Improved air quality in Twin Cities Friday, but heat still a danger
Though the metro has already seen much of the smoke from northern wildfires clear, areas up north are still experiencing hazardous or very unhealthy air quality.
Minnesota
Breaking Local News, NEXT Weather & Community Journalism
Latest News
More
After spending 40 days lost in the Colorado wilderness, cat is reunited with her owner
An Isanti, Minnesota, tattoo artist was reunited with her cat weeks after she was lost in the Colorado wilderness.
Investigation
Independent review of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's pollution notification in Eagan underway
WCCO Investigates has learned a state watchdog is taking a closer look at the community's concerns surrounding pollution problems at a battery recycling plant and the state agency that oversees it.
Could Trump's endorsement of Lindell hurt MN GOP's election chances?
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
Why Minnesota farmers are turning to drones to spray their fields
It's Tyler Larson's first year running a spray drone. On Thursday morning, he was applying fungicide to a soybean field near Owatonna, Minnesota.
Minneapolis City Council approves $2.5 million for Heritage Park complex
Minneapolis will allocate $2.5 million to repair a crumbling public housing complex on the north side of the city.
Minneapolis City Council votes down drone pilot program for police dept.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a contract that would allow the police department to use drones to respond to emergencies.
Man shot, killed in Minneapolis after argument over property, according to police
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon.
Lyndale Avenue redesign gets green light despite small business pushback
The Minneapolis City Council approved a major redesign of Lyndale Avenue South on Thursday.
NEXT Weather Forecast
Latest Radars
NEXT Weather Headlines
Outdoor workers urged to prioritize health as Minnesota air quality worsens
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
How wildfire smoke is different from backyard bonfire and the health risks it poses
The last 20 years have seen a steady number of wildfire occurrences in the U.S. and an increase in Canada.
Air quality causes closures, cancellations in Minneapolis, St. Paul
Hazardous air quality is causing closures and cancellations at parks and other public recreation spots in the Twin Cities.
Latest Videos
MoreLatest Videos
4 Your Weekend: Lumberjack Days and the Minneapolis Aquatennial
There's so much to do this weekend in Minnesota, from festivals to art fairs.
Trump repeats false and unsubstantiated claims about election security in primetime address
In a primetime address, President Trump took to the airwaves to allege interference in the 2020 election from China — an accusation that Beijing and U.S. intelligence agencies have contradicted.
NEXT Weather: 5 a.m. report for Minnesota from July 17, 2026
The Twin Cities area remains under an extreme heat warning and air quality alert Friday morning.
NEXT Weather | 10 p.m. weather report for Thurs., July 16, 2026
The air quality improves by Friday morning, but temperatures will remain hot with a feels-like temperature pushing 100 degrees. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares how hot the next few days will be and when we could see a slight dip in temps.
Independent review of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's pollution notification in Eagan
Independent review of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's pollution notification in Eagan.
Sports News
More
Target USA Cup games suspended Thursday amid air quality concerns
The Target USA Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, is suspended Thursday in the Twin Cities due to hazardous air quality from northern wildfires.
Lynx beat the Sparks 96-87
Kayla McBride scored 24 for her fifth straight 20-point performance, Courtney Williams added 19 points, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Los Angeles Sparks 96-87 for their fourth straight victory.
Argentina rallies past bitter rival England to book spot in World Cup final
Defending World Cup champion Argentina rallied to edge England 2-1 to advance to Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain.
Spain reaches World Cup final with dominant 2-0 win over France
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Suni Lee announces return to gymnastics 2 years before LA Olympics
Suni Lee is making a run at a third Olympics.
Good Question
More
How can you ease the appliance strain on your AC during a heat wave?
When you get home from work in the evening, your first thought may be dinner. You might fire up the stove or oven, you could also start a load of laundry. Not long after that, you're running the dishwasher. You may think you're being efficient, but your house during this heat wave disagrees.
Why does Minnesota require vehicles to have 2 license plates?
It's one of Minnesota's rules of the road in which two is better than one. But Jodi from Lakeville emailed WCCO saying a lot of drivers don't seem to care about the law.
Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Does the order in which you eat food matter?
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
How reliant are Minnesotans on air conditioning?
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
Community Journalism
More
St. Paul shifts approach on homeless encampments with planned closures
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Metrodome's blue seats find new home at Atwater baseball field
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
St. Paul's Urban Lights is building community for musicians, artists
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Joe's Lemonade Stand marks 11th year fundraising for Gillette Children's
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
More resources
Twin Cities News
More Twin Cities News
Investigation
Independent review of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's pollution notification in Eagan
WCCO Investigates has learned a state watchdog is taking a closer look at the community's concerns surrounding pollution problems at a battery recycling plant and the state agency that oversees it.
Man shot, killed in Minneapolis after argument over property, according to police
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon.
Could Trump's endorsement of Lindell hurt MN GOP's election chances?
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
Outdoor workers urged to prioritize health as Minnesota air quality worsens
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
Lyndale Avenue redesign gets green light despite small business pushback
The Minneapolis City Council approved a major redesign of Lyndale Avenue South on Thursday.
Greater Minnesota News
More Greater Minnesota News
Could Trump's endorsement of Lindell hurt MN GOP's election chances?
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
Why Minnesota farmers are turning to drones to spray their fields
It's Tyler Larson's first year running a spray drone. On Thursday morning, he was applying fungicide to a soybean field near Owatonna, Minnesota.
Outdoor workers urged to prioritize health as Minnesota air quality worsens
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
Hazardous smoke, extreme heat cause cancellations across Minnesota
Events and other scheduled outdoor activities are being canceled across Minnesota Thursday as hazardous wildfire smoke continues to pour down from the north amid an extreme heat warning.
Tips for keeping your pet safe amid air quality alert in Minnesota
With air quality in the Twin Cities hitting historically hazardous levels, the Animal Humane Society is reminding residents to keep an eye on their pets.
Wisconsin News
More Wisconsin News
Lumberjack World Championships enters 66th year in Hayward
For 66 years, the Lumberjack World Championships have brought the world's best to Hayward, Wisconsin.
Victims in Lake Pepin fatal boat crash identified
Three people who died after a pontoon overturned on Lake Pepin over the weekend have been identified.
3 dead after boat overturns on Lake Pepin
Two of the decedents were members of the Wabasha Fire Department, the chief confirmed.
A Wisconsin family is suing Target after their 10-month-old died from swallowing a water bead
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
Democratic socialist Hong runs for Wisconsin governor in Aug. 11 primary
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
Politics
More Politics
Politics
Trump repeats false and unsubstantiated claims about election security in primetime address
In a primetime address, President Trump took to the airwaves to allege interference in the 2020 election from China — an accusation that Beijing and U.S. intelligence agencies have contradicted.
Fact-checking Trump's speech on election security
President Trump delivered a speech on election security Thursday night at the White House. Here are the facts behind some of his claims.
Could Trump's endorsement of Lindell hurt MN GOP's election chances?
In this week's Talking Points, some warn that this endorsement could destroy the GOP's chances of winning up and down the ballot, including among Republicans.
Lyndale Avenue redesign gets green light despite small business pushback
The Minneapolis City Council approved a major redesign of Lyndale Avenue South on Thursday.
Minneapolis votes down drone pilot program for police department
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a contract that would allow the police department to use drones to respond to emergencies.
Consumer News
More Consumer News
Minnesota AG suing Loon for selling flavored vapes that appeal to youth
The lawsuit accuses Loon of using "kid-friendly characters" to promote its vapes in flavors such as Cotton Candy, Strawberry Popsicle, Banana Taffy and Blue Razz Slushy.
A Wisconsin family is suing Target after their 10-month-old died from swallowing a water bead
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
Fireworks store owner details laws to know in Minnesota, tips to stay safe
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
Better Business Bureau warns of storm chaser scams after hailstorm
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Target Field concessions workers strike
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Crime News
More Crime News
Man shot, killed in Minneapolis after argument over property, according to police
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon.
Minneapolis City Council votes down drone pilot program for police dept.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday rejected a contract that would allow the police department to use drones to respond to emergencies.
2 sentenced in connection with St. Paul drug trafficking conspiracy
Court documents show Kendra Johnson was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison and Erling Holdahl was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.
Man pleads guilty to wire fraud in Minnesota housing program scheme
A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud in a scheme prosecutors said bilked a now-defunct Minnesota housing program out of millions of dollars.
Federal agent from Minnesota sentenced in child sexual abuse material case
A federal agent in Minnesota who pleaded guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison.
Health News
More Health News
Outdoor workers urged to prioritize health as Minnesota air quality worsens
The advice is to stay inside when air quality turns hazardous, but that's not an option for many outdoor workers.
Target USA Cup games suspended Thursday amid air quality concerns
The Target USA Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, is suspended Thursday in the Twin Cities due to hazardous air quality from northern wildfires.
MDH touts new resources for identifying infant abuse
A state law passed last year directed the state Department of Health to create materials on "recognizing the signs of physical abuse in infants and how to report suspected physical abuse of infants" and make them available online.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
Mpls. air quality was world's worst Thursday, but much improved Friday
An air quality alert will expire at 11 a.m. for most of the state, though the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said it will continue through Friday and into the weekend in the northeastern corner.
Entertainment News
More Entertainment News
4 Your Weekend: Rondo Days and the Minneapolis Aquatennial begins
There's so much to do this weekend in Minnesota, from festivals to art fairs.
3 Minnesota ice cream shops among dozens in U.S. eyeing top national honors
Three Minnesota ice cream shops are in the running for a national title this summer.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
St. Paul's Midway neighborhood getting an indoor adventure park
A St. Paul, Minnesota, neighborhood that has struggled to keep businesses might be turning a corner.
4 Your Weekend: Bull Ridin' Bonanza, Book Fair for Grown-Ups and more
It's another action-packed weekend here in Minnesota, featuring hot dogs, book fairs, community celebrations and more.