System could identify plastics in Mississippi River
Research shows 1% of the world's rivers are responsible for 80% of all plastic flowing into the ocean.
Watch CBS News
Research shows 1% of the world's rivers are responsible for 80% of all plastic flowing into the ocean.
Topping the list of this year's most endangered rivers in America is our very own Mississippi River. It's driven by flooding and concerns around how prepared we are to deal with a disaster. In Climate Watch, Erin Hassanzadeh tells us how University of Minnesota researchers are looking at a way to target and remove plastics.
For more than 50 years, we've been celebrating Earth Day to protect our planet. As Caroline Cummings reports, dozens of Minnesotans who gathered at the state capitol today worry we're not doing enough.
Earth Day has roots in the Badger State. The founder was a politician and conservationist who grew up in the town of Clear Lake, Wisconsin. Derek James traveled to St. Croix Falls to learn about his vision for a better planet.
In hundreds of U-S. cities, sewage spills into creeks and rivers each time there’s heavy rainfall. The water contamination is a growing concern for environmental advocates as climate change intensifies storms. National Environmental Correspondent David Schechter explains.
In 1993, Don Shelby and a crew from WCCO embarked on a journey to Churchill, Manitoba in Canada. The trip was sparked by this curiosity: How do people and polar bears live side by side in the same town? Thirty years later, WCCO returned to Churchill, enamored by the same thing. Erin Hassanzadeh shows us what's putting the town and its famous bears at risk.
The list of 10 most endangered rivers of 2025, according to the nonprofit American Rivers, includes the Mississippi River and the lower Rio Grande.
Building costs are comparable to more traditional structures, but developers say building with wood has advantages over steel and concrete.
The executive orders are meant to reenergize the coal industry, which has been steadily declining for years.
Students at the Open World Learning School are creating an interactive play addressing the decisions people make and how they impact the environment.
Conservationists and mining groups share their concerns and hopes for the future of the Boundary Waters following President Trump's executive order to lift mining restrictions across the U.S.
Residents along Parkview Avenue in St. Paul are leveling a lawsuit against the city, claiming officials weren't transparent in their plans to tear down beloved trees.
The first day of spring, also known as the vernal equinox, has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20, 2025.
Two-thirds of Americans support a transition to clean energy by 2050, and 3 out of 4 support regulating carbon emissions, according to a long-running Yale study. These maps show the results.
A study, published Thursday in the journal Science, found that 22% of butterflies in the United States disappeared between 2000 and 2020.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it's trying to get clarity on the cuts.
The Western Hudson Bay polar bears are the most famous, and most photographed, polar bears in the world. Their home is the Arctic, where the last nine years were the warmest on record. Erin Hassanzadeh takes us to Churchill, Canada where experts say what's changing up-north should serve as a warning to us all.
Minnesota farmers say they are in a valley of uncertainty amid the layoffs and cost-cutting measures of the first few weeks of President Trump's second term.
Winter is more than halfway over, and we've definitely had our share of cold weather, but so far this season, the Twin Cities have only seen 16 inches of snow.
Winter is more than halfway over and we've definitely had our share of cold weather. But so far this season, the Twin Cities has only seen 16 inches of snow. That's well below the three feet that has typically piled up on the ground by now. So what happens if we don't get enough snow? Good Question. Jeff Wagner talked with a trio of environmental experts.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) says it's working to improve air quality monitoring following a state review stemming from a dispute over reported violations at a Minneapolis metal foundry.
Chocolate is by far the most popular Valentine's Day treat, but it's getting more difficult though to find sweet deals for your sweetheart. Prices are up nearly 20% because the cost of cocoa has more than doubled in the past year. Some say it's time to find a "chocolate alternative." As Erin Hassanzadeh reports in this special "Climate Watch" story, the search has ties to a Minnesota business.
Advocates say mining would create jobs and help the economy; opponents say mining will pollute the precious boundary waters.
Supporters of expanding mining and drilling near the Boundary Waters are cheering another Trump executive order.
Among the tsunami of signed orders Monday night in the Oval Office is one that's expected to cause controversy here at home. Kirsten Mitchell has the details.
The sun is shining, spring is here and that means it's time for many Minnesota homeowners to tend to the yard or garden. And if using fertilizer or pesticides is a part of your plan, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has some important reminders.
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.
Police in Edina, Minnesota, say one person was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon near the city's Southdale Center.
A TikTok creator is no longer banned from parks in St. Paul, Minnesota, after appealing the city's restriction, according to his agent.
About half of Iran's stockpile of ballistic missiles and its associated launch systems were still intact as of the start of the ceasefire in early April, officials said.
Police in Edina, Minnesota, say one person was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon near the city's Southdale Center.
A TikTok creator is no longer banned from parks in St. Paul, Minnesota, after appealing the city's restriction, according to his agent.
Police in Blaine, Minnesota, are asking for the public's help to find 16-year-old Patrick Keane Jr., who was last seen on April 11.
The report found 15 issues with Moturi's case and 22 with Lussier's.
The CEO of Twin Cities-based electronics retailer Best Buy will step down later this year, and the company has already named her successor.
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.
Planting is underway and spring conditions have been good across much of Minnesota. But even so, some farmers are electing to sit out a year.
Elk River follows the cities of Champlin, Zumbrota, St. Francis and others in reverting to the old state symbol that was originally adopted in 1957.
Terrifying surveillance footage shows the moment a tornado smashed into a southern Minnesota home Friday.
Law enforcement in southern Minnesota canceled an alert for a 12-year-old boy who went missing Sunday night.
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.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
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.
About half of Iran's stockpile of ballistic missiles and its associated launch systems were still intact as of the start of the ceasefire in early April, officials said.
The report found 15 issues with Moturi's case and 22 with Lussier's.
Many are feeling relief as President Trump extends a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. But there is still plenty of uncertainty
State and local agencies say they were forced to spend big and fast without any warning.
A new court filing is tallying the cost of Operation Metro Surge, two months after the historic crackdown. A lawsuit filed by the Minnesota attorney general puts the price tag at more than $600 million for business losses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ubah Ali shows us how they came up with those numbers and the suit against the federal government.
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.
Police in Edina, Minnesota, say one person was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon near the city's Southdale Center.
The report found 15 issues with Moturi's case and 22 with Lussier's.
Recently released 911 logs provide new insight into how police responded to the assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, including the fact that officers did not recover her body for nearly an hour after the initial shooting at her home.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O'Hara and other city leaders outlined ongoing efforts to improve safety and livability in the city's Uptown neighborhood during a news conference Tuesday morning.
Minneapolis police suspect a driver was under the influence when he fatally struck a bicyclist on the city's southside early Monday morning.
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.
At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.
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.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
The Mets, 0-10 in their last 10 games and sitting at 7-16 overall, face the Twins in a 7:10 p.m. matchup as they try to break their longest losing streak of the season.
New York lost its 12th consecutive game, falling 5-3 to the Twins on Tuesday night.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will likely miss the first month of the WNBA regular season to complete her rehabilitation following left ankle surgery.
The Minnesota Twins reinstated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list before beginning a three-game series against the New York Mets.
Fourth in the nation and the best finish by the Gopher Gymnastics team in program history happened last weekend in Fort Worth, TX at the NCAA Championship.
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.
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 Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
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.
Fire dangers stay in place until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Thursday tops out in the 70s before the severe weather rolls on Thursday evening. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares the timing on Thursday and what you need to know to stay safe.
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.
Some possible severe weather is headed for the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Thunderstorms develop late Thursday with a few strong to severe, damaging winds and hail possible, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
After a hot and breezy day, temps will top out in the 70s on Thursday before the chance for severe storms.
Fire dangers stay in place until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Thursday tops out in the 70s before the severe weather rolls on Thursday evening. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares the timing on Thursday and what you need to know to stay safe.
A school nurse came to the rescue after a high school senior suffered a cardiac event.
Minnesota's social services software really needs an update. If it doesn't, it could mean higher property taxes for Minnesotans.
An audit of the Minneapolis Police Department shows how they failed two Minneapolis residents. A breakdown in communication, officers not knowing the law and other issues were brought to light.
Some possible severe weather is headed for the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.