Minnesota Zoo Faces Budget Crisis
Declining attendance and increased costs have the Minnesota Zoo facing a budget crisis. Zoo officials in Apple Valley have asked the state for $1.5 million in emergency funds to help maintain operations.
Watch CBS News
Declining attendance and increased costs have the Minnesota Zoo facing a budget crisis. Zoo officials in Apple Valley have asked the state for $1.5 million in emergency funds to help maintain operations.
State Rep. Pat Garofalo sings the praises of the nation's fracking revolution while he wipes down his electric car. Let that sink in for a bit.
This weekend, there are plenty of great match-ups in hockey and basketball. One of the top events of the weekend is the Timberwolves Shootout, an all-day event at Target Center where some of Minnesota's top teams face talented squads from across the country.
An Apple Valley woman is accused of driving under the influence with drugs while a 3-year-old child was sleeping, unbuckled in the back seat. Charges were filed in Dakota County against 41-year-old Leisa Marie Jefferson in connection with the Sept. 6, 2014 incident.
A woman who kept the books at an Eagan car wash was sentenced Wednesday to 57 months in prison for swindling $350,000 from her employer.
Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a Lakeville man who is accused in a strong of thefts from April to June in Dakota County. Nathan James Clark, 22, faces one felony count of theft and four counts of felony theft from a person for allegedly stealing four purses from people in Apple Valley and thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Dakota County stores.
A 35-year-old Apple Valley woman is accused of driving while impaired with a 6-year-old child in the vehicle, according to charges filed in Dakota County Court. Sina Julie Yim was charged with endangerment of a child and two counts of second-degree driving while impaired in connection with the Oct. 5 incident.
The Minnesota Zoo's IMAX theater is getting a $1.2 million upgrade. The Apple Valley zoo's Great Clips IMAX Theatre recently added an IMAX Digital Projection System and will be adding a cloud-based ticketing system.
A couple from Apple Valley is celebrating a milestone every couple hopes they can reach. Paul and Bee Carlson celebrated 70 years of marriage over the weekend.
A conference title is on the line Friday night in Arden Hills as a pair of top 5 teams in Class 6A square off. No. 5-ranked Mounds View hosts No. 4-ranked East Ridge, and the Raptors can clinch a share of the Suburban East Conference title with a victory. It The match-up highlights a big night in prep football.
Two Apple Valley, Minn. schools were evacuated Friday afternoon after a bomb threat. Apple Valley Police say the threat was phoned in to Valley Middle School at about 1 p.m. District 196's communications specialist says both Valley and Southview Elementary School, which are connected, were both evacuated.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have indicted 20 people in what they say is a takedown of a large smartphone theft ring. The U.S. Attorney's office says the operation bought stolen cellphones and resold them throughout the U.S. and internationally.
An Apply Valley man has been charged with theft for allegedly stealing $113,532 from the Rosemount Area Athletic Association (RAAA) where he was employed. Robert Reischauer, 62, has been charged with five counts of felony theft. According to the criminal complaint, while in between finance managers the RAAA conducted an audit and found large sums of money missing.
Five gray wolf orphaned pups arrive at their new home at the Minnesota Zoo Tuesday afternoon. The pups were rescued from a wildfire in Alaska in May. They were abandoned and had been hurt by porcupines.
Five wolf pups, rescued from a wildfire in Alaska, are about to embark on a new journey. On Tuesday, the "Funny River Five" as they are known, will fly to their new home at the Minnesota Zoo. They were rescued six weeks ago, and taken to the Alaska Zoo, in bad shape.
A 45-year-old Lakeville woman was sentenced to nearly five years in prison on Wednesday for driving drunk in a June 2013 crash that killed a 29-year-old motorcyclist.
A federal grand jury indicted two men on charges they were part of a long-running scheme to defraud Delta Airlines. The U.S. attorney's office in Atlanta says Michael Yedor of Los Angeles and Paul Anderson of Apple Valley, Minnesota, were indicted June 10. It wasn't immediately clear if they had lawyers.
A new experience at the Minnesota Zoo is coming just in time for the blockbuster summer movie season. The zoo's 3D IMAX theatre has officially gone digital.
A teen from Eastview High School in Apple Valley worked his way to the highest honor in scouts Saturday. Along with some volunteers, Garrett McKay cleaned some of the headstones at Ft. Snelling Cemetery. This was McKay's last task he had to complete to become an Eagle Scout.
Dakota County officials arrested four individuals in connection with a marijuana grow operation in cities throughout Dakota and Scott Counties. Thi An Mac, 31, of Burnsville; Nghia Hoang Nguyen, 31, of St. Paul; Trang Uyen Mac, 35, of Burnsville, and Trung Van Nguyen, 39, of Apple Valley, were charged each with one count of conspiracy to commit controlled substance crime in the second and third degree.
We all know the bugs in Minnesota can get huge during the summer and we mainly think of black flies and mosquitoes. But few crawly creatures are as big as the ones at the Minnesota Zoo right now.
Traffic is a little slow-going near County Road 42 and Pilot Knob Road in Apple Valley, Minn., after a tanker truck rolled over, spilling fuel.
Too busy watching the Wild take on the Blackhawks in Game 1 to catch the Rally? No biggie. We've got all the week's top high school sports stories right here.
An Apple Valley woman is accused of maliciously punishing her 13-year-old daughter after she allegedly struck the girl repeatedly with a belt for texting and not charging her cell phone. Renita Michelle Moss, 43, has been charged with one count of malicious punishment of a child.
Two of the best high school wrestling coaches in Minnesota history will be joining forces this fall.
David "Diggy" Coit scored 20 of his 28 in the final 13-plus minutes, including the game's final seven points, to help Maryland beat Minnesota 67-62.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Every parent will tell you, kids see everything, they hear everything and so there's no doubt little eyes and hearts are seeing and feeling the tension, especially of the last few weeks.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday.
Every parent will tell you, kids see everything, they hear everything and so there's no doubt little eyes and hearts are seeing and feeling the tension, especially of the last few weeks.
An early morning house fire killed one person and injured another Sunday in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, officials say.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House.
Environmentalists are sounding the alarm on the potential harm of a precious metals mine that could be built on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters. Meanwhile, those who support the project say it will bring hundreds of jobs, pump billions of dollars into the regional economy and make the U.S. less dependent on other countries for vital minerals. Our Charlie De Mar spoke to those on both sides of the controversial issue as a potential Senate vote is just days away.
Legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers and in some cases anti-ICE activists in Minnesota.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
David "Diggy" Coit scored 20 of his 28 in the final 13-plus minutes, including the game's final seven points, to help Maryland beat Minnesota 67-62.
Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday.
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Lindsey Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete in the Milano Cortina Games, is in stable condition after her crash.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
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.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says highs return to the mid 30s this afternoon with the help of a SE wind and a little sunshine to end the day.
Temps stay above average all week, mostly in the 30s for highs and 20s for lows.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says warmth will return to wrap up the weekend.
Lindsey Vonn's long-awaited Olympic comeback hit a heartbreaking halt during the downhill race this morning in Italy. Vonn crashed 13 point 4 seconds into her downhill race this morning in Italy. WCCO's Marielle Mohs went to Buck Hill in Burnsville, Vonn's childhood ski hill, to talk to skiers reacting to the unexpected setback.
Environmentalists are sounding the alarm on the potential harm of a precious metals mine that could be built on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters. Meanwhile, those who support the project say it will bring hundreds of jobs, pump billions of dollars into the regional economy and make the U.S. less dependent on other countries for vital minerals. Our Charlie De Mar spoke to those on both sides of the controversial issue as a potential Senate vote is just days away.
While some Twin Cities families are staying home to avoid ICE agents, some class sizes are shrinking. “If they take me and leave the children,” - that's how one St. Paul woman is framing up her efforts to prepare her children if she is taken by ICE. Laurie Perez shares her story.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow breaks into the low 40s under cloudy skies.
In an effort to push back on Operation Metro Surge dozens of businesses in the Twin Cities are fundraising. They're using everything from beer, to ice cream, to art. Ashley Grams shows us how the community is coming together.