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It started as a relaxing vacation in Mexico, but it turned in to a terrifying rescue at sea for a Minnesota woman. Kim Armstrong of Windom was on a snorkeling tour when a gray whale breached and hit her boat. A Canadian tourist later died from her injuries. Armstrong was one of two people hurt.
Have a fiesta this year on May 5th.
The avocado is really having a moment. A Google search yields hundreds of recipes from soups to even ice cream. But the original avocado recipe is guacamole, especially at St. Paul's Boca Chica -- which WCCO viewers picked as the Best of Minnesota.
Poultry producers in the nation's top turkey state are taking extra steps to protect their flocks after a devastating strain of bird flu was confirmed at two Minnesota farms in as many days last week, a disease that had already slammed the doors shut on some key export markets.
What started as a winter vacation getaway turned into a struggle to survive for a Minnesota deputy. Last month, 39-year-old Jeff Edwards was vacationing with his girlfriend and other friends in Ixtapa, Mexico. While swimming in the ocean, he got caught in a wave and was slammed into the ocean floor.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has Mexico in his sights. The Democratic governor's office said Tuesday that he will lead an August trade mission south of the U.S. border.
Some Republicans don't want the President, among other things, to grant legal status to undocumented parents who have children born in the U.S. Where do our immigrants come from? And, how have those groups changed over time? Good Questions.
State officials say Minnesota exports have jumped nearly 6 percent in the last year. Minnesota exported a record $5.5 billion of manufactured, agricultural and mining products in the third quarter of 2014, the Department of Employment and Economic Development announced Wednesday. That's up 5.8 percent from the same period last year.
I visited Bachman's farmhouse on Tuesday to learn about the Poinsettia, the most popular holiday plant in North America.
A hummingbird found far away from home in a St. Paul yard is now back home. Roufus hummingbirds are from the Pacific Northwest and winter in Mexico. Experts think the bird got lost in our first snow storm.
A rare hummingbird found in St. Paul is caught in the middle of a national decision on where to send it. A St. Paul resident found a rufous hummingbird in their backyard a few days before Monday's snowstorm. "The homeowner was very concerned, knowing that the bird was really out of territory," said Phil Jenni, executive director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. "Typically we do not take healthy, adult animals."
Here's a quick guide for families to the New Seven Wonders of the World and the only surviving original Seven Wonders of the World.
Planning a destination wedding offers couples the opportunity to plan a unique wedding where they can say "I do" in front of a breathtaking background. All of these locations offer unique venues, luxurious resorts and beautiful settings.
Minnesota Republican Michele Bachmann is spending the weekend along the U.S.-Mexico border to get a firsthand look at an immigration crisis involving Central American youth.
This weekend, thousands will celebrate an important day in Mexican history. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle at Puebla, a day when Mexican soldiers defeated the French.
After months of polar vortexes it's finally almost time to lay out in the sun and sand. To help get the ball rolling, we rounded up the 25 best beaches in the world.
Set in rural, modern-day Mexico, Heli is two parts beautiful, one part mundane and eight parts horrific. The film was in the running for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, where it shocked viewers and critics alike. New York Times critic Manohla Dargis even scoffed at the Steven Spielberg-led jury for giving director Amat Escalante the Best Director prize for what she referred to as his "staged atrocities."
A bad harvest year in Mexico has caused the price of limes to go way up. They've become so expensive that some airlines have quit serving them on planes. Lucas Price is a bartender at Barrio in downtown Minneapolis, a place known for its tacos and tequila. But lately, it's a little green fruit that's been putting the squeeze on Price.
A Mankato woman has pleaded guilty to bringing a Vietnamese woman to the U.S. and forcing her to work at her son's restaurant.
Minnesota residents can now apply for enhanced driver's licenses or identification cards that will make it easier to go back and forth between the U.S. and certain countries. The licenses can be used to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
A northern Minnesota man has pleaded guilty in federal court to kidnapping his estranged wife. Forty-two-year-old Timothy Glen Caskey of Virginia admitted that on July 14, 2011, he kidnapped his wife from Virginia, Minn., and took her across state lines against her will. Court documents say Caskey jumped out of a pickup truck, grabbed his wife, shoved her into the vehicle and struck two people who tried to help the woman. Caskey kidnapped his wife just hours after being released from jail for violating a protective order she had against him.
Many international destinations close to home may prove to be a better option than South Beach or Miami. Among the best international trips that can be done in a weekend are the Bahamas, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Montreal and Vancouver.
For as long as anyone can remember, Mexican families have been gathering around at Christmas time to make "tamales dulces." Milissa Silva-Diaz and her mother Maria are keeping the tradition alive at El Burrito Mercado in St Paul. "Tamales go back from the Aztecan, Mayan civilizations," Milissa said. "And because it's such a great comfort food and it travels well."
We know Christmas must be close when we see poinsettias decorating offices, public spaces and homes. "I like them because they're pretty and last long," said 8-year-old Abby, who was buying one for herself and one for her mother at Bachman's on Tuesday night.
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.
The free Christmas dinner is served by the Elk River Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and is open to anyone from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elk River American Legion.
Here's a look at the most clicked WCCO.com stories from each month in 2024.
A foggy Christmas Day could lead to slick spots on the roads.
An 18-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Mankato Saturday.
Here's a look at the most clicked WCCO.com stories from each month in 2024.
St. Paul Public Schools' Project REACH is collecting coats and blankets for children and families experiencing homelessness.
After nearly 40 years, an unknown man buried in a Minnesota cemetery has been identified.
The rush was on Tuesday as shoppers grabbed last-minute essentials at Mall of America, just hours before Christmas Day.
Major Tommy Miller is among the more than 550 Minnesota National Guard soldiers who returned home this month after a 10-month deployment in Kuwait.
Here's a look at the most clicked WCCO.com stories from each month in 2024.
An 18-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Mankato Saturday.
It's been a weather year of extremes in Minnesota, with a warm winter, floods and a drought to cap off the summer.
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.
According to the Minnesota Department of Education, only 46.5% of third graders in the state are reading proficiently.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has finally selected a new leader for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The Centers for Disease Control says no person-to-person transmission has been detected and the risk to the general public remains low.
The man was flown to a hospital in Minnesota, but the department gave no word on his condition. No one else was hurt.
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 and Wisconsin leaders are responding to the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
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.
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.
Army veteran Delphine Littlewolf and her 7-year-old son Curtis have been living in her compact car for six months.
It looks like any other grocery store, but when you check out at Today's Harvest in Maplewood, shoppers aren't spending a dime.
The Buck Hill slopes played host to "Carve for a Cure" on Sunday, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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.
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
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.
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.
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Mega Millions jackpot is valued at $1 billion for the drawing on 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 joined a nationwide strike Tuesday afternoon.
Most grocery stores will be open on Christmas Eve but will have reduced hours.
So-called junk fees are set to be a thing of the past in Minnesota starting Jan. 1 under a new law.
An 18-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Mankato Saturday.
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
A 40-year-old Sartell woman has pleaded guilty in connection with a fraud scheme that cost two loan companies over $9 million.
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Police in southern Minnesota arrested an 18-year-old man in connection to a deadly shooting on Saturday.
According to the Minnesota Department of Education, only 46.5% of third graders in the state are reading proficiently.
Health experts are offering tips on creating a more nutritious diet as new year's resolutions are put into action.
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 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.
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.
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.
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Holidazzle is a free event with lights, stage performances, Santa, nearly 200 vendors and more. It runs Wednesday through Sunday.
For generations, it's been an iconic part of the Twin Cities, and now it has its very own song, thanks to one of Minneapolis' own.
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.
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.
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 will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Brock Faber snapped a tie in the third period, and the Minnesota Wild stopped a four-game losing streak by edging the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3.
Esme Murphy talks with Congressman Pete Stauber, who hopes to see President Biden’s 20-year moratorium on new mining near the Boundary Waters reversed by President-elect Donald Trump.
President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to reverse President Biden's 20-year moratorium on new mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on his first day in office.
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.
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.
Duluth is known for its scenic views across the city, but one location stands out from the rest.
One family's creative design in central Minnesota allows guests to sleep under the stars — at any time of year.
"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.
There are a lot of reasons to get distracted this time of year and to procrastinate.
It's a term that's being thrown around a lot these days. Some think it's a social thing, others a medical thing.
Every home has a distinct smell, and chances are your home smells just as strong to other people. Why can't we notice our own home's smell but we can notice everyone else's?
An important deadline is approaching, and we're not talking about Christmas shopping. End of semester exams are coming up for students of all ages.
Jeff Wagner dives into the cold-weather dating trend that has singles looking for love with a time limit.
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.
A foggy Christmas Day could lead to slick spots on the roads.
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.
Meteorologist Joseph Dames says foggy and cloudy conditions will stay for most of the day.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says high temperatures will be in the 30s for Christmas day, with patchy fog in the morning.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we could see measurable rainfall over the next five days.
Raelyn Sampson says she always enjoys volunteering and serving her community.
About 200 volunteers are preparing hundreds of to-go meals for people who can't make it to the legion.
Volunteers expect more than 1,000 people to be there.
There's a public menorah lighting at the State Capitol at 4:30.
It's the 36th year of the annual Christmas tradition.