WCCO Radio

01/02/2026

Many kids in the U.S. are already using screens by the time they are 3 years old. While both parents and their children might enjoy it, screen time comes with risks, and a study published this week adds to concerns about "infant screen time."

This study found that screen time actually accelerated maturation of visual and cognitive control networks. That might seem positive, but quick maturation also resulted in problems over time.

01/02/2026

New year means new laws - including in Minnesota where 2026 will kick off with an expansion of workers' rights.

Minnesota’s New Year will bring with it sweeping new laws for workers, hunters and families, including an expansion of worker rights, guaranteeing up to 20 weeks of paid family and medical leave, and requiring meal and rest breaks for longer shifts.

01/01/2026

A number of members of Congress from both major parties have announced they are heading for the exits, either because they are seeking higher office, are not running again or are leaving early before the 2026 elections. Here's the latest:

More House seats are opening up as more members announce their upcoming departures

01/01/2026

Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and West Virginia are the first of at least 18 states to enact waivers prohibiting the purchase of certain foods, including candy and soda, through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting today.

Americans in five states who get government help paying for groceries will see new limits starting Thursday on soda, candy and other foods they can buy with those benefits

01/01/2026

Kicking off the year’s cosmic wonders is the moon, drawing the first astronauts in 50 years as well as a caravan of robot landers. A supermoon looms Jan. 3 and an astronomical blue moon's on the books for May. What else lies ahead for '26 when we look up?

The moon and sun share top billing in 2026

01/01/2026

This week, Israel said it had suspended more than two dozen humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and CARE, from operating in the Gaza Strip for failing to comply with new registration rules.

Israel says it will suspend several humanitarian organizations for failing to meet its new rules to vet international organizations working in Gaza

01/01/2026

For faith leaders supporting and ministering to anxious immigrants across the United States, 2025 was fraught with challenges and setbacks. For many in these religious circles, the coming year could be worse.

Faith leaders across the United States face challenges as they support anxious immigrants

01/01/2026

Diabetes is a disease affecting 399,700 adults in Minnesota, or 9% of the population. Every single one of those people needs insulin, one of the main reasons the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program exists. Here's what it is and why it's important:

Diabetes is a disease affecting 399,700 adults in Minnesota, or 9% of the population. Every single one of those people needs insulin, one of the main reasons the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program exists. Here’s what it is and why it’s important:

12/31/2025

While the world waits for the big disco ball to drop in Times Square in New York, other communities across the United States are gearing up for their own New Year's Eve celebrations. Who's in for the pickle drop? A giant piece of bologna?

While the world waits for the big disco ball to drop in Times Square in New York, other communities across the United States are gearing up for their own New Year’s Eve celebrations. Who’s in for the pickle drop? Bologna?

12/31/2025

Last year was the first 12-team playoff, and the top four seeds with first-round byes all lost in the quarterfinals. This year’s top seeds — Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech — want to prove last year was a fluke. Here are our picks:

12/31/2025

State officials announcing that applications for Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program will open a day earlier than planned. DEED Commissioner Matt Verelich says they've built in multiple checks to prevent fraud.

State officials announcing that applications for Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program will open a day earlier than planned. DEED Commissioner Matt Verelich says they’ve built in multiple checks to prevent fraud.

12/31/2025

Droppings and urine from rodents and birds discovered at a Minnesota distribution facility have resulted in a recall of various products, according to a notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.