Puppetry takes center stage at new CTC show
An endearing children's book about a monster who's terrible at scaring is on stage at the Children's Theater Company, but the production is unlike anything they've put on stage before. It's called 'Leonardo: A Wonderful Show about a Terrible Monster'. The cast utilizes puppets, both paper and fuzzy puppets. They have a few different projector stations which are then broadcast on a large screen above the stage. None of the process is hidden, so they let you in on the magic of creating a show like this. This show is based on the Mo Willems book. The author actually approached this theater company, Manuel Cinema that's based in Chicago to come up with a way to bring his story to life. The show is on stage until March 9th.
Maple Grove teacher named Vikings Fan of the Year
Maple Grove teacher Betsy Fine got the surprise of a lifetime this fall when Viktor the Viking showed up at her school with a big surprise. Betsy is the Vikings Fan of the Year. Purple and Gold pride runs in her family, her grandfather got the family hooked with season tickets when the Vikings were founded. As the Vikings Fan of the Year, Betsy won a trip to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. She's excited to watch the game with her daughter.
Meet 2025's Klondike Kate
The St. Paul Winter Carnival is just a few weeks away, but we already know who will help lead this year's celebrations. Ame’ Jo Peach was sashed at a ceremony Wednesday night. Peach lives in Zimmerman. She was selected for her crowd appeal and portrayal of the real-life Klondike Kate. Ame’ Jo joined the FOX 9 Morning News to talk about the win and what she's looking forward to during the festivities. The 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will be held January 23 – February 2, 2025.
U.S. Economic outlook for 2025
The economy performed well in 2024, but as we enter the new year there is a bit of uncertainty for 2025. Inflation, the labor market and politics will be closely watched in the next few months. Patrick Rehkamp, a senior financial writer from 1834, A Division of Old National Bank, joined the FOX 9 Morning News to review 2024 and discuss what's projected for 2025.
Surprise delivery: Primp our Tree given to St. Paul family
We want to send a special thank you to all of the FOX 9 Morning News viewers who sent in ornaments for our annual tradition we lovingly call "Primp Our Tree". This year Tom Butler and Kelly O'Connell delivered the tree to Sky Lamont and her family. Lamont and her two children just moved into a new apartment and are still working to furnish their home. Thanks to generous donations from viewers, they now have an extra dose of Christmas cheer to brighten their spirits.
Federal Reserve lowers interest rates again
The Federal Reserve is back in the headlines, with one final rate cut to round out 2024. The latest move leaves its benchmark lending rate at a range of 4.25%-4.5%, a two-year low. Patrick Rehkamp, a senior financial writer from 1834, A Division of Old National Bank, joined the FOX 9 Morning News to talk about the numbers and what to look for in 2025.
Top local dancers featured in ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’
The Nutcracker is playing on many stages across the Twin Cities from professional productions to studio shows, but only one has been on stage for 60 years. ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’ was choreographed by renowned Minnesota choreographer and founder of Minnesota Dance Theatre, Loyce Houlton. This year, the production features more than 100 dancers from several studios paired with professional dancers. They are accompanied by a 44-piece orchestra. The show runs from December 14th through the 22nd at State Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the State Theatre box office.
Shakopee light display draws thousands of visitors
Come for the lights, stay for the crafts! Roger Schmidt grew up loving his neighbors light display. They even handed out candy. And that inspired him to do something similar. His light display started coming together in 1998. Now it fills the entire front and back yard and he has plans to spill over into two neighbors yards, who have given him permission. He created a walk-through experience that includes a stop in the garage where there are several tables set up with crafting supplies for kids, plus cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee. It is free to visit. Lights turn on at 5pm nightly through the 31st and crafts begin at 5:30pm. Some nights Santa appears in the Santa hut they built off the front porch. The home is located at 921 Shakopee Avenue East and there’s a Facebook page called ‘Shakopee Winter Wonderland.’
Sauna cabanas open on Pryes Brewing patio
Sauna season is in full effect, and there’s some unlikely spots to get a steam session in. Pryes Brewing has opened sauna cabanas on their patio, with four Nordic saunas from Superior Sauna & Steam that are available to rent for private parties as well as community steam experiences. The cabanas also include cold showers and private bonfire lounges, while an "event sauna" can also hold 20 people. To pair with the steam, Pryes has created a sauna beer called Kallio and a hydrating NA option called Hop Water.
Dirty soda shop Sota opens in Maple Grove
A dirty soda shop Sota opens in Maple Grove after seeing success as a food truck. FOX 9's Hannah Flood stops by to check it out.
Como Zoo polar bears celebrate monumental birthdays
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is home to the oldest male polar bear in North America. In fact, Neil is celebrating his 29th birthday Dec. 9. It’s a two-fer because his companion Nan is also another year older turning 30. She’s now in a three-way tie for oldest female polar bear in North America. The celebration included cupcakes on top of decorated barrels. Their roommate Kulu also got to enjoy the party and had the most fun. At just 5- years old, he continued to play with the barrels long after the cupcakes were gone. The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2024 British Arrow Awards at the Walker Art Center
For nearly 40 years, the best TV advertisements in the United Kingdom have been shown at the Walker Art Center in downtown Minneapolis. And these screenings always draw big crowds. The British Arrows, one of the oldest awards shows in the UK, begin screening at the Walker Art Cinema on December 6th and will play through January 4th, Thursday through Saturday. Tickets start at $18 and includes gallery admission. The show runs 73 minutes.
Latest jobs report better than expected
U.S. job growth rebounded in November with strong payroll gains after the lackluster October jobs report reflected labor disruptions due to hurricanes and union strikes. Patrick Rehkamp, a senior financial writer from 1834, A Division of Old National Bank, joined the FOX 9 Morning News to talk about the numbers and what to look for in 2025.
Rare, vintage holiday finds at Junk Bonanza
A very vintage Christmas market is underway this weekend at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Junk Bonanza has several events throughout the year but the holiday market runs from December 5th to the 7th. It is the longest-running and largest antique and vintage market in the Midwest.
A festive show for the grown-ups brings humor to the holidays
For more than 50 years, the Brave New Workshop crew has been creating a sketch comedy show where they deck the halls with abandon. This year’s show is called ‘Big Christmas Energy.’ It’s geared toward an older audience, 14 and up. ‘Big Christmas Energy’ runs through January 31, 2025 at Dudley Riggs Theatre at 824 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Holiday Ideas House returns inside historic home on Lyndale
A holiday tradition is back. Bachman’s is reopening the decked out historic home on Lyndale for the first time since the pandemic and they’re honoring another historic Minnesota company with the theme. The Ideas House will be open Thursdays through Sundays From Nov. 29 to Sunday Dec. 15. It also happens to be the 40th anniversary of Department 56, which specializes in small ceramic holiday villages so they’ve displayed several villages inside the home. Tickets are $5 each and must be reserved ahead of time.
Santa puts Good Day hosts on 'Naughty or Nice' list
Black Friday has arrived, and with it the holiday season. Santa and Mrs. Claus were at the Mall of America Friday for the opening of the Candy Cane Institute. FOX 9's Lauren Andrego has the latest.
FOX 9 Good Day: Thanksgiving Special with recipes
The FOX 9 Good Day Crew took a field trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to get some tips on cooking the perfect holiday feast. Kelly, Shayne, and Garden Guy Dale K. are sharing tips for growing your own herbs at home, plus recipes from Arboretum Chefs on cooking the turkey, side dishes and dessert.
Retailers optimistic for holiday shopping season
We're less than a month out from Christmas, and this holiday season could be a quick turn around to get all of the gifts purchased for family and friends. Retailers are taking notice. Patrick Rehkamp, a senior financial writer from 1834, A Division of Old National Bank, joined the FOX 9 Morning News to talk about the holiday shopping forecast and what inflation means for consumers and retailers.
Arcade featuring only claw machines opens in Roseville
Claw machine arcades are popping up all over the Twin Cities. These types of machines are quite popular in Japan and are typically filled with colorful plushies. Neko Clawww is one of the newest spots in Roseville. And while claw machines are one of the most frustrating arcade games, the staff there will "fluff" the machine if you’re striking out. Neko Clawww is open seven days a week on Lexington Avenue near Larpenteur Avenue. There are similar arcades in Bloomington and Maplewood as well.