Here are some animal headlines from Minnesota in 2024 that are bound to steal your heart
2024 may have been the year of the dragon, but in Minnesota, all kinds of animals made headlines.
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2024 may have been the year of the dragon, but in Minnesota, all kinds of animals made headlines.
The role of the Animal Humane Society is to help thousands of animals in need across Minnesota. Janelle Dixon has spent over 30 years doing just that.
It's been a busy year for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. Tuesday they passed a record of 21,000 patients. Including a late season mallard duckling.
The Animal Humane Society says its humane investigations team found 55 cats living in a "cramped single-family home."
The wheelchaired broad-breasted bird died suddenly after surgery to amputate his infected leg.
Simon was rescued in 2020 after a family who initially had tried to sell him off for Thanksgiving dinner.
Though a Minnesota State Trooper attempted to rescue an injured eagle on I-35E on Friday, the bird unfortunately died before reaching the Raptor Center.
Earlier this month, nearly 40 animals were rescued from Happy Tails shelter following alleged mistreatment. Now, those animals are thriving at the Animal Humane Society and are looking for their forever homes.
Community service officers with Centennial Lake police were called to a neighborhood after the storm — not to help the homeowner, but baby woodpeckers nestled inside a fallen tree branch.
Severe storms that tore through the town of Lexington this week forced an evacuation for four tiny residents.
Minnesota animal shelters say they need help after being forced to take in hundreds of cats from hoarders around the state. Investigators have found at least 265 cats in just three Minnesota homes since late February. WCCO's David Schuman learned what could be behind these sad situations and what's next for the animals.
"If gratitude had a face it wouldn't be this kitty cat," one person said of the agitated-looking calico.
They're holding a fundraiser in connection with the sanctuary's 25th anniversary, with all donations up to $75,000 matched dollar for dollar from now until April 30.
A man planning to help flip a house is now in the middle of a massive rescue mission. Nearly 80 cats were found cramped and living in filth inside a foreclosed house in Coon Rapids. WCCO's Kirsten Mitchell has more.
Firefighters raced to the rescue, retrieving the dog and bringing him back to the fire station for some oxygen and warm blankets.
India's train tracks run straight through elephant country, and collisions are a big problem. Meet a team trying to get one victim back on her feet.
Carley Ryan owned an animal rescue in Andover where police say there was an "overwhelming odor of feces and urine."
Leo, a three-year-old golden retriever, fell about 300 feet and was stuck between the high cliffs and the Pacific Ocean, but is expected to survive his injuries.
A woman who went on a solo search for her missing dog in sub-zero windchill Sunday afternoon did not return safely that evening, but she and her dog were both found Monday afternoon by Pine County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team, the sheriff's office said.
Firefighters battled bitterly-cold temperatures and huge Lake Superior waves to save a dog who jumped into a Duluth shipping canal last week.
Two sea otter pups, one orphaned after an orca killed its mother in Alaska and another rescued by SeaLife, are now receiving care at the Minnesota Zoo.
Most of the animals were chipped and neutered, and Emirati authorities say they're investigating the "inhumane act."
Minneapolis Animal Care and Control will extend their hours until 7:30 p.m. every Thursday starting Aug. 24 to help address the increasing number of intakes at the shelter.
In the last three months, two Minnesota animal rescuers lost several animals to house fires. Marielle Mohs shows us how their friendship was formed from shared tragedies.
While no one knows why, there's been at least one peacock living in the neighborhood since the 90s.
Police gave few details about either shooting, but said no one has been arrested.
Tuesday morning will bring the coldest air of our recent frigid stretch, but after that, temperatures will rise above zero.
When NHL hockey players go crashing into the boards, advertisers enjoy some air time. But the logos fans see along the boards on TV are different from what is seen in the arena.
After 17 months of rebuilding from a bus crashing through its front window, the business is now facing another challenge.
When temperatures dip below zero, sometimes cars don't have a chance.
Police gave few details about either shooting, but said no one has been arrested.
After 17 months of rebuilding from a bus crashing through its front window, the business is now facing another challenge.
Authorities say two people were seriously injured in a crash after a man fled from law enforcement during a traffic stop on Monday.
Minnesota leaders are celebrating civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Monday, hundreds gathered at Two Rivers High School to perform acts of community service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Seven different fire departments worked to put out a fire at a Wright County egg farm Monday morning.
Josh Madson is using his photography skills in an effort to bring the community together.
Authorities in northwestern Minnesota are advising residents to stay off the roads Friday afternoon.
From Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, 2,079 people were arrested as part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's DWI enforcement campaign.
Fire destroyed Winona's Black Horse Bar & Grill early Friday morning, with several fire departments trucking in water to help fight the blaze.
The red Toyota Camry that was being driven by Shuefuab "Shue" Xiong was found, unoccupied, in Superior.
The famous Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls hasn't been owned by a member of the Leinenkugel family since 1988, but some members of the family want to change that.
Wisconsin's Democratic governor has created a new office dedicated to preventing gun violence, a month after a school shooting not far from the state Capitol.
Wisconsin's photo ID requirement for voting would be elevated from a state law to a constitutional amendment under a proposal approved in the Republican-controlled Assembly with no support from Democrats.
A Wisconsin woman who at age 12 stabbed her sixth-grade classmate nearly to death to please online horror character Slender Man will be released from a psychiatric hospital, a judge ordered on Thursday.
The Stillwater community and beyond are rallying around a high school girls soccer coach while he recovers from a spinal injury.
A shelter in the Twin Cities is doing something unique to make help more accessible and comfortable for survivors of domestic violence.
A Minneapolis woman with a knack for pampering people is stepping up amidst a personal care attendant shortage.
A local business, started during the pandemic, will soon celebrate two years at a physical location.
Emily Roth is the president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution and chose to help homeless veterans as her state project.
There's already fallout after Trump signed a flurry of executive actions on issues like immigration, federal workers and energy on his first day back in office.
In his inaugural address, President Trump said he'll be ushering in a new era and ending a period of American decline. Those executive orders cover a wide range of policies from immigration to energy, trade and inflation.
President Trump promises to crack down on illegal immigration. Jonah Kaplan investigates how our current deportation process works.
President Trump pledged on the campaign trail to absolve those who were charged for their conduct on Jan. 6, 2021.
The Senate quickly confirmed Rubio as the nation's top diplomat hours after Trump was sworn in.
It will be more expensive to attend the Minnesota State Fair this summer, officials announced on Sunday.
The series of January cold snaps is helping some Minnesota resorts get back on track. Even with below-average snowfall, business is looking up.
The brand says the savory drops are available for a limited time in January for National Soup Month, and the peak of cold and flu season.
UnitedHealth posted a better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit, but a nagging rise in medical costs and care utilization surprised Wall Street.
From 1980–2024, there were 62 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses of over $1 billion each in Minnesota.
Police gave few details about either shooting, but said no one has been arrested.
President Trump promises to crack down on illegal immigration. Jonah Kaplan investigates how our current deportation process works.
Authorities say two people were seriously injured in a crash after a man fled from law enforcement during a traffic stop on Monday.
A man is gravely injured after a shooting in St. Paul's Payne-Phalen neighborhood Sunday night, police say.
Adam Fravel is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Maddi Kingsbury, the mother of their two children. He maintains his innocence.
As illness is spreading around the state, one patient says their senior living facility is keeping residents separated to prevent more people from getting sick.
The U.S. surgeon general says even one drink per week significantly raises your cancer risks.
UnitedHealth posted a better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit, but a nagging rise in medical costs and care utilization surprised Wall Street.
Mariah Southwick says her friends, Rachel Kretchmer and Michael Shulze, died one week ago after buying what they thought was cocaine — instead, it was fentanyl-laced cocaine.
There is real concern among health officials there won't be nearly enough doctors in the future, let alone for rural Minnesota in the near term.
President-elect Donald Trump had one of the biggest names in country music performing at his swearing-in ceremony.
David Lynch has died at the age of 78, his family announced.
Bob Uecker was the voice of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers who after a short playing career earned the moniker "Mr. Baseball" and honors from the Hall of Fame.
Princess Kate made the announcement on social media after visiting the London hospital where she received treatment.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker behind "O.J.: Made in America" has made a nine-hour documentary about the life and achievements of Prince. However, it may never end up getting the audience it deserves.
It was a battle of north vs. south in boys hockey Friday night as Grand Rapids and White Bear Lake battled on the ice. Plus, a former University of Minnesota hockey player is feeling thankful amid his battle with a life-altering disease.
When NHL hockey players go crashing into the boards, advertisers enjoy some air time. But the logos fans see along the boards on TV are different from what is seen in the arena.
The Buckeyes earned their second national title since the start of the College Football Playoff era.
Jaren Jackson Jr. had 24 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and Desmond Bane added 22 points as the Memphis Grizzlies used a late rally to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106.
Yakov Trenin scored against his former team early in the third period, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 on Monday.
A boycott, an alleged coup, multiple lawsuits — they're all part of the confusion and chaos at the Minnesota legislature.
Esme Murphy talks about how the capitol drama could continue for weeks.
The U.S. surgeon general says even one drink per week significantly raises your cancer risks.
The surgeon general says even if you have one drink once a week over a lifetime your odds cancer risk rises significantly.
The death of former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic has left the Senate temporarily in a 33-33 tie. The special election in the heavily DFL district is Jan. 28. Republican Senate Leader Mark Johnson and DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy are currently working out a temporary power-sharing agreement.
In the basement of the Minnesota History Center, you'll find corridors of giant blue cabinets that are guarded by lock and key.
The story behind the St. James Hotel is simple: 11 business owners needed a place for people to stay when they came to town. Likely none of them envisioned their establishment would one day end up on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the first week of December, Little Falls holds Christmas tours around town. It's a chance for historic buildings to deck their halls and spread their cheer.
Duluth is known for its scenic views across the city, but one location stands out from the rest.
One family's creative design in central Minnesota allows guests to sleep under the stars — at any time of year.
When NHL hockey players go crashing into the boards, advertisers enjoy some air time. But the logos fans see along the boards on TV are different from what is seen in the arena.
Well before evacuation orders are declared, or even before an emergency happens, there are ways to prepare.
The brutal cold that settled in on Monday is enough to make you cry. All it takes is a few seconds outside before the tears start flowing.
Celebration turned into frightening chaos on New Year's Day when a driver barreled down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 people. Two days later, the FBI released a bulletin warning of copycat attacks.
Here's an explanation of why people may hear creaks and trembles in their homes during cold months.
Six Minnesota Vikings made the initial roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the most in 15 years.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
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.
An extreme cold warning remains in place for the entire state through noon, and a NEXT Weather Alert is in effect.
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.
After warm winter weather cut their event short last year, organizers of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships say the ice this year is some of the best they've seen.
Tuesday morning will bring the coldest air of our recent frigid stretch, but after that, temperatures will rise above zero.
Tuesday morning will bring the coldest air of our recent frigid stretch, but after that, temperatures will rise above zero.
Police are investigating two fatal shootings in Minneapolis, Minneapolis public transit wants to hear from you and more.
An extreme cold warning remains in place for the entire state through noon, and a NEXT Weather Alert is in effect.
After warm winter weather cut their event short last year, organizers of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships say the ice this year is some of the best they've seen.
There's already fallout after Trump signed a flurry of executive actions on issues like immigration, federal workers and energy on his first day back in office.
Calling all cat lovers — there is a cat show just for you happening this weekend.