Climate solutions from the Arctic, the fastest-warming place on Earth
Climate change is an urgent problem in the Arctic. From renewable energy to avalanche protection, here's what we can learn from how people there are protecting their way of life.
Climate Change
Why the Artic is warming faster than the rest of world
Winter in Minneapolis is nearly four-degrees warmer on average since 1975, and experts say that trend will continue. And the Arctic is warming even faster. David Schechter explains how the warming up there affects weather everywhere.
Ancient methane escaping from melting glaciers could warm the planet more
Spiking temperatures in the Arctic are rapidly melting glaciers. Scientists are now worried about underground methane, a potent greenhouse gas, leaking up to the surface.
Lake Superior, known for icy waters, one of the fastest warming lakes in the world
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world — a sea known for its pristine cold water. But in a warming world, that's changing.
When will MSP get renewable aviation fuel, which could cut emissions by 80% or more?
Sustainable aviation fuel is a combination of cooking oil, non-food crops, solid waste and industrial waste gasses from processes like steel making. The beauty is it can be used in existing planes and we can transport it through existing pipelines.
Used tires could help expand market for electric vehicle batteries
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, one startup company in Chile is looking to recycle old tires to help make them more sustainable.
Preview: How climate change is impacting wild rice harvests
Wild rice is one of the Midwest's most sacred plants, which is why researchers and tribal nations are forging partnerships to protect and better understand the needs of it today.
Sobering climate change report says we're falling way short of Paris Climate Agreement promises
At our current rate of progress, the U.N. predicts that the earth's average temperature will rise to nearly double the goal by 2030. Even if every country slashed their emissions by 42% overnight, the U.N. says there's still no guarantee we'd limit warming enough to prevent the worst of natural disasters.
Sustainability expert: Earth is in "uncharted territory" due to climate change, but it's not too late to change
"Life under siege," and "unchartered territory" is how the authors of a new report describe our current climate situation.
Earth has just gone through its hottest 12-month stretch in recorded history
According to the report from Climate Central, the planet ran nearly 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit above average from November 2022 through October 2023.
2023 "virtually certain" to be warmest year recorded, climate agency says
Average temperatures across Earth in 2023 have been dangerously close to the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold scientists have long warned would bring significant challenges to people worldwide.
North Greenland has lost 35% of its ice shelves, study says
The Greenland ice sheet is the second-largest contributor to sea level rise, and as temperatures rise, glaciers in the northern parts of the region are becoming "extremely vulnerable."
Why did Hurricane Otis get so strong, so fast?
Hurricane Otis plowed into Mexico's Pacific coast as a deadly Category 5. Just 12 hours earlier, it was a tropical storm.
Can 3D-printed homes weather climate change?
3D printing startup co-founder Jason Ballard explains how he thinks 3D-printed houses will transform construction jobs and resist the effects of climate change.
Deaths mount from flash floods scientists had warned about for years
Scientists have warned for decades that India's Himalayan glacial lakes are disasters waiting to happen. Climate change means they aren't waiting any more.
New Minnesota task force to focus on infrastructure resiliency in face of more severe weather
A new panel charged with evaluating strategies to curb the impacts of severe weather on infrastructure in Minnesota met for the first time Monday, beginning their work of drafting recommendations to present to the state legislature next year.
Climate change, war in Ukraine major topics as U.N. gathers in New York
World leaders at the United Nations general assembly will hold a climate action summit today, just weeks after the U.N. declared this summer the hottest on record.
14,000 trees to be planted across 5 Minnesota cities
St. Paul-based nonprofit Great River Greening received a $10 million federal grant to plant thousands of trees in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by the Urban Heat Island Effect.
Libya floods leave more than 5,300 dead, thousands more missing
A Libyan official who visited Derna said "25% of the city has disappeared," and he expects the final toll to be "really, really big."
Phoenix on brink of breaking its record for most 110-degree days in a year
Phoenix residents are expected to experience sweltering temperatures as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend.
Good Question: How could El Niño impact our upcoming winter?
Kirsten Mitchell explains what the climate phenomenon can and cannot tell us about our weather.
How could El Niño impact Minnesota's upcoming winter?
Kirsten Mitchell explains what the climate phenomenon can and cannot tell us about our weather.
Minnesota’s temperature swings are becoming more extreme
Extreme temperature swings are very normal and very Minnesotan, according to climate scientists. But things are changing, and not necessarily for the better.
Climate change is making Minnesota's humidity more extreme
Extreme temperature swings are very normal and very Minnesotan, according to climate scientists. But things are changing, and not necessarily for the better.
Ecuador votes to stop oil drilling in Amazon reserve: "Historic"
NGO Amazon Frontlines said the vote was a "demonstration of climate democracy, where people, not corporations, get to decide on resource extraction and its limits."
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Latest News
Cougar struck by motorist, killed on Golden Valley interstate
A motorist struck and killed a cougar on an interstate in the west metro.
Kayvon Madison charged with 2nd-degree murder in Edina parking lot shooting
A Minneapolis man is charged with murder after he allegedly shot another man five times in an Edina parking lot following the birthday celebration of a mutual friend.
Get a one-time tax rebate from Minnesota? Prepare to pay more in federal taxes
More than 2 million Minnesotans received anywhere from $260 to $1,300 in tax rebate payments, as part of the $3 billion One Minnesota budget, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in May.
Minnesota Vikings will give QB Joshua Dobbs another start vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Minnesota Vikings have announced who will be starting at quarterback for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Israeli hostage's parents call for new truce, promise him: "We're coming."
Hersh Goldberg-Polin's parents say his ongoing captivity in Gaza is "anguish," and as they push Israel's leader for a new truce, they just want their son to survive, because "the world is coming."
Twin Cities News
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Cougar struck by motorist, killed on Golden Valley interstate
A motorist struck and killed a cougar on an interstate in the west metro.
Kayvon Madison charged with 2nd-degree murder in Edina parking lot shooting
A Minneapolis man is charged with murder after he allegedly shot another man five times in an Edina parking lot following the birthday celebration of a mutual friend.
Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
How common are cougars in central Minnesota?
The death of a cougar on a Twin Cities highway, along with a recent sighting in Minneapolis, may have metro residents wondering if the large cats are becoming more common in the area.
Lone cigar bar in Minneapolis fighting to stay open amid potential tobacco regulations
The City of Minneapolis is taking aim at a tobacco loophole which would force its only cigar bar to close.
Greater Minnesota News
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Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
How common are cougars in central Minnesota?
The death of a cougar on a Twin Cities highway, along with a recent sighting in Minneapolis, may have metro residents wondering if the large cats are becoming more common in the area.
Bemidji boy arrested after threats led district to close area schools Wednesday, police say
A boy is in custody for allegedly making threats that led Bemidji Area Schools to make Wednesday an e-learning day.
Bianca Virnig wins state representative special election
Virnig received 58% of the vote and defeated Republican Cynthia Lonnquist.
Minnesota braces for threat of feral pigs from Canada: "They leave a mess"
WCCO's John Lauritsen talked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and a Canadian professor about the threat feral pigs pose to our state.
Wisconsin News
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Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs off on $500M plan to fund repairs and upgrades at Brewers stadium
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that spends half-a-billion in taxpayer dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers cover stadium repairs over the next decade.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
Republican leaders of Wisconsin Legislature at odds over withholding university pay raises
The Republican head of the Wisconsin Senate says he wants to see pay raises approved for Universities of Wisconsin employees.
Community Journalism
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Savannah Manzel, Lake Elmo 13-year-old, makes big debut at Radio City Music Hall's "Nutcracker"
When she's not in school, Manzel is at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood making herself a better, stronger dancer. That discipline paid off in a big way when she landed the role of a lifetime.
Minnesota hockey community honors teen who died in Washington County crash
A memorial of hockey sticks and flowers marks the spot of the crash in rural Washington County that would eventually take the life of 16-year-old Samson Walters.
Police need help finding missing adult in Bloomington
The Bloomington Police Department are asking for help finding a missing adult
Prep academy aims to help families of soldiers heading to Middle East
Soldiers expecting to deploy soon get an introduction to what they can expect
Chance north Minneapolis encounter leads to new family, outlook on life for young boy
Tyrone Fischer has a new mom and a new outlook on life after a chance encounter five years ago in a street in north Minneapolis.
Politics
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Politics
St. Paul to vote on $820M budget for 2024
The St. Paul City Council will vote Wednesday on next year’s budget, which includes a 3.7% tax levy increase.
Minnesota projected to have another budget surplus
It's estimated that Minnesota is dealing with a $2.4 billion surplus for the current two-year budget cycle — up $808 million from the end-of-session estimate.
Minnesota has a $2.4 billion surplus, but a deficit could be looming, state budget officials say
Minnesota's budget surplus estimated to be $2.4B, up $808M from original projection. However, future economic forecasts say a deficit may be looming.
Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Kevin McCarthy announces he will retire at the end of December
"I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways," McCarthy wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.
Consumer News
More Consumer News
Get a one-time tax rebate from Minnesota? Prepare to pay more in federal taxes
More than 2 million Minnesotans received anywhere from $260 to $1,300 in tax rebate payments, as part of the $3 billion One Minnesota budget, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in May.
Metro Transit to enforce fare payment, issue $35 citations starting Monday
Starting Monday, Metro Transit will start issuing citations and fining people who have not paid their fare.
Large snow creature "IT" needs a name at Midtown Global Market
A large, smiling snow creature — which is not frightening at all — needs a name at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis.
Arboretum's AppleHouse embraces winter magic with Holiday Boutique
In November, the AppleHouse transforms into a cozy gift shop offering a variety of items, from unique gifts to locally produced goodies, toys, clothes and more.
Report: Inflation impacting Minnesotans more than national average
New numbers from the federal government show the average American needs nearly $11,500 in additional funds just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in 2021.
Crime News
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Kayvon Madison charged with 2nd-degree murder in Edina parking lot shooting
A Minneapolis man is charged with murder after he allegedly shot another man five times in an Edina parking lot following the birthday celebration of a mutual friend.
Bemidji boy arrested after threats led district to close area schools Wednesday, police say
A boy is in custody for allegedly making threats that led Bemidji Area Schools to make Wednesday an e-learning day.
Man using wheelchair found severely burned in Minneapolis encampment near Target Field, MPD says
A man who uses a wheelchair was found severely burned overnight Tuesday at a Minneapolis homeless encampment near Target Field.
Prosecutor drops charges against 17 Texas police over tactics used during 2020 protests
A Texas prosecutor is dropping most of the charges levied against police officers in Austin over tactics used during the 2020 protests that followed George Floyd's killing.
Midwest mystery: Iowa man still missing, 2 weeks after semi holding baby pigs was found on highway
It has been two weeks since David Schultz's semi-truck was found on a rural highway in northwest Iowa, its trailer still filled with baby pigs he was transporting.
Health News
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Wildfire smoke reversing air quality improvements, researchers say
Wildfires in the U.S. have caused a decline in air quality and an increase in deaths in parts of the U.S. – even though air quality had been improving, researchers say.
Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Minnesota-based Just The Pill providing women with mobile reproductive health care
Just The Pill is an organization that offers reproductive health services to women via telehealth and a mobile clinic that its directors think will be a model for the future of this health care.
Panera's caffeine-fueled lemonade cited in second death, suit says
Casual dining chain faces another wrongful death suit related to its Charged Lemonade after cardiac arrest of Florida man.
Entertainment News
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Daddy Yankee says he's retiring from music to focus on his faith
Daddy Yankee, the iconic reggaeton superstar, announced his plans to focus on his faith during his final musical performance Sunday in Puerto Rico.
Norman Lear, legendary TV producer, dies at age 101
Norman Lear created groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family," "Maude" and "The Jeffersons" that took on serious social issues with humor.
Taylor Swift is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
"This is the proudest and happiest I've ever felt," Taylor Swift told TIME after being named the magazine's Person of the Year for 2023.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
1958's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" tops Billboard chart for first time
Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" outperformed familiar chart-topper Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Sports News
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Minnesota Vikings will give QB Joshua Dobbs another start vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Minnesota Vikings have announced who will be starting at quarterback for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Matt Boldy's 3-point game powers Wild to a 5-2 win over the Flames
Matt Boldy scored twice and had an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames.
Gophers Parker Fox, Isaiah Ihnen have been joined at the knee for past 2 years
Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen are back on the court this season for Minnesota after missing the last two years with consecutive ACL tears.
Elk River hockey star relishes senior year ahead of Minnesota Gophers career
Senior defender Carly Humphrey has played hockey since she was little.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs off on $500M plan to fund repairs and upgrades at Brewers stadium
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that spends half-a-billion in taxpayer dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers cover stadium repairs over the next decade.
Talking Points
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Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
Thousands of people have weighed in with comments on the flag options and many of those comments are critical that a loon is not featured in any of the flag designs.
Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
By now you likely know that there at six finalists for the new Minnesota flag. The State Emblems Redesign Commission will meet this Tuesday to discuss the finalists and to possibly make revisions to the top six designs. That is the subject of Esme Murphy's Talking Points.
Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape. Their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives into the other side effects and the staggering out-of-pocket costs.
Talking Points preview: Weight loss driving demand for diabetes drugs
Esme Murphy explores how the out of pocket costs for these drugs is leaving some people broke.
Talking Points: Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand (part 3)
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape, as their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. Earlier this year, WCCO spoke with Laura Collins. Her insurance covered her Wegovy from the start. She is maintaining her 100-pound weight loss, and she isn't going broke doing it.
Finding Minnesota
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This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" continues to leave its mark on Minneapolis half a century later
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an iconic show from the 70s put Minneapolis on the map, and why this year marks a special anniversary in the show's history.
Finding Minnesota: For 4 decades, Dennis Foy has painted commemorative Vikings game footballs
For nearly 40 years, Dennis Foy has been on the receiving end of footballs from the Vikings. They send him dozens each season along with emails about whose name they want on the game ball, and what they want it to say.
Jasper man's old-school windmill collection draws visitors from across the country
In 1999, Terry Rodman built a windmill for his wife, from scratch. Then, to balance things out, he put up a farm windmill — and people around Jasper, took notice.
Mother-daughter duo turns 98-year-old Mobil station into Airbnb
Peterson, Minnesota in Fillmore County is known for bluffs, bike trails and a nearly 100-year-old gas station that now serves a new purpose.
Good Question
More Good Question
Why do stores keep extending their holiday sales? Good question.
Some shoppers enjoy taking advantage of the extended sales, while others say it's just holiday noise.
What does the appendix do and why are we fine without it?
Stephen Colbert is away from late-night TV following emergency surgery last week — the comedian's appendix burst. That made us wonder: What does the appendix do for our body? And why are we fine without it? Good Question. Jeff Wagner explains the mystery behind the tiny organ.
Is a dessert bar a cookie?
Heather Brown confers with some culinary experts to find the definitive answer!
Could November's minimal snow total impact December's output? Good Question.
The fluffy four-tenths of an inch that fell last Saturday kept the Twin Cities from notching a record of a snowless November.
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving gained popularity in the 1800s, eventually becoming a national holiday with cookbooks and newspapers touting recipes.
Latest Galleries
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Northern Lights in Minnesota: Dec. 1, 2023
For two nights in a row, the northern lights danced overhead in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and WCCO viewers sent in their best photos.
Northern Lights over Minnesota and Wisconsin: Nov. 30, 2023
Some WCCO viewers shared marvelous photos of Thursday night's northern lights.
Items sold at "The Fashion of Prince" auction
Here's a look at some of the hot items on auction at "The Fashion of Prince."
Minnesota state flag and seal submissions: The good, the bad, and the loony
Minnesota leaders tasked the state's residents with helping to reimagine the state's flag and emblem. The citizenry has delivered, with designs running the gamut of reverent to just plain ridiculous.
Halloween NICU Babies
Lots of people will be out in costumes on Tuesday night, but these babies who are dressed up in the NICU might be the cutest of them all.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: Noon forecast from Dec. 6, 2023
A daily heat record may be broken Thursday.
What is Next Weather?
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: 9 a.m. forecast from Dec. 6, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says a passing warm front will throw a few clouds our way along with gusts up to 30 mph, but we should stay dry.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. forecast from Dec. 6, 2023
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says Wednesday, and the rest of the week, won't feel very wintery.
NEXT Weather: Warm winds help highs climb 10-20 degrees above average
Warmth is the big story over the next few days, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s Wednesday.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
NEXT Weather: Noon forecast from Dec. 6, 2023
A daily heat record may be broken Thursday.
It’s time to start thinking about your taxes
Taxes aren't due until April, but CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger says it’s time to make smart money moves right now.
Taylor Swift is TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year
TIME magazine named pop superstar Taylor Swift its “Person of the Year” Wednesday.
Norman Lear dies at 101
Famed television producer and philanthropist Norman Lear has died at age 101. His imagination and creativity were instrumental in some of television's classic sitcoms from the 70s.
St. Paul to vote on $820M budget for 2024
The St. Paul City Council will vote Wednesday on next year’s budget, which includes a 3.7% tax levy increase.