Good Questions: The Vice President, Tornado Sirens & Seeing In The Dark
Every Friday, Heather Brown answers some burning questions from WCCO viewers. This week, she talks about seeing in the dark, the Vice President and tornado sirens.
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Every Friday, Heather Brown answers some burning questions from WCCO viewers. This week, she talks about seeing in the dark, the Vice President and tornado sirens.
The United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima 70 years ago Thursday. Estimates of causalities were anywhere between 90,000 and 160,000 people. It was the first nuclear weapon ever used, at a time when the United States was the only country with that capability. All of that has changed.
Every Friday, we tackle a bunch of viewers' burning questions. This week, Heather Brown explores the origin of West St. Paul's name, bumper crops and hiccups.
Voicemails and landlines are going the way of dial-up.
For the past two days, Cecil the lion's story has been told over and over across the world. On Wednesday, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that if Dr. Walter Palmer illegally killed the animal, he needs to be "extradited, charged, and, preferably, hanged." That's extreme, but many people are outraged.
A Minnesota dentist is apologizing for killing a lion in Zimbabwe earlier this month. Dr. Walter Palmer said he thought the hunt was legal, but two guides are facing criminal charges for poaching because of where the lion was killed. The story has generated lots of anger and vitriol against the dentist across social media.
The first Republican debate for President is less than two weeks away and sixteen candidates will be vying for ten spots. The people who make it to the stage will be determined by the average of five national polls. So, how do polls work? Good Question.
Every Friday, Heather Brown takes a moment to answer some of your Good Questions that may have slipped through the cracks. This week, she's checking the weather, getting corny, and listening to Olivia Newton-John's "Physical."
You have heard the saying a million times: It's not the heat, it's the humidity. That will certainly be the case Friday, when dew points are expected to be in the 70s. So, what is dew point? Humidity is moisture in the air and there are two ways to measure it. One is dew point and another is relative humidity.
Apple is placing a big bet on the idea that we'll all be wearing our technology in the near future. But on its earnings call Tuesday, the company was mum when it came to how many Apple Watches it's sold.
According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, Donald Trump leads Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush by more than 10 points.
As of late Monday afternoon, all the Xcel Energy customers in Metro area affected by Friday night's storm had their power restored. So, how do crews get the power back on? Good Question.
Every Friday, Heather Brown takes a look at some of the burning questions our viewers have. This week, Heather Brown hits the snooze button, waters the lawn and swats away a pesky household pest.
On Wednesday afternoon, NASA released a series of photographs of Pluto that show ice mountains as high as the Rockies. Those pictures came from an unmanned spacecraft that took nine-and-a-half years to make the three-billion mile trip to the dwarf planet. The cost was $720 million dollars, but experts say the benefits are far more than that. So, why does Pluto matter? Good Question.
Starting at midnight Wednesday, Amazon will be offering huge discounts on 1,000 items to its Prime members. The online retailer has deemed Wednesday, July 15, Prime Day. Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, is responding with deals on 2,000 of its items.
Wade from Brainerd is already tired of mosquitoes this summer, but he still wants to know: What do mosquitoes eat? According to the American Mosquito Control Association, only females feed on blood because they require the protein to produce eggs.
When it comes to our jobs, how much do we work? Depending on the source, the average American full-time worker is working 42-and-a-half to 47 hours a week.
Trading on the New York Stock Exchange was halted for three-and-a-half hours on Wednesday due to a technical glitch. That's the longest period since the four-day shutdown after 9/11. So, who decides who shuts down the NYSE? Good Question.
What are Quaaludes? Good Question.
Strong storms rolled through Minnesota Sunday night and dumped two to four inches of rain across the Metro. That water raised parts of the Mississippi River seven inches and some sections of Minnehaha Creek about two and half feet.
Every Friday, we tackle a bunch of viewers' burning questions. This week, Heather Brown explores the taste of icy beverages, the naming of streets, and the facial fluctuations of American currency.
The Fourth of July is the celebration of America's independence, but here's a little known fact: We didn't actually declare our independence on that day.
Most of us will never see a raise of 25 percent in one year, but that's what happening for some Minnesota commissioners. Gov. Mark Dayton said he needs to give higher salaries to retain good leaders.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that marriage is now a fundamental right for same sex couples. Almost immediately, public officials weighed in saying county and state workers could refuse to hand out those licenses based on their religious beliefs.
Tuesday is going to feel to just a tiny bit longer. Just before midnight Coordinated Universal Time – or 7pm Central time – exactly one second will be added to our clocks. So, why do we add time? Good Question.
Dozens of police squads are on the scene of a shooting that injured several people, including two police officers, near the Minneapolis Convention Center late Wednesday afternoon.
A Minnesota swim coach accused of grooming-type behavior toward a student's sister, including sending explicit text messages and a nude photo to the 15-year-old girl has pleaded guilty.
The Minnesota Lynx's Olivia Miles has been named the WBNA's August Rookie of the Month.
Law enforcement in Apple Valley, Minnesota, is investigating after two school buses collided at a busy intersection Wednesday morning.
New details have emerged in the investigation into last week's fatal crash that killed a girl and critically injured another child in Brooklyn Center.
Dozens of police squads are on the scene of a shooting that injured several people, including two police officers, near the Minneapolis Convention Center late Wednesday afternoon.
The Minnesota Lynx's Olivia Miles has been named the WBNA's August Rookie of the Month.
New details have emerged in the investigation into last week's fatal crash that killed a girl and critically injured another child in Brooklyn Center.
The attorney for Julio Sosa-Celis, the Venezuelan national who was shot by federal immigration officer Christian Castro earlier this year in north Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, says her client is devastated by his release from a Texas jail.
A delay to a federal law that would bring major changes to the hemp industry is a step closer to becoming a reality.
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.
Officials in northern Minnesota say a 43-year-old man drowned while paddleboarding with his daughter Tuesday.
A woman tried mailing a package through Graphic Mailbox in Northfield last week when a staff member noticed something strange.
A Minnesota teenager is being recognized for helping stop an alleged school shooting plot in Pennsylvania.
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced Tuesday that they completed the merger.
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.
The attorney for Julio Sosa-Celis, the Venezuelan national who was shot by federal immigration officer Christian Castro earlier this year in north Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, says her client is devastated by his release from a Texas jail.
A delay to a federal law that would bring major changes to the hemp industry is a step closer to becoming a reality.
Days after Christian Castro was released from Texas custody, the lawyer for Julio Sosa-Celis tells WCCO she's worried the ICE agent will fill to Mexico.
Vance Boelter, who was federally sentenced to two life terms for killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in what officials say was a politically motivated attack, will make his second appearance in state court Wednesday.
A delay to a federal law that would bring major changes to the hemp industry is a step closer to becoming a reality.
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.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
A Minnesota swim coach accused of grooming-type behavior toward a student's sister, including sending explicit text messages and a nude photo to the 15-year-old girl has pleaded guilty.
Law enforcement in Apple Valley, Minnesota, is investigating after two school buses collided at a busy intersection Wednesday morning.
New details have emerged in the investigation into last week's fatal crash that killed a girl and critically injured another child in Brooklyn Center.
The attorney for Julio Sosa-Celis, the Venezuelan national who was shot by federal immigration officer Christian Castro earlier this year in north Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, says her client is devastated by his release from a Texas jail.
Vance Boelter, who received two life sentences in federal court for killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in what officials describe as a politically motivated attack, pleaded not guilty to the state charges against him Wednesday during his second appearance in state court.
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.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
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.
The legendary Minneapolis duo looks back on the Fair, a friendship that began as teenagers, the origin of "Jimmy Jam," and the challenge of turning more than 500 recordings into one homecoming show.
The Minnesota Lynx's Olivia Miles has been named the WBNA's August Rookie of the Month.
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to sign 13-year veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
Royce Lewis and Ryan Jeffers hit three-run homers during a 10-run sixth inning for the Minnesota Twins to highlight a 15-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
The NFL's thin line between success and failure figures to challenge the Chicago Bears in their bid to repeat as NFC North champions.
The longtime Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports football analyst said he came to rely on alcohol to get off pain medications after multiple back surgeries.
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.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
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.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
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.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
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.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows 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.
Wednesday will top out in the mid 80s with sun and more stickiness, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Storms linger into Wednesday morning, mainly across southern Minnesota, with heavy rain and gusty winds possible.
Storms linger into Wednesday morning with heavy rain and gusty winds possible, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
We're learning some troubling information about the driver who crashed into two little girls riding a mini bike. One of the girls did not survive. Esme Murphy has the details.
A strange start today in the state case against a political assassin. That includes a jail house blog, a "Fight Club" reference, and this stunning new defense. Vance Boelter now claims he was trying to make a citizen's arrest when he carried out the lawmaker attacks. It's a claim prosecutors call "delusional." Jason Rantala was in court today.
There's a massive police presence in downtown Minneapolis.
Jive Turkey has some crack-n-cheese at the state fair.
A local woman, originally from Kathmandu, is finding a way to give back to her home from thousands of miles away.