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Scattered across Dakota County, Minnesota, especially its rural landscape, are more than 8,000 private drinking wells. Since 2018, the county's Environmental Resources Department has been testing a portion of them for PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals" that are linked to numerous health issues.
The data center debate is leading to legal battles for some Minnesota cities. Ashley Grams explains how Faribault is one of three cities dealing with data center decisions.
Shoppers can stock up on laundry detergent, body wash and most anything else you would find at a regular store. They also sell sustainable wooden toys and other household and personal care items.
Minnesota is celebrating 150 years of Arbor Day with communities across the state planting trees. Photojournalist Ray Campos checks out the tradition in Hastings.
Kate Setley, the vice president and general manager at St. Paul RiverCentre shares how the facility works to lessen its environmental impact.
People near the Mississippi River in Minneapolis on Thursday may have noticed an oily sheen on the water. Adam Del Rosso shows what it could be and looks at the health of the water.
Minnesota and nearly two dozen other states sued the EPA Thursday, challenging the repeal of a 2009 finding that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health.
Environmental advocates are sounding the alarm as a proposal to overturn a mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota steps closer to reality.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
The U.S. House of Representatives is voting Wednesday on a bill that would reverse a 20-year ban on mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
As Christmas trees across the nation come down, a farm in Elk River, Minnesota, is finding a new purpose for the pines.
While peatlands occupy just 3% of Earth's land surface, scientists say they store about 30% of the planet's land-based carbon. That's more than double held by the world's forests, according to the Nature Conservancy.
In Minnesota, scientists say we are sitting on a climate change superhero. Peatlands, a type of wetland, cover more than 10% of the state — that's the most of any in the lower 48. But over time, peatlands have been misunderstood and mistreated. Now, some are trying to change that.
A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The proposal is getting plenty of pushback from neighbors and government agencies.
We know forever chemicals, known as PFAS, are a growing concern. That's why the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency wants to get a better idea of just how pervasive they are in our environment. Adam Del Rosso got to learn more this week about their newest way to track them.
Following the accidental draining of a lake at William O'Brien State Park, environmentalists say they have a rare opportunity to rid the lake of invasive greens.
Plastic pollution is a "grave, growing and under-recognized danger" to health that is costing the world at least $1.5 trillion a year, a report in the Lancet medical journals warns
The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota has introduced its two newest ambassador wolves to the exhibit pack.
$2.5 million is going towards trees in the Twin Cities. That money will not only plant new trees but also help to remove hazardous ones.
The incident occurred at Grand Prismatic Spring near Old Faithful as tourists were enjoying a close-up view of the famous and popular hot spring.
We first met Minneapolis grandmother Donna Minter back in April when she started a cross-country bike ride. Thousands of miles later, she's crossed the finish line. Adam Del Rosso explains why she hopes the trip has an impact on everyone.
Every time we take flight, there's an environmental cost. Now, scientists are trying to grow a solution that could also be big business for Minnesota farmers.
Every time we take flight, there's an environmental cost. As WCCO's Erin Hassanzadeh explains, scientists are trying to grow a solution that could also be big business for Minnesota farmers.
A group of high schoolers from diverse backgrounds gathered at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, Minnesota for the SPARKS (Student Peer Adventure and Recreation Knowledge Specialists) Spring Leadership Retreat, where they honed their wilderness skills and developed leadership qualities.
It's that time of year when cottonwood seeds begin floating through the air like summer snow, and HVAC professionals say they're more than just a seasonal nuisance.
After years of planning and preparation, the Special Olympics USA Games have arrived to Minnesota, along with 3,000 competitors, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans.
Corbin Carroll had a three-run triple in the eighth inning to tie Arizona's career triples mark and fell a homer shy of the cycle in the Diamondbacks' 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Minnesotans love the water in the land of 10,000 lakes, and if you visit a lake in the Twin Cities, you may notice some new signs. They're a part of the newest research project run by scientists at the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas.
On the surface, Tom Truszinski had things all figured out. A successful career, a marriage and a growing family. Some would even say to get there, he'd beat the odds. One parent died young and another was an addict. On the outside, he had it all together.
Minnesota's ties to slavery, the Civil War and the Juneteenth holiday sent many to Fort Snelling for a tour on Friday.
After years of planning and preparation, the Special Olympics USA Games have arrived to Minnesota, along with 3,000 competitors, 10,000 volunteers, and 75,000 fans.
Minnesotans love the water in the land of 10,000 lakes, and if you visit a lake in the Twin Cities, you may notice some new signs. They're a part of the newest research project run by scientists at the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas.
Minnesota's ties to slavery, the Civil War and the Juneteenth holiday sent many to Fort Snelling for a tour on Friday.
Hail pelted several central Minnesota communities as storms rolled through on Friday afternoon and evening.
A little rain wasn't going to ruin the parade of joy for Special Olympics USA Games athletes at the St. Paul Downtown Airport on Friday.
Hail pelted several central Minnesota communities as storms rolled through on Friday afternoon and evening.
A police officer was shot in the southern Minnesota city of St. Peter Thursday night, authorities said.
One of five cannabis testing sites in Minnesota is shutting down, citing exorbitant costs as the reason.
Minnesota's job growth outpaced national rates in May, while the state's unemployment rate ticked down slightly, according to data released Thursday.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Hours after the announcement, community members were eager to learn more about the one challenged with leading the most scrutinized police department in the country.
Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
In Minnesota, Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Minnesota DFL Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are both vying for a U.S. Senate seat. The candidates debated several issues, including immigration enforcement, on Twin Cities PBS's "Almanac" on Friday. On the Republican side, Adam Schwarze, Michele Tafoya and Royce White are three other candidates running for the seat.
"This is considered the world's most luxurious plane," the president said in front of the enormous new jet.
A senior Justice Department official called a judge's demand for a declaration on the status of the "anti-weaponization" fund "unnecessary."
Trump has appeared during the Iran war to lose patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who may now find himself "stuck."
A change of plans for the vice president as JD Vance is no longer traveling to Switzerland to lead talks with Iran.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
For years, it was all hands on deck; a business model buoyed by a bevy of free time that sent sales surging in a way never before seen. But as Minnesota enters lake season, outdoor sales for boats, jet skis and more have almost dropped anchor.
Jester Concepts' Monday announcement noted that Borough will mark its remaining five weeks of service through June 27 with events celebrating the restaurant's history, and it encouraged customers to reserve tables during the final weeks.
According to court documents filed late last month, 34-year-old Kenneth Mills faces four counts of third-degree burglary and a count of possession of burglary or theft tools.
McKenna Wendel was last seen alive on March 14 and her body was found outside Brookings, an hour's drive north of Sioux Falls, on March 19.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
A Twin Cities man is accused of stealing his dog from an animal hospital after it had been deemed dangerous and ordered to be euthanized by officials.
If the case is moved to federal jurisdiction, it will still be prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
HCMC in Minneapolis got what they wanted, a large financial boost from lawmakers, and now the leaders of Minnesota's busiest trauma hospital say they'll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from the "Star Wars" sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" is expected to sell for at least $1 million at an upcoming auction.
Corbin Carroll had a three-run triple in the eighth inning to tie Arizona's career triples mark and fell a homer shy of the cycle in the Diamondbacks' 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
A little rain wasn't going to ruin the parade of joy for Special Olympics USA Games athletes at the St. Paul Downtown Airport on Friday.
In front of a roaring Seattle crowd, the U.S. men's soccer team on Friday defeated Australia in its second World Cup match, clinching a spot in the Round of 32 in the process.
The Special Olympic USA Games are nearly underway in the Twin Cities, with thousands of athletes from across the country competing. That includes one Minnesota flag football star nicknamed "Havoc."
Jake Golday will likely spend most of his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings on special teams while serving as the top backup inside linebacker.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
Minnesota's election season officially kicks off this week as both major parties hold conventions to endorse candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive battles on the Republican side and clearer paths for Democrats.
Both parties begin the endorsement process today in Rochester and Duluth, with the August primary just two months away.
Friday, the Democratic and Republican parties begin the process of endorsing nominees for statewide offices.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
Milder winters mean more ticks survive to the following spring, and a southern species that can trigger a red meat allergy is now gaining ground in Minnesota as a result.
She didn't win her party's endorsement, but Republican Lisa Demuth plans to keep running for governor anyway. History shows that might actually work in her favor.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Temperatures hit the high 70s Saturday, slightly below the average temperature for this time of year. Sunday will be even nicer. Meteorologist Katie Steiner breaks down our Father's Day forecast and shares when we could see some rain.
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.
Temperatures on Saturday will hit the upper 70s, slightly cooler than average for this time of year. The weekend remains calm and dry. The start of the week will remain seasonable, but another shot at rain returns on Tuesday. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks down the next several days.
There will be a light breeze and high temperatures in the 70s across much of Minnesota on Saturday, NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says.
Severe storms rolled through communities around the Twin Cities on Friday afternoon and evening. As Ubah Ali explains, they hit hard and moved fast.
Temperatures hit the high 70s Saturday, slightly below the average temperature for this time of year. Sunday will be even nicer. Meteorologist Katie Steiner breaks down our Father's Day forecast and shares when we could see some rain.
The Olympic Flame has made it to Minneapolis, and the games kick off.
Minnesota's beer community is celebrating during pride. The Pride Beer Dabbler is coming up, and here are a few fun drinks attendees can try.
Soul Food Festival is heading back to Minnesota. Check out the delicious treats attendees can look forward to.
Temperatures on Saturday will hit the upper 70s, slightly cooler than average for this time of year. The weekend remains calm and dry. The start of the week will remain seasonable, but another shot at rain returns on Tuesday. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks down the next several days.