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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.
Two members of Congress introduced legislation Tuesday that encourages states in the Great Lakes region to develop voluntary programs aimed at reducing farm pollution that causes harmful algae blooms.
The thick haze caused by smoke from more than 100 Canadian wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality conditions across a large part of Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports that the air quality is rated unhealthy for everyone from a large part of northwestern Minnesota, including Detroit Lakes, extending down to Brainerd and St. Cloud toward the Twin Cities suburbs.
Just two weeks after it was abolished by the Minnesota Legislature, an influential environmental citizen's board held its last meeting on Tuesday.
A shaky coalition of lawmakers that compiled a package of environmental and agricultural programs may not hold up in a coming special session, forcing Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders to seek enough support for a final piece of the state budget Thursday and pause their hopes for a Friday special session.
Environmental groups are hoping to preserve a citizen oversight board at the state's pollution control agency, but it may be too late. Gov. Mark Dayton and top lawmakers worked Tuesday to put the finishing touches on a deal for the state's budget, including a retooled environment budget that Dayton previously vetoed.
Scientists specializing in the Great Lakes are going to be hearing about the challenge plastic pollution poses for the lakes during a conference at the University of Vermont.
Now that Minnesota lawmakers will be pulled back into action, the second-chance stampede is on. Groups with a gripe about the budget are trying to get in on the special session provoked by a promised veto of a $17 billion education spending plan, and some want Gov. Mark Dayton to veto other bills too.
In the town of Worthington, lake life is a part of the culture. "Whenever we poll the community about what the most important features are, what their proudest of in the community, Lake Okabena always comes in number one," Okabena Ocheda Watershed District's Dan Livdahl said.
President Barack Obama's proposed budget for 2016 seeks a $50 million cut in a multi-year program to clean up the Great Lakes. The president's spending plan released Monday requests $250 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, down from $300 million appropriated for this year.
State officials say a new report shows that Minnesota businesses lead the nation in reducing or eliminating dangerous pollutants from their work processes.
First it was tiny plastic beads, but now scientist are rising concerns about fibers from clothing polluting the Great Lakes. A recent study found polyester fleece sheds thousands of fibers when it's washed.
Scientists who have reported that the Great Lakes are awash in tiny bits of plastic are raising new alarms about a little-noticed form of the debris turning up in sampling nets: synthetic fibers from garments, cleaning cloths and other consumer products.
The southern half of Minnesota is under an air pollution advisory. Warmer temperatures, along with moisture and low winds, are causing fine particles to be trapped near the ground. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it's unhealthy for people with respiratory health problems.
On Tuesday, California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags like the ones used in Target and grocery stores across the country. The plastic bags will be phased out over the next two years, but people can still use them for vegetables and meats. Paper bags will cost 10 cents while reusable bags will be free to use.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says more data analysis must be done to determine whether changes to the state's water quality standards are warranted to protect wild rice from sulfates.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air pollution health alert for western Minnesota effective through noon on Friday. The agency says a strong temperature inversion, snow melt and fog are trapping fine-particle pollution near the surface, causing unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. An air pollution health advisory has also been issued for the southern half of Minnesota — including the Twin Cities and Rochester — beginning Thursday evening and extending into Friday morning. Fine-particle concentrations are expected to increase and may reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups for short periods.
A government report says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should do more to make sure a Great Lakes cleanup program is meeting its goals. Congress has spent about $1.3 billion on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative over the past four years.
A new study finds that chemicals from household products, prescriptions and illegal drugs are common in Minnesota lakes. MPCA scientists chose 50 lakes at random and tested the water for 125 chemicals. The common insect repellent DEET was found in 76 percent of lakes.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is giving a mixed report on the Mississippi River watershed in the St. Cloud area.
The Minnesota River is getting healthier, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it shows efforts to reduce pollution from wastewater treatment systems are making the difference.
The University of Michigan is establishing a research program designed to bring more scientific credibility to the federal government's billion-dollar battle to clean up the Great Lakes, officials said Tuesday.
Minneapolis has a reputation as a bike-friendly city with many commuting with pedal power. Now, a University of Minnesota graduate student is doing research about the quality of air cyclists are breathing.
Clouds remain throughout Sunday in Minnesota as the wind picks up with gusts up to 20 mph by the afternoon.
President Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after shots rang out at the hotel where the event was taking place.
Matt Boldy scored on a deflection with 28.9 seconds left in the first overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 on Saturday in Game 4 to tie the first-round NHL playoff series.
President Trump was safely evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner Saturday night after shots were fired outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel.
David Martinez scored early in the first half and that was all Hugo Lloris needed as Los Angeles FC ended Minnesota United's four-match winning streak with a 1-0 victory on Saturday.
Clouds remain throughout Sunday in Minnesota as the wind picks up with gusts up to 20 mph by the afternoon.
The National Transportation Safety Board says it is investigating after an airplane crashed Saturday afternoon.
Clouds will linger throughout Saturday with the high temperatures reaching in the low 60s.
Law enforcement agencies are looking for an incarcerated man who fled from a community work crew in Plymouth, Minnesota, on Friday, according to the state's Department of Corrections.
The mother of the victim of a fatal shooting at a housing complex in Edina, Minnesota, on Wednesday is speaking out.
Clouds remain throughout Sunday in Minnesota as the wind picks up with gusts up to 20 mph by the afternoon.
Clouds will linger throughout Saturday with the high temperatures reaching in the low 60s.
A Minnesota family is finally welcoming home U.S Army Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, a war hero they waited more than 80 years to find.
Flooding at Gooseberry Falls State Park in Lake County, Minnesota, has made some trails in the area inaccessible.
A worker on a boom truck that was trying to help a commercial vehicle move through a western Minnesota intersection was thrown from the bucket Thursday afternoon, officials say.
Two Minnesotans were killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday evening in western Wisconsin.
Matthew Keirans used William Woods's identity for decades, then manipulated police into prosecuting Woods, who spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Dozens of former employees are now suing their former bosses after they were all abruptly laid off from a metal fabrication plant in western Wisconsin.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
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.
President Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after shots rang out at the hotel where the event was taking place.
President Trump was safely evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner Saturday night after shots were fired outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel.
President Trump cited wasted time and confusion over leadership, adding, "we have all the cards."
A bill to ban most bets on prediction markets is ready for a Minnesota Senate floor vote just days after a lawmaker sparked controversy by putting money on his own primary race for Congress.
Prediction markets are getting a lot of attention lately, especially after a Minnesota lawmaker put money on his own race. Now, a bill to ban most of that type of betting is ready for a vote on the state Senate floor. Caroline Cummings looks into the odds of it passing this year.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
The bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
Law enforcement agencies are looking for an incarcerated man who fled from a community work crew in Plymouth, Minnesota, on Friday, according to the state's Department of Corrections.
The mother of the victim of a fatal shooting at a housing complex in Edina, Minnesota, on Wednesday is speaking out.
A suspect in a fatal shooting in Maplewood, Minnesota, was arrested in Illinois Friday, the morning after the killing, police said.
State lawmakers across the U.S. are increasing security measures as political violence rises.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
Minnesota lawmakers are calling for the humanitarian release of a woman detained earlier this year amid Operation Metro Surge who is suffering from a tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst.
For more than 50 years, Steve Nesseth has answered the call, not for the recognition, but because for him service is simply a way of life.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
National Nurses United warns Hennepin County Medical Center could close following federal health care cuts under H.R. 1, threatening care across Minnesota and the Midwest.
Hundreds of nursing home workers from across the Twin Cities are on strike Monday.
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
A previously unreleased song is one of many ways Prince is being honored a decade after his death.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Matt Boldy scored on a deflection with 28.9 seconds left in the first overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 on Saturday in Game 4 to tie the first-round NHL playoff series.
David Martinez scored early in the first half and that was all Hugo Lloris needed as Los Angeles FC ended Minnesota United's four-match winning streak with a 1-0 victory on Saturday.
The Minnesota Vikings traded edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for two third-round picks in a future-looking move on the second night of the NFL draft.
The Minnesota Twins were beaten by the Rays 6-2 on Friday night in the first game of the series. Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda each hit two home runs for Tampa Bay.
The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired edge rusher Jonathan Greenard in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
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 media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
The pet insurance industry is relatively new, and experts say that's partly why there's a low number of policies, but it is growing.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
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.
Clouds remain throughout Sunday in Minnesota as the wind picks up with gusts up to 20 mph by the afternoon.
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.
We do remain relatively dry on Sunday during the day. The widespread soaking rain comes Sunday night and will remain through Monday. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks down all the timing and shares how much rain we can expect.
Scattered showers remain a possibility throughout the evening and overnight. We do remain relatively dry on Sunday during the day. The widespread soaking rain comes Sunday night and will remain through Monday. Katie Steiner breaks down all the timing and shares how much rain we can expect.
Clouds will linger throughout Saturday with the high temperatures reaching in the low 60s.
We do remain relatively dry on Sunday during the day. The widespread soaking rain comes Sunday night and will remain through Monday. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks down all the timing and shares how much rain we can expect.
Scattered showers remain a possibility throughout the evening and overnight. We do remain relatively dry on Sunday during the day. The widespread soaking rain comes Sunday night and will remain through Monday. Katie Steiner breaks down all the timing and shares how much rain we can expect.
Wild fans can expect a new playoff menu at The Grand Casino Arena.
A small single-engine plane crashed on Saturday. Local authorities say two people died, and are investigating. Federal agents are on their way to assist in the investigation.
Kirstoff the Magician stopped by WCCO and astounded Adam Del Rosso and Reg Chapman with a little trick.