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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.
Typically, Tuesday isn't a huge day to schedule weddings, but this week is a different story. Because this Tuesday is 11/12/13, some couples have decided to take the plunge. Across the country, David's Bridal estimates that 3,000 couples will exchange vows on the day.
Visitors to the Mall of America can have the chance to write letters to members of the military in honor of Veteran's Day. Thousands of letters expressing thanks and encouragement will be mailed to members of U.S. armed forces, veterans and military families — both at home and abroad.
Cast members from "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" stop at the Mall of America Tuesday as part of their National Victory Tour. Cast members appearing include Jena Malone, who plays Johanna; Sam Claflin, who plays Finnick; Meta Golding, who plays Enobaria; and Bruno Gunn, who plays Brutus.
While many other consumers will simply avoid holiday crowds at shopping malls or even wait until Cyber Monday, retail stores across the nation will be buzzing with activity on the day after Thanksgiving. The following are five of the best American cities for Black Friday deals.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is rarely short on opinion, and he weighed in on the federal government shutdown with WCCO's Nina Moini on Sunday. Ventura was at the Mall Of America, signing copies of his latest book.
The Mall of America has stepped up security following the deadly attack by the Somali militant group al-Shabab at a mall in Nairobi, Kenya. Officials at the Bloomington mall say some of the extra security precautions will be noticeable and some won't be.
The mall attack in Kenya is resonating here in the Twin Cities, where we have the Mall of America and several other high-profile shopping centers.
The trial for Jeffery Trevino, the St. Paul man accused of killing his wife, Kira Steger, resumed Monday. Jurors heard from Ryan Wendt, the man with whom Steger was having an affair. Wendt, Steger's manager at Delia's, testified that their friendship turned romantic about a month before she died. He said he knew she was married and their relationship was ending, though they didn't discuss their relationships. Steger told him she was separating from Trevino.
Kira Steger's family filled the courtroom Thursday to hear the case prosecutors have set against her husband, Jeffery Trevino. He is accused of killing Steger in February and dumping her body in the Mississippi River.
There's a whole new way to see Minnesota's 10,000 lakes from above, and even swoop over your own neighborhood. Flight simulators at A.C.E.S. at Mall of America can now show more detail than ever.
You know how there are some Minnesota bands that sell out concerts in New York City, but barely draw a crowd here? That's kind of the same story with a Minnesota business that's exploding around the country, and around the world.
If you're looking to be a part of history on Thursday, you'll want to be at the Hennepin Theatre box office at about 11 a.m. Monday. Same-sex marriage will officially become legal in Minnesota on Thursday after lawmakers passed a bill in the last legislative session to put it into law.
There are a lot of restaurants at the Mall of America, but when Masu sushi and robata opened up, some wondered if mall-goers would be into it. Already a hit in northeast Minneapolis, the mall was a bit of a risk.
The Chapel of Love at the Mall of America will perform its first same-sex wedding the minute gay marriage becomes legal in Minnesota. A same-sex couple is scheduled to be wed at the chapel at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1.
The historic St. Paul bar, McGovern's, sustained major damage after a vehicle collided with an electrical transformer, causing a fire Friday night.
Expect a fairly quiet, but cold weekend as Canadian high pressure nudges in.
Anthony Edwards scored 21 points on 7-for-21 shooting to help the Minnesota Timberwolves stop a four-game losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 93-92 in an NBA Cup game.
Metro Transit Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened around 8:30 Saturday night.
mall businesses along one of Minneapolis' busiest corridor struggled to stay open through this summer's construction and some didn't survive.
The historic St. Paul bar, McGovern's, sustained major damage after a vehicle collided with an electrical transformer, causing a fire Friday night.
Metro Transit Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened around 8:30 Saturday night.
mall businesses along one of Minneapolis' busiest corridor struggled to stay open through this summer's construction and some didn't survive.
A Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time Friday night since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer. Max Akerson died earlier this week.
A man who allegedly stole a vehicle in St. Paul was found and taken into custody thanks to a pair of AirPods.
Private health information of over 600 veterans in Minnesota was obtained by in a nationwide cyberattack.
A 26-year-old man is in prison after driving the wrong way on Interstate 94 and having a breath alcohol content over three times the legal limit, sheriff says.
"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.
The preliminary investigation into what happened to 20 ballots unaccounted for in the closest state House race in Minnesota were likely thrown away and won't be recovered, the Scott County attorney said Wednesday.
A Red Lake Department of Public Safety officer was one of two people killed in a crash in the northern Minnesota community Wednesday morning.
Wisconsin's election commission leader has quietly certified Donald Trump's victory in the battleground state, a departure from the chaos that surrounded the 2020 election results.
A narrow band of snow quickly dropped three inches on drivers — even sending a semi sliding into a ditch.
The Sawyer County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a serial arsonist, after they suspect the person set six fires in the span of ten days.
Xcel Energy is in the early stages of planning a 5,000-acre solar energy project in the eastern part of St. Croix County.
Authorities are urging a Wisconsin man accused of faking his death and fleeing to Europe to come home and spend the holidays with his wife and three children.
A Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time Friday night since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer. Max Akerson died earlier this week.
The Battis-Bohen bowl tradition is alive and well after 91 consecutive Thanksgivings.
A Red Lake Department of Public Safety officer was one of two people killed in a crash in the northern Minnesota community Wednesday morning.
The cost of Thanksgiving dinner is still nearly 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Union Gospel Mission is lightening the load by welcoming 10,000 families through their meal kit pick-up.
From the Twin Cities to the North Shore, here are the holiday tree lightings and parades in 2024 in the Twin Cities and in Greater Minnesota.
The Canadian prime minister earlier cautioned that imposing sweeping tariffs on Canadian products would only raise prices for Americans and hurt American businesses.
Wisconsin's election commission leader has quietly certified Donald Trump's victory in the battleground state, a departure from the chaos that surrounded the 2020 election results.
LGBTQ voters were among the only demographic groups that did not move more toward Trump in the 2024 election.
Rep. Dean Phillips pursued an unpopular challenge to President Joe Biden's nomination. Biden eventually did drop out, and the rest is history. So does Phillips feel like saying: "I told you so?"
The preliminary investigation into what happened to 20 ballots unaccounted for in the closest state House race in Minnesota were likely thrown away and won't be recovered, the Scott County attorney said Wednesday.
The mall is expecting tens of thousands of shoppers for Black Friday with plenty of deals.
Great deals means Minnesotans are camping out on Black Friday Eve
Are you running out to get a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner ingredient? Here's what's open and closed on Thanksgiving in Minnesota.
GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says Canadian tariffs would mean Minnesotans will pay between 35 and 50 cents more per gallon for gas, depending on the season, because a majority of the state's crude oil comes from Canada.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the Sun Country is expecting to serve 82,000 passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Metro Transit Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened around 8:30 Saturday night.
A man who allegedly stole a vehicle in St. Paul was found and taken into custody thanks to a pair of AirPods.
A 21-year-old man was fatally shot inside an apartment on Thanksgiving, according to Minneapolis police.
Police have arrested a 32-year-old man after he collided with two parked cars before leading police on a pursuit.
The Sawyer County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a serial arsonist, after they suspect the person set six fires in the span of ten days.
From turkey, to mashed potatoes, stuffing and pies, many are ending Thanksgiving with full stomachs and refrigerators.
A lawsuit filed in federal court last Friday seeks to nullify Minnesota's laws protecting access to abortion, arguing they violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
A case of active tuberculosis was confirmed at a high school south of the Twin Cities, but officials said there is "no further risk of exposure at the school."
Minnesota has completed its inventory of community water systems as part of its effort to eliminate lead pipes across the state.
Last year, Minnesota lawmakers passed new protections after a young woman testified about contamination in her community just before she died. Her sister is now carrying on the fight to protect other families.
Target is the only place you can buy the latest Taylor Swift merch, including a new book, vinyl and CD.
One of the most successful computer games of all time is currently being developed by Apple as a forthcoming movie.
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
English hyperpop artist Charli XCX will be coming to Minneapolis on April 26, 2025.
After almost a decade of "Disney On Ice" performances, a Minnesota native is eagerly anticipating his first show at the Xcel Energy Center.
Meet a student athlete from Chisago Lakes with endless drive, despite a surprise diagnosis. Plus, Becker and Totino-Grace battled at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Class 4A championship.
Anthony Edwards scored 21 points on 7-for-21 shooting to help the Minnesota Timberwolves stop a four-game losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 93-92 in an NBA Cup game.
Max Brosmer passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another to help Minnesota beat Wisconsin. Friday's game was the 134th meeting between the teams. The rivalry is the oldest rivalry in the nation among Football Bowl Division schools.
The decision comes after the Bears blew another potential victory against the Lions, 23-20.
Vito the pug beat over 1,900 other dogs to take home the top honor at the National Dog Show.
In this election, Klobuchar faired much better than all other Senate Democrats — she won by a significantly larger margin.
For Democrats the postmortem continues on why Vice President Kamala Harris and her Running mate Governor Tim Walz performed more poorly with almost every demographic than Joe Biden did in 2020. In Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar did much better than Harris with some of those same groups.
As Election Day nears, experts say voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states will decide the 2024 presidential election winner.
As Election Day nears, experts say voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states will decide the 2024 presidential election winner.
As Election Day nears, experts say voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states will decide the 2024 presidential election winner.
"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.
There are a lot of quirky town names in Minnesota: Embarrass, Nowthen, Clontarff, Kiester. But the people of Nimrod believe their name stands out from the rest.
Did you know that donkeys are fast, smart and can build life-long bonds with other animals and people? It's believed that donkeys are smarter than most dogs.
The Fitzgerald Theater is the oldest active theater in St. Paul — but is it also haunted?
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.
From turkey, to mashed potatoes, stuffing and pies, many are ending Thanksgiving with full stomachs and refrigerators.
We're just over two weeks since Minnesota's deer opener and already hunters have harvested more than 123,000 of them using firearms. That could equal huge dollars for the state if they all took one extra step.
This holiday season, you might pull out a Betty Crocker cookbook to find a tried and true recipe.
Krueger is the third-generation owner of Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm. While he finds joy in knowing the evergreens will make a family happy, they might not realize the effort it took to reach these towering heights.
As President-elect Donald Trump fills out his cabinet, there's one department for which he's yet to announce a leader. That could be because he promised it wouldn't exist after taking office.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
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.
Expect a fairly quiet, but cold weekend as Canadian high pressure nudges in.
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 Adam Del Rosso has your latest forecast and its a cold one!
Overnight temps will be in the single digits. Sunshine on Saturday but temps will be in the teens. Lisa Meadows breaks down everything for you.
Despite forecasted sunshine, Black Friday shoppers should bundle up with high temperatures in the teens across Minnesota.
A historic bar in St. Paul suffered major damage after a vehicle hit an electrical transformer, starting a fire.
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The Twin Cities Gay Men Choir grace the WCCO Saturday Morning set with delightful tunes from their new show "Wranglers & Refrains."
Afton Alps and Buck Hill are officially open for all ski and snowboard enthusiasts.