Record wildfire season impacting air quality trends in Midwest, new study shows
New research suggests the record amount of smoke is either reversing or stalling several gains made across the country when it comes to reducing air pollution.
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New research suggests the record amount of smoke is either reversing or stalling several gains made across the country when it comes to reducing air pollution.
She and her partner had four polar bear encounters as they pulled all their supplies on sleds and skis across Canada's high Arctic country, her longest exploration to date. But it was one moment that almost ended the entire thing.
Hillcrest Village is a mix of affordable, subsidized and free emergency housing. It's designed to be not only affordable but fully electric, with a "Net Zero Energy" distinction. They say they're the first in the nation to pull it off for this type of housing.
With northerly and northwesterly winds, this shouldn't be a mild stretch of weather for us, yet temperatures are running 10 degrees above average due to lack of snow cover.
Their work near the South Pole means camping on the ice without showers or flushing toilets for seven weeks — but what we can learn about climate change there is essential to science.
Kate Knuth, climate director at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, takes a look back at how climate change impacted Minnesota this year.
As holiday travel ramps up, a new report from Climate Central says the future of flying may not be as smooth as we'd like.
The 2023 Arctic Report Card, written by 82 authors across 13 countries, says that it was the sixth warmest year on record overall.
Freshwater species are at risk from climate change, pollution and overfishing, the International Union for Conservation of Nature said Monday.
New data finds the impact of climate change on coastal flooding could increase five-fold by the end of the century, leading to major property and infrastructure losses.
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.
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota.
While the United States works to cut its greenhouse gases, melting of glaciers is adding to the problem.
After record-breaking temperatures in November, the E.U.'s Copernicus Climate Change Service determined 2023 will officially be the hottest year humanity has experienced.
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.
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 is the largest freshwater lake in the world — a sea known for its pristine cold water. But in a warming world, that's changing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"Life under siege," and "unchartered territory" is how the authors of a new report describe our current climate situation.
According to the report from Climate Central, the planet ran nearly 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit above average from November 2022 through October 2023.
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.
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."
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
Several people were injured when an armed assailant lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, campaign officials said.
Federal prosecutors want a former Minnesota state senator sent away for half a decade after being caught in a child sex sting, according to court documents.
The bird spent the last few months healing at the rehab center after being found at the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police station with a broken clavicle.
An Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport and struck several vehicles, killing at least five and injuring five others, officials said.
The bird spent the last few months healing at the rehab center after being found at the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police station with a broken clavicle.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the freeway Saturday afternoon.
On one of its last few days, one woman flew home to spend a few magical moments at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
For Jeena Gurung Vomhof, the Minnesota State Fair was supposed to be a celebration. A chance to share the art and traditions of the country she still calls home. Then came devastating news from Nepal.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV crash that seriously injured a child..
After years of planning, the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley is nearly ready to open.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
A better chance for storms arrives Thursday night across central and northern Minnesota. A few could be severe with a slight risk for wind and hail.
Police in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, have an adult man in custody after social media threats were made towards both schools in the area on Tuesday.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
Several people were injured when an armed assailant lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, campaign officials said.
The November election is just over eight weeks away. Early voting starts in 11 days. One of Minnesota's marquee races is for governor. Esme Murphy talked to GOP gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth about the upcoming election.
The filing comes after a U.S. District Court judge extended an order against the Postal Service enforcing President Trump's executive order for the November elections.
The federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro has been unsealed, detailing charges accusing him of lying to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in January, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Federal prosecutors want a former Minnesota state senator sent away for half a decade after being caught in a child sex sting, according to court documents.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the freeway Saturday afternoon.
Police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, are investigating after four juvenile males fled from a shooting Friday evening.
A woman is in critical condition following a shooting overnight Saturday in north Minneapolis.
A group of over 150 Allina Health doctors in the Twin Cities has filed a 10-day unfair labor practice strike notice, their union said on Friday.
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced Tuesday that they completed the merger.
This year, your kid may be more likely to catch a back-to-school bug, as fewer students are getting their shots than at any time in the past decade.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
Vincent Janssen scored early in the second half to finish off a hat trick in his first start and fourth MLS appearance, helping the Portland Timbers outlast Minnesota United 5-4.
The Twins pulled within six games of the White Sox in the AL Central and 3 1/2 games of the third AL wild card.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back fan-favorite safety Harrison Smith.
Colson Montgomery hit a two-run homer and Erick Fedde pitched five sparkling innings, helping the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1.
Several people were injured in a railing collapse at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, Thursday night, following a football game between Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Thomas Academy, according to the Minnesota Vikings.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
Visitors are spending tens of millions of dollars to experience all there is at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 12-day production that costs tens of millions of dollars to put on.
There's more than 300 vendors keeping people fed at the Minnesota State Fair. That's a lot of competition for your cash and the limited space in your stomach.
The corn goes from a farm field west of the Twin Cities to the busy ovens on the fairgrounds.
There's a buzz at the fairgrounds as vendors, exhibitors and 4-H families get ready to welcome millions of people across a very specific stretch of time. Why is the Minnesota State Fair 12 days? Good Question.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
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.
There were a few showers across northern Minnesota in the morning, but most of the activity that develops later will be focused west of the metro.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says our next storm system is slowly approaching from the west, bringing some storms for our Sunday.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest for your weekend forecast.
Two men are expected to survive after being shot near the University of Minnesota campus. It comes just two days before the start of classes. Jason Rantala spoke with a campus safety advocate who says enough is enough.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
A bird rarely seen in Minnesota has a new lease on life thanks to one concerned citizen.
Lehman Riley is an accomplished children's author. He has a career to be proud of, but he's most proud, of his family. After losing his daughter, a friend suggested he do what he'd done for years: write a book.
A Rush City, Minnesota, native is using his own life experiences to make meaningful changes for others. Tristan Larsin joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield to talk about how you can help the IDISCY Foundation.