Why ice loss in the Arctic is threatening polar bear populations
After a summer of fasting on land, the bears need to get back to their frozen home to hunt seals and bulk up. But their migration ritual is changing.
Minnesota
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Keri Heintzeman projected to win GOP primary in special election
Keri Heintzeman is projected to win the GOP primary in the special election to replace disgraced former state Sen. Justin Eichorn, who resigned last month following charges of attempting to pay a teenage girl for sex.
There's a chance to see the northern lights overnight in Minnesota
Minnesotans could have the chance to see the northern lights on Wednesday morning.
Wild clinch playoff spot, beat Ducks 3-2 in OT
The Minnesota Wild clinched a spot in the playoffs in dramatic fashion when Joel Eriksson Ek scored the tying goal with 20.9 seconds left in regulation.
Pony gets new life in groundbreaking rehab case
A team of veterinarians in Minnesota decided to embark on a bold and relatively rare journey to fit a 5-year-old mini horse with a prosthetic leg.
Minnesota lawmakers warn of "devastating" impacts of Medicaid cuts
State lawmakers say millions of dollars in health care funding are at risk if a proposal in the U.S. Congress goes through.
Twins defeat Mets 6-3
Ryan Jeffers and Harrison Bader had three hits apiece and Brooks Lee homered as the Minnesota Twins defeated the New York Mets 6-3.
Roseville church volunteer charged with sexually assaulting children
A volunteer at King of Kings Lutheran Church and School is facing criminal charges after being accused of sexually assaulting four children between the ages of 4 and 6.
Minnesota county's landfill now using game-changing "WARP" system
Thanks to a first-of-its-kind system in the United States, a western Minnesota county says it has kept PFAS and other contaminants from getting into the environment.
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Tips to protect your home this spring
Wind and hail account for over 40% of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Saturday starts off dry as a warm front ushers in spotty storms
Saturday starts off dry, but may turn wet as a warm front moves through the area during the afternoon.
4 things to know about extreme heat in Minnesota, Wisconsin
As the days get longer, they are getting warmer. And while Minnesota doesn't get as hot as other parts of the country, heat still causes problems.
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NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on April 15, 2025
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the wind will die down tonight, plus there's a chance you could see the Northern Lights.
How veterinarians created a prosthetic for a three-legged pony
Second chances come in any shape or size. WCCO's Adam Duxter shares a remarkable turnaround thanks to a team that wouldn't quit.
What is the point of flushing fire hydrants?
A sure sign of spring might be flowing outside your home starting Wednesday. Streets will be soaked, but it won't be thanks to Mother Nature. Why are fire hydrants flushed? Jeff Wagner shares why homeowners will want to know the schedule.
Minnesota boy faces long road to recovery after being hit by wrong-way driver
One of two brothers injured in a wrong-way crash remains in critical condition as investigators work to find answers in a complicated crash. Frankie McLister spoke with the boys' family.
Man charged after threatening to "shoot up" UnitedHealthcare campus
A man is now charged for threatening to "shoot up" the UnitedHealth campus in Minnetonka.
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Wild clinch playoff spot, beat Ducks 3-2 in OT
The Minnesota Wild clinched a spot in the playoffs in dramatic fashion when Joel Eriksson Ek scored the tying goal with 20.9 seconds left in regulation.
Twins defeat Mets 6-3
Ryan Jeffers and Harrison Bader had three hits apiece and Brooks Lee homered as the Minnesota Twins defeated the New York Mets 6-3.
How a Minneapolis teacher is providing opportunities for local hoopers
A Minneapolis teacher is helping high school basketball players get one more look from college coaches.
Xcel Energy Center will be renamed, Wild announce
Xcel Energy's naming rights for the arena will expire this summer after 25 years, but the power company will remain a partner of the Wild.
Who will the Vikings take in the 2025 NFL draft?
With the 2025 NFL draft quickly approaching, a consensus seems to be developing around expert predictions for the Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick.
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Why are fire hydrants flushed?
A sure sign of spring might be flowing outside your home starting Wednesday. Streets will be soaked, but it won't be thanks to Mother Nature — fire hydrants are getting flushed.
How to make the best cup of coffee
No matter how you take your coffee, there are endless ways to create the morning staple.
Is marriage good for your health?
Being married has its benefits, but a new study found that staying single late in life might actually be better for your brain.
Are humans getting taller?
Professor David Geary, a cognitive scientist and evolutionary psychologist, has researched the topic of heights and says humans have been getting taller.
How prevalent are food dyes in everyday items, and how harmful are they?
Artificial dyes made using chemicals and are thus regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure their safety. But do we need them?
Community Journalism
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Mom raises awareness of AFE after near-death experience
The birth of a child is typically the happiest day in a parent's life. But for a Minneapolis family, it started a mother's fight for her life.
Joan Jett, Cheap Trick and Ludacris to headline Taste of Minnesota
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick and Ludacris are slated to headline Taste of Minnesota this year.
Budget cuts at Chelsea Heights leave students without arts, music programs
Low enrollment at Chelsea Heights Elementary School has impacted funding for music and arts programs, leaving staff to figure out how they will still deliver creative classes for students.
Sisters with sickle cell disease see relief thanks to Make-A-Wish
Avianah Drakeford was born with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that negatively affects how blood moves around the body. It's not life-threatening, but it is life-altering.
Student calls EMS from bus radio as driver has medical emergency
An elementary school student used a school bus radio to get help for a driver suffering from a medical condition while on their route home from school in central Minnesota, according to officials.
Bethel University students help small town rebuild after Hurricane Helene
Eleven college students from Bethel University in Minnesota ditched their traditional spring break trips to a North Carolina community in crisis.
WCCO alum Caroline Lowe inducted into Minn. Broadcasters Hall of Fame
WCCO-TV and I-Team alum Caroline Lowe was inducted into the 2025 Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame by another 'CCO alum, Pat Kessler, on Wednesday.
Brothers to run Boston Marathon — pushing their dad with ALS the whole way
Jeff Birkel got hooked on running in his 30s, but after getting diagnosed with ALS, things changed. Soon, his sons had an idea to get their dad qualified as a handicapped athlete in the Boston Marathon.
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Minnesota snowstorm gallery: March 5, 2025
A spring snowstorm dropped several inches of plowable snow overnight in the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota.
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.
Gallery: Vikings named to 2025 Pro Bowl Games
Six Minnesota Vikings made the initial roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the most in 15 years.
Minnesota's tiniest residents celebrate Halloween
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Twin Cities News
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Why are fire hydrants flushed?
A sure sign of spring might be flowing outside your home starting Wednesday. Streets will be soaked, but it won't be thanks to Mother Nature — fire hydrants are getting flushed.
Tax Day brings uncertainty to undocumented immigrants
For many, Tax Day is a last-minute rush, but now it's bringing uncertainty for undocumented people in the United States.
Person struck by train in NE Minneapolis
The incident happened along the tracks near 36th Avenue and Johnson Street Northeast.
MN Legislature ethics rules face scrutiny amid conflict-of-interest concerns
The ethics standards in the Minnesota Legislature are facing fresh scrutiny after a prominent state senator didn't disclose a former legal client poised to benefit from a bill he sponsored.
Neighbors jump into action when car drives into Twin Cities lake
A man from Roseville, Minnesota, was rescued from his sinking car after driving into a lake. Unfortunately, the outcome of the crash was not what neighbors were hoping for.
Greater Minnesota News
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Pony gets new life in groundbreaking rehab case
A team of veterinarians in Minnesota decided to embark on a bold and relatively rare journey to fit a 5-year-old mini horse with a prosthetic leg.
Teen remains in critical condition after wrong-way crash
Sherburne County authorities say the boys hit a wrong-way driver. As a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was responding, investigators say he couldn't slow down in time to avoid the crashed vehicles.
Man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2023 house party shooting
Last month, a jury found Deionte Parker guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and being an ineligible person with a prior crime of violence in possession of a firearm.
Vandalism spree in central Minnesota has sheriff searching for info
Authorities in central Minnesota are investigating a string of vandalizations, and they're asking for the public's help.
Deputy critically injured in southwestern Minnesota crash
A deputy in southwestern Minnesota is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash over the weekend.
Wisconsin News
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4 things to know about extreme heat in Minnesota, Wisconsin
As the days get longer, they are getting warmer. And while Minnesota doesn't get as hot as other parts of the country, heat still causes problems.
How Keystone Pipeline spill could impact gas prices
You could feel pain at the pump if a pipeline just west of Minnesota doesn't get up and running again soon.
Wisconsin prosecutor accused of threatening judges
An assistant district attorney in Wisconsin faces multiple felony charges after allegedly telling a coworker three judges "need to bleed" for ruling against him.
Man, 33, charged in crash that killed Twin Cities restaurateur
A Brooklyn Park, Minnesota man has been charged after a Blue Plate Restaurant Company co-owner was killed by a driver while on a motorcycle Sunday.
Inspired by late mother, Wisconsin man rides Peloton to fight Parkinson's
A Wisconsin man is cycling towards a cure for Parkinson's disease. Dozens of bikers are set to take off in an annual Wisconsin fundraiser called Peloton4Parkinson's at the end of April.
Politics
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Tax Day brings uncertainty to undocumented immigrants
For many, Tax Day is a last-minute rush, but now it's bringing uncertainty for undocumented people in the United States.
Why tax preparers say this year's tax season is different
Tuesday is the tax deadline day. For many, it's a last-minute rush. Now, it's bringing uncertainty for undocumented people in this country. A new deal between the IRS and Homeland Security allows them to share tax information. Ubah Ali shows us the impact some tax preparers are already seeing.
MN Legislature ethics rules face scrutiny amid conflict-of-interest concerns
The ethics standards in the Minnesota Legislature are facing fresh scrutiny after a prominent state senator didn't disclose a former legal client poised to benefit from a bill he sponsored.
Amid tariff pause, is now the time to buy smartphones and computers?
Technology stocks surged after the Trump administration announced exemptions on smartphones, computers and other electronics from tariffs. That has some wondering whether now is the time to go ahead and buy certain gadgets, or whether it's smarter to wait.
What's at stake as Congress debates cuts to Medicaid
Millions of dollars in federal funds are on the line in Minnesota as Congress debates cuts to Medicaid and health care. Beret Leone shows us what’s at stake.
Consumer News
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Amid tariff pause, is now the time to buy smartphones and computers?
Technology stocks surged after the Trump administration announced exemptions on smartphones, computers and other electronics from tariffs. That has some wondering whether now is the time to go ahead and buy certain gadgets, or whether it's smarter to wait.
Historic Dairy Queen in Roseville will soon house new ice cream shop
Tim Hughes, owner of Maverick's Roast Beef, has purchased an 80-year-old Dairy Queen in an attempt to breathe new life into an iconic piece of Roseville, Minnesota history.
How Keystone Pipeline spill could impact gas prices
You could feel pain at the pump if a pipeline just west of Minnesota doesn't get up and running again soon.
MSP runway construction may alter metro flight patterns this spring, summer
The Metropolitan Airports Commission is letting Twin Cities residents know that a number of flight patterns may be temporarily different during two separate, weeks-long stretches this year.
Minnesota businesses brace as Trump increases China tariffs
Despite thousands of miles and an ocean between them, some Minnesota businesses rely on deals with China.
Crime News
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Man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2023 house party shooting
Last month, a jury found Deionte Parker guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and being an ineligible person with a prior crime of violence in possession of a firearm.
Detained U of M student to remain in custody for three more weeks
Dogukan Gunaydin, a 28-year-old Turkish citizen, is an MBA student at the Carlson School of Management and was detained by ICE.
Man accused of threatening UnitedHealthcare building faces charges
A man who threatened to "shoot up" the UnitedHealthcare Twin Cities campus on Monday now faces several charges.
Man accused of killing roommate inside metro apartment
A 36-year-old man accused of fatally shooting his roommate in the face on Friday in the Twin Cities is now charged with second-degree murder.
Vandalism spree in central Minnesota has sheriff searching for info
Authorities in central Minnesota are investigating a string of vandalizations, and they're asking for the public's help.
Health News
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Meet Duke, the K-9 who sniffs out stress
Duke, a 2-year-old lab, is a critical incident response dog with the Burnsville Police Department, specially trained to detect cortisol — a stress hormone — in people.
Man accused of threatening UnitedHealthcare building faces charges
A man who threatened to "shoot up" the UnitedHealthcare Twin Cities campus on Monday now faces several charges.
Autism rate rises to 3% of children in CDC study
CDC experts were not made available to discuss the findings showing a rise in autism prevalence.
Minnesota lawmakers warn of "devastating" impacts of Medicaid cuts
State lawmakers say millions of dollars in health care funding are at risk if a proposal in the U.S. Congress goes through.
Minnesota county's landfill now using game-changing "WARP" system
Thanks to a first-of-its-kind system in the United States, a western Minnesota county says it has kept PFAS and other contaminants from getting into the environment.
Entertainment News
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The Avett Brothers booked for Minnesota State Fair Grandstand show
Familial folk group the Avett Brothers will strum, fiddle and sing on the Minnesota State Fair's Grandstand stage this year.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" turns 100
When F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" at the height of the roaring '20s, he couldn't possibly realize that the book would emerge as one of the very top contenders for "the great American novel."
Cannes Film Festival unveils full list of 2025 competition titles
The lineup for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was unveiled Thursday morning, and includes a mix of names familiar to the competition alongside some relative newcomers.
Mpls. natives Atmosphere set to play Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
Hometown hip-hop act Atmosphere is set to play the Minnesota State Fair's Grandstand this summer.
Jay North, star of original "Dennis the Menace" TV series, dies at 73
Jay North, who starred on TV's "Dennis the Menace" for four seasons starting in 1959, has died.