
Lawmakers polled State Fairgoers on marijuana, immigration and more
The Minnesota State Fair isn't just a fun place to snack and shop, it's a chance to get a pulse of the state on hot-button issues.
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The Minnesota State Fair isn't just a fun place to snack and shop, it's a chance to get a pulse of the state on hot-button issues.
The Minnesota State Fair isn't just a fun place to snack and shop. It's a chance to get a pulse of the state on hot-button issues. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the 2025 House of Representatives State Fair Poll, touching on topics that dominated the recent legislative session and maybe conversations at the dinner table.
The lights have dimmed and the gates are closed, but the work is far from over for crews on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
The latest statistics through Saturday show that nearly 1.6 million people have passed through the fair gates. It's a number that tops both last year and the year before, to date.
The Minnesota State Fair is wrapping up on Monday evening. Over 1.7 million people have visited the fairgrounds this year. Derek James shares how families are making the most of the fair’s last day.
The latest statistics through Saturday show that nearly 1.6 million people have passed through the fair gates.
WCCO's John Lauritsen visited with a family of show cow specialists, and got a lesson on how the animals get dolled up for the bright lights.
WCCO’s John Lauritsen visited with a family of show cow specialists, and got a lesson on how the animals get dolled up for the bright lights.
WCCO has had a prominent presence at "the Great Minnesota Get-Together" for more than six decades, from a booth in the Grandstand in 1960, to a permanent building at Carnes and Nelson.
Attendees of the Minnesota State Fair are once again able to pass through the main gate on Saturday after a protest traveling on Snelling Avenue caused a temporary closure.
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
A 27-year-old man from Coon Rapids, Minnesota, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Thursday night just a few blocks north of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
For many of the Gopher football player, the game on the gridiron is not their only interest. Ren Clayton spent some time with D-lineman Jalen Logan-Redding as he created some content.
Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts has moved, but they’re still serving up sweet treats.
Dominated by foot traffic, it's easy to forget the Minnesota State Fairgrounds is paved to handle vehicle traffic, complete with street names.
The Minnesota State Fair saluted veterans and active service members on Tuesday, drawing generations of soldiers, sailors and airmen.
Some of the food vendors at the Minnesota State Fair have been here for decades, and so have their workers.
Some of the food vendors at the Minnesota State Fair have been here for decades — and so have their workers.
For some Minnesota State Fairgoers, it's the deals that drive where they eat, shop, and have fun. At least 100 of those discounts can be found in a little-but-mighty booklet, usually procured at one of the first stops visitors make just beyond the gates.
Cannoli Gelato Nachos is one of the new foods at the Great Minnesota Get-Together this year. Anchor Amelia Santaniello and meteorologist Chris Shaffer try their hand at making the sweet treat.
For some at the State Fair, it's the deals that drive where they eat, shop, and have fun. At least 100 of those discounts can be found in a little-but-mighty booklet. Jeff Wagner shows how vendors are picked for the book.
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds cover 322 acres. It's a lot of ground to maneuver, which can be especially tricky for people who have disabilities.
The exhibit has been there for more than 50 years, and it's become very popular even without snow.
The Minnesota State Fair is a chance for artists and athletes to connect with the community and show off all their hard work.
Even in the summer, Minnesotans are thinking about the holidays. At the State Fair, there's no better place to get into the holiday spirit than at the Christmas tree exhibit in the Agriculture Horticulture Building. John Laurtisen shows just a few of the festive trees.
The public is being asked to be on the lookout for a 39-year-old Pine County, Minnesota, man who authorities say is an endangered missing person.
A 20-year-old man is charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating a woman at random with a table leg on a St. Paul LRT platform during rush hour Tuesday — as several witnesses watched without intervening.
Three Banana Ball games will be held in Minneapolis next year, according to the Minnesota Twins, who say all of the games will feature the Savannah Bananas and the Loco Beach Coconuts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows "Hamas will disarm," easy way or the hard way, as Israel's military says a Gaza ceasefire is in effect.
Friday will be a classic fall day in the Twin Cities with sunshine, a light northwest breeze and comfortable highs in the mid-to-upper 60s under clear skies.
A 20-year-old man is charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating a woman at random with a table leg on a St. Paul LRT platform during rush hour Tuesday — as several witnesses watched without intervening.
Three Banana Ball games will be held in Minneapolis next year, according to the Minnesota Twins, who say all of the games will feature the Savannah Bananas and the Loco Beach Coconuts.
One of the dozens of people arrested after a widespread initiative to address crime in Minneapolis and charged with racketeer influenced corrupt organization conspiracy has been sentenced.
Two men are charged with fraud after they allegedly used stolen EBT cards to purchase energy drinks they would then sell to gas station owners at a profit.
While executing a search warrant at the man's apartment, officers found more than $6,000 in stolen merchandise, including multiple vacuums and smart TVs.
The public is being asked to be on the lookout for a 39-year-old Pine County, Minnesota, man who authorities say is an endangered missing person.
The nonprofit has been around for about 30 years and hosts artists in a residency program.
In New Prague, 91-year-old Leonard Shambour was in danger of missing his first harvest in 85 years due to a health issue. But Leonard's son and fellow farmers weren't about to leave him behind.
Ahead of the next legislative session, Rep. Nolan West is leading the effort to redraft all Minnesota day care regulations, including safety rules.
On Thursday, officials provided a look at some new technology that could change how wildfires are spotted in Minnesota.
A federal judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man accused of smuggling lab equipment to Russian companies to a year and a day in prison.
Wisconsin's Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul has decided not to run for governor and will instead seek reelection to a third term.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is asking a judge to immediately put on hold his order that would require elections officials to verify the citizenship of all 3.6 million registered Wisconsin voters before the next statewide election in February.
Around 18,000 federal workers in Wisconsin are unpaid and in limbo amid the government shutdown, including a woman WCCO spoke with on Monday.
Authorities in western Wisconsin say a teenage boy is dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound days after shooting his pregnant girlfriend and uploading a video of the violence to social media.
When the news broke that Milton's would be closing, many longtime patrons were stunned.
Kelly Kunz began what she calls "Street Justice Ministry" months ago, buying a bus and using it to give essentials to those on the streets.
A 90-year-old former network producer is sharing her life lessons in a book, detailing her upbringing from a farm in Minnesota to Manhattan and back.
Love Your Melon began with beanies and a mission to fight childhood cancer. Now, one of its founders is bringing it all back with a bold new vision.
Donald Henson of Penn Hills is facing federal charges of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a governmental officer or employee and damaging government property.
Israeli troops are now withdrawing to agreed-upon deployment lines in Gaza following a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal, plus more of the day’s top stories.
A North Dakota judge has upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for kids.
Rep. Nolan West says day cares aren’t safe enough, and he has firsthand experience.
Ahead of the next legislative session, Rep. Nolan West is leading the effort to redraft all Minnesota day care regulations, including safety rules.
A federal grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James, marking the second Trump foe to face federal prosecution in recent weeks.
It's a pretty polarizing food — some love it, some not so much. Cottage cheese has been hard to find recently because sales are skyrocketing.
A beloved Minnesota brewery that closed its taproom in 2023 and ceased operations completely earlier this year is set to make a return.
Owamni, a decorated Indigenous restaurant that sits along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, is relocating — but it's not going far.
It's common nowadays to wear something in or over your ears to listen to music, a podcast or talk on the phone. Some people use them for hours on end every single day.
A new initiative is letting people bring open alcoholic drinks onto the streets of Shakopee and inside participating businesses. But it's getting mixed reviews one month in.
A 20-year-old man is charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating a woman at random with a table leg on a St. Paul LRT platform during rush hour Tuesday — as several witnesses watched without intervening.
One of the dozens of people arrested after a widespread initiative to address crime in Minneapolis and charged with racketeer influenced corrupt organization conspiracy has been sentenced.
Two men are charged with fraud after they allegedly used stolen EBT cards to purchase energy drinks they would then sell to gas station owners at a profit.
While executing a search warrant at the man's apartment, officers found more than $6,000 in stolen merchandise, including multiple vacuums and smart TVs.
A third man has been sentenced for his role in a staged robbery in Isanti County that went wrong and ended in a murder.
A North Dakota judge has upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for kids.
Some Minnesotans in the state's 6th Congressional District are calling on Republican Rep. Tom Emmer to restore health care funding and end the government shutdown.
You likely know what OCD stands for, but many people don't know what having obsessive-compulsive disorder actually means.
An Eden Prairie couple said an AED was a lifesaver on the pickleball court they were at on Saturday night.
A baby boy from Lakeville, Minnesota needed specialized medical care at a hospital across the country. Thanks to some committed parents and a Midwest nonprofit staffed with volunteer pilots, he made the journey.
Three Banana Ball games will be held in Minneapolis next year, according to the Minnesota Twins, who say all of the games will feature the Savannah Bananas and the Loco Beach Coconuts.
Dolly Parton's spokesperson told CBS News that she was filming the video to address fans' concerns.
Disney is hiking single-day ticket prices at two of it most popular parks for certain holiday periods.
Thirty paintings by Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to support public television stations after federal funding cuts.
Staff at legendary Minneapolis music venues First Avenue and 7th St Entry are mourning the death of Conrad Sverkerson, the clubs' longtime stage manager.
Some of the biggest stars in the NFL play fantasy football, but the league has rules.
Ryan Hartman scored twice, Filip Gustavsson made 27 saves for his 12th NHL shutout and the Minnesota Wild beat the St. Louis Blues 5-0 on Thursday night in the opener for both teams.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will get some "extensive work" during the team's bye week, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, in hopes he can begin ramping up to a return to the field.
The Minnesota Vikings showed again their hidden strength of being able to win close games in adverse conditions by beating the Cleveland Browns at the end of a difficult 10-day road trip.
An Eden Prairie couple said an AED was a lifesaver on the pickleball court they were at on Saturday night.
Rep. Nolan West says day cares aren’t safe enough, and he has firsthand experience.
Ahead of the next legislative session, Rep. Nolan West is leading the effort to redraft all Minnesota day care regulations, including safety rules.
Ahead of the next legislative session, Rep. Nolan West is leading the effort to redraft all Minnesota day care regulations, including safety rules.
Her has represented St. Paul in the state legislature since 2019. Among the neighborhoods she represents are Cathedral Hill and Mac-Groveland.
Melvin Carter is seeking a 3rd term as St. Paul mayor. He has four opponents running against him. One of them is Rep. Kaohly Her.
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.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to one of the last limestone kilns in the state.
Earlier this month, many students went back to school after summer vacation, but in the town of McGregor, Minnesota it's always the first day of school.
In the United States, there are 13 different towns named Long Beach. The one in Minnesota is the smallest, but it's found a colorful way to stand out.
The Aerial Lift Bridge has been granting safe passage for so long that it's become part of the city's skyline. It's evolved over the years, but many of its original parts are still intact.
It's a pretty polarizing food — some love it, some not so much. Cottage cheese has been hard to find recently because sales are skyrocketing.
You likely know what OCD stands for, but many people don't know what having obsessive-compulsive disorder actually means.
It's common nowadays to wear something in or over your ears to listen to music, a podcast or talk on the phone. Some people use them for hours on end every single day.
Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield finds out if there is "ick" in the licks.
The Twin Cities each have a unique personality, pace, and history. But in the mid-1800s, both were still searching for what to call their communities.
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.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
The new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is under construction just outside of Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Set to open in late 2026, the $40 million, first-of-its-kind project in the nation will be eight times the size of the existing museum. It will honor not only Minnesota's service members and their sacrifices, but the refugee experience as well. Watch and read more in Pauleen Le's series "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota."
Now that the cooler temperatures have moved in, things are looking calm for the weekend, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
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.
Friday will be a classic fall day in the Twin Cities with sunshine, a light northwest breeze and comfortable highs in the mid-to-upper 60s under clear skies.
The Twin Cities will enjoy a classic fall day to end the work week, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be similar to today with sunshine and a breeze.
The list was topped by Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On," but songs by Taylor Swift, Frank Ocean, Britney Spears and Beyonce all figured into the top 10.
Now that the cooler temperatures have moved in, things are looking calm for the weekend, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Authorities say a stranger randomly attacked a woman Tuesday morning during rush hour at the Fairview and University LRT station in St. Paul.
Israeli troops are now withdrawing to agreed-upon deployment lines in Gaza following a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Twin Cities will enjoy a classic fall day to end the work week, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.