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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.
The federal government is considering adding the Blanding's turtle to the endangered species list, as the yellow-throated reptile that once thrived throughout the Upper Midwest can now only be found in large numbers in parts of Minnesota and Nebraska.
The Fourth of July is the busiest day out on metro area lakes. And it makes for a hectic weekend for water patrols. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office have extra patrols out on Lake Minnetonka this weekend.
It's time to celebrate our independence in the best way we Americans know how: lighting fireworks! Ahead of the July 4 weekend, it's important to keep in mind a few safety tips and legal restrictions on fireworks in Minnesota.
A survey by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources finds ruffed grouse drumming counts this spring unchanged from the year before. DNR grouse project leader Charlotte Roy says this follows a significant increase of 34 percent from 2013 to 2014.
A new law is adding width to the criteria that determines where all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can ride. In the past, ATVs were classified by weight and size. But starting July 1, width will be added into the equation.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working with other state agencies to deter drinking and boating as summer starts and we approach the Fourth of July.
Spring waterfowl surveys find Minnesota's breeding mallard numbers are down from last year while other species saw increases.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved new deer population goals for parts of northeastern, north central and east central Minnesota. The goals cover 40 deer permit areas in Minnesota, just less than a third of the permit areas in the state.
Paddling enthusiasts are trying to get a huge number of canoes and kayaks onto the Minnesota River Saturday for National Get Outdoors Day. Alex Watson, a regional naturalist for the Department of Natural Resources, says the goal is to get people to paddle every navigable mile of the Minnesota River.
Officials say five invasive bighead carp have been caught in the St. Croix River in the past week, just south of Stillwater. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it's the farthest upstream that bighead carp have been found in the St. Croix, and it's about 7 miles north of the previous point.
Just as our national symbol, the bald eagle, has become a common sight across all parts of Minnesota, there is yet another comeback worth celebrating. The 23,000-acre Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area is nature's oasis; a sort of wild sanctuary for all kinds of critters, offering all of them a perfect habitat in which to roam.
After a new treatment appeared to rid Christmas Lake of zebra mussels, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the invasive aquatic species is back.
In a second search of Christmas Lake, teams of divers have found and removed a total of 10 zebra mussels, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Gov. Mark Dayton was out on the water early Saturday morning -- He was fishing with Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk on Lake Vermilion, about 90 minutes north of Duluth, in Tower.
It's that time of year again – the Minnesota Governor's Fish Opener. The 2015 opener is being held in the Lake Vermillion area May 7 through 10. The fishing challenge begins at midnight on Saturday, May 9.
For seven of the past ten years, Mother's Day and the Minnesota Fishing Opener have fallen on the same weekend. It's an act that any fishing family has balanced long ago. So, why do these traditions often happen at the same time? Good Question.
The month of May is dedicated to planting trees in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board demonstrated perfect tree planting at Lake Nokomis Park Friday afternoon.
With warmer weather finally looking like it might be here to stay for a while, there are things the Minnesota DNR would like you to know before getting into the water.
Minnesota lawmakers got an earful Wednesday from Mille Lacs County business owners about tough new walleye limits on the state's most famous lake. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources imposed a one-walleye limit on Mille Lacs two weeks ago to try to revive the fish population.
The Department of Natural Resources says divers found no evidence of the aquatic invasive species zebra mussels in Christmas Lake in Shorewood.
Authorities say an outdoor wood stove apparently started a grass fire that destroyed a home and outbuildings in northeastern Minnesota.
Although the streak of warm, dry days has come to an end with small thunderstorms Saturday night and Sunday morning, two grass fires burned through northern and eastern Minnesota Saturday afternoon.
Now that the ice is out, a lot of people are getting ready to put their boats on lakes and rivers. But the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says not so fast.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to arm itself with turkey hunters in the fight against bird flu. The state asked hunters in five counties -- Kandiyohi, Pope, Meeker, Swift and Stearns -- to help figure out if the virus has spread to wild turkeys.
Michael Coffey, a Cottage Grove officer who has worked as the assistant police chief of the fair since 2022, filed the whistleblower lawsuit last week.
Vonn, who suffered a complex tibia fracture at the Milan Cortina Games that nearly led to amputation, is among 48 athletes nominated to the U.S. Alpine ski team for the upcoming season.
The woman believed to be the biological mother of "Baby Angel," a newborn found dead in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota in 2011, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor on Tuesday.
The Minnesota DNR is keeping a three-walleye daily limit in place for Mille Lacs Lake starting with the May 9 fishing opener, with harvested fish required to be at least 17 inches and only one allowed over 20 inches.
Ted Turner built a media empire that included cable channels CNN, TBS and TNT, and he owned the Atlanta Braves for 20 years.
Michael Coffey, a Cottage Grove officer who has worked as the assistant police chief of the fair since 2022, filed the whistleblower lawsuit last week.
Two new bills signed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz could help families going through a traumatic time.
A popular restaurant near Lake Minnetonka is a "complete and total disaster" after an overnight fire, the owner said.
The lawsuit says some of those funds were spent at Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, at a hotel in London and to pay the Cooks' homeowners association for parking fines and late fees.
Raul Gutierrez, of Inver Grove Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
The woman believed to be the biological mother of "Baby Angel," a newborn found dead in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota in 2011, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor on Tuesday.
The Minnesota DNR is keeping a three-walleye daily limit in place for Mille Lacs Lake starting with the May 9 fishing opener, with harvested fish required to be at least 17 inches and only one allowed over 20 inches.
When a loved one starts to lose their memory, it creates new challenges for family members. But in a western Minnesota town, they're battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia with music.
After a long negotiation period, nearly 170 employees in Chisago County, Minnesota, went on strike Friday.
Gas in the Twin Cities can be up to $4.20 a gallon these days, and it's happening as Minnesota is revving up for summer.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Federal prosecutors say a small-town Wisconsin police chief tried to help California gun dealers import illegal armor-piercing rounds from Europe.
Local and federal law enforcement are investigating after nearly 50 firearms and "a large quantity of ammunition" were stolen from a sporting goods store in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Friday.
Two Minnesotans were killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday evening in western Wisconsin.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Two new bills signed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz could help families going through a traumatic time.
Two new bills signed by the governor could help families going through a traumatic time.
The campaign to move ships through the Strait of Hormuz is now on hold.
A family on the long road to healing after the tragic shooting at Annunciation is reflecting on the emotional toll. Derek James has more on a grassroots organization helping families heal from the trauma of gun violence.
Both sides of the aisle in Minnesota agree the collapse of HCMC would be catastrophic. However, they do not agree on the prescription to save it.
Gas in the Twin Cities can be up to $4.20 a gallon these days, and it's happening as Minnesota is revving up for summer.
According to the letter, enforcement will be done by police and plainclothes officers, with businesses themselves being held accountable for repeat violations.
Some Twin Cities rideshare drivers say they may have to leave the road as gas prices continue to increase.
A large investment company is warning anyone with stocks to hold on to your hats. Information from JP Morgan says uncertainty is fueling inflation, but so far the market has been more resilient than expected.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
The woman believed to be the biological mother of "Baby Angel," a newborn found dead in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota in 2011, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor on Tuesday.
Raul Gutierrez, of Inver Grove Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to court documents filed Tuesday.
Brittany Haeg is living with the deep scars of gun violence. Her three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and her 6-year-old son David was hurt during the deadly mass shooting on Aug. 27, 2025.
St. Paul Automotive says it is working on four vehicles, all with the same problem: someone drilled a hole in the gas tank and took the gas.
A 47-year-old Minneapolis Public Schools employee is accused of posting online ads for prostitution, and threatening an undercover agent with blackmail.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
When a loved one starts to lose their memory, it creates new challenges for family members. But in a western Minnesota town, they're battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia with music.
Brittany Haeg is living with the deep scars of gun violence. Her three children attend Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and her 6-year-old son David was hurt during the deadly mass shooting on Aug. 27, 2025.
The largest U.S. health insurer said it will eliminate approval requirements for some treatments, including select outpatient surgeries and other procedures.
The past couple years have been challenging for Minnesota farmers, prompting many to seek help navigating their mental health.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
A trial in the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was set to begin later in May.
The Minnesota Star Tribune was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured more than a dozen others.
Mononymous country music star Hardy is set to kick off the final weekend of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
Vonn, who suffered a complex tibia fracture at the Milan Cortina Games that nearly led to amputation, is among 48 athletes nominated to the U.S. Alpine ski team for the upcoming season.
The Minnesota DNR is keeping a three-walleye daily limit in place for Mille Lacs Lake starting with the May 9 fishing opener, with harvested fish required to be at least 17 inches and only one allowed over 20 inches.
Marie-Philip Poulin scored at 4:02 of the third overtime period and Ann-Renee Desbiens made 38 saves to record the shutout as the Montreal Victoire defeated the Minnesota Frost 1-0 in Game 2 of the Professional Women's Hockey League semifinal series on Tuesday.
Nathan MacKinnon scored a goal and assisted on two more as the Colorado Avalanche rolled through Minnesota's newest netminder, Filip Gustavsson, on their way to a 5-2 win over the Wild to grab a 2-0 lead in the second-round playoff series.
Byron Buxton hit a three-run home run, Brooks Lee drove in three runs, and Taj Bradley struck out eight to help the Minnesota Twins beat the Washington Nationals 11-3.
Sen. Tina Smith is using her last months in office to vocally campaign for progressive and environmental causes. She hopes that a progressive will succeed her when Minnesotans go to the polls next November.
Sen. Tina Smith, who is retiring from the U.S. Senate, is a major presence in the race to succeed her.
In the last election, President Trump saw record support from Black and Latino voters. But will those new supporters stick with the President’s party in the upcoming midterm?
With the Midterm Elections just six months away, will historic support from minority voters hold strong for Republican candidates.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services head Dr. Mehmet Oz notified Minnesota that the department is deferring $91 million in Medicaid payments, citing systemic fraud risks and ongoing audits.
The carillon has 56 bells, and the Mayo Clinic said that makes it one of the largest instruments in the world and the largest instrument in Minnesota.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
A symbolic change is bothering some Minnesotans. Now their local leaders are listening; several cities are voting to fly the old state flag instead of the new one. While it was a drastic redesign, it wasn't the first.
Construction season has arrived, potentially adding several minutes to your daily drive to work. So, how bad is the commute in the Twin Cities? Good Question.
The media we consume and how long we spend consuming it can impact our mental health. In a world where screens are scrutinized, what is the worst kind of screen time?
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
It'll be another chilly evening Wednesday, though temps are expected to warm before the weekend.
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.
Frost and/or a freeze remain possible for part of the state again Wednesday night as lows drop to the 30s, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Highs in the Twin Cities will reach the 40s and 50s on Wednesday, with skies clearing late.
Wednesday will be cold and breezy in Minnesota, with frost and freeze alerts in place for parts of the state in the morning.
It'll be another chilly evening Wednesday, though temps are expected to warm before the weekend.
A popular restaurant near Lake Minnetonka is a "complete and total disaster" after an overnight fire, the owner said.
Lisa Houdek, with Birch’s on the Lake, shares a preview of the upcoming holiday event.
"Kitchen Pantry Scientist" Liz Heinecke shares the science behind chocolate mousse.
As we move through life, relationships are not just something we experience, they are one of the primary ways we grow, explains Dr. Michael Walker.