Minnesota Lakes Show Too-High Chloride Levels, With Road Salt The Big Culprit
It's estimated that about 350,000 tons of road salt are used each year in the Twin Cities. It also doesn't help when winter weather lingers into spring.
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It's estimated that about 350,000 tons of road salt are used each year in the Twin Cities. It also doesn't help when winter weather lingers into spring.
Seven Minnesota cities are suing a group of companies that refine coal-tar sealants to help pay for cleanup after the product's harmful chemicals ended up in stormwater ponds across the state.
Les Mann, a sailor in the west metro, is doing what he can to keep Minnesota waters clean.
The Trump administration is set to roll back the centerpiece of President Barack Obama's efforts to slow global warming, the Clean Power Plan that restricts greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Wildfire smoke originating in Canada is currently clouding the skies over central and northeast Minnesota. According to air pollution monitors, fine particle pollution is at or above a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Thursday's proposal would freeze an effort by the Obama administration intended to promote auto fuel efficiency.
Wildlife conservationists in Alabama are expressing outrage after the body of an endangered type of sea turtle washed ashore with a beach chair wrapped around its neck.
While many areas in the U.S. try to crack down on the littering aspect of not cleaning up after your dog, studies are also finding that dog poop is becoming a major environmental hazard too.
A national river advocacy group has named two Minnesota rivers on its annual list of the most endangered rivers in the country.
Jury selection has been halted in Minnesota's $5 billion case against 3M Co., on the day the trial was expected to start.
A new analysis from the Minnesota Department of Health says water contaminated by 3M may have polluted the ground, but did not pose a significant health risk to people.
The worst conditions are expected during the afternoon and early evening in the Twin Cities area, St. Cloud, Hinckley and the tribal nation of Mille Lacs.
State pollution officials say that a northeast Minneapolis metal recycling plant has agreed to voluntarily reduce dust generated at its business.
The federal government is handing out $2 million to cities along the Great Lakes to cut down storm water runoff and improve water quality at beaches.
A south-central Minnesota ethanol plant has been fined again for environmental violations.
The German company who owns the cargo ship that was detained in Duluth last winter is facing criminal charges. The United States Attorney's Office has charged MST Mineralien Schiffahrt with one count of violation of the act to prevent pollution from ships.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air pollution advisory for parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area. The agency says the advisory was prompted by a narrow plume of smoke form fires in Kansas and Nebraska.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is concerned about air quality and the levels of lead in an industrial area of north Minneapolis.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is forming a new advisory committee on environmental justice.
Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed eight people to a new committee to advise the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Dayton created the panel by executive order last year after the Legislature abolished the MPCA Citizens' Board.
An air pollution health advisory is in effect for central and southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says a combination of low clouds, fog and light southeasterly to easterly winds are combining Thursday to cause fine particle pollution to approach a level considered unhealthy.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it came up with a variety of creative approaches to the state's environmental challenges in 2015. The agency's "Swimmable, Fishable, Fixable?" report in April offered evidence about impaired water quality and its causes.
Gov. Mark Dayton kicked off visits to mining operations in other states Tuesday as he prepares to make a major mining decision in Minnesota. The state is considering whether to allow a mining company to open Minnesota's first copper-nickel operation. And it is a decision that is sparking controversy.
To some it's a lump of rock, but to others it's a sweet outdoor treat gone sadly sour. A group of enthusiasts plans to clean up piles of trash and other blights on parts of Sugar Loaf, an 80-foot rock that overlooks Winona.
A Robbinsdale lake is contaminated after a contractor accidentally released cement grout into a storm sewer Wednesday. Crystal city officials say the accident happened during work on a water main project on County Road 9.
Eleven educators have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, organizers said Friday.
Paul George scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 21 as the 76ers defeat the Timberwolves.
Tristan Gray hit his first career grand slam to cap a seven-run seventh inning for the Minnesota Twins in a 10-4 home-opener victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Owen Hailey was the second oldest of four siblings, and was known to be everyone's best bud.
Security footage shows thieves fleeing after discovering a 3-month-old in the backseat of a stolen SUV, leaving the infant alone in an alley for more than an hour before police arrived.
Security footage shows thieves fleeing after discovering a 3-month-old in the backseat of a stolen SUV, leaving the infant alone in an alley for more than an hour before police arrived.
On this Good Friday, dozens of people in Minneapolis marched in the rain to acknowledge a connection they feel exists between how Jesus was crucified and the trauma community members experienced in recent years.
From the initial concept 10 years ago to the opening of two stores in the Twin Cities on Friday, Erin Pash and Shayna Hoechst have reached new highs with Pot Mama's.
Target Field in downtown Minneapolis lost power for around an hour ahead of the Minnesota Twins' home opener on Friday afternoon.
Police are investigating after dozens were smashed and at least three people fled officers in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement.
A 28-year-old man is in the hospital after a crash involving a plow truck and a pickup truck in Fredenberg Township, Minnesota, on Friday morning.
Julie Le, who was removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks," is now challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th District.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Some schools in Minnesota have already announced closings or shifts to virtual learning on Thursday as another round of winter weather threatens parts of the state.
A South Dakota man was killed in a crash south of the Twin Cities Tuesday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Owen Hailey was the second oldest of four siblings, and was known to be everyone's best bud.
Efforts to quickly and quietly oust the president of the University of Wisconsin system are drawing fire from a Republican legislative leader.
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against Israel.
Some schools in Minnesota have already announced closings or shifts to virtual learning on Thursday as another round of winter weather threatens parts of the state.
A suspect is in custody after a "written threat" led to the brief evacuation of a church in Hudson, Wisconsin, Tuesday morning.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's executive order that aims to restrict mail voting.
The executive order is designed to increase the NCAA's control over college sports, and threatens to remove federal funding for colleges and universities that don't comply with NCAA rules.
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against Israel.
The search for the second crew member, a weapons system officer, is continuing, two U.S. officials said.
A former Trump defense attorney will take over, at least temporarily.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
With the national average for gas prices around $4, the timing is especially concerning for the floral industry amid the height of Easter and Passover preparations.
Security footage shows thieves fleeing after discovering a 3-month-old in the backseat of a stolen SUV, leaving the infant alone in an alley for more than an hour before police arrived.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, paraprofessional is facing seven charges in an undercover child solicitation operation that was carried out by a detective in Carver County last month, according to court records.
Police are investigating after dozens were smashed and at least three people fled officers in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement.
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against Israel.
The complaint says the woman admitted to an officer over the phone that she went home and consumed alcohol during her lunch break.
Nurses and physicians at Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis, home to the first level-one and busiest trauma center in Minnesota, on Wednesday urged the state Legislature to throw the hospital a lifeline — and fast.
Ramsey County, Minnesota, health officials say the county had its first case of mumps reported in about five years.
The Supreme Court's 8-1 ruling siding with a Colorado counselor who claimed the state's restriction unconstitutionally censored her conversations with young patients does not immediately strike down Minnesota's law.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane was lured to a Dallas studio for a meeting, then allegedly kidnapped and robbed by a group including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30.
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
A Minnesota singer has made the big time, signing his first record deal after 43 years in the music business.
The price hike raises the cost of the standard plan with ads by $1 per month and the cost of the standard and premium plans by $2.
Paul George scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 21 as the 76ers defeat the Timberwolves.
Tristan Gray hit his first career grand slam to cap a seven-run seventh inning for the Minnesota Twins in a 10-4 home-opener victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Target Field in downtown Minneapolis lost power for around an hour ahead of the Minnesota Twins' home opener on Friday afternoon.
The executive order is designed to increase the NCAA's control over college sports, and threatens to remove federal funding for colleges and universities that don't comply with NCAA rules.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced franchise legend Kevin Garnett's long-awaited return to Target Center, though fans will have to wait a little longer for his well-deserved jersey retirement.
Julie Le, who was removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks," is now challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota's 5th District.
In 2025, the entire U.S. Attorney's office had 77 immigration detention cases, she said. In January 2026, she alone was assigned 88 cases.
One of the most heated issues remains immigration, where Craig has walked back her support for the Laken Riley Act.
With the DFL nominating convention just eight weeks away, polls that have come out show Peggy Flanagan in the lead for U.S. Senate over Angie Craig.
A DFL senator argues that President Donald Trump's decision to allow prediction market sites in all 50 states means Minnesota should regulate sports betting rather than leave it uncontrolled.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
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.
Snow is expected to fall across much of Minnesota on Saturday morning, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. Residents in areas around Grand Marais and Bemidji could see up to a foot of accumulation by the end of Saturday.
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.
Rain will fall in the Twin Cities late Friday and into early Saturday while Minnesotans to the north see snow, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
High pressure brings back some sunshine for Easter Sunday with a quieter pattern into early next week, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
Northern Minnesota could see a few inches of snow as another storm pushes through, and though the Twin Cities will see some flakes, NEXT Weather Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says there won't be much accumulation.
Snow is expected to fall across much of Minnesota on Saturday morning, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. Residents in areas around Grand Marais and Bemidji could see up to a foot of accumulation by the end of Saturday.
Holy Week is a busy time for clergy members. In this edition of Home Team, Mike Max introduces Father Bob White, a legally blind Minnesota priest who never slows down while accomplishing amazing things.
A U.S. Coast Guard ice cutter was needed to help a freighter that was stuck on Lake Superior in Duluth on Friday.
It was a memorable home opener for the Minnesota Twins and their fans on Friday. There was a power outage, it was cold and the team lit it-up in the late innings of the game. Ubah Ali spoke to fans about the issue.
Search and rescue crews are looking for a pilot after the F-15E fighter jet they were in was shot down over Iran on Friday, U.S. officials said. They were part of a two-man crew flying the aircraft. Rescue teams found the other pilot hours after the crash. Officials also found an A-10 pilot shot down in a separate incident. Charlie D'Agata reports from London.