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101-year-old World War II vet becomes viral TikTok sensation for role in D-Day invasion
A 101-year-old soldier helped win World War II, but more recently he's taken his talents to the internet.
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A 101-year-old soldier helped win World War II, but more recently he's taken his talents to the internet.
The ceremony caps off several days of remembrance and reflection at Normandy. Minnesotans have been a big part of it — that includes 100-year-old Jim Rasmussen of East Bethel.
People from around the world gathered today in Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. That invasion put America on the path to victory in the second World War and changed the course of history. WCCO's John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles joined Minnesota veterans, and active service members, for the ceremony to mark this milestone.
After training at Fort Des Moines, Florence Cecere became a nurse's aide at Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, taking care of the men severely injured on the front lines.
One-hundred-year-old Les Schrenk doesn't have time for his usual morning water aerobics or afternoon bike rides this week. That's because the World War II veteran is more than 4,000 miles from his Bloomington home, making his first-ever visit to Normandy.
All week, WCCO's John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles are in Normandy, France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. They’ve been talking with World War II veterans from Minnesota who made the trip overseas. Among them is 100-year-old Les Schrenk from Bloomington. We caught up with him at Omaha Beach where the former POW honored the sacrifice of so many American soldiers who never made it home.
Virgil survived the Allied invasion, but just eight days after arriving in France, he was killed by Germans while trying to rescue a fellow soldier from a burning truck.
Virgil Tangborn is a soldier from northern Minnesota who never made it home. But as John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles share, he left a lasting impression on the people he helped liberate.
This week marks 80 years since the D-Day invasion. It's a day many Minnesota World War II veterans will never forget. To share their stories, WCCO's John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles traveled to France to meet up with some local veterans making the trip to Normandy 80 years later.
All week on WCCO, we'll be sharing stories from that day as reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles make their way through France, experiencing history along the way.
American paratroopers played a key role in the D-Day assault 80 years ago. Now, some U.S. congressmen are preparing to honor their sacrifice in a high-flying way.
This week marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a turning point in World War II that helped bring victory to the allies in Europe. All week, reporter John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles will share stories from that day as they make their way through France, experiencing history along the way.
All this week, John Lauritsen and photojournalist Tom Aviles will be in France, bringing us stories of Minnesota veterans who took part in World War II. Some of those veterans will be taking part in the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6. John Lauritsen gives us a preview of the type of stories we can expect.
Three C-47 transport planes, a workhorse of World War II, dropped three long strings of jumpers, their round chutes mushrooming open in the blue skies with puffy white clouds.
A group of World War II veterans flew out of Wisconsin this week on their way Normandy, France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is in a race against time to preserve the stories of the men and women who fought in the war effort. Thanks to voice recognition software and AI, veterans will be able to "converse" with future generations.
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a ceremony was held honoring Robert Hanley at his hospice facility, sharing cake and stories with friends and family.
June 6 will be the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Some Americans who took part in the liberation of Europe will be going back to Normandy for the last time.
A piece of aviation and medical history hidden for nearly 80 years has been unearthed in Rochester.
It was a day filled with laughs and gratitude in Bloomington as the community celebrated a big birthday. A World War II combat veteran from Minnesota turned 100 years old.
Diane and Ron Fagen opened their museum in 2012 as a way to honor Ron's father, who fought in World War II. The hangars are filled with actual planes used in the war. On Pearl Harbor Day, the Fagens unveiled their latest exhibit.
Hundreds gathered to honor Minnesotans who served in our nations military.
On New Year's Day, David Jergenson will turn 106. His home now is an assisted living facility in Morris. But 80 years ago, he was an American soldier, sleeping on the ground in Europe.
Tuesday evening, family and friends gathered at the Steele County Free Fair to celebrate native son and World War II veteran Jake Larson. And if he looks familiar, there's a reason.
Larson is the lone survivor of all units that landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day.
The small town of Waterville began cleaning up after days of dealing with flooding
Washington County declared a state of emergency on Friday as flooding in Bayport, MN and Hudson, WI reached moderate levels.
As hundreds of thousands of people make their way to Minneapolis' Loring Park this weekend to celebrate Twin Cities Pride, organizers say they've got a mix of emotions on their hearts.
A man was shot and killed in the parking lot of an Amazon fulfillment center in Lakeville Saturday morning.
Harriet Island in St. Paul is still deep underwater as the Mississippi River is expected to crest Saturday evening.
As hundreds of thousands of people make their way to Minneapolis' Loring Park this weekend to celebrate Twin Cities Pride, organizers say they've got a mix of emotions on their hearts.
A man was shot and killed in the parking lot of an Amazon fulfillment center in Lakeville Saturday morning.
Liara Tsai's friends are choosing to remember her not by the way she died, but the way she lived.
After four and a half decades, WCCO is saying goodbye and good luck to a longtime photojournalist.
Local leaders have argued when clearing large homeless encampments in Minneapolis in the past that they pose public health and safety risks.
Washington County has declared a state of emergency as rising flood waters of the St. Croix River threaten the historic city of Stillwater.
The National Weather Service predicts the river will reach nearly 21 feet before water levels drop. Meanwhile, floodwaters have taken over the area around Harriet Island, where nearly a dozen summertime events have been canceled.
Two people were found dead in what police believe to be a homicide and suicide in Rochester.
As major rivers in Minnesota continue to rise into the weekend, Gov. Tim Walz and a top official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided an update on the flooding outlook Friday.
A state oversight board has reprimanded a Minnesota judge who declared unconstitutional a new state law restoring voting rights for people with felonies.
The facility has been plagued by allegations of staff-on-inmate abuse, including excessive use of pepper spray, restraints and strip searches. A court-appointed monitor is currently overseeing the facility.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Thursday that an order barring an anti-abortion protester from coming close to a Planned Parenthood nurse violated his First Amendment free speech rights and must be overturned.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding visitors that it is illegal to remove insects from state parks after reports of people harvesting cicadas.
The city of River Falls is more colorful than it's ever been.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear a challenge to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' partial veto locking in a school funding increase for the next 400 years.
Over at the Mill City Museum, there's an opportunity to learn more about the rich LBGTQ+ history in the Twin Cities. It's called the "Going Out, Coming In" tour, and it's the second year the museum is hosting the event.
It's not the 911 call St. Louis Park police officer Maddie Turnquist expected on a night shift a few weeks ago.
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is using the summer months to reach veterans in need.
Prince fans got the chance to hear a candid interview with one of Prince's favorite collaborators.
When Becky and Scott DeGroot toe the line at Saturday's Grandma's Marathon, they fully anticipate the emotions of the last three years to finally hit them.
Local leaders have argued when clearing large homeless encampments in Minneapolis in the past that they pose public health and safety risks.
Former President Donald Trump addressed a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, a day after his first 2024 debate with President Biden.
The Supreme Court overruled a 40-year-old decision that said federal courts should defer to agencies in certain cases. Here's what it means.
The Supreme Court's order clears the way for Steve Bannon to report to prison by July 1 to begin serving a four-month sentence.
"I don't debate as well as I used to," President Biden admitted Friday. "But I know what I do know — I know how to tell the truth."
Minnesota's fourth marijuana dispensary is now open just about an hour from the Twin Cities.
The Minnesota e-bike rebate application period is slated to reopen next week — this time with safeguards in place to manage the high demand.
Dale Wills, CEO of Centra Companies, says affordable homes in and around the metro are often bought before they're finished being built.
Black Garnet Books' Dionne Sims is looking to hand off ownership of her beloved St. Paul bookstore to pursue her next dream.
Minnesota patients facing mounting medical debt could soon catch a break thanks to a new law.
A man was shot and killed in the parking lot of an Amazon fulfillment center in Lakeville Saturday morning.
Police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Friday night.
Liara Tsai's friends are choosing to remember her not by the way she died, but the way she lived.
A St. Paul man was sentenced to 60 months in prison in connection to a grocery store parking lot shootout that injured a teenage girl in March.
A St. Paul man was sentenced to more than 21 years for murdering his wife in 2021.
The FDA said its study better simulated how commercial milk processing kills the bird flu virus, H5N1.
Iowa joins more than a dozen other states with restrictive abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Three other states currently ban abortions at about six weeks.
Nearly 42% of Americans are now nearsighted — up from 25% 50 years ago. And half the world could be squinting by mid-century. So what causes myopia? Good Question.
"We can serve payers very effectively from the footprint that remains," CEO Tim Wentworth says of the coming Walgreens closures.
The LB.1 variant makes up close to 1 in 5 new COVID cases, the CDC estimates.
Valleyfair in Shakopee is canceling its Fourth of July fireworks show due to flooding impacts.
Multi-platinum country singer and songwriter Jon Pardi with special guest and rising country star Mackenzie Porter will be at the Minnesota State Fair for this summer's Grandstand Concert Series.
"CBS News 24/7," a daily flagship show featuring live reporting from CBS News and Stations' local-to-global newsrooms, brings viewers a dynamic and immersive news experience.
While the music world is still wrapping up celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Prince's landmark "Purple Rain," another honor has been announced for the late Minneapolis rock superstar: a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
In 1999, a series about a New Jersey crime family premiered on HBO; it would change television. Series creator David Chase, and stars Edie Falco, Steven Van Zandt, Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa, discuss the personal and cultural impact of "The Sopranos."
In last summer's Olympics, Simone Biles withdrew from the women's team finals for mental health challenges. That's a common battle for athletes, especially competing at the highest level.
Shane Wiskus graduated from Mound Westonka High School and the University of Minnesota, where he won an NCAA championship. Then, last cycle, he made the Olympic team for the Tokyo Summer Games.
Byron Buxton had a three-run homer among his three hits and the Minnesota Twins beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-6.
The lawsuit against the NFL covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the "Sunday Ticket" package of out-of-market games.
Arike Ogunbowale had 23 points, five 3-pointers and nine assists, veteran guard Odyssey Sims added 18 points in her season debut and the Dallas Wings snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 94-88 victory over the Minnesota Lynx.
Thursday night will be the first of two presidential debates before the general election. For both candidates, the stakes are high. The race is essentially tied, but former President Donald Trump is leading over President Biden in key swing states.
Thursday night will be the first of two presidential debates before the general election. For both candidates, the stakes are high. The race is essentially tied, but former President Donald Trump is leading over President Biden in key swing states.
Thursday night will be the first of two presidential debates before the general election. For both candidates, the stakes are high. The race is essentially tied, but former President Donald Trump is leading in key swing states. Esme Murphy previews the debate and some new rules that could impact performances.
Thursday night will be the first of two presidential debates before the general election. For both candidates, the stakes are high. The race is essentially tied, but former President Donald Trump is leading in key swing states. Esme Murphy previews the debate and some new rules that could impact performances.
Thursday night will be the first of two presidential debates before the general election. For both candidates, the stakes are high. The race is essentially tied, but former President Donald Trump is leading in key swing states. Esme Murphy previews the debate and some new rules that could impact performances.
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.
Claws, scales, teeth and tails: There's a place in Medford where alligators and snakes have taken over.
It's a rite of spring in the town of Atwater. When the weather gets warm, the racers get racing. But at this track, the vehicle of choice is a go-kart and most of the competition is too young for a driver's license.
Minnesotans like to explore, and now they'll have a chance to step into caves that haven't been explored in half a century.
Nearly 42% of Americans are now nearsighted — up from 25% 50 years ago. And half the world could be squinting by mid-century. So what causes myopia? Good Question.
By the weekend, several Minnesota rivers are expected to reach dangerously high levels. Some might even break records. Predicting if and when that could happen is complicated.
Trees, yards and gardens are lush with all the rain recently. But some people wonder if the weather has also helped stop a pesky problem this time of year.
You've probably seen all of the commercials lately for the latest personal hygiene trend: Whole body deodorant. So, what is it? And do we actually need it? Good Question.
On Wednesday, the United States celebrates Juneteenth. It's a distinction shared by only 10 other special days. So, we wanted to know: How are federal holidays created? And how does that designation affect each state? Good Question.
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.
Nicolae Miu, a 54-year-old man from Prior, Lake, Minnesota was found guilty of six criminal charges, including first-degree reckless homicide. Miu's trial lasted eight days in a Hudson, Wisconsin courtroom.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday, March 26 after a column was struck by a container ship that reportedly lost power, sending vehicles and people into the Patapsco River.
Overnight the temps are going to hit below average temps, feeling more like mid-May instead of late June. Sunday will feel similar to Saturday with rain chances returning Monday. Riley O'Connor breaks it all down.
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.
The small town of Waterville began cleaning up after days of dealing with flooding
Washington County declared a state of emergency on Friday as flooding in Bayport, MN and Hudson, WI reached moderate levels.
Harriet Island in St. Paul is still deep underwater as the Mississippi River is expected to crest Saturday evening.
Overnight the temps are going to hit below average temps, feeling more like mid-May instead of late June. Sunday will feel similar to Saturday with rain chances returning Monday. Riley O'Connor breaks it all down.
Waterville is finally able to start cleaning up after historic flooding levels. Flooding can still be see in parts of the area.
We have below average temps for the next few days. Overnight we could see temperatures as cool as the 50s. Riley O'Conner shares more.
Some in Bayport and Hudson think the current flooding is the worst they've ever dealt with. Other say it's nothing new. Jason Rantala shares what people in the area think.
We finally have some sunshine today. But the wind has picked up. We remain dry through Sunday but with temps that are below average during the day. Riley O'Conner explains more.