MPCA could have alerted people about lead exposure sooner
WCCO Investigates discovered the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency could have alerted people whose health was at risk from lead exposure sooner.
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AMBER Alert canceled for 3-week-old taken from Columbia Heights home
The infant and the woman who allegedly took him were found safe in Minneapolis around 5 p.m.
Minneapolis astronaut set to go to International Space Station
A NASA astronaut from Minneapolis is set to launch on a mission to the International Space Station next summer.
Blaine man's giant backyard guitar honors rock 'n' roll legends
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
Sheriff outraged over not using mass alert system to notify lawmakers of June 14 attacks
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher blasted state capitol security for not quickly sending a mass alert to Minnesota lawmakers the night two of their colleagues and their spouses were shot in their homes in the politically motivated attack this summer, calling the move a "safety failure."
Petition seeks to name Minn. State Office Building after Rep. Hortman
The grassroots online petition has picked up more than 500 signatures as of Wednesday evening.
Audit: Minneapolis police didn't violate policy amid federal raid
On Tuesday, the City Council will hold an after-action review. City leaders will dig into what role, if any, local officials had in the high-profile operation.
These are the best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Niche released its list of best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Did your child's high school make the list?
WCCO's "Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max" premieres Thursday
Football season is here and WCCO is bringing you a new show to get you ready for gameday.
NEXT Weather Headlines
Don't expect Minnesota's "Summer Glory Index" to be high in 2025
The Summer Glory Index rates how great Minnesota's summer days are based on high and low temperatures and rain.
Air quality in Minneapolis ranks 2nd worst in world Friday; alert extended
The state of Minnesota is entering another in a long string of summer days marred by air quality alerts. Poor air quality will continue through Saturday with lingering wildfire smoke from Canada.
How to keep your pets safe during an air quality alert
More days of wildfire smoke may mean more trouble for your pets, as veterinarians say they're seeing an increase in respiratory illness in dogs, cats and even birds.
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NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on Aug. 6, 2025
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says there is an isolated chance of rain/thunderstorms overnight.
Minnesota man transforms backyard into tribute to rock and roll
In the land of Prince and Bob Dylan, there’s a music tribute that you can only see from the sky. In this week’s Finding Minnesota, WCCO's John Lauritsen shows us how, and why, a Blaine man built a giant guitar in his backyard.
How this Minnesota city is using AI to monitor tree health
AI tree tech, ever heard of that? The City of Plymouth is the first in Minnesota to help monitor tree health with data. Our Frankie McLister got to the root of the new technology.
Movement calls name Minnesota State Office Building after slain lawmaker
It was a moment of pure horror for our state, but some Minnesotans want to turn a tragedy into a testament. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a politically motivated attack at their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. Now, an online petition is slowly gaining support to change the name of a state building to honor the couple.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will not run in 2026 election
Mary Moriarty says she will not seek another term after winning in a landslide in 2022 campaigning as a reform candidate.
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Sports News
How a Minnesota swimmer and his father bond over superheroes
A young Minnesota athlete preparing for the Special Olympics shares a special bond over superheroes with his father. Mike Max introduces the Lepel family.
Luke Keaschall drives in three runs as Twins beat Tigers 9-4
Luke Keaschall drove in three runs for the second straight game and the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 9-4 on Wednesday.
MLB calling up first female umpire for Marlins-Braves games this weekend
Jen Pawol is set to become the first woman to umpire in Major League Baseball when she works games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves.
WCCO's "Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max" premieres Thursday
Football season is here and WCCO is bringing you a new show to get you ready for gameday.
Former Vikings LB Anthony Barr announces retirement from NFL
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Barr said he is "incredibly thankful and deeply humbled by the journey this game has taken me on."
Finding Minnesota
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Blaine man's giant backyard guitar honors rock 'n' roll legends
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
How hundreds of volunteers make Braham's Pie Day happen
This Friday, the town of Braham will reach a milestone as it celebrates its 35th "Pie Day." It's always the first Friday in August.
One of the largest boat museums in the country is in Minnesota
In the mid-90s, a group of Alexandria, Minnesota, residents wanted to highlight wooden boats and their craftsmanship, believing they were essentially works of art. So, they converted an old city garage into the Legacy of Lakes Museum.
The majestic "Toaster Tree" of Pope County, Minnesota
The town of Sedan, Minnesota, has gone out of its way to celebrate an every-day household item.
Black sand beach in Silver Bay may be the only of its kind in "lower 48"
It might be the only beach of its kind in the entire country. Black Beach in Silver Bay has become a popular summertime destination, and that might have something to do with its striking look.
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Philandro's Pantry aims to honor namesake's legacy by feeding community
After a successful food giveaway earlier this summer, a local organization is making its services more permanent.
Beloved Heights Bakery closes after 72 years
Friday morning, a line with dozens of hungry customers stretched out to the intersection. The Heights Bakery has been serving sweets to the Columbia Heights community for 72 years.
Minnesota Fringe Festival features musical produced entirely by kids
The Minnesota Fringe festival brings over 100 performing arts performances to over a dozen metro venues, and one of this year's shows is produced entirely by kids.
Minnesotan swims English Channel as food shelf fundraiser
The roughly 21-mile swim across the English Channel took Seth Baetzold 11 hours and 23 minutes.
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Every new food, drink and vendor at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
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.
Gallery: Vietnam through the lens of Arthur Phillips Sr.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
Twin Cities News
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Blaine man's giant backyard guitar honors rock 'n' roll legends
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
Petition seeks to name Minn. State Office Building after Rep. Hortman
The grassroots online petition has picked up more than 500 signatures as of Wednesday evening.
Plymouth to monitor tree health using AI
Scanners are collecting information from the roughly 40,000 trees covering Plymouth city parks, roads and other public spots, looking for dying trees with drooping leaves that could soon spell problems.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty won't run for reelection
Moriarty says she will focus on "creating enduring change in the system" during the final months of her administration.
MPCA could have alerted people about lead exposure sooner
WCCO Investigates discovered the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) could have alerted Eagan residents whose health was at risk from lead exposure sooner.
Greater Minnesota News
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More "plant destroyer" water mold species discovered in Minnesota
Scientists at the University of Minnesota say they've discovered more than a dozen different types of a mold known as "plant destroyers."
Minnesota sees spike in overdoses involving sedatives
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a health advisory last week warning of an increase in overdose cases involving sedatives.
These are the best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Niche released its list of best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Did your child's high school make the list?
What are the origins of National Night Out?
The first Tuesday of August is a unique night meant for nothing more than connection with those living on your street and the people tasked to protect it: National Night Out, which is now in its 42nd year.
Missing: Juanita Mae Rosa, 85, last seen in Hinckley
Authorities are asking for the public's help to find a missing 85-year-old Minnesota woman.
Wisconsin News
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These are the best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Niche released its list of best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Did your child's high school make the list?
Wisconsin bear with jar stuck on head freed, relocated and released
The Chequamegon Humane Association in Ashland, Wisconsin, said the bear had the jar on its head for more than a week.
Wisconsin officials confirm first measles cases of the year
Wisconsin's Department of Health Services confirmed nine cases of measles in Oconto County on Saturday, the first cases the state has seen this year.
Wisconsin DNR on lookout for bear with jar stuck on its head
The Chequamegon Humane Association in Ashland, Wisconsin, says a bear has been wandering around with a jar on its head for eight days.
Wis. man pleads guilty to smuggling lab equipment to Russian companies
A Wisconsin man has pleaded guilty to smuggling lab equipment to Russian companies in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Politics
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Petition seeks to name Minn. State Office Building after Rep. Hortman
The grassroots online petition has picked up more than 500 signatures as of Wednesday evening.
Movement calls name Minnesota State Office Building after slain lawmaker
It was a moment of pure horror for our state, but some Minnesotans want to turn a tragedy into a testament. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a politically motivated attack at their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. Now, an online petition is slowly gaining support to change the name of a state building to honor the couple.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will not run in 2026 election
Mary Moriarty says she will not seek another term after winning in a landslide in 2022 campaigning as a reform candidate.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty won't run for reelection
Moriarty says she will focus on "creating enduring change in the system" during the final months of her administration.
Security changes made for Minnesota Capitol building
There are fewer public entrances and more security officers around the Minnesota State Capitol under new changes public safety officials implemented on Wednesday.
Consumer News
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Test shows how online tags compare to in-store prices at big box stores
WCCO tests if in-store and online prices are different at Target, Walmart and Best Buy.
Coon Rapids Walmart permanently closing at the end of August
Around 176 people will be permanently laid off as a result of the closure, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
AG Ellison announces $5M settlement for thousands of renters
More than 4,000 Minnesota renters are eligible to get money back from a property management company accused of overcharging and stealing security deposits.
Albert Lea blocks Minnesota's first non-tribal cannabis dispensary
A new decision from the Albert Lea City Council could be a sign of more difficulties for the cannabis industry ahead.
Court rules against company accused of defrauding Somali families
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says his office secured a judgment against a property development company accused of defrauding Somali immigrant families.
Crime News
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Man sentenced for charges stemming to Feeding Our Future scheme
A man convicted of charges stemming from the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has been sentenced.
Fort Stewart shooting suspect in custody, 5 soldiers wounded, officials say
An Army sergeant opened fire at Fort Stewart in Georgia, shooting five soldiers and prompting a brief lockdown at one the country's largest Army bases, officials said.
Outraged over not using mass alert system to notify lawmakers of June 14 attacks
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher blasted state capitol security for not quickly sending a mass alert to Minnesota lawmakers the night two of their colleagues and their spouses were shot in their homes in the politically motivated attack this summer, calling the move a "safety failure."
Man hit by gunfire while walking down Minneapolis street, police say
A man is recovering after he was apparently struck by a stray bullet late Monday night in Minneapolis.
Man fled motorcycle crash that left sister critically injured, charges say
The 70-year-old man from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, is charged with one count of criminal vehicular operation, court documents filed Tuesday in Washington County show.
Health News
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Minnesota sees spike in overdoses involving sedatives
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a health advisory last week warning of an increase in overdose cases involving sedatives.
Hennepin County commissioners discuss taking over HCMC
Changes could be coming at the area's largest trauma hospital. At a packed meeting Tuesday, Hennepin County commissioners said they have to take extreme measures to make sure it stays open.
Minnetrista mom of 3 uses data, science at health lab to improve her life
A participant in the 2025 Twin Cities Marathon is a mom of three from Minnetrista who is taking extra steps to make sure she's running her best and in the safest way.
HealthPartners workers in Stillwater vote to authorize strike
HealthPartners employees in Stillwater voted to authorize an unfair labor practices strike, their union announced Monday.
Doctor-patient team looks help people with chronic pain
In the U.S., nearly 21% of people live with chronic pain, but a patient-doctor team from M Health Fairview hopes to change that.
Entertainment News
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Blaine man's giant backyard guitar honors rock 'n' roll legends
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
WCCO's "Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max" premieres Thursday
Football season is here and WCCO is bringing you a new show to get you ready for gameday.
Loni Anderson, star of "WKRP in Cincinnati," dies at 79
Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio station's empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy "WKRP in Cincinnati," died Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday.
Family, fans bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne at U.K. funeral procession
A funeral procession for legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, England, gave fans a chance to pay their respects.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's impact on Minnesotans
A Minnesotan who knew Malcolm-Jamal Warner says the teen star was much more than just an actor.