Latest news with #WCCO
CBS News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Minnesotans remember late actor Malcom-Jamal Warner for activism as well as talent
As the mourning continues for Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a Minnesotan who knew him says the teen star was much more than just an actor. Comedic scenes, and serious ones too, Warner captured attention and seized respect. WCCO anchor A.J. Hilton was a fan of Warner's work on the Cosby Show. "The Cosby Show was the first show that had a Black family, an affluent Black family, that was living everyday life," Hilton said. "I know those moments because it reminds me of home, reminds me of me and my family." It's a sentiment echoed by many, including Gary Hines of Minneapolis-based Sounds of Blackness. "He played that role to the nines, as we say in the business, and was so impactful with it," said Hines. He soon realized the admiration was mutual when Warner approached him in Los Angeles at the NAACP Image Awards. "He said, Gary, I love Sounds of Blackness. Me and my family, everything you mean, especially to our people and to all people, really. Because he was very, very socially conscious and aware. A really, a happy warrior," Hines said. He was a warrior on a mission for awareness, as he showed in 2023 when he performed his poetry for the Minnesota Orchestra — and he did that with Minnesota stars by his side, posing with Justice Alan Page and Jevetta Steele. Hines says he believes Warner would want to be remembered as "an activist and someone who spoke up for justice and equality." "In the spirit of Harry Belafonte, activist before actor. I'm sure he would insist upon that," Hines said. Not only was Warner a poet, he was also a musician, winning a Grammy for best traditional R&B performance in 2015 for the song "Jesus Children."
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Looking to beat the heat in the Twin Cities? Here's a list of cooling centers around the metro
An excessive heat warning is in place across the Twin Cities metro Sunday as feels-like temperatures surpass 100 degrees. WCCO has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for Sunday due to the dangerous heat, as well as the risk for severe storms. For those looking for a place to stay cool, there are options. The following places have cooling centers open across the Twin Cities for free during business hours: For a complete list of cooling centers open in Hennepin County, click here. Minneapolis also has several free pools, beaches and splash pads to help people beat the heat. To see a map of all the cooling centers and beaches in Ramsey County, click here. To stay cool, experts encourage people to limit time in direct sunlight and drink plenty of water. If you're going to be outside in the heat, doctors encourage wearing loose, light clothing and seeking shade when you can. It's recommended that anyone working or exercising in the elements drink at least one cup of water for every 20 minutes. Older adults, young kids and anyone with underlying conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat. In Minnesota, the number of heat-related hospitalizations spikes at a feels-like temperature of only 86 degrees. Cramps, rapid pulse and dizziness are early signs to watch out for when it comes to heat-related illness. Adam Del Rosso and Aki Nace contributed to this report.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
How to watch the Minneapolis Aquatennial fireworks display
The Minneapolis Aquatennilal wraps up on Saturday night with its signature fireworks show. The Aquatennial is a civic celebration of the city of Minneapolis produced by the Downtown Council. It takes place each year during the third full week of July. Organizers say the Target Fireworks show is set to begin at 10 p.m. along the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis. Around 250,000 people visit the area each year to watch. The show uses over 10,000 pounds of fireworks and is one of the top five largest in the country, according to organizers. Officials say one of the best vantage points is on the west side of the river in the area of West River Parkway and Portland Avenue. For anyone who can't make it to the display, WCCO will offer a full replay on CBS News Minnesota. What: Full replay of the Target Fireworks show. When: Immediately after the 10 p.m. newscast on Saturday, July 26. How to watch: On CBS News Minnesota via Pluto TV or the CBS News app. The Aquatennial Torchlight Parade scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, was canceled due to forecasted severe weather in the area. Note: The video above originally aired July 23, 2025.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
WWII veteran, TikTok star "Papa Jake" Larson to be honored in Normandy
Families in Normandy, France are getting ready to celebrate the life of "Papa Jake" Larson — A Minnesota native and war hero. He helped plan the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, and later became a TikTok sensation. He died last week at the age of 102. "Support has been coming in, not just from all over the country but all over the world," said Karlan Larson, "Papa Jake's" son. Karlan Larson knew this day would come, but it doesn't make losing his father any easier. "It's just so many things and such an outpouring of love for his legacy," said Karlan Larson. A farm boy from Hope Township, Minnesota, "Papa Jake" lied about his age so he could join the National Guard at the age of 15, and he later found himself in World War II. He knew as much about typewriters as he did about guns, so with military leaders by his side, he helped type up the plans for D-Day. "Every person who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day . . . came through these fingers," said Papa Jake during a 2024 interview. Later in life, he became a TikTok star. And at the age of 95, he began making yearly trips to Normandy. WCCO caught up with him last year in France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. "They treat me like a celebrity and I'm just a farm boy from Hope, Minnesota. It's crazy. It's plain crazy," he said. But his real reason for the trips was to honor his fellow soldiers who never made it home. "They are my buddies. They're up there right now," he said. "They're up there waiting for me." And now Karlan Larson believes his father is finally reunited with the brothers he lost during the war. "With open arms. With a pat on the back a hug, saying, hey Jake, job well done," said Karlan Larson. "We could not be more proud of my dad. As Papa Jake would say, 'I've got happy tears.' Everything thinking about papa, is all great, great memories." "Papa Jake" died after a heart procedure last week. A celebration of life, put together by a youth group, will take place in Normandy on Saturday. Organizers expect around 4,000 mourners to be there.
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
St. Paul police squad car strikes building
WCCO is working to learn what happened before a St. Paul Police Department squad vehicle slammed into a brick building overnight Thursday. Police and the Minnesota State Patrol were both on scene near North Milton Street and Thomas Avenue in the Frogtown community, according to a WCCO photojournalist. It appears a second vehicle may be somehow connected, but we are waiting to hear back from police with details. This story will be updated.
