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As Gov. Mark Dayton's decision to mandate all public schools be closed for Monday, many parents may be left wondering how to keep their children busy this afternoon. One potential and thrifty option was just announced at the Mall of America, where the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park will be offering free rides all day.
Don't have your plans set yet to ring in 2014? We've found some fun ways to celebrate the end of 2013 and a fresh start in 2014. Here are some great events for all ages you can still drop in on today and tonight.
A second teenager accused of assaulting a former Minneapolis mayoral candidate has been charged Monday, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Seventeen-year-old Deea Leshawn Elliot was charged by juvenile petition with two counts of aggravated first-degree robbery and one count of second-degree assault for an attack on Mark Andrew, 63, at the Mall of America on Thursday. According to the criminal complaint, a young man grabbed Andrew's iPhone from him in a Starbucks at the MOA. Andrew chased after the suspect, but was stopped by Elliot and 18-year-old Letajia Cutler Cain, who blocked the shop's door.
The runner-up in the Minneapolis mayoral election is recovering after being robbed and brutally beaten Thursday night at the Mall of America
Think Black Friday is the Twin Cities' busiest shopping day of the year? Think again. At the Mall of America in Bloomington, Dec. 26 has taken over the top spot, fueled by shoppers eager to return or exchange gifts, and sales that have become more appealing.
Last-minute gifts can get you by when you're strapped for time. However, the lack of consideration often results in a mediocre gift. Instead of giving the usual, think outside of the box with gifts from these Minnesota spots.
Bring your caroling group to any of these venues in Minnesota for a warm welcoming.
'Tis the season for shopping, and one study says that we in the Twin Cities sure do like our stuff. A dating website ranks Minneapolis as the second-most materialistic city in the country.
These five enterprises will give you an edge on shopping for the unique decoration this holiday.
No waiting in line here as Santa strolls from table to table to visit and pose for pictures you take with your own camera. Meanwhile, kids occupy themselves with snacks from the Call of the Wild restaurant, available craft activities or coloring sheets.
Thousands of people are expected to gather at the Mall of America to mark the anniversary of the debut of a song written by a Minnesota teen who died of cancer. Zach Sobiech was 18 when he died from osteosarcoma in May.
Holiday travelers dreaming of a White Christmas in America can find joy in knowing they can hear sleigh bells in the snow by visiting places in New England and the Great Lakes region such as Concord, New Hampshire, Madison, Wisconsin and Stowe, Vermont.
The Twin Cities man who tossed1,000 $1 bills to strangers at the Mall of America on Black Friday says it was worth it. Apple Valley-resident Serge Vorobyov, 29, threw money from the third floor rotunda railing on Friday afternoon. The money fell down to a crowd that had gathered to listen to holiday music. When the performers starting singing "Let It Snow," Vorobyov started tossing the cash. He told police he was going through a divorce and having financial problems. He only had $1,000 to his name.
Bloomington police cited a 29-year-old man for disorderly conduct for tossing 1,000 dollar bills over an upper floor railing at the Mall of America. Serge Vorobyov, of Apple Valley, admitted throwing the money as a choir performed "Let it Snow" on Friday.
You know the old saying: money doesn't fall from the sky? Well, it did on Black Friday at Mall of America. Serge Vorobyov threw $1,000 in dollar bills from the fourth floor of the Mall of America rotunda as a choir performed "Let it Snow" on the ground floor below.
In the season where hundreds of homes are decorated with holiday displays, there's one residence in Bloomington that always draws a crowd. An oak tree in Bob Little's yard shines bright every year, attracting spectators from all over. In the light of day, an old oak tree may not inspire the holiday spirit. "There isn't Santa Clauses moving, and things spinning, and red this and green that," Little said.
Black Friday is the official start to the holiday shopping season, and it started earlier than ever -- 8 p.m. at the Mall of America. A new report by the University of St. Thomas says this is the mall where most Minnesotans will do their holiday shopping. "We love the bonding experience, hanging out with each other," said shopper Nicole Klinkhammer, who was at the mall Friday. There was a lot of buzz about starting Black Friday too early, but the Mall of America team says as long as people want to shop, they will be open. And it's working out fine so far. They project a higher turn-out than last year, when the mall opened at midnight.
A Thanksgiving tradition returns Thursday with the sixth annual Walk to End Hunger inside the Mall of America. This year's event has been expanded beyond its 5K family-fun walk to raise money for 12 Twin Cities area hunger-related charities.
While many of us are looking forward to that big Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, there are thousands of Minnesotans who struggle putting food on the table on a daily basis. Marcia Fink with the United Way joined the WCCO This Morning show on Tuesday to tell us how we can make a difference during the holiday season.
Imagine having to dress up an almost five-million-square foot space for the holidays! The daunting task is a reality for Brett Baudette, design manager at MOA. He says they "kick in to holiday gear" in mid-September, contracting out to about 100 workers who normally build inside the stores. "It's a team of construction workers," Baudette said. "It's kind of a fun change for them." They'll spend $250,000 on new decorations and labor, with most of the work executed in the middle of the night.
Being located inside a popular mall and being considered a "hotel restaurant" -- two things that can go hand-in-hand with dining only for convenience and necessity. FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar had both hurdles to overcome when they opened earlier this spring.
Just in time for the holidays, a new kind of store is opening at the Mall of America. Earlier Tuesday, Verizon Wireless unveiled what it calls its first "Destination Store." The store opens Wednesday night and replaces the old Verizon store on the second floor of the mall.
All this week at WCCO-TV, we're highlighting small businesses here in Minnesota. For Tuesday, we're highlighting a new store at the Mall of America where boys can be boys. J.M. Cremps already has a store west of the Twin Cities in Dassel, but the owners have opened a new store at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
A Twin Cities company has quickly grown from the owners' New Brighton home to an online retailer to a retail store at Mall of America. The New Brighton-based business Sigma Beauty was started online by a veterinarian and an engineer, and now they have claim $25 million in annual sales.
Don't let entertaining the out of towners daunt you. Check out these local places for great Thanksgiving weekend entertainment.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 69% of the nation is stressed about the presidential election.
Sunday marks the first time the DNC is projecting counterprogramming onto a building while Trump will be inside it, but it's far from the first time Democrats have deployed the technique.
Minneapolis police are investigating after two people were killed and another person was injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon.
As part of its campaign to promote "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," video game developer Activision took over Kris Lindahl's ad space.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota.
Minneapolis police are investigating after two people were killed and another person was injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon.
As part of its campaign to promote "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," video game developer Activision took over Kris Lindahl's ad space.
Benilde-St. Margaret's — a catholic school that started in 1907 — is a place steeped in history, a place where a history-making educator walks the halls.
A 36-year-old man who was on parole shot and killed his pregnant ex-wife and injured another during a carjacking in St. Paul, charges say.
A swim instructor, certified to teach kids with special needs, is aiming to help Minnesota families through virtual trainings.
Homelessness is a difficult issue to quantify, but for more than three decades the Wilder Foundation has been trying to do just that through the Minnesota Homeless Study.
When a small town was looking for a dog park, a high school senior stepped up. Jaxon Wagner made an idea a reality in the town of Montevideo.
Two men are dead following a head-on crash involving two pickup trucks on Thursday morning in northeastern Minnesota.
A man accused of killing one person and injuring another while leading police on a high-speed chase in western Minnesota following a domestic violence-related standoff in Minneapolis was charged Thursday morning.
Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
In-person early voting is kicking off across battleground Wisconsin, with former President Barack Obama and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz hosting a rally in liberal Madison.
Racial justice advocates are calling for action after a substitute teacher in Woodbury was accused of reenacting George Floyd's murder in class.
Firefighters' efforts were hampered by the strong winds and downed power lines, as well as a broken natural gas line, officials say.
Benilde-St. Margaret's — a catholic school that started in 1907 — is a place steeped in history, a place where a history-making educator walks the halls.
Inspiring a generation to connect by using culture, music and food — that is the goal of a group of diverse Minnesotans committed to bridging the gap between people of different backgrounds.
A Minnesota mother is on a mission to protect children with autism and ease the burden on their families.
After Denise Godwin received a terminal breast cancer diagnosis last November, she decided to go big in her final months with a haunted house display unlike any other in the Halloween Capital of the World.
A groundbreaking for a place that's expected to be a game changer for food entrepreneurs took place Wednesday. Northside Economic Opportunity Network's, also known as NEON, Collective Kitchen will provide commercial kitchen space — and opportunity.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 69% of the nation is stressed about the presidential election.
Sunday marks the first time the DNC is projecting counterprogramming onto a building while Trump will be inside it, but it's far from the first time Democrats have deployed the technique.
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican candidate for vice president, noted that his wife, Usha, is his "top adviser," and outlined his pitch to women voters.
CBS News' Norah O'Donnell talks with Kamala Harris about women's healthcare, and a prospective return of Donald Trump to the White House.
The rally in Kalamazoo was Michelle Obama's first appearance on the campaign trail since she spoke at the Democratic National Convention
A car, stolen in Chicago and recovered in Minnesota, was brought into Best Autobody in Blaine to be looked at. The car's owner now says the shop is asking for $30,000 or her car will be sent to auction.
Holiday spending could break an all-time record this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that sales could hit a whopping $989 billion this season.
Rising prescription drug prices can be tough to swallow, but apps and websites can help lower your pharmacy bill.
Years after Krispy Kreme vanished from Minnesota following a much-ballyhooed opening blitz, the doughnut chain is planning to return to the state.
Every year, about a third of all food in the United States goes to waste. A healthy portion of that is due to confusion about labeling dates.
Minneapolis police are investigating after two people were killed and another person was injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon.
A 36-year-old man who was on parole shot and killed his pregnant ex-wife and injured another during a carjacking in St. Paul, charges say.
Police in Brooklyn Park are investigating a domestic stabbing that took place overnight Saturday.
The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at a homeless encampment in Minneapolis, leaving two people injured and one dead.
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection with a shooting that killed two men at a tobacco shop in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood, county attorney says.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 69% of the nation is stressed about the presidential election.
The EPA has finalized stricter rules meant to limit the exposure of children to lead paint.
One year into Minnesota's free school meals program, the state's DFL leaders are defending the decision to go millions of dollars over budget to serve nearly 150 million meals to students.
McDonald's said it believes onions may be to blame for the deadly E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder.
Fauci was scheduled to speak at Northrop at 6 p.m. Earlier in the day, some students gathered in support of the 11 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested on campus on Monday.
During six undistinguished seasons in the major leagues, Bob Uecker never played an inning for the Milwaukee Brewers. But during his more than half-century as the team's play-by-play announcer, he has become a mascot for the game.
The lead singer-songwriter for the superstar band Fleetwood Mac who became a superstar solo artist talks about her latest song, "The Lighthouse," that was inspired by her own experience with abortion, and a strong desire to "do something."
Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, died surrounded by his family, a post on his Instagram said.
Joe Rogan interviewed former President Donald Trump at his studio Friday. Here's what to know about the show.
Celebrity chef and restauranteur Justin Sutherland was arrested inside a St. Paul Spirit Halloween store on Thursday after police say an officer spotted him with a woman who has a no-contact order against him.
Prior Lake battled Farmington in the first round of section playoffs. Plus, hear from the coach of the Two Rivers High School football team, who is looking to continue their unbeaten streak.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota.
During six undistinguished seasons in the major leagues, Bob Uecker never played an inning for the Milwaukee Brewers. But during his more than half-century as the team's play-by-play announcer, he has become a mascot for the game.
Julius Randle had 24 points nine rebounds and five assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 112-101.
Max Brosmer threw two of his season-high four touchdown passes early, Justin Walley added a pick-six and Minnesota scored three first-quarter touchdowns and easily beat Maryland 48-23.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
With nearly two weeks until Election Day, the polls are tighter than ever. One development that has Democrats concerned and Republicans thrilled is Trump's relative strength with minority voters.
Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork.
Did you know Minnesota has a real castle? Miller Castle, near Nisswa.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us through the long history and evolution of the Goldy Gopher mascot.
The town has embraced the stones so much that every summer they have Agate Days, also known as the largest rock show in Minnesota, with over 100 vendors.
Eagles, pigs and aliens are three things that don't typically fit together. But at Mimi and Papa's in the far-southern Minnesota town of Windom, there's a lot that doesn't quite fit together.
Homelessness is a difficult issue to quantify, but for more than three decades the Wilder Foundation has been trying to do just that through the Minnesota Homeless Study.
With glowing eyes and a crooked smile, jack-o-lanterns crop up every Halloween, but where did the tradition come from?
It takes 15 to 20 minutes for most adults to fall asleep. During that period, an odd sensation can occur which about seven out of 10 of us experience: bedtime twitches.
Holiday spending could break an all-time record this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that sales could hit a whopping $989 billion this season.
The earliest snowfall in the Twin Cities was Sept. 24, 1985 — coming in a fourth-tenths of an inch. The latest first snowfall was on Dec. 3, 1928.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Storms ripped through parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday evening. There were several reports of tornadoes and trees were downed in the metro and beyond, including in Cottage Grove, Anoka, Champlin and Fridley.
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday night, delaying Tuesday's opening.
A severe thunderstorm swept through the Twin Cities metro late Monday evening, bringing sights to behold.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says Monday will be windy and warm, with potentially record-breaking highs on Tuesday.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be windy and top out in the low 70s.
WCCO meteorologist Riley O'Connor says Sunday will be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
Sunday will be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says Monday will be windy and warm, with potentially record-breaking highs on Tuesday.
Some Vikings fans from Wisconsin are channeling their frustration into funny. Megan Gangnon's sons -- Archer, Whitt and Sully -- dressed up to recreate the moment.
This is the second homeless encampment shooting in two days
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be windy and top out in the low 70s.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota. As Marielle Mohs shows us, this competition can lead to big opportunities for a dancer's future.