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Earlier Tuesday evening, the U.S. Senate failed to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline by a vote of 59 - 41. Immediately after the vote, Republicans said they'd bring up the issue again in January. The fight over this pipeline has been a long, contentious battle that began in 2008 when TransCanada, the company building the pipeline, applied for a construction permit.
According to one study, people spend an average of 2-4 hours a day hunched over their smartphones, which puts a lot of stress on the spine.
On Thursday, charities across the state will be asking for donations during Minnesota's sixth annual Give to the Max Day. Last year, more than 52,000 people gave $17 million in 24 hours, which is part of the $4 billion dollars Minnesotans give away every year.
On Tuesday, Best Buy announced it is joining other stores in opening even earlier on Thanksgiving Day. The retailer announced this year stores will open at 5 p.m. This follows Target's Monday announcement that it will open Thanksgiving Day at 6 p.m.
Could this year's early snowfall tell us anything about the rest of the winter?
Craig from Richfield and Beverly from Prior Lake asked: Who is responsible for removing campaign yard signs after the election? State law says yard signs must be removed 10 days after the state's general election, but doesn't stipulate who is responsible for taking them down.
You may have noticed new blue lights popping up near traffic signals all over the metro. They are small, generally tucked out of the way so they don't distract drivers. Over the past two weeks, they've been going up all over Ramsey County.
When you voted Tuesday, you probably noticed a lot of judges on the ballot. This puzzled Kirk from Oak Park Heights because he knows the governor also appoints them. On Washington County's sample ballot, there were 28 judge seats. Twenty-four were unopposed.
Good Question: Can we get enough Vitamin D from the Minnesota sun?
Starting tomorrow, an 88-foot white spruce from the Chippewa National Forest will make stops in 30 cities over 19 days on its way to Washington, D.C. It's going to spend part of November and all of December as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
Many of you have written us to share your, let's call it, distaste for all of the political ads on television. They're nothing new. So, Cheri from McGregor wanted to know: When did television political advertising start?
We know two bad things about candy for sure: it's basically sugar, which causes tooth decay, and its empty calories can lead to obesity. But really, how bad is it for kids to chow down on their bounty of Halloween candy? Deb Sheats is the director of the dietetic program at St. Catherine's University.
Brandon from Plymouth, Minn. has been thinking about the old Metrodome sign on Interstate 394. He wants to know: when are the signs coming down? The short answer is those signs will come down when they have new ones to put up.
At more than 5,500 miles, it's the longest-continuous international border. Three-hundred-thousand people cross it legally every day at more than 100 checkpoints. But just how secure is the border? Dr. William Beeman is a professor of Middle East anthropology at the University of Minnesota.
Starting next year, Social Security benefits will rise 1.7 percent -- or about $20 a month based on an average monthly Social Security payment of $1,192. That increase, or cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), has been pegged to the consumer price index (CPI) since 1975. It's one of several ways to measure inflation. So, how do we measure the CPI?
Ever get a prescription filled and find the bottle only half full? After that happened to WCCO viewer Angela a few times, she wrote to us wanting to know: Why is there so much extra space in pill bottles? "There are several reasons," said pharmacist John Hoeschen. He owns St. Paul Corner Drug on the corner of Snelling and St. Clair avenues.
The CDC reports the newest life expectancy numbers in the United States are at an all-time record high – 78.8 years. The authors of the study also found the life expectancy was 81.2 years for women but just 76.4 years for men – a gap of 4.8 years, the same as 2011.
Joann from Arden Hills asked: What's the difference between partly sunny and partly cloudy? "This is kind of a gray area," said WCCO-TV Meteorologist Matt Brickman. "I think meteorologists give themselves a little leeway. I always think in terms of percentages."
If you've been in the market for a new television, you've likely seen all of the new 4K displays at the stores. The major television manufacturers have come out with their own versions of the ultra-high definition sets even as the broadcast networks are still working to broadcast in 4K.
HBO just announced that, starting next year, it's cutting the cable cord. Fans of shows like "Veep" and "Game of Thrones" will no longer have to subscribe to the premium channel through their cable TV provider, but rather will be allowed to stream shows on the Internet.
If you've been listening to the political ads over the past few weeks, you've heard the term "middle class" mentioned over and over. This had Barbara from Mound wondering: Who's in the middle class? Pew Research says 44 percent of people identify as solidly middle class. That's down from 53 percent back in 2008.
Angela from Minneapolis asked: What is the most popular license plate for a cause in Minnesota? There are almost 4.5 million passenger license plates in Minnesota. According to the Department of Public Safety, the DNR Critical Habitat plates are the most popular at 101,412.
If you're feeling a little sluggish this time of year, you're not alone. Karina from St. Paul has been feeling more sleepy than usual. And when she's brought it up to her parents, they've always told her it's the change in the weather.
A 29-year-old woman with terminal brain cancer has decided to end her own life on Nov. 1, two days after her husband's birthday. Brittany Maynard's doctors told her she only has months to live and that her natural death would be very painful.
Ivy and Kelley in Mrs. Neppl's class at Tremont Elementary are learning about rivers. They want to know: What is the longest river in the U.S.? The Missouri River, at 2,541 miles, beats out the mighty Mississippi at 2,230 miles. But here's the thing: the Missouri is a tributary of the Mississippi.
Not only did we witness some big storms on Earth in 2025, but the sun also put on a show for the country, fuelling a number of solar storms throughout the year.
Early season, snow and cold have given many trails the snowpack they need. Winter fun comes with the fresh snow, but so do challenges.
Nine of the Minnesota child care centers that were discussed in a viral video, prompting allegations of fraud, were "operating as expected" when state investigators conducted on-site checks this week, officials said on Friday.
The Minnesota Twins have acquired first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins for minor league pitcher Kade Bragg.
A Minnesota man who was convicted of shooting five Black Lives Matter protesters in November 2015 will be released from prison on Monday.
Early season, snow and cold have given many trails the snowpack they need. Winter fun comes with the fresh snow, but so do challenges.
Nine of the Minnesota child care centers that were discussed in a viral video, prompting allegations of fraud, were "operating as expected" when state investigators conducted on-site checks this week, officials said on Friday.
A Minnesota man who was convicted of shooting five Black Lives Matter protesters in November 2015 will be released from prison on Monday.
Kaohly Her, a former state representative, who after a short campaign defeated a well-known incumbent in an upset last fall, took the oath of office Friday to become the first woman and Asian American to lead St. Paul as its mayor.
From severe weather to extreme heat and everything in between, 2025 was a year full of big swings and big storms across Minnesota.
Early season, snow and cold have given many trails the snowpack they need. Winter fun comes with the fresh snow, but so do challenges.
A man is dead and a person is in custody after an apparent shooting near Wolverton on New Year's Day, according to the Wilkin County Sheriff's Office.
From severe weather to extreme heat and everything in between, 2025 was a year full of big swings and big storms across Minnesota.
According to Minnesota Lottery, one Minnesota Millionaire Raffle ticket was sold at a Holiday Stationstore in Coon Rapids on 13051 NW Round Lake Blvd. The other was sold in International Falls at Forestland Sales on 1111 3rd St.
As a new year begins, there are several new laws taking effect in Minnesota.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
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.
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.
Minnesota officials say child care centers at the center of fraud allegations were "operating as expected" during inspections this week. Friday marked the first time we heard about what they found in a review of claims made in a viral video. The allegations led to a federal funding freeze that providers say is leaving families backed into a corner. Conor Wight shows the mass confusion about what's going to happen, and when, as the threat of a federal funding freeze looms.
Nine of the Minnesota child care centers that were discussed in a viral video, prompting allegations of fraud, were "operating as expected" when state investigators conducted on-site checks this week, officials said on Friday.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her took the oath of office on Friday to become the city's 56th leader. She is the first woman and first person of Hmong heritage to have that job. WCCO's Caroline Cummings has more about how she plans to move the city forward.
Minnesota officials on Friday revealed what inspectors say they discovered after rechecking nine of the child care centers discussed in a conservative YouTuber's viral video. WCCO's Conor Wight reports.
Kaohly Her, a former state representative, who after a short campaign defeated a well-known incumbent in an upset last fall, took the oath of office Friday to become the first woman and Asian American to lead St. Paul as its mayor.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
While no illness has been reported so far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says 54 stores in the state were affected by Gold Star Distribution's recall.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
A man is dead and a person is in custody after an apparent shooting near Wolverton on New Year's Day, according to the Wilkin County Sheriff's Office.
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
The ringleader of what authorities called the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States has been ordered to forfeit more than $5 million.
Twin Cities police say they believe there could be more victims of a 37-year-old man charged earlier this month with child sex crimes.
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative is a tap room, a brewery, coffee shop and an event center on Marshall Street in northeast Minneapolis. During Christmas, it was unfortunately a community for thieves.
Roughly 12,000 Minnesotans have already applied for the state's new paid family leave program, according to an update by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
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.
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
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 Minnesota Twins have acquired first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins for minor league pitcher Kade Bragg.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return from injury for the team's season finale against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Harrison Smith's 14th year as a steadying presence and energizing force in the secondary for the Minnesota Vikings has hardly been smooth.
All eyes will be on the University of Minnesota dance team this month as they hope to add to their 23 national titles at the UDA Dance Nationals in Orlando, Florida.
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."
Have you ever wondered how the actors memorize so many lines? A neurologist says everyone could strengthen their memories by taking cues from actors.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
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.
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.
NEXT Weather Meteorologist Chris Shaffer says temperatures on Saturday will reach the low 20s before a light mix of precipitation on Sunday.
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.
Not only did we witness some big storms on Earth in 2025, but the sun also put on a show for the country, fuelling a number of solar storms throughout the year.
Not only did people see some big storms on Earth this past year, the sun put on a show, too. NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso explains.
After a couple of lackluster years, snowmobiles are once again a common sight across Minnesota. Early-season snow and cold have given many trails the snowpack they need. Winter fun comes with the fresh snow, but so do challenges. John Lauritsen shows us what goes into keeping the snowmobile trails running.
NEXT Weather Meteorologist Chris Shaffer says temperatures on Saturday will reach the low 20s before a light mix of precipitation on Sunday.
Your donations during Home for the Holidays has helped the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans raise $1 million. They'll use the money to make veteran homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. Reg Chapman explains.
A late-night stop at a Brooklyn Center Gas station could have turned dangerous, but quick thinking and teamwork helped prevent the worst. Photojournalist Ray Campos and John Lauritsen talk with the Brooklyn Center Fire Department's chief about how specialized equipment is helping put out electric vehicle fires.
Minnesota officials say child care centers at the center of fraud allegations were "operating as expected" during inspections this week. Friday marked the first time we heard about what they found in a review of claims made in a viral video. The allegations led to a federal funding freeze that providers say is leaving families backed into a corner. Conor Wight shows the mass confusion about what's going to happen, and when, as the threat of a federal funding freeze looms.
Not only did people see some big storms on Earth this past year, the sun put on a show, too. NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso explains.