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From shipping your luggage to taking public transportation to the airport, we've assembled a few of our favorite tips for saving money on holiday travel. You don't have to waste your whole holiday budget on getting home this year!
Former Minnesota Orchestra conductor Eiji Oue is returning to conduct the orchestra's locked-out musicians in a pair of holiday concerts. Oue will conduct the musicians on Dec. 14 and 15 in the Minneapolis Convention Center Auditorium.
James from Apple Valley and Anna from Sartell wanted to know: When did Black Friday start? According to BlackFriday.com, the term "Black Friday" was coined back in the 1960s, but it was really 1924 - the first year of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - that the day after Thanksgiving became the unofficial start to the Christmas shopping season. Early on, when the term was coined in 1961, it had a negative connotation because Philadelphia Police used it to describe the traffic jams and clogged sidewalks of that day. But, by the 1980s, the idea of the Friday after Thanksgiving putting the retailers back in the black (or profitable) started to take hold.
A late Thanksgiving means the shortest possible holiday shopping season, but a local survey shows Minnesotans will spend more. The University of St. Thomas just released a survey that says people will spend more than they have in the past 12 years.
Two people are charged with stealing nearly 2,000 spruce trees from county-managed forestland in northeastern Minnesota. Authorities say the two planned to sell the small trees and tree tops as miniature Christmas trees in southern Minnesota.
Former Minnesota Orchestra music director Eiji Oue will return to the Twin Cities to conduct the orchestra's holiday performances of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite." Oue was the director of the orchestra from 1995 until 2002.
More and more stores are announcing that they'll be open on Thanksgiving, and some will even be opening earlier. It's a phenomena some call the "Thanksgiving creep." On Monday, Target announced they would open on 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving - an hour earlier than last year. Another hometown company, Best Buy, will open even earlier, at 6 p.m.
Halloween is next week. Thanksgiving is next month. And right after that, many of us will be opening holiday gifts from our loved ones. But first, we have to shop for them.
Target just announced their hottest toys for the 2013 holiday season. Here are some of the best-selling items.
Did you know Halloween is the second most expensive holiday for consumers, behind only Christmas? Yep. Didn't think so. In fact, the National Retail Federation said the average person is expected to spend more than $75 on decor, costumes, and candy.
Target plans to hire about 70,000 seasonal workers for the holiday shopping season, down about 20 percent from a year ago. The discounter is aiming to be more efficient in its hiring practices.
A Minnesota business that's brought Christmas cheer to families for years is in jeopardy. Bob Kendall's five-year-old reindeer bull, Claus, was shot and killed two weeks ago. Claus was the head of Kendall's reindeer clan, and would spend the holiday season in huge outdoor Christmas displays alongside the family's other animals. "Claus was…very sincere, and he's very loving and he always will come up to you because he always wants his apple," Kendall said. He recalls the fateful day he found Claus.
The State Fair is still a week away, but stores are already thinking ahead to winter. From the decorations to the seasonal hiring, the holidays are trending earlier and earlier each year. Michael Hagie, owner of the 50th and France boutique Gather, said inquiries for holiday gifts started months ago.
On a sleepy Apple Valley street just a few miles West of the Minnesota Zoo, is one of the Twin Cities' finer holiday light displays -- a spectacular show of color and motion, all synchronized to its very own radio station.
More than likely, you now have a gift or two that you're not so sure about. If you're hitting the mall or trekking to the post office to return a present, you may want to keep some common gift return pitfalls in mind.
What is it about Christmas that brings us back to childhood?
Christmas can be one of the loneliest days of the year for those without friends and family.
Many of us will have Christmas gifts on their minds tonight or tomorrow morning. So we thought about an age-old question that deserves a few answers this time of year.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was busy Monday with travelers flying in just in time for Christmas, and the loved ones waiting for them
Christmas shopping sales aren't expected to be as good as retailers had hoped, but lots of shoppers out Monday might make up some of that difference.
For one Twin Cities family, Santa Claus came a little ahead of schedule, but only because he'd lost his way and needed some directions.
It's Christmas Eve and many procrastinators still have some shopping to get done. Malls and shopping centers in the Twin Cities have been packed this holiday shopping season.
A local organization is partnering with area churches to make sure people with no place to live have a good Christmas.
If you're heading out to the stores this weekend - be ready for long lines and busy stores.
Highs reach the upper 80s on Friday in the Twin Cities and approach 90 again this weekend, with heat index values closer to 100.
The Minnesota Vikings still harbor heavy thoughts about Khyree Jackson.
Contraband isn't new to prisons, but investigators are warning that Minnesota's prison system is being inundated by mail laced with synthetic opioids. It's such a problem that some Minnesota prisons are changing their mailroom protocols.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
Erick Macias jumped into the water and saved a 19-year-old man, the sheriff's office said, but the other man went underwater and did not resurface.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
Erick Macias jumped into the water and saved a 19-year-old man, the sheriff's office said, but the other man went underwater and did not resurface.
Swimmers are being warned to stay away from a popular Twin Cities lake ahead of a hot and humid weekend.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
Walking into The Lab next to the 18th hole at TPC Twin Cities, you'll forget you're even on a golf course.
Contraband isn't new to prisons, but investigators are warning that Minnesota's prison system is being inundated by mail laced with synthetic opioids. It's such a problem that some Minnesota prisons are changing their mailroom protocols.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
Police in central Minnesota say a man died after part of a crane fell on him Tuesday morning at a construction site.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
As Iowa prepares to enact one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, elected officials in Minnesota are ensuring out of state abortion seekers they are welcome to visit and access services.
WCCO's next Goin' to the Lake begins Thursday as Chris Shaffer and Joseph Dames head to Shell Lake, Wisconsin.
A scientist warns that the effects of climate change could ultimately drive Minnesota's state bird out of the state entirely.
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened around 10:46 a.m. at 710th Street and 240th Avenue in Spring Brook.
A group of farmers is changing how they use their land by working with nature to improve their animal's health, along with the soil and water.
A faculty committee has recommended that a former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse be removed from his tenured position over his involvement in adult entertainment.
City and community leaders in Minneapolis on Monday detailed an ordinance that they hope will reduce the amount of hazardous vacant buildings.
Lisa Ishchenko is in the U.S. for the first time – away from her family, away from her life as a medical student, away from the war that still makes itself known daily in her home country of Ukraine.
The Minnesota Vikings are sponsoring girls flag football leagues across the state in an effort to give everyone a chance to play the game.
Spike Moss spent decades fighting for his community, much of that time along Plymouth Avenue.
Veterans who had been living on the street now have a new home in St. Paul as part of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans' effort to end homelessness.
Momentum is building for Vice President Kamala Harris barely a week into her campaign.
Minnesota has produced two vice presidents in U.S. history: Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
As Iowa prepares to enact one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, elected officials in Minnesota are ensuring out of state abortion seekers they are welcome to visit and access services.
Former President Donald Trump is using a 2022 Minnesota murder case to attack Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump claimed that Harris helped bail out a man who then went on to murder a man on a St. Paul train platform. While parts of Trump’s statement are true, other portions of it are misleading.
Days after the massive IT meltdown that led to thousands of canceled flights across the United States, Delta Air Lines says normal operations should finally resume on Thursday.
Fewer Delta passengers are fighting to find a flight Wednesday. You can see the difference at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the carrier's CEO says the airline has largely recovered from the outsized impact it experienced from last week's CrowdStrike outage.
As Delta Air Lines works to get back on track after it canceled hundreds of flights over the weekend, customers are left wondering how they can get reimbursed if they are left stranded at the airport.
A North Carolina woman is still trying to get home after last week's CrowdStrike outage waylaid her at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The global Microsoft outage is causing mass flight cancellations and delays nationwide Friday, including at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Contraband isn't new to prisons, but investigators are warning that Minnesota's prison system is being inundated by mail laced with synthetic opioids. It's such a problem that some Minnesota prisons are changing their mailroom protocols.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
An online fundraiser for the Allen family said, "It is with heavy hearts Chuck, Tasha and Christian would like to let everyone know they're in the process with Life Source for Covil Lee donating his organs."
A man who was shot in south Minneapolis Thursday afternoon may not survive, police said.
Police discovered 70-year-old Michael Riccio's remains inside a shed at a home on the northside last week, according to the Dakota County Attorney's Office.
As Iowa prepares to enact one of the nation's strictest abortion laws, elected officials in Minnesota are ensuring out of state abortion seekers they are welcome to visit and access services.
Three children in the Twin Cities were confirmed to have measles this week, and two of them required hospitalization, health officials said.
Nineteen years ago, Dan Zimmerman's life changed forever. A stroke left his outlook grim. Now, he is the founder of Spokes Fighting Strokes, a nonprofit spreading awareness about the benefits of adaptive cycling.
Kids can find all sorts of things in the water, but it's what you can't see that can stick with swimmers once they get out.
Iowa's strict abortion law will take effect Monday, banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant.
Charli XCX, George Clooney and Spike Lee are among the celebrities who say they are supporting Kamala Harris' campaign to become the first woman president of the United States.
Organizers were looking for a new location that had the infrastructure to host the festival and support its growth.
Bob Newhart, who starred in the long-running sitcoms "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart," has died at age 94.
From major floods to a major festival — work is underway to transform St. Paul's Harriet Island into an oasis for festivalgoers.
Minnesota's largest Black-sponsored festival will ring in its 42nd year this weekend with performances from two of hip hop's most legendary artists.
The Minnesota Vikings still harbor heavy thoughts about Khyree Jackson.
Walking into The Lab next to the 18th hole at TPC Twin Cities, you'll forget you're even on a golf course.
The Minnesota Vikings' already sparse cornerback room got a little more barren Wednesday when Mekhi Blackmon went down with an injury.
Addison, after walking off the fields following the first full-team practice Wednesday afternoon, said he'd been advised by his attorney and agent not to address specific details about his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month in California.
Max Kepler's infield single drove in the winning run with one out in the ninth inning, giving the Minnesota Twins a series-clinching 5-4 win over Philadelphia Phillies.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
An unprecedented race takes another dramatic turn as President Biden drops from the race and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly sets in his place. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives deeper into the shifting race.
There has been so much attention on the developments with the presidential candidates that some local races have not gotten as much attention.
Summer is roller coaster season in Minnesota. And there's one up north that provides a different kind of experience. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how pure gravity fuels the Timber Twister.
Instead of watching old, classic cars leave the state, a museum in Wright County is trying to keep them around at the Veit Museum near Buffalo.
When Belgian immigrants settled in Ghent, they brought along rolle bolle — a sport that's sort of a cross between curling and lawn bowling — but you don't play with a ball, you play with a bolle.
The town of Remer is surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods and marshes. A perfect place for squirrels, deer, bears and maybe even Bigfoot.
Native Americans, Swedish immigrants and even cattle thieves have all taken shelter in a little spot along the St. Croix River.
Kids can find all sorts of things in the water, but it's what you can't see that can stick with swimmers once they get out.
It's the height of July and primetime in America for swimming, fishing and, in some cases, sunburns. This is the time of year when it's easy to get too much sun.
Energy drinks have been around since the 1940s, and in recent years, they've become all the buzz — especially with young people. But studies have shown they may not be as popular with our hearts.
The sounds of summer wouldn't be complete without the familiar tune of mosquitoes buzzing. But did you ever wonder: Why do mosquitoes buzz? Good Question.
The funny bone is anything but funny. So why does it hurt so bad when it gets hit? It turns out there's a "humerus" answer.
The Minnesota State Fair has announced its new offerings for 2024, and they include plenty of fried foods, plenty of dairy, and plenty of sweet corn. See the full roster of new items here.
Thousands lined the streets of Hennepin Avenue on Sunday for the Twin Cities Pride Parade.
Many Minnesotans will be cleaning up Thursday from a storm system that brought sizable hail, heavy winds and possible tornado touchdowns.
Minnesotans were delighted by an otherworldly light show Friday night that was on a level the state hadn't seen in nearly two decades.
Many Minnesotans were treated to a stunning double rainbow on Thursday.
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs will reach the upper 80s on Friday and approach 90 again this weekend.
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.
Highs reach the upper 80s on Friday in the Twin Cities and approach 90 again this weekend, with heat index values closer to 100.
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs will reach the upper 80s on Friday and approach 90 again this weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says heat and humidity will be returning for the weekend.
Olympics organizers say attacks on France’s railways won't stop the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which kicks off on Friday night.
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs will reach the upper 80s on Friday and approach 90 again this weekend.
Momentum is building for Vice President Kamala Harris barely a week into her campaign.
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs will reach the upper 80s on Friday and approach 90 again this weekend.
Shayla Reaves and A.J. Hilton have your latest headlines.