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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.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has added 511 streams, lakes and other bodies to its updated impaired waters list.
Construction has begun to replace a structure designed to keep polluted water and invasive species out of Lake Nokomis.
The American Lung Association is out with its "State of the Air" report for cities across the country, and the grade given to one Twin Cities county could take your breath away.
After nearly a decade, Karl-Anthony Towns is headed to the Knicks
4 people were rescued after a duck hunting boat capsized in Osakis Township
After investigating a suspicious package that was mailed to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office on Friday, officials have discovered that the substance found inside is not hazardous.
Hundreds of people spent a sun-filled Saturday supporting veterans, first responders, and their families, in an all-encompassing celebration of freedom.
The Orioles wrapped up the top AL wild-card spot, defeating the Minnesota Twins 7-2 on Friday.
After investigating a suspicious package that was mailed to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office on Friday, officials have discovered that the substance found inside is not hazardous.
Hundreds of people spent a sun-filled Saturday supporting veterans, first responders, and their families, in an all-encompassing celebration of freedom.
The Orioles wrapped up the top AL wild-card spot, defeating the Minnesota Twins 7-2 on Friday.
This weekend, police and other violence disruption groups will have a large presence downtown Minneapolis in hopes of curving a spike in youth violence.
WCCO has confirmed the Minnesota Timberwolves are trading Karl-Anthony Towns to New York Knicks.
4 people were rescued after a duck hunting boat capsized in Osakis Township
All 134 seats in the Minnesota House are up for grabs and the outcome will determine the balance of power in St. Paul.
A missing 62-year-old man with a medical condition has been found safe, police in Hastings say.
In the 30 years or so the Barten Family has been growing pumpkins, few years have been quite like this one.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he's joined a coalition of 22 U.S. attorney generals in supporting a federal rule aimed at stopping illegal gun trafficking.
A federal judge ordered the U.S. government to temporarily leave roads open on a northern Wisconsin reservation, giving non-tribal homeowners hope that they can maintain access to their properties for a while longer.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension canceled the alert Friday morning after the 15-year-old girl was found safe.
An investigation is underway in western Wisconsin after a man died following a motorcycle crash over the weekend.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a small plane made an emergency landing on Thursday afternoon on a northwestern Wisconsin highway.
A closely watched First Amendment rights case in Wisconsin involves a former campus chancellor who was fired after making pornographic videos with his wife.
Hess knows first-hand how important it is to help others because it wasn't that long ago that feelings of isolation and despair overcame him.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is explaining his call for city staff to "expedite" encampment clearings, while preventing new encampments from forming.
A metro nonprofit is taking on an important fight against child hunger.
Twenty percent of sales will go to the victims' families, with owners hoping to raise at least $4,000.
Walter Rouse told his coaches he doesn't want to miss out on any chance to give back to his new community while he's wearing the Vikings jersey.
After investigating a suspicious package that was mailed to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office on Friday, officials have discovered that the substance found inside is not hazardous.
All 134 seats in the Minnesota House are up for grabs and the outcome will determine the balance of power in St. Paul.
The city recently approved more than a million dollar grant in an effort to keep a homeless shelter open. But there's one problem: the mayor says that money doesn't exist.
All 134 seats in the Minnesota House are up for grabs this year.
The city recently approved more than a million dollar grant in an effort to keep a homeless shelter open. But there's one problem: the mayor says that money doesn't exist.
The federal funds rate currently stands at a 5.25% to 5.50% range — the highest in more than 20 years — and there are expectations that the Fed will reduce the rate by 25 basis points.
The holiday season is just around the corner and Target is preparing to the tune of around 100,000 seasonal workers.
The Internet lit up this week with news that a Chicago restaurant is offering a luxe cocktail for $13,000, purportedly the most expensive martini in the United States.
A scheme is hitting email inboxes across the country that uses public images of people's homes to attempt to trick them into sending scammers thousands of dollars in Bitcoin.
The average wholesale price for a dozen large Grade A eggs is now over $4.
After investigating a suspicious package that was mailed to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office on Friday, officials have discovered that the substance found inside is not hazardous.
This weekend, police and other violence disruption groups will have a large presence downtown Minneapolis in hopes of curving a spike in youth violence.
St. Paul police also say there were warning signs in Murdock's past that should have kept him away from guns and potentially saved lives.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he's joined a coalition of 22 U.S. attorney generals in supporting a federal rule aimed at stopping illegal gun trafficking.
An Elko New Market man was sentenced earlier this month to 40 years in prison for a deadly hammer attack on his 68-year-old landlord.
State health officials say that a Minnesotan has died due to rabies exposure, a rare occurrence that has only happened four times since 2000.
Ten deaths have been linked to now-recalled Boar's Head products.
Thirteen states in Appalachia join others in placing free boxes of naloxine in metal dispensers once used for newspapers, as part of Save a Life Day.
Longtime Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer announced on Wednesday afternoon that he has been diagnosed with dementia.
A typically rare disease that was declared eliminated in the United States over two decades ago is now confirmed inside a Minneapolis school.
Grammy Award-winning comedy artist "Weird Al" Yankovic is coming back to Minnesota next June.
British actress Dame Maggie Smith had an extensive career in theater and movies, gaining international acclaim in later roles in "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey."
The adventure begins for 16 ordinary Americans as they embark on their trek to the top of the treacherous New Zealand Alps in 'The Summit.'
Mystic Cove is set to be built at a Mall of America parking lot.
Since their debut nearly 35 years ago, Pearl Jam has been one of the world's most popular and influential rock groups. Lead singer Eddie Vedder and bassist Jeff Ament talk about success, friendship, creativity, and giving back to their loyal fans.
The Orioles wrapped up the top AL wild-card spot, defeating the Minnesota Twins 7-2 on Friday.
WCCO has confirmed the Minnesota Timberwolves are trading Karl-Anthony Towns to New York Knicks.
Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will make his return to the gridiron Sunday against the packers, according to his head coach.
The record comes in a season in which the White Sox had multiple double-digit losing streaks and fired manager Pedro Grifol.
The Minnesota Vikings, arguably the NFL's hottest team, will have their mettle tested once more this Sunday when they head to Lambeau Field to take on the rival Green Bay Packers.
Vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance will debate Tuesday night. Some analysts agree the debate could sway swing voters, impacting the race.
Vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance will debate Tuesday night. Some analysts agree the debate could sway swing voters, impacting the race.
Vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance will debate Tuesday night. Some analysts agree the debate could sway swing voters, impacting the race.
Vice presidential candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance will debate Tuesday night. Some analysts agree the debate could sway swing voters, impacting the race.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took the debate stage Tuesday night. Some analysts, including some Republicans, are giving Harris the debate win.
Eagles, pigs and aliens are three things that don't typically fit together. But at Mimi and Papa's in the far-southern Minnesota town of Windom, there's a lot that doesn't quite fit together.
What happened to Jesse James and his band of bank robbers after they fled Northfield? Some of them ended up near the town of Madelia.
Small towns in rural America often get overlooked. As their population shrinks, their history can fade. But you could say Arco remains rock solid in western Minnesota.
It's the center piece of the Walker Art Center's sculpture garden. And in many ways, it's become a state symbol. Roughly 600,000 people a year visit the Spoon and Cherry.
It's estimated that at least half of all fairgoers visit the Miracle of Birth Center, making it one of the most popular exhibits at the fair—and one of the most educational.
From star-studded conventions to social media endorsements, pop culture and politics have crossed over for more than a century.
Many of us wish we could learn another language. It seems young kids have no problem picking up a second or third language but for adults, that changes.
Minnesota's more than 10,000 lakes are part of many Minnesotans' identities —but as endearing as the lakes are, there's something strange about them too.
It's ironic that in a place and time meant for rest — our beds — anxiety-inducing thoughts prevent its purpose.
While many are out enjoying summer's scorching finale, hardware stores are thinking two seasons ahead.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Storms ripped through parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday evening. There were several reports of tornadoes and trees were downed in the metro and beyond, including in Cottage Grove, Anoka, Champlin and Fridley.
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday night, delaying Tuesday's opening.
A severe thunderstorm swept through the Twin Cities metro late Monday evening, bringing sights to behold.
The northern lights dazzled Minnesotans overnight, and some WCCO viewers shared their best pictures.
We saw a beautiful day. Overnight temps will be in the 50s, but we will see a high in the 80s come Sunday. Lisa Meadows breaks it all down and more in her Next Weather forecast.
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.
Thanks to high pressure, another gorgeous day is on the way filled with more sunshine and above average temperatures.
Here's your latest forecast from WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says high temps will be back in the 80s across Minnesota tomorrow.
We saw a beautiful day. Overnight temps will be in the 50s, but we will see a high in the 80s come Sunday. Lisa Meadows breaks it all down and more in her Next Weather forecast.
Late Friday night news of Karl Anthony Towns being traded became known. Fans in Minnesota react to the news.
The Minnetonka Skippers played host to the Shakopee Sabers in a 6A battle Friday night. Plus, hear about a Rocori High School teacher who is teaching a class about baseball in this week's High School Sports Rally.
Here are your top local headlines from WCCO's Reg Chapman.
Here's a look at four things to do today.