Environmentalists Warm Of Balloon Dangers To Wildlife
Volunteers for the Alliance for the Great Lakes picked up more than 18,000 balloons, balloon pieces or balloon strings along Great Lakes shorelines from 2016 to 2018.
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Volunteers for the Alliance for the Great Lakes picked up more than 18,000 balloons, balloon pieces or balloon strings along Great Lakes shorelines from 2016 to 2018.
Not only are there long-term threats from storms and flooding, but there are also more immediate threats like traffic jams on flooded waterways.
A group representing mayors of cities in the Great Lakes region wants to fortify an Illinois waterway to prevent Asian carp from invading Lake Michigan. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Cities Initiative has endorsed a $778 million plan developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which recently sent the proposal to Congress.
Water levels have surged in recent years as the lakes bounced back from record-setting lows.
The Great Lakes region is warming faster than the rest of the U.S., a trend likely to bring more extreme storms while also degrading water quality, worsening erosion and posing tougher challenges for farming, scientists reported Thursday.
President Donald Trump is trying again to slash federal cleanup funding for major U.S. waterways, including the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay.
Experts are predicting higher-than-normal water levels on the Great Lakes this summer, some of which may set records.
Each find closes the final chapter of a tragic maritime history and gives answers to the families of those lost.
The deaths have prompted efforts to increase safety along Great Lakes beaches.
For a second consecutive year, President Donald Trump is trying to drastically reduce or eliminate federal support of cleanups for iconic U.S. waterways including the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay.
The king salmon was first transplanted into the Great Lakes about 50 years ago, and helped create a $7 billion economic impact.
The rising usage rate of antidepressants is impacting fish in the Great Lakes.
President Donald Trump's spending plan for 2018 includes $77.6 million for operation and maintenance of Great Lakes shipping channels and related infrastructure, including the lock system at Sault Ste. Marie.
A Great Lakes organization wants governments in the U.S. and Canada to fund massive infrastructure upgrades to provide safe drinking water and support waterborne freight transport.
The federal government is handing out $2 million to cities along the Great Lakes to cut down storm water runoff and improve water quality at beaches.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he voted to approve a proposal by the Wisconsin city of Waukesha to divert Great Lakes water because the plan will provide environmental benefits and safe drinking water while having little negative impact on the lakes.
An organization representing states and Canadian provinces in the Great Lakes region released a $3.8 billion plan Wednesday designed to improve their shared maritime transportation system and make cargo shipping more competitive.
Rain, winds and above-freezing temperatures are in the forecast for this weekend. Those conditions are expected to bring melting and weakening ice in the Great Lakes region.
Federal regulators say nearly $80 billion is needed over the next 20 years to reduce sewage overflows and protect drinking water in the Great Lakes region.
Thanks to El Niño, the winter was off to a relatively mild start. But the National Weather Service says Minnesota is in for dangerously frigid weather this weekend.
A brief profile of five of the best backtracking trails in the continental United States
For the first time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a synthetic sexual lure to help capture sea lampreys in the Great Lakes. Lampreys are eel-like creatures that invaded the lakes in the last century and severely depleted populations of trout and other native fish.
A scientific report says if Asian carp become established in Lake Erie, they eventually could make up about one-third of the lake's combined fish weight and cause drop-offs in other fish species.
A German-operated cargo ship that was force to stay outside a Lake Superior port in Minnesota for more than a month over alleged environmental violations was allowed to dock Wednesday, and port authorities said they were hopeful that the oceangoing ship would be allowed to leave in time to avoid getting stuck for the winter.
A wide-ranging Great Lakes cleanup program appears to have survived the latest attempt to cut it. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative would get $300 million next year under a massive spending bill crafted by congressional negotiators. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the package this week.
Sunday will be mostly cloudy and cool, with a little afternoon sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
An online petition in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has nearly 800 signatures after neighbors say a city project is threatening to remove historical trees on their street.
Ed Sheeran opened his solo concert in Philadelphia on Saturday with comments about Gaza, saying what is happening there is "catastrophic and unjustifiable."
A brave group in Burnsville, Minnesota, battled through Saturday's brisk rain for a good cause.
Drake Lindsey threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday as Minnesota defeated Akron 41-7.
An online petition in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has nearly 800 signatures after neighbors say a city project is threatening to remove historical trees on their street.
A brave group in Burnsville, Minnesota, battled through Saturday's brisk rain for a good cause.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a METRO Green Line train Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to Metro Transit police.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
The DNR says the color shows up statewide, not just up north. Prairie parks out west, Mississippi River bluffs down south, and no overnight bag required.
Some families have reported that their kids have waited more than two hours to get on a bus, only to have the bus drive past them.
"We see over $82.5 million visitors throughout the state a year, and a large portion of that are coming through the fall," said Chris Morgan with Explore Minnesota.
Officials in Stearns County, Minnesota, are issuing an advisory about a wedding venue they say is operating despite a court order demanding its owner comply with safety regulations.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
Voting in Minnesota started Friday, with 44 days now until the Nov. 3 election. The only open Congressional seat in Minnesota is the second district, now held by DFL Rep. Angie Craig, who chose to run for Senate this year. The district south of the metro is home to major suburbs like Burnsville and part of Woodbury as well as farmland. The major candidates are the DFL nominee, former state Sen. Matt Little and current Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt. Pratt joined Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
When voters go to the polls or get their early ballots, they will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment to provide more money for Minnesota K-12 schools. If passed, the amendment would raise the contribution to schools by $33 per pupil. Leading the charge on this issue is DFL State Sen. Mary Kunesh from New Brighton.
In a Truth Social post, Mr. Trump called fears around artificial intelligence possibly becoming a superintelligence that could pose a threat to human existence a hoax.
A grieving Twin Cities mother took the stand on Friday in the trial of a man charged with the murder of his son, plus more of the day’s top stories.
President Trump said Friday that three outlets would be banned from the White House, "effective immediately."
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
A brave group in Burnsville, Minnesota, battled through Saturday's brisk rain for a good cause.
Drake Lindsey threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday as Minnesota defeated Akron 41-7.
Connor Prielipp allowed two hits in a season-high seven innings and fellow rookie Walker Jenkins homered to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Minnesota named a starter and a backup for Sunday but said nothing about the quarterback who opened the season. Murray began the week in the NFL's concussion protocol.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
From making the paper for Crayola crayons to getting a visit from Mr. Rogers. John Lauritsen shares the history behind a Little Falls paper mill, and how its ruins have become its future, in this week's Finding Minnesota.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, there's a good chance that part of it came from a country outside the United States.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
Sunday will be mostly cloudy and cool, with a little afternoon sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
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 Joseph Dames says sunnier days are on the way after rain.
Sunday will be a little brighter and milder in the Twin Cities with highs in the upper 60s, says meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Pesky drizzle and showers Saturday with some sun, and a little milder Sunday, says meteorologist Mace Michaels.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.
Just over a year ago, a shooting there took the lives of 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and left lasting scars on the school. Harper's parents shared a very special project that just launched this weekend. It's meant to help the community process and hea and honor Harper and Fletcher's light. Here's Heather Brown.
From heartbreak to hope. A renovated field at Annunciation Catholic School and Church is giving this community something to hold onto. A place where laughter and fun will be center stage. Ubah Ali takes us to Hope Field in honor of the two precious lives that were lost.
Voting in Minnesota started Friday, with 44 days now until the Nov. 3 election. The only open Congressional seat in Minnesota is the second district, now held by DFL Rep. Angie Craig, who chose to run for Senate this year. The district south of the metro is home to major suburbs like Burnsville and part of Woodbury as well as farmland. The major candidates are the DFL nominee, former state Sen. Matt Little and current Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt. Pratt joined Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
When voters go to the polls or get their early ballots, they will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment to provide more money for Minnesota K-12 schools. If passed, the amendment would raise the contribution to schools by $33 per pupil. Leading the charge on this issue is DFL State Sen. Mary Kunesh from New Brighton.