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It's Friday, and that means it's time for Heather Brown to dig into the Good Question mailbag to answer some of your best queries. We start with a question many of you have written in this winter concerning.
On Wednesday, Facebook announced it would buy WhatsApp, a free texting, picture-sending application popular in India, Latin American and Europe, for $19 billion. WhatsApp was created in 2009 and now reportedly has 52 employees. It brings in some revenue from a nominal $1 charge for some of its 450 million customers.
When it comes to milk, Americans are drinking much less than we used to. According to USDA statistics, we drank 0.96 cups of milk a day in 1970. By 2010, that dropped to 0.61 cups.
A Star Tribune Minnesota Poll out Tuesday found that a slight majority – 51 percent -- of Minnesotans favor legalizing medical marijuana. Already, 20 other states allow it, but patients must buy it through shops and dispensaries.
With all of the snow and subzero temperatures this winter, several of you have wondered about how firefighters are able to use the hydrants when they need them. Jeff from Plymouth and Carol from Eagan asked: How does the water in a fire hydrant not freeze? Roger from St. Paul wanted to know: Whose responsibility is it to keep the fire hydrants clear?
Amerti asked: Why do we associate red with romance? For centuries, red has meant danger, strength, courage and love. It's always been considered a powerful color that stands out to represent things that are powerful to people. Carol Bruess, professor of family studies at the University of St. Thomas, says it all probably comes down to what's in our veins. "The heart is the organ that pumps 'red' blood through our life system, the body," Bruess said.
Many of us will be celebrating Valentine's Day on Friday with a nice dinner out and maybe a bottle of wine. That had us wondering: How do you find the best value for a bottle?
Sky, a 5-year-old Wire Fox Terrier, won Best in Show at Tuesday night's Westminster Kennel Club's Dog Show. She beat out 2,800 other dogs to take home the title, which comes with a trophy, ribbon and steak lunch. More than 180 different breeds of dogs took part in the annual event, so that got us wondering: How did we get to many different types of dogs?
On Tuesday night, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted French President François Hollande for an official state dinner at the White House.
Every day, almost 30,000 planes take off and land in the United States without a hitch. But a new report released by the Associated Press found at least 150 flights have landed or almost landed at the wrong airport since the mid-90s. These flights include a cargo 747 that landed at a small Kansas airport last fall, eight miles from its intended target. And there was a Southwest 737 last month that was headed for Branson, Mo. but ended up at a small airport seven miles away.
Jim from Maple Grove wanted to know: Why do we use the word "spam" to describe our junk emails? Heather Brown answers that and other questions.
When you think of nonprofits, homeless shelters or food shelves might come to mind. But during the Super Bowl, many of you wondered why the NFL is considered a nonprofit, too. You emailed us wondering: What does it take to be a nonprofit?
When Stillwater native Rachel Frederickson took home $250,000 on Tuesday night's The Biggest Loser, Twitter lit up with criticism of the former high school swimmer. She'd shed 150 pounds over seven months to get down to a 105-pound frame. That was almost 60 percent of her body weight – the biggest percentage body weight loss in the show's history.
For people who use social media a lot, it can be hard to remember what it was like before Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. According to one study, sponsored by Facebook, found some of us spend more than two hours a day connected to our phones.
This Saturday, the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys will start its annual cookie sales fundraiser. Last year, the 41,000-strong Girl Scouts River Valleys council sold 4.3 million boxes and brought in $17 million. Each girl sold an average of 146 boxes. "I can learn how to sell things and operate a small business basically," said Girl Scout Sarah Albert of Brooklyn Park.
Gov. Tim Walz has ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags at all state buildings to fly at half-staff on Monday to honor and remember St. Paul firefighter Timothy Bertz, who officials said died after suffering a "serious medical event."
Minneapolis officials have banned government officials, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, from using city lots and ramps as a staging area to enforce federal immigration laws, according to an updated city ordinance.
Police in Roseville, Minnesota, are investigating after they said officers found a man injured at the scene of a reported shooting on Friday morning.
A lucky lottery player in Arkansas won the $1.817 billion Powerball drawing on Christmas Eve, but someone in the Twin Cities was also treated to a nice stocking stuffer in the form of $100,000.
Minneapolis police say they're investigating a "suspicious death" after a woman's body was discovered inside a vehicle Tuesday morning.
As Christmas trees across the nation come down, a farm in Elk River, Minnesota, is finding a new purpose for the pines.
Gov. Tim Walz has ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags at all state buildings to fly at half-staff on Monday to honor and remember St. Paul firefighter Timothy Bertz, who officials said died after suffering a "serious medical event."
An ER patient is accused of attacking a security guard inside a Wyoming, Minnesota, hospital on Christmas evening, leading to a confrontation with a police officer outside the facility.
Hockey moms are a community, one that Jacqueline Nowakowski had no idea she'd need as much as she does.
Two women are dead after a semitruck collided with a Chrysler minivan in Elmer Township, Minnesota, on Christmas Eve, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional Slender Man has been ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital after she escaped from her group home last month.
Several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are reporting delayed starts on Monday amid a messy morning commute.
The U.S. Justice Department has sued three states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, and D.C. for not turning over requested voter information to the Trump administration.
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
On Sunday, members of Minnesota's Somali community spoke out against President Trump's social media post calling for an end to temporary protected status.
Minneapolis officials have banned government officials, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, from using city lots and ramps as a staging area to enforce federal immigration laws, according to an updated city ordinance.
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
President Trump says the U.S. launched powerful and deadly strikes against Islamic state forces in Nigeria, plus more of the day’s top stories.
Strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Buy now, pay later plans are becoming more popular for shoppers this holiday season.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
Police in Roseville, Minnesota, are investigating after they said officers found a man injured at the scene of a reported shooting on Friday morning.
Minneapolis police say they're investigating a "suspicious death" after a woman's body was discovered inside a vehicle Tuesday morning.
An ER patient is accused of attacking a security guard inside a Wyoming, Minnesota, hospital on Christmas evening, leading to a confrontation with a police officer outside the facility.
A 63-year-old West St. Paul, Minnesota, man accused of pointing a gun at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent says the agent also pointed a gun at him, according to court documents filed on Thursday.
Minneapolis police are investigating after they say a man suffered "potentially life-threatening injuries" in a stabbing on Thursday morning.
The clock is ticking to snag a few more gifts and prepare for that holiday trip to visit family. As the pressure builds, so does the stress.
The Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association says of the middle and high schools they know of, only 49% have an athletic trainer providing some level of service.
From 2021 to 2025, Smart Therapy Center submitted claims totaling $31.8 million across all Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, according to that data. But the provider was only approved for a fraction of those payments.
The family of a Minnesota Vikings player who died at training camp from heat exhaustion in 2001 is still fighting to protect others.
A Twin Cities metro area school shifted to e-learning after a flu outbreak impacted nearly a quarter of its students. A senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health said flu season is "definitely picking up."
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
The Minnesota Vikings are trying to practice the process of winning in December despite being eliminated from contention for the playoffs.
Hockey moms are a community, one that Jacqueline Nowakowski had no idea she'd need as much as she does.
Nikola Jokic set an NBA record with 18 points in overtime, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas night.
Former University of Minnesota Gopher kicker and punter Rob Gray is adjusting to life with a new kidney donated by his pickleball partner.
Players and coaches alike were flowing in and out of the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront hotel on Thursday, making final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship. The tournament begins on Friday.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
Fear and uncertainty continue in Minnesota's Somali communities as ICE continues its intensified focus on the Twin Cities.
Opposition to ICE actions is widespread among Democratic elected officials throughout the state, though nowhere more than in Minneapolis, home to the state's largest Somali population.
Minnesotans who welcomed a child this year were able to start applying this week to the state's new paid family and medical leave program to take time off in 2026.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
With the time-honored tradition of gift giving comes gift concealing.
The story of "The Wizard of Oz " is 125 years old, yet still reinventing itself in all kinds of forms.
It's the time of year when we accumulate the most stuff. When we do, people often throw around the word "hoarding." But it turns out it's a frequently misunderstood term.
Why do we have oily or dry skin? A dermatologist explains the root cause and how it can change over time.
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.
Wind chills next week will dip below zero degrees, with cool and breezy conditions early in the week, 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.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says there's a chance for snow showers on Sunday afternoon and evening.
Friday will be another mild one in the Twin Cities, but another bitter blast is on the way, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Friday will be another mild one in the Twin Cities, but another bitter blast is on the way, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Many people make their way to an airport during the holidays. While you might think of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as a transient place where people are just passing through, there's a bright spot, a man who has become a mainstay there. Erin Hassanzadeh introduces shoeshine Danny.
Wind chills next week will dip below zero degrees, with cool and breezy conditions early in the week, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Christmas Trees may be done lighting up living rooms, but an Elk River farm is giving them a second life. Photojournalist Ray Campos and reporter Jeff Wagner highlight a farm where Christmas trees and wreaths are on the menu.
A University of Minnesota employee spent Christmas with a team drilling for ice in Antarctica. Ashley Grams takes us to their remote camp and shares what the team is searching for.
The world of artificial intelligence is exploding. The industry is becoming more advanced, and that can leave many feeling unsure or nervous. Dr. Manjeet Rege, a data science and software engineering professor at the University of St. Thomas, stopped by WCCO on Friday to discuss the pros and cons of the rapid evolution of AI.