Endangered Moose Subspecies Denied More Protection By U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
Federal officials on Tuesday denied extending protections under the Endangered Species Act to a subspecies of moose in four upper Midwestern states.
endangered species
Feds: Attorney Pleads Guilty To Buying Tiger Skin Rug
Cincinnati lawyer Ryan Gibbs was put in touch with a seller in Minnesota -- who turned out to be an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife agent.
High Water On Great Lakes Means Trouble For Piping Plover
Water levels have surged in recent years as the lakes bounced back from record-setting lows.
Trump Office Seeks Rule Changes For Endangered Species
Wildlife advocates say the changes will speed extinctions in the name of furthering the administration's anti-environment agenda.
Endangered Turtle Washes Ashore With Beach Chair Wrapped Around Its Neck
Wildlife conservationists in Alabama are expressing outrage after the body of an endangered type of sea turtle washed ashore with a beach chair wrapped around its neck.
Last Caribou Herd On U.S. Mainland 'Functionally Extinct', Experts Say
The last herd of southern mountain caribou -- known as gray ghosts -- has reportedly dwindled down to the point where wildlife experts are calling them "functionally extinct"
Bumble Bee Breed Found In Minn. Recommended For Endangered List
Federal wildlife officials on Thursday made a formal recommendation to list the rusty patched bumble bee as an endangered species because it has disappeared from about 90 percent of its historic range in just the past two decades.
Push In Progress To Let Great Lakes States Manage Wolves Again
A Minnesota congressman says a push is underway to include language in a catchall spending bill to return responsibility for managing wolf populations in the western Great Lakes region to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Courts have overturned federal efforts to remove the region's wolves from the endangered list. The legislation would bypass the courts.
Biologists Call For Continued Protection Of Great Lakes Wolves
A group of scientists is taking issue with colleagues who want the federal government to remove gray wolves in the Great Lakes region from the endangered species list.
Filmmaker Behind 'The Cove' Casts Much Bigger Net In 'Racing Extinction'
In 2010, National Geographic photographer and filmmaker Louie Psihoyos won an Oscar for The Cove, a graphic and unforgettable exposé of dolphin hunting in Japan. In that film, Psihoyos and his team of activists sneaked into an area where dolphins are herded for harpoon slaughter and fixed hidden cameras. The bloody images captured in the process horrified Western audiences and showed that filmmaking concerned with activism and the environment doesn't have to be preachy and boring clips of humpback whales. It can be thrilling.
Blanding's Turtles May Go On Federal Endangered List
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is concerned about a rare turtle that may soon find itself on the list of endangered species. The Blanding's turtle lives in a small number of states and provinces in the Midwest, New England, and southeastern Canada.
Federal Officials Reject Wolf Petition From Advocates
Federal wildlife officials have rejected a petition from advocates who sought to reclassify gray wolves as a threatened species in most of the U.S. Gray wolves across most of the Lower 48 are classified as endangered, which is more protective than a threatened designation.
Feds Act To Protect 2 Butterflies; Farmers Wary
The federal government has added two Upper Midwest butterfly species to its list of threatened and endangered species, pleasing conservationists but worrying farm groups who say it could make it harder for their members to earn a living off the land.
Long-Eared Bat Could Be Endangered
A disease infecting the northern long-eared bat could place it on the endangered species list. The disease, called white-nose syndrome, has impacted bats in a number of states. Rich Baker, endangered species coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources, says a large number have died off.
States Seek Delay In Protecting Long-Eared Bat
Four states in the Upper Midwest want federal officials to delay listing the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species. Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin made the request this month to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Post-Rehab, Injured Snowy Owl Ready To Be Released
A rare snowy owl that gained national attention when it was apparently hit by a bus in the nation's capital is scheduled to be released into the wild after a rehab stint in Minnesota. The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota plans to release the owl on Saturday along the northern Minnesota and Wisconsin border.
Condoms Push Wildlife Preservation While Getting Wild
More than 4,000 condoms are being delivered to the country's "most romantic" cities in an attempt to raise awareness of the world's endangered species. The condoms feature pictures of animals like polar bears, leatherback turtles and dwarf seahorses.
Good Question: How Effective Is The Endangered Species List?
The DNR announced Monday that the bald eagle, gray wolf, snapping turtle and 26 other animals and plants would be off the state's endangered species list. It's the first change to the list in 17 years. Richard Baker, the endangered species coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources, argues that it's very successful. He calls the case of the bald eagle the perfect example.
MN Zoo Shows Off New Penguin Chicks Via Webcam
The Minnesota Zoo has debuted a new webcam to show off their two recently-hatched male African penguin chicks.
Wildlife Groups Sue To Stop Wolf Hunt
Less than three weeks before Minnesota's first-ever wolf hunt, there is a last-ditch effort to protect the animals from hunters and trappers.
Rare Amur Leopard Cubs Born At Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is welcoming the birth of two rare cats this week. Two Amur leopard cubs were born on Tuesday to mother Polina and father Chobby.
Endangered Asian Wild Dogs Born At Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is celebrating the birth of two litters of endangered Asian wild dogs.
Fish And Wildlife Won't Study Bison Listing
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided not to consider listing wild plains bison as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Group Seeks To Restore Wolves Nationwide
An environmental group filed notice Tuesday that it intends to sue the federal government to force adoption of a plan to recover gray wolves across the lower 48 states.
Latest News
Northfield police fear they may not be able to find missing 6-year-old Elle Ragin
Police say they fear the search for a missing Minnesota girl may end in a park.
Worthington will host Governor's Pheasant Opener in October
The opener will take place Oct. 14 and 15.
Chef Justin Sutherland seriously injured in July 4th boating accident
Friends and family say celebrated Twin Cities chef Justin Sutherland sustained significant injuries in a boating accident over the holiday weekend.
Police report fatal shooting near downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis police say they're investigating a fatal shooting that happened along Nicollet Avenue and East 18th Street Tuesday evening.
Next Weather: Cooler temps Wednesday, but humidity sticks around
Wednesday will be slightly cooler than the day before, but it will still be very humid in the Twin Cities.
Brooklyn Park shooting victim in critical condition
The city's police department gave no details about the victim, but said they arrived at a hospital in a private vehicle just after 6 p.m. Monday with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Both parents of toddler found by strangers were killed in Highland Park mass shooting
Kevin and Irina McCarthy were among the seven killed as a result of the mass shooting.
How much does it cost to be a wedding guest?
According to data from The Knot, 2.6 million couples are getting married this year. That's almost 500,000 more than an average year.
St. Paul pregnancy center vandalized
Birthright St. Paul was vandalized Tuesday by an abortion-rights group.
Twin Cities News
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Next Weather: Cooler temps Wednesday, but humidity sticks around
Wednesday will be slightly cooler than the day before, but it will still be very humid in the Twin Cities.
Brooklyn Park shooting victim in critical condition
The city's police department gave no details about the victim, but said they arrived at a hospital in a private vehicle just after 6 p.m. Monday with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Chef Justin Sutherland seriously injured in July 4th boating accident
Friends and family say celebrated Twin Cities chef Justin Sutherland sustained significant injuries in a boating accident over the holiday weekend.
Police report fatal shooting near downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis police say they're investigating a fatal shooting that happened along Nicollet Avenue and East 18th Street Tuesday evening.
St. Paul pregnancy center vandalized
Birthright St. Paul was vandalized Tuesday by an abortion-rights group.
Greater Minnesota News
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Worthington will host Governor's Pheasant Opener in October
The opener will take place Oct. 14 and 15.
Next Weather: Cooler temps Wednesday, but humidity sticks around
Wednesday will be slightly cooler than the day before, but it will still be very humid in the Twin Cities.
Under new law, Minnesota's THC edibles aren't supposed to look like candy
A news conference aimed at getting answers about Minnesota's new THC edible law is instead raising more questions. There is also uncertainty about who is supposed to enforce this new law.
Northfield police fear they may not be able to find missing 6-year-old Elle Ragin
Police say they fear the search for a missing Minnesota girl may end in a park.
Alexandria home explosion sends one man to hospital
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says they received a report of an explosion inside a residence on County Road 4W Southwest at 11:51 a.m.
Wisconsin News
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Judge orders Wisconsin investigator not to delete records
A judge on Tuesday ordered that former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman not delete any records his office has compiled.
Kevin Nicholson drops out of Wisconsin GOP governor race
Republican Kevin Nicholson announced Tuesday he was dropping out of the race five weeks before the Aug. 9 primary.
Vandals spray Madison, Wis. church with abortion graffiti
Police believe someone spray-painted the graffiti on St. Bernard Catholic Church's front door and signs overnight.
Motorcyclist dies after crash in western Wisconsin
A Wisconsin man died after crashing his motorcycle near River Falls Sunday morning.
Western Wisconsin deputy shoots man who allegedly pointed gun at officers
Authorities in western Wisconsin say a sheriff's deputy shot a man Saturday after he allegedly pointed a handgun at officers.
Politics
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Under new law, Minnesota's THC edibles aren't supposed to look like candy
A news conference aimed at getting answers about Minnesota's new THC edible law is instead raising more questions. There is also uncertainty about who is supposed to enforce this new law.
Judge orders Wisconsin investigator not to delete records
A judge on Tuesday ordered that former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman not delete any records his office has compiled.
Kevin Nicholson drops out of Wisconsin GOP governor race
Republican Kevin Nicholson announced Tuesday he was dropping out of the race five weeks before the Aug. 9 primary.
Vandals spray Madison, Wis. church with abortion graffiti
Police believe someone spray-painted the graffiti on St. Bernard Catholic Church's front door and signs overnight.
Minnesota abortions fell 2% in 2021, but likely to flip
Abortions in Minnesota fell about 2% in 2021, but that decline is likely to quickly reverse in the state following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Consumer News
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How much does it cost to be a wedding guest?
According to data from The Knot, 2.6 million couples are getting married this year. That's almost 500,000 more than an average year.
Chef Justin Sutherland seriously injured in July 4th boating accident
Friends and family say celebrated Twin Cities chef Justin Sutherland sustained significant injuries in a boating accident over the holiday weekend.
Hy-Vee withdraws potato salad varieties due to presumptive positive microbial test
The withdrawal includes all varieties and sizes of Hy-Vee Potato Salad and Mealtime Potato Salad available from grab-and-go refrigerated cases and deli service cases in Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Dollar Fresh Market locations and Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores.
24-hour self-service grocery store thrives in small Minnesota town
A number of small, Minnesota towns have lost their grocery stores over the years - creating an inconvenience for residents - and a bit of a food desert. But a couple in Douglas County thinks they've found a solution.
Landscaper steps in to fill hole left behind by pool contractor accused of unfinished work
A local landscaper stepped in to help after seeing a WCCO investigation into a contractor who promised families a pool but didn't finish the work.
Crime
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Brooklyn Park shooting victim in critical condition
The city's police department gave no details about the victim, but said they arrived at a hospital in a private vehicle just after 6 p.m. Monday with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Police report fatal shooting near downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis police say they're investigating a fatal shooting that happened along Nicollet Avenue and East 18th Street Tuesday evening.
After widespread impromptu fireworks begins massive cleanup efforts
Troublemakers launched fireworks into crowds, cars and buildings for several hours in downtown Minneapolis last night. At the same time, someone shot several young people in a riverfront park.
Causes of death, names announced in Lake Vadnais murder-suicide
During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office provided a timeline of events for the Vadnais Lake incident that took place over the holiday weekend.
Vandals spray Madison, Wis. church with abortion graffiti
Police believe someone spray-painted the graffiti on St. Bernard Catholic Church's front door and signs overnight.
Health
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St. Paul pregnancy center vandalized
Birthright St. Paul was vandalized Tuesday by an abortion-rights group.
Guthrie Theater cancels upcoming shows due to COVID-19
While live entertainment continues to get back on its feet amid what seems to be the waning end of the COVID-19 pandemic, along comes another reminder that we're not out of the woods just yet.
Twin Cities teen gains new perspective after drug overdose
The 4th of July brings in double the amount of teenage boys into the emergency room for drug or alcohol use over any other weekend in the summer.
6 monkeypox cases now confirmed in Twin Cities, MDH urges awareness
The Minnesota health department has identified a total of six cases of monkeypox in the state.
Hy-Vee withdraws potato salad varieties due to presumptive positive microbial test
The withdrawal includes all varieties and sizes of Hy-Vee Potato Salad and Mealtime Potato Salad available from grab-and-go refrigerated cases and deli service cases in Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Dollar Fresh Market locations and Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores.
Entertainment
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Guthrie Theater cancels upcoming shows due to COVID-19
While live entertainment continues to get back on its feet amid what seems to be the waning end of the COVID-19 pandemic, along comes another reminder that we're not out of the woods just yet.
Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Tom Barnard to leave KQRS after 36 years as host
KQRS, a classic rock station based in Golden Valley, announced that Tom Barnard would be retiring from the station, with his final show being scheduled for Dec. 23.
Minnesota's top pick among patriotic movies is "Apollo 13"
Other states went for films that feature explicitly hometown appeal, such as Texas choosing "The Alamo," Alabama going for "Forrest Gump," and Pennsylvania selecting "Gettysburg."
For F1RST Wrestling's Arik Cannon, bringing the event back to Mall of America is "surreal"
Arik Cannon wasn't at the Mall of America on Sept. 4, 1995, when WCW wrestlers tussled in the rotunda for the first episode of "Monday Nitro. Now, 27 years later, he's finally going to get to see wrestling at the mall. In fact, he's in charge of the whole event.
Sports
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Kirilloff hits 2 homers as Twins pound White Sox 8-2
Kirilloff hit two of Minnesota's five homers, Jorge Polanco went deep on his birthday for the second time, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 8-2 on Tuesday night.
Twins place Archer on 15-day IL with left hip tightness
The Minnesota Twins placed veteran right-hander Chris Archer on the 15-day injured list Tuesday because of left hip tightness.
Gopher football players launch Twin Cities NIL Club
At the start of the month, a collection of players of the Gophers' football team launched "Twin Cities NIL Club," a membership-based community for fans that offers "access and support" to players "like never before."
Arraez hits 3 as Twins beat White Sox 6-3 in 10 innings
Luis Arraez had three hits, including a tiebreaking RBI single in Minnesota's four-run 10th inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on Monday night.
Rebekkah Brunson honored with jersey retirement after Lynx dispatch league-leading Aces, 102-71
On the night of Rebekkah Brunson's jersey retirement, the Minnesota Lynx (7-15) put on a performance fitting for the occasion, commanding the Las Vegas Aces (15-6) on the glass in a 102-71 victory.
Finding Minnesota
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One-of-a-kind garden highlights Ojibwe culture, sense of beauty
Sue Foss began growing her garden near Sandstone in 1989. She and her husband, Rod, planted over 500 different kinds of flowers, shrubs and trees to honor the Ojibwe people.
Minneopa State Park enjoys a bison baby boom
"They are pretty laid back and calm. They really are," said park manager Ashley Steevens. "They're managed as a wild herd, so this is their territory. This is their home."
The story behind Faribault County's Jolly Green Giant statue
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how a giant statue ended up in the city of Blue Earth.
After More Than A Century, Southern Minnesota Restaurant Still Slinging 'Dam' Good Burgers, Pies
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to the Rapidan Dam Store in Blue Earth County.
'It's Bizarre': Southern Minnesota Ghost Town Still Attracting Summer Visitors
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us on a tour of a treasured ghost town in Fillmore County, near the Iowa border.
Good Question
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How much does it cost to be a wedding guest?
According to data from The Knot, 2.6 million couples are getting married this year. That's almost 500,000 more than an average year.
How does a park become a state park?
Just under 1% of Minnesota is state or national parkland, which places Minnesota 29th compared to other states across the country.
What will come of the January 6th hearings?
"The question then becomes though, even if the ex-president indicted, is there enough to convict," said constitutional law professor David Schultz.
Why is golf so hard?
"If you think of any other sport out there, whether it's football, baseball hockey, the ball is coming at you and react to it," said PGA pro Phil Anderson. "Whereas you have to think about it and make a movement away from a golf ball.
Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?
"One thing that scientists have known for a long time is that mosquitoes are attracted to the odor of used gym socks," Dr. Jon Oliver said.
Latest Galleries
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Flashback: "WCW Monday Nitro" at Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro."
Stars hit the red carpet at the 75th Annual Tony Awards
Stars of stage and screen hit the red carpet for the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night.
New Food Options At Target Field 2022
Opening Day is nearly here and the Minnesota Twins are unveiling new foods at Target Field, including Australian-inspired savory pies and an official grilled cheese sandwich of the ballpark.
2022 Celebrity Deaths
A gallery of the beloved celebrities who have died in 2022.
Viewers Share Their Love Stories
It's Valentine's Day, and Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield asked WCCO viewers to share their stories of romance. Here are some of the best we got!
Weather
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Weather
Next Weather: 6 a.m. report
Temperatures will be slightly cooler on Wednesday, but it will stay humid.
Next Weather: 4:30 a.m. report
Wednesday will be slightly cooler, though it'll still be humid out there.
Next Weather: 10 p.m. weather report
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer explains when the humidity is expected to break.
Tips for beating extreme heat
"The elderly and the really young," said CentraCare sports medicine physician Dr. George Morris. "Those are the two populations that I would worry about most."
What is Next Weather?
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.
Latest Video
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Latest Video
4 things to know from July 6, 2022
A fight leads to one teenager dead and another badly hurt, it will be a day of drying out for residents in Albert Lea, and more.
Leaders respond to July Fourth mayhem in Minneapolis
Questions still remain about how to make sure the dangerous and chaotic events we saw on the Fourth of July don't happen again.
Next Weather: 6 a.m. report
Temperatures will be slightly cooler on Wednesday, but it will stay humid.
City leaders address chaotic Fourth of July in Minneapolis
City leaders say they just didn't anticipate how busy it would be on Monday night.
Friends, family remember teen killed in fireworks accident
Police say Jack Kocur died after handling a firework that is not legal in the state.