Proposed NewRange copper-nickel mine in Minnesota suffers fresh setback on top of years of delays
The proposed NewRange Copper Nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has suffered a fresh setback.
Pollution
Amid pollution accusation, Smith Foundry president says it wants to be "good neighbor"
People living near the facility in south Minneapolis want it shut down.
Residents call for Smith Foundry's closing at meeting over potential pollution
Dozens of people went face-to-face with representatives from Smith Foundry, the EPA and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Residents voice frustrations at public meeting over Smith Foundry's alleged pollution
The community meeting included some fiery exchanges between families and experts.
First community held regarding Smith Foundry pollution violations
A fiery back-and-forth between families and experts about potentially polluted air. Smith Foundry is at the center of it all. The EPA says the south Minneapolis metal factory was pumping out twice the pollution it should have. The EPA and state heard from neighbors living next to it. WCCO's David Schuman was there.
An inside look at Smith Foundry in Minneapolis' East Phillips neighborhood
The president of Smith Foundry sat down with WCCO ahead of Monday's community meeting. He believes questions surrounding the pollution problems will be cleared up after more EPA testing in two weeks.
Smith Foundry president believes pollution concerns will be cleared up after more EPA testing
The president admits when they took over, there were problems with record keeping and some equipment not working properly, and points to a misinterpretation of their reports.
Pollution found in Birch Lake could help shield it from mining
A popular lake near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area could join an unpleasant list.
Neighbors near Minneapolis' Smith Foundry wonder why EPA's pollution discovery wasn't made by MPCA
Pollution violations at a Twin Cities metal factory may have harmed the community and environment.
Schools closed as the annual layer of smog returns to choke Delhi
A dense, acrid layer of smog has blanketed India's capital, as it does every year, despite firework bans and farmers being ordered to change their ways.
PFAS found in 71% of Wisconsin's shallow private wells in recent survey
Wisconsin environmental officials have released a survey that found 71% of samples from shallow private wells were contaminated with PFAS chemicals.
Wisconsin committee sets up Republican-authored PFAS bill for Senate vote
Wisconsin Republicans are moving closer toward a Senate floor vote on a bill that would address pollution from PFAS chemicals.
What does it mean to "adopt" a highway? What does the job entail?
Highway signs come in many colors, but when you see blue in Minnesota, it means everyday people are in charge of keeping it clean. Some groups have spent more than four decades volunteering.
Light pollution is killing the vibe for courting fireflies
As many as 1 in 3 lightning bug species in America could be under threat, scientists say.
MN Supreme Court rules against PolyMet in planned mining project near BWCA
The court suspended a wastewater permit for the NorthMet project. It involves a copper-nickel mine originally proposed near Babbitt by PolyMet.
Enbridge oil pipeline construction records 4th aquifer breach in northern Minnesota
A fourth aquifer breach has been confirmed in northern Minnesota stemming from a Canadian oil company's construction of an oil pipeline replacement in the region.
Groups argue Wisconsin regulators can't make factory farms obtain preemptive pollution permits
Two farm groups have filed a lawsuit alleging that Wisconsin regulators can't force factory farms to obtain pollution permits before they actually discharge pollutants into state waterways.
How the MPCA decides to declare air quality alerts in Minnesota
Meteorologists with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency use air quality data collected from 24 stations around the state to help determine when to declare air quality alerts.
Minnesota among states challenging EPA's standards for residential wood-burning stoves
Attorneys general from 10 states plan to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying its failure to review and ensure emissions standards for residential wood-burning stoves has allowed the continued sale of appliances that unduly worsen pollution.
MPCA issues stricter air permit for Water Gremlin
People who live near a manufacturing plant with a history of pollution violations are relieved Water Gremlin now must comply with a new stricter air permit.
Timeline: Water Gremlin's pollution violations and WCCO's investigation
During a community meeting four years ago people who live in White Bear Township learned about the pollution coming from Water Gremlin.
MPCA issues new air permit for Water Gremlin
Neighbors say they're relieved after years of perseverance and WCCO Investigations. When they learned a manufacturing plant had polluted their air for more than 15 years, they got to work. And in the last two hours, they learned the outcome.
How poor air quality can impact your health
For a time, smoke and ozone left Minnesota blanketed with the worst air in the entire country. WCCO's Jason Rantala picks up our Team Coverage with how dirty air can impact everyone's health.
How the Twin Cities can reduce waste and be a more environmentally friendly community
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says their recommendations -- if enacted -- will reduce our waste impacts through short and long-term solutions.
MPCA study highlights staggering costs to remove PFAS from wastewater
Removing "forever chemicals" from Minnesota's wastewater streams will cost anywhere from $14 billion to $28 billion over the next 20 years, according to a new report.
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Latest News
Be the Change MN, Mall of America team up for incredible holiday event for North Mpls families
This holiday season, Be the Change MN and the Mall of America are partnering to offer a true Winter Wonderland for students and their families from three North Minneapolis Schools.
St. Paul's Winter Carnival is running behind on sponsorship funds
Fundraising has fallen behind this year for the Winter Carnival. The carnival is still looking for sponsors for their parades, fireworks and the park itself.
Who is John Turscak, man accused of stabbing Derek Chauvin 22 times?
The inmate who allegedly stabbed Derek Chauvin in federal prison last week was identified as John Turscak, according to new charges filed on Friday.
Forecasting atmospheric weather is tricky enough; predicting Northern Lights is that much harder
NOAA space-weather forecasters track coronal holes in an effort to forecast the solar wind, but those holes can interact in unpredictable ways. To make things even more complicated, the sun rotates every 27 days, turning the solar wind into a complex spiral of high and low speeds.
Kettle River councilmember claims city administrator changed ordinance just to fine her $6,000
A small Minnesota town is dealing with some big problems. A city councilwoman is threatening to press harassment charges against the city administrator.
Twin Cities News
More Twin Cities News
Be the Change MN, Mall of America team up for incredible holiday event for North Mpls families
This holiday season, Be the Change MN and the Mall of America are partnering to offer a true Winter Wonderland for students and their families from three North Minneapolis Schools.
St. Paul's Winter Carnival is running behind on sponsorship funds
Fundraising has fallen behind this year for the Winter Carnival. The carnival is still looking for sponsors for their parades, fireworks and the park itself.
Who is John Turscak, man accused of stabbing Derek Chauvin 22 times?
The inmate who allegedly stabbed Derek Chauvin in federal prison last week was identified as John Turscak, according to new charges filed on Friday.
Forecasting atmospheric weather is tricky enough; predicting Northern Lights is that much harder
NOAA space-weather forecasters track coronal holes in an effort to forecast the solar wind, but those holes can interact in unpredictable ways. To make things even more complicated, the sun rotates every 27 days, turning the solar wind into a complex spiral of high and low speeds.
Derek Chauvin was stabbed 22 times in federal prison attack, charges say
The U.S. Attorney's Office identified the alleged perpetrator as 52-year-old John Turscak. He now faces charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Greater Minnesota News
More Greater Minnesota News
Forecasting atmospheric weather is tricky enough; predicting Northern Lights is that much harder
NOAA space-weather forecasters track coronal holes in an effort to forecast the solar wind, but those holes can interact in unpredictable ways. To make things even more complicated, the sun rotates every 27 days, turning the solar wind into a complex spiral of high and low speeds.
Kettle River councilmember claims city administrator changed ordinance just to fine her $6,000
A small Minnesota town is dealing with some big problems. A city councilwoman is threatening to press harassment charges against the city administrator.
Here's the new flag design Minnesotans want, according to a ranked-choice poll
A new ranked choice poll shows the flag that Minnesotans would pick to represent their state.
BCA seeks public's help finding missing 16-year-old girl
The BCA said that Cheyenne Cadena, of Glencoe, hasn't been seen since Sunday, and hasn't been in contact with friends on social media since Monday.
Reps. Emmer, Finstad & Fischbach vote against expelling Rep. George Santos
Three Minnesota Democrats voted to remove Santos — Reps. Angie Craig, Betty McCollum, and Ilhan Omar — but the fourth Democrat, Rep. Dean Phillips, did not vote in Friday's proceedings.
Wisconsin News
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iPhone notification leads authorities to man killed in Wisconsin crash, sheriff says
Authorities in western Wisconsin say an iPhone crash notification led them to a deceased driver late Thursday night.
Former Wisconsin GOP Attorney General Brad Schimel is running for the state Supreme Court
Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel is running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court against incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley in 2025.
Western Wisconsin barn fire kills 150+ animals, causes $225K in damage
More than 150 animals were killed in a blaze at a western Wisconsin barn Wednesday morning.
Official who posted "ballot selfie" in Wisconsin has felony charge dismissed
A local Wisconsin official who posted a selfie with his marked ballot on Facebook during the April 2022 election has had a felony charge against him dropped.
Report: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used alternate email under name of Hall of Fame pitcher
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used an alternative state email account using the name of Hall of Fame Milwaukee Braves pitcher Warren Spahn.
Community Journalism
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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.
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.
New Fort Snelling exhibit showcases Minnesota's diverse history
A two-year rehabilitation and improvement project features a final piece — a new exhibit called "Many Voices, Many Stories, One Place."
Smith Foundry president believes pollution concerns will be cleared up after more EPA testing
The president admits when they took over, there were problems with record keeping and some equipment not working properly, and points to a misinterpretation of their reports.
"Be a Santa to a Senior" program aims to make sure no one is left forgotten this holiday season
The program allows shoppers to brighten the holiday for those in need by picking up personalized gifts for older adults, who they adopt through displays at local stores.
Politics
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Kettle River councilmember claims city administrator changed ordinance just to fine her $6,000
A small Minnesota town is dealing with some big problems. A city councilwoman is threatening to press harassment charges against the city administrator.
Here's the new flag design Minnesotans want, according to a ranked-choice poll
A new ranked choice poll shows the flag that Minnesotans would pick to represent their state.
Reps. Emmer, Finstad & Fischbach vote against expelling Rep. George Santos
Three Minnesota Democrats voted to remove Santos — Reps. Angie Craig, Betty McCollum, and Ilhan Omar — but the fourth Democrat, Rep. Dean Phillips, did not vote in Friday's proceedings.
U.S. appeals court: Trump not immune from civil lawsuits over Jan. 6 attack
A group of congressional Democrats and veteran Capitol Police officers are seeking civil damages for the harms they allege they suffered because of the Capitol riot.
Sandra Day O'Connor, first woman on the Supreme Court, dies at 93
Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, and she retired in 2006.
Consumer News
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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.
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.
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.
Thousands of syringes containing "vaginal tightening gel" seized at MSP Airport, CBP says
CBP officials say the individually wrapped pink packages have an estimated resale value of more than $19,000.
Tips for protecting your packages from porch pirates this holiday season
More than 71 million Americans are expected to shop Cyber Monday sales according to the National Retail Federation. That means millions of packages delivered to homes across the country and millions of targets for porch pirates.
Crime News
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Who is John Turscak, man accused of stabbing Derek Chauvin 22 times?
The inmate who allegedly stabbed Derek Chauvin in federal prison last week was identified as John Turscak, according to new charges filed on Friday.
Kettle River councilmember claims city administrator changed ordinance just to fine her $6,000
A small Minnesota town is dealing with some big problems. A city councilwoman is threatening to press harassment charges against the city administrator.
Did the embarrassment of home foreclosure lead to murder?
Prosecutors say a man staged his wife's death 24 hours before they were expected to be evicted from their home to save himself from shame.
Derek Chauvin was stabbed 22 times in federal prison attack, charges say
The U.S. Attorney's Office identified the alleged perpetrator as 52-year-old John Turscak. He now faces charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
LA officials believe serial killer targeting homeless; 3 dead in 3 days
The LAPD is searching for suspect in at least 3 killings of homeless people in the city of Los Angeles.
Health News
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COVID levels rise by 50% in Minnesota compared to pre-Thanksgiving levels
New wastewater data from the University of Minnesota shows an uptick in COVID-19 cases statewide.
A look inside the United States' first-ever certified "Blue Zone" located in Minnesota
Living to 100 may seem like a major feat, but there are communities around the world where it's common — they're called "Blue Zones."
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.
Protein bars recalled after hairnet and shrink wrap found in products
Recalled Burn Boot Camp snacks were sold at locations run by gym franchises throughout the U.S.
Hennepin Healthcare nurses vote "no confidence" in CEO ahead of 2024 budget decision
The Hennepin Healthcare board of directors tells us they were able to minimize the negative impacts of benefit changes, and will continue to offer competitive pay and pension plans, stating they currently have a 90% retention rate.
Entertainment News
More Entertainment News
Shane MacGowan, longtime frontman of The Pogues, dies at 65
Singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan, the longtime front-man of The Pogues, died at the age of 65 surrounded by loved ones in Ireland, his family said.
Taylor Swift was Spotify's most-streamed artist in 2023
Taylor Swift was the most-streamed artist globally in 2023, according to Spotify Wrapped. Here's how you can find who you spent the most time with this year.
Sever's Holiday Light Show returns to Shakopee
A holiday tradition is once again shining brightly in Shakopee.
"Late Show" episodes canceled as Stephen Colbert recovers from surgery
Late night host Stephen Colbert is recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix, he said on Monday.
Daryl Hall gets restraining order against John Oates
The pair made up the pop rock duo Hall & Oates, and put out 18 studio albums together.
Sports News
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Airboat rescues Centennial Sports Arena's ice after ammonia leak
Deputies used an unlikely tool inside a Twin Cities sports arena Thursday to mitigate a dangerous ammonia leak.
Connor Dewar has 3 goals and an assist to Wild rout Predators 6-1
Connor Dewar had a hat trick and added an assist, Filip Gustavsson made 26 saves and the Minnesota Wild routed Nashville 6-1 on Thursday night to end the Predators' winning streak at six games.
Marc-André Fleury's mask featuring Native art raises more than $35,000 at auction
Fleury wore the mask during warmups at the Wild's Native American Heritage Night, defying the NHL's restriction on specialty jerseys, masks, stickers and decals for theme nights.
Mason Garcia returns to hockey rink less than 2 weeks after traumatic brain injury
"I'm still me. I'm still the same person. My life is just going to look a little differently," Mason Garcia said.
Minnesota backups help lift Golden Gophers to 33-point rout of New Orleans
Reserve Cam Christie scored 20 points and was one of three players off the bench to score in double figures and Minnesota beat New Orleans 97-64.
Talking Points
More 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.
Talking Points: Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand (part 2)
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape, as their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. Wegovy and Mounjaro have been approved by the FDA for weight loss. This distinction could be key for insurance companies that currently do not cover these drugs, forcing patients like Lori Rock to look to coupons to cover the cost.
Talking Points: Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand (part 1)
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape, as their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. Murphy spoke with Dr. Michael Miedema, a preventative cardiologist at Allina, about a new study that found Wegovy reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 20%.
Finding Minnesota
More Finding Minnesota
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
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.
What is radon? And how does it get into our homes?
A potentially life-threatening gas enters Minnesota homes at higher rates than other states.
Why do people mix up names?
Have you ever called someone the wrong name, or maybe you list off each of your kids before you get to the right one? We've all done it. So, why do we mix up names? Good Question.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Gallery: Pre-Halloween snow in Minnesota
There's nothing more spooky than the arrival of winter, especially when it falls before Halloween. Well, a round of overnight snow left a fresh coating on the metro, just in time to give people 1991 flashbacks.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 6 p.m. forecast from Dec. 1, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer has your latest forecast...and the next week will be surprisingly warm! Temps will hang in the 40s.
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.
Forecasting atmospheric weather is tricky enough; predicting Northern Lights is that much harder
NOAA space-weather forecasters track coronal holes in an effort to forecast the solar wind, but those holes can interact in unpredictable ways. To make things even more complicated, the sun rotates every 27 days, turning the solar wind into a complex spiral of high and low speeds.
NEXT Weather: 5 p.m. forecast from Dec. 1, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says that we may have another crack at seeing the Northern Lights tonight.
NEXT Weather: 4 p.m. forecast from Dec. 1, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says the weekend will be cloudy with a small chance for some moisture late Saturday into Sunday.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
Meet the finalists behind the new Minnesota state flag designs
Minnesota will soon have a new flag. Meet some of the designers behind the finalists.
Women's hockey leagues struggle with retention
Even though this is the "State of Hockey" - that state is struggling to keep girls interested in skating. As numbers drop, high schools are merging to stay alive. WCCO's Marielle Mohs checks in on one the newest co-op teams to see how it's working.
NEXT Weather: 6 p.m. forecast from Dec. 1, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer has your latest forecast...and the next week will be surprisingly warm! Temps will hang in the 40s.
Local organization and the MOA partner for unforgettable winter experience
Be the Change MN and the Mall of America are partnering to offer a true Winter Wonderland for students and their families from three North Minneapolis Schools. This VIP experience is for kids pre-K through 5th grade and as Reg Chapman reports, this year's event will be three time bigger than last.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival organizers struggle with securing sponsorships
Organizers say they're hopeful they'll fundraise enough -- to not cancel any part of the event. WCCO's Jason Rantala shows us what they need.