flames.
Theaters crowded with Christmas Day moviegoers
Going to the movies has become a Christmas Day tradition for some Minnesotans.
Greater Minnesota News
More Greater Minnesota News
Owl rescued by woman who saved another bird hours earlier
A great gray owl and a snowy owl are being treated by experts after being rescued by a northern Minnesota woman.
Minnesota's top stories of 2024 every month
Here's a look at the most clicked WCCO.com stories from each month in 2024.
Man charged with second-degree murder in fatal Mankato shooting
An 18-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Mankato Saturday.
Here are the top Minnesota weather stories of 2024
It's been a weather year of extremes in Minnesota, with a warm winter, floods and a drought to cap off the summer.
Missing Bemidji girl, 17, believed to be in Twin Cities
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Breana Sandoval was last seen in the area of 1800 Park Avenue Northwest in Bemidji around 3:10 p.m. on Dec. 13.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin Gov. Evers appoints new DNR secretary after year-long search
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has finally selected a new leader for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Minnesota officials monitoring human bird flu case in Wisconsin
The Centers for Disease Control says no person-to-person transmission has been detected and the risk to the general public remains low.
Officer shoots man with knife during Wis. "domestic incident"
The man was flown to a hospital in Minnesota, but the department gave no word on his condition. No one else was hurt.
Xcel Energy hosts information session for proposed solar farm
Xcel says the project is intended to replace the energy that will be lost when its coal-fueled power plant near Stillwater closes in 2028.
Minnesota, Wisconsin leaders respond after school shooting in Madison
Minnesota and Wisconsin leaders are responding to the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Politics
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With Biden's signature, bald eagle officially America's bird
President Biden signed legislation Christmas Eve to make the bald eagle officially the U.S. national bird.
Twin Cities restaurants brace for new “junk fees” law
Jason Rantala looks at the changes several Twin Cities restaurants are making in response to a new Minnesota law taking effect on New Year’s Day.
Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
Here are the top moments in Minnesota politics for 2024
From Gov. Tim Walz becoming the Democratic nominee for vice president to the whirlwind conclusion of Minnesota's legislative session, 2024 was packed with political highlights in the state.
Consumer News
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What you need to know about returns, gift cards and holiday travel
Leftovers are in the fridge and the presents under the tree are unwrapped. But what if Santa didn't get your wish list just right?
Lotto fever hits Minneapolis as Mega Millions jackpot reaches $1 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot is valued at $1 billion for the drawing on Christmas Eve
Last-minute shoppers hit Mall of America for Christmas Eve
The rush was on Tuesday as shoppers grabbed last-minute essentials at Mall of America, just hours before Christmas Day.
Twin Cities Starbucks baristas join nationwide strike
Twin Cities Starbucks baristas joined a nationwide strike Tuesday afternoon.
What stores are open on Christmas Eve in the Twin Cities
Most grocery stores will be open on Christmas Eve but will have reduced hours.
Crime News
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2 arrested after young child's death on Christmas
St. Paul police say narcotics may have played a role in the death of a toddler on Christmas.
Backpacks full of $1.1 million worth of cocaine found near Canada border
Agents found 30 brick-like packages of cocaine inside the backpacks, located in a wooded area in Washington near the U.S. border with Canada.
Man charged with second-degree murder in fatal Mankato shooting
An 18-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Mankato Saturday.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Sartell woman pleads guilty in $9 million fraud scheme, attorney says
A 40-year-old Sartell woman has pleaded guilty in connection with a fraud scheme that cost two loan companies over $9 million.
Health News
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Program hopes to improve reading proficiency levels in MN
According to the Minnesota Department of Education, only 46.5% of third graders in the state are reading proficiently.
Reworking Resolutions: Nutrition and healthy eating
Health experts are offering tips on creating a more nutritious diet as new year's resolutions are put into action.
Hundreds walk for mental health awareness in St. Louis Park
Mental health is a topic that some might feel uncomfortable talking about. In St. Louis Park there's one event trying to change that.
Minneapolis softens law on obstructing abortion clinics following lawsuit
Minneapolis has softened an ordinance that prohibited obstructing entrances and driveways to abortion clinics after anti-abortion activists sued to challenge it on free-speech grounds.
New law aiming to prevent huffing of aerosol products in effect Jan. 1
Under the new law, aerosol dusters will need to be kept behind store counters, and can only sold to people 21 or older starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Entertainment News
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Theaters crowded with Christmas Day moviegoers
Going to the movies has become a Christmas Day tradition for some Minnesotans.
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Holidazzle returns to Nicollet Mall on Wednesday
Holidazzle is a free event with lights, stage performances, Santa, nearly 200 vendors and more. It runs Wednesday through Sunday.