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The economy should continue growing steadily in nine Midwestern and Plains states, according to a monthly survey of business leaders released Tuesday. The overall economic index for the region improved to 58.2 in March from 57.4 in February. That's solidly above the neutral level of 50.
A new report shows just how much national parks benefit the local economy. The National Park Service report from 2012 showed that the 163,419 people that visited the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfiled, Wis. spent a collective $24 million during their visits.
An economist says a survey of bankers in 10 Midwest and Plains states suggests the regional economy is losing steam. The Rural Mainstreet Index dropped below growth neutral in the February survey, hitting 48.4, compared with 50.8 in January and 56.1 in December.
A new survey of business leaders released Monday signals the economy should continue growing in nine Midwestern and Plains states in the months ahead. The monthly economic index for the region rose to 57.7 last month, compared with 53.2 in December. That puts the index well above a neutral score of 50 and into positive territory.
It's a busy Friday afternoon at Parc Boutique in northeast Minneapolis. Racks full of women's fashions greet the customers. But Parc's owner, Thao Nguyen, says the recent cold snap has hurt her in-store sales. "It's harder for people to come into the shop," Nguyen said. Just like how tornadoes and hurricanes disrupt economic activity, there is also a steep cost to our cold weather. The lower the temperature drops, the fewer of us venture outside to shop, dine and recreate.
Businesses looking to expand their operations and hire new employees in Minnesota may not qualify for help from a new job creation fund. The program was announced Friday by Gov. Mark Dayton and Katie Clark Sieben, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development. "The $24 million Job Creation Fund is now open for business," Katie Clark Sieben said. She says the "pay for performance" business development initiative will help create 5,000 jobs, and another $450 million of private investment into the economy.
Hunkering down at home rather than going to work, canceling thousands of flights and repairing burst pipes from the Midwest to the Southeast has its price. By one estimate, about $5 billion.
A monthly economic report suggests supply managers surveyed in nine Midwestern and Plains states are optimistic about the regional economy over the next six months. The confidence index for the Mid-America Business Conditions Index jumped to 66.5 last month from 57.2 in November.
With weather not posing a problem, shoppers flocked to their neighborhood malls and stores on Saturday to finish or, in many cases, begin their holiday shopping. According to retail analysts, Saturday is expected to be the busiest shopping day in the shortened season. And with just three days remaining until Christmas Day, many are finding deep discounts as retailers try to trim inventories. And it's not just people getting presents under the tree. Leah Goldade of Lulu and Luigi's Pet Boutique says business is brisk.
A new Census report shows that Iowa and several other Midwest and Plains states have the lowest poverty rates when cost of living is factored into the calculation. The report released Wednesday showed that Iowa had the lowest rate at 8.6 percent. The national rate under the new measure is 16 percent.
Have you ever considered changing careers? It's a common thought, but a gutsy move in a tough economy. So now, with the economy improving, we asked some people who've done it: How to start and two key questions to ask before making a change.
A new survey of business leaders suggests the economy will continue growing in nine Midwest and Plains states through the rest of 2013 but at a slower pace than earlier this year. The survey's overall economic index rose to 53.8 in August from July's 53.5.
Economic growth slowed down this month in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states, according to a report issued Thursday. The overall economic index for the region slipped to 55.8 in August from 57.3 in July, but was far ahead of the 47.1 in August 2012.
Depending on your views, same sex marriage may -- or may not -- change the face of Minnesota. But based what has happened in other states, same sex marriage could have an important economic impact.
State officials assured legislative leaders on Thursday that Minnesota's economy is on the upswing judging by promising jobs figures and tax collections, which will help buy off debt owed to schools and could enable the state to win a credit-rating upgrade.
While the national economy struggles, Minnesota's unemployment rate just hit its lowest level in five years.
Two United States Senators were in St. Paul Thursday, pushing for federal money to fix what they say is a national crisis on the Mississippi River.
A century ago, the seven-story brick building a few blocks from downtown was a factory — a symbol of an era when Milwaukee and other cities ringing the Great Lakes were industrial powerhouses churning out steel, automobiles and appliances.
It's a big night for racing in the Twin Cities, as the horses at Canterbury park are ready for the start of the racing season. It's not just the jockeys and trainers who have something to be excited about.
Have a beer, help the economy? That seems to be the idea in some cities that have rushed to embrace craft brewers.
A big jump in new orders suggests the economy is improving in nine Midwest and Plains states, but it's too soon to say whether that trend will continue, according to a monthly survey released Monday.
Supervalu is eliminating about 1,100 positions nationwide, or about 3 percent of its workforce, less than a week after the supermarket operator completed the sale of five of its grocery chains.
It's been more than five years since we've seen the Dow at such high levels, but most of us don't feel like celebrating.
A new study by Wilder Research finds homelessness continues to rise in Minnesota but not as dramatically as during the economic crash.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were defeated by the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, 114-113, after Collin Gillespie made a go-ahead jumper with 6.4 seconds left in the game.
Two years ago, when the Chanhassen football team won its first ever state title in its first ever Minnesota state tournament, it was a sophomore, Kade Bush that caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
While Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis continues to heal from the mass shooting that happened in late August, a new effort is underway to support them.
The two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost were beaten by the Toronto Sceptres 2-1 in a season opener of the Professional Women's Hockey League on Friday night.
The Minnesota Wild beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-0 on Friday night for their fourth straight victory.
While Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis continues to heal from the mass shooting that happened in late August, a new effort is underway to support them.
Minnesota lawmakers on a panel tasked with recommendations on how to improve security at the State Capitol are weighing several options, but remain at odds over what to do.
A man who says his uncle and cousin were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in St. Paul on Tuesday fears for their safety and is looking for answers.
Rollin Nolen's BBQ has officially opened to the public, marking a major milestone in owner TJ Nolen's decadelong journey in the barbecue business.
Firefighters in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on Friday warned homeowners to exercise caution and responsibility ahead of the holiday season.
A school bus driver in Maple Lake, Minnesota, was under the influence of alcohol when he was dropping students off from school Thursday, according to newly filed charges.
A federal jury has convicted a 39-year-old Minnesota man of fraudulently posing as a decorated U.S. Marine in an effort to obtain more than $140,000 in benefits.
It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but as soon as Kavan Christmas Tree Farm in Lino Lakes opened Friday morning, customers were ready.
An investigation is underway after a disturbing discovery last weekend at a southern Minnesota property that was being used as a pet rescue.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released new information about Sunday afternoon's shooting in Cass County that left one man dead and a deputy injured.
Wisconsin election clerks have referred 46 instances of suspected fraud and voting irregularities to prosecutors related to the November 2024 presidential election.
Plea negotiations are underway for a Wisconsin judge accused of helping an immigrant evade federal agents.
The tug of war that puts Vikings and Packers fans on opposite ends of a rope is moving across the St. Croix River after Minnesota transportation officials rejected a request to use the Stillwater Lift Bridge again.
Investigators say that efforts to identify who had been driving at the time of the crash have been unsuccessful.
At 108, he was the oldest living Merchant Marine in the world.
Two hundred Thanksgiving meals were distributed to this community by Second Harvest Heartland and the Thielen Foundation.
A Minnesota nonprofit is getting a major boost this week as dozens of college students spend their morning sorting donated shoes to support families in need.
For a decade and a half, Tru Breed Motorcycle Club has held Thanksgiving turkey giveaways on Minneapolis' northside
When you think of college roommates, you likely think of a couple of young adults making their way through school and fun. But there's a Twin Cities residence that's completely rethinking the concept of co-ed living, and it's turned into a life-giving project.
Activists joined the families of Mariah Samuels and Allison Lussier in front of the Hennepin County Government Center Thursday afternoon. They say Minneapolis police and others didn't do enough to keep their loved ones safe.
President Trump said in a social media post on Friday night that he is "terminating effective immediately" the Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
President Trump on Friday said he is ending deportation protections for Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced on X Friday she will resign from Congress early next year, after a weekslong falling-out with President Trump and much of her party.
Minnesota lawmakers on a panel tasked with recommendations on how to improve security at the State Capitol are weighing several options, but remain at odds over what to do.
A special panel of Minnesota legislators are weighing options about how to beef up security at the State Capitol, but they’re still clashing about what to do. WCCO’s Caroline Cummings reports.
It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but as soon as Kavan Christmas Tree Farm in Lino Lakes opened Friday morning, customers were ready.
Over the past couple of years, a number of breweries across the state have announced closures.
Get ready to see self-driving vehicles cruising across Minneapolis.
The overall price of a Thanksgiving meal might be cheaper than last year. The American Farm Bureau Federation says the average cost this year for a 10-person meal is just over $55.
Holiday shopping is underway, and new numbers show how Minnesotans plan to spend, and save, this season.
A school bus driver in Maple Lake, Minnesota, was under the influence of alcohol when he was dropping students off from school Thursday, according to newly filed charges.
A federal jury has convicted a 39-year-old Minnesota man of fraudulently posing as a decorated U.S. Marine in an effort to obtain more than $140,000 in benefits.
An investigation is underway after a disturbing discovery last weekend at a southern Minnesota property that was being used as a pet rescue.
A Little Canada, Minnesota, man is accused of robbing people who were selling items off of Facebook Marketplace.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released new information about Sunday afternoon's shooting in Cass County that left one man dead and a deputy injured.
Health care for an estimated 1 million Minnesotans is what's at stake as leaders from the University of Minnesota attempt to reach an extended partnership agreement with Fairview Health Services.
On his CaringBridge page, Weston Paszkiewicz's mother said he "was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully while watching a hockey game" Tuesday night.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we wanted to do a deep dive into gratefulness, and why it makes us feel better.
Earlier this year, Twin Cities jazz singer Bernadette Spray received a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board with the aim of raising autism awareness.
The transaction, which is still subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close early next year.
More than 20 years after its theatrical release, the movie "The Notebook" is still stealing hearts with a romance for the ages. The classic love story is now a hit Broadway musical taking the stage in St. Paul.
Chef Sean Sherman, the James Beard Award-winning force behind Minneapolis' Owamni restaurant and the North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems, appeared Wednesday night on "The Daily Show" to discuss his new book, "Turtle Island."
One of the most successful comedy musicians of all time is coming to the Minnesota State Fair next year.
Earlier this year, Twin Cities jazz singer Bernadette Spray received a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board with the aim of raising autism awareness.
Rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner will be making a stop in the Twin Cities next summer as the two bands join forces for the Double Trouble Double Vision Tour.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were defeated by the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, 114-113, after Collin Gillespie made a go-ahead jumper with 6.4 seconds left in the game.
The two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost were beaten by the Toronto Sceptres 2-1 in a season opener of the Professional Women's Hockey League on Friday night.
The Minnesota Wild beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-0 on Friday night for their fourth straight victory.
Parker Knutson's football season at Southwest Minnesota State started like a racehorse bursting out of the gates; five interceptions in his first three games matching last year's total.
Two hundred Thanksgiving meals were distributed to this community by Second Harvest Heartland and the Thielen Foundation.
The Department of Justice now has 30 days to release the files, though legal experts say a new investigation could lead to delays. That's because President Trump instructed the DOJ to investigate links between prominent Democrats and Epstein.
President Trump appears to have had an eleventh-hour change of heart on the Epstein files release, but legal experts say a new investigation could lead to delays.
President Trump appears to have had an eleventh-hour change of heart on the Epstein files release, but legal experts say a new investigation could lead to delays. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with political analysts Amy Frederiksen, a Republican, and Abou Amara, a Democrat about the fight over the documents and Mr. Trump's varied positions regarding releasing the files.
It was one of the biggest upsets in recent Minnesota history. State Rep. Kaohly Her defeated two-term incumbent and heavy favorite St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Now, the tough part is what her plans are for turning St. Paul around.
Her campaigned on making St. Paul affordable again. In weeks, she will be in charge, with a very challenging road ahead.
How would you like to own a former Cold War missile site? In Dakota County, Minnesota, there's a one-of-a-kind property that could be yours for the right price.
It's a photograph found in homes across the country, and even overseas. The picture "Grace" shows a man bowing his head in prayer with food and what appears to be a Bible in front of him.
Fall harvest means barns across the Midwest are a busy place — but for a central Minnesota woman, they aren't just farm buildings, they're works of art.
At one time, country schools were common in Minnesota. Over the decades, many were torn down as bigger schools were built — not in Otter Tail County.
Ramsey Park is so large some people call it "The Little Yellowstone of Minnesota." And it was actually a state park at one point. But in 1957, Redwood Falls acquired the land for $1 and then made a few changes.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we wanted to do a deep dive into gratefulness, and why it makes us feel better.
Many commuters know the Interstate 394 and Interstate 94 interchange seems to back up almost every afternoon. And you face the choice: should you wait in the back of the line or try to get closer and swoop in?
According to the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association, 50% of their farms open before Thanksgiving, which used to be unheard of.
We're past our prime when it comes to fall colors. But for many, it's peak time for yardwork.
One of the earliest surprises in parenthood can be learning the sex of your baby. There are tests to determine gender, but can your belly reveal the sex of your baby?
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
This weekend will feature high temperatures in the 50s before a cooldown during the week of Thanksgiving, according to Next Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
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.
High temperatures will be in the 50s in the Twin Cities this weekend, according to Next Weather Meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Highs will hit the 50s this weekend, but winter weather is on the way.
This will likely be the last nice weekend to get holiday lights up before winter hits, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Minnesota safety inspectors are investigating a death at Thompson Reuters' manufacturing facility in Eagan. The incident happened on Tuesday, according to officials.
Waseca will meet Annandale on Saturday in the Class 3A Prep Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium. Waseca coach Brad Wendland collapsed during a game four years ago and did not know if he would return to the sidelines. Mike Max caught up with Wendland ahead of the big game.
This weekend will feature high temperatures in the 50s before a cooldown during the week of Thanksgiving, according to Next Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
A lawsuit filed on Wednesday alleges a Minnesota couple's 3-month-old infant was diagnosed with botulism after eating ByHeart baby formula. The company recalled all of its products across the country last week after 31 cases were reported in 15 states.
It's been nearly three months since a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. Two children were killed and 28 others were injured. While the community continues to heal, a new effort is underway to support them. Ubah Ali takes us to Fridley where student athletes are dancing to bring change.