West Virginia train derailment leaks diesel, oil into protected river
The portion of the New River impacted by the train derailment is part of a national park, and is believed to be older than the Appalachians.
National Park Service
Don't "push a slower friend down" if you see a bear, officials say
Instead of serving your friend – or perhaps a former one – up as bait, the National Park Service says there are several other ways to avoid a bear attack.
Minnesota's Voyageurs ranked among least-visited U.S. National Parks
Billed as a park of "water, islands and horizons," Voyageurs covers 218,055 acres -- 84,000 of which is water. There are more than 500 islands and four large lakes.
Park Service To Tap Into Entrance Fees To Keep Operating
The National Park Service says it is taking the extraordinary step of dipping into entrance fees to pay for staffing at its highly visited parks in the wake of the partial government shutdown.
Minnesota Records First Sighting Of Roseate Spoonbill
It was late Sunday morning when phones began ringing. Soon, Alex Sundvall's social media pages began lighting up.
Seniors Flocking To Buy $10 National Park Passes Before Big Price Hike
Beginning Aug. 28, the price of the lifetime senior pass will increase to $80.
NPS: Voyageurs Visitors Pump $24 Million Into Local Economy
A new report from the National Park Service estimates the local economic impact of visitors to Voyageurs National Park at about $24 million in 2016.
Fort Snelling Celebrates 125 Years Of National Park Service
The 125th birthday celebration of the National Park Service will culminate with a candlelight walk and countdown at Fort Snelling State Park.
Ancient Bone Theft In Iowa 'Debacle' For Park Service
A 1990 theft of historically significant Native American remains by a national monument superintendent entrusted with protecting them was larger and more harmful than previously acknowledged, internal National Park Service documents show.
Visits To Apostle Island Ice Caves Less Likely As Weather Warms
The National Park Service says it's less likely the extraordinary ice cave formations that have drawn tens of thousands of people to the Apostle Island National Lakeshore will be accessible this year.
National Park Service Offers Free Admission Tuesday
Get outside and enjoy parks for free Tuesday! The National Park Service is celebrating its 99th birthday by offering free admission to all 408 parks Tuesday, August 25.
Travel Guide To Utah's Arches National Park
Travel guide to Utah's Arches National Park, featuring the world's largest collection of natural stone arches.
Untouched Cave To Provide Clues To Black Hills History
The National Park Service is beginning to excavate the mouth of an unexplored cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and researchers believe it could help broaden our understanding of how the region's climate has changed over thousands of years.
Nat'l Park Service To Give $500K To Minneapolis For New Park
Minneapolis is getting $500,000 to help in the development a new park on an old industrial site. The National Park Service just announced that it's giving the money for improvements to Sheridan Memorial Park along the Mississippi River.
Visitor Fee For Apostle Islands Ice Caves Generates $140K
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore plans to use thousands of dollars generated through a new fee for visiting the ice caves this winter to cover the cost of additional staff and equipment.
Apostle Islands Ice Caves Proving Very Popular
According to the National Park Service, about 12,000 people visited the caves on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands this weekend. The ice caves drew more than 138,000 tourists last year, when the deep freeze made the caves accessible to pedestrians for the first time in nearly five years.
Lake Superior Ice Caves Prove Popular Again
The ice caves in northwestern Wisconsin are proving very popular again this year. According to the National Park Service, the caves on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands opened Saturday and attracted more than 7,000 people.
Apostle Islands Ice Cave Visitors Will Pay $5 Fee
Visitors to the Apostle Islands ice caves will have to pay a $5 fee this winter. The National Park Service will charge the fee for visitors ages 16 and older, assuming the caves form again this winter.
Visits To The Apostle Islands' Ice Caves May Cost You
The ice caves in Lake Superior's Apostle Islands were a huge tourist hit last winter. They were so popular that the National Park Service is talking about charging a fee. About 138,000 people visited the amazing scene last winter.
Minnesota Man Rescued After Fall In Wyoming
Rangers rescued a 60-year-old Minnesota man who apparently had fallen while attempting to summit a 13,770-foot peak in Grand Teton National Park in northwest Wyoming. The National Park Service says Steve Markusen, of Minneapolis, was rescued Friday morning.
St. Paul Man Among Missing Climbers Presumed Dead
A Twin Cities family is coming to terms with the fact that their missing son is likely dead after going on a mountain climbing trip last week. Mark Mahaney, 26, of St. Paul, Minn. was one of six climbers who went missing last Wednesday on Mount Rainier in Washington. The National Park Service said they were all likely killed in a 3,300 foot fall near their last known location.
Keeping Tabs On Bald Eagles By Looking At The Little Ones
A study is underway in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin to monitor the health of bald eagles. On Tuesday, WCCO's cameras got to tag along as a crew brought a single eagle chick down from its nest.
Apostle Islands Ice Caves To Close This Weekend
Access to the popular ice caves at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore will be closed by Sunday night due to safety concerns, according to National Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker. The caves, which just saw one of its longest and most popular seasons in recent memory, will close due to rapidly-changing ice conditions that pose a growing safety concern.
Minn. National Parks Drew 600K Visitors In 2012
A new National Park Service report says Minnesota's national parklands drew over 600,000 visitors who spent over $34 million and supported over 500 jobs in the state in 2012.
Nearly 78K Have Visited Apostle Islands Ice Caves
The ice caves near the Apostle Islands in northern Wisconsin are still proving to be very popular. According to the National Park Service, nearly 78,000 people visited the caves along Lake Superior from Jan. 15 through the end of February.
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Latest News
Work begins Tuesday on MnDOT's massive, multiyear I-494 construction project
The $377 million project is expected to be complete by fall 2026.
Summertime fun at Viking Lakes
A series of summertime fun is returning to the Markets at Viking Lakes each Tuesday now through August.
NEXT Weather: Tuesday starts stretch of scattered storms
Scattered storms are making their way across Minnesota Tuesday morning, and after some midday dry time, another round could hit later on.
Minnesotans can now get rebates up to $1,500 for e-bikes
A new program may save you money if you're in the market for a bicycle with a battery-powered boost.
Youth shot dead in Minneapolis' McKinley neighborhood, police say
Minneapolis police say a boy is dead following a shooting on Memorial Day evening in the McKinley neighborhood.
Twin Cities News
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Work begins Tuesday on MnDOT's massive, multiyear I-494 construction project
The $377 million project is expected to be complete by fall 2026.
Youth shot dead in Minneapolis' McKinley neighborhood, police say
Minneapolis police say a boy is dead following a shooting on Memorial Day evening in the McKinley neighborhood.
Owner of one of the Twin Cities' largest trees prepares to move to retirement home
Sunny Sonnheim's house gets an awful lot of shade. That's because tucked away in the backyard of her White Bear Lake home looms a giant cottonwood tree.
Minnesotans find tranquility on Memorial Day in cemeteries, not on the lake
According to a congressional report, about 19,000 servicemen and women from Minnesota are considered casualties of America's foreign wars.
Firefighters battle two Cottage Grove house fires at the same time
No one was hurt in either fire, but one firefighter was treated for a heat-related health issue.
Greater Minnesota News
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Minnesotans find tranquility on Memorial Day in cemeteries, not on the lake
According to a congressional report, about 19,000 servicemen and women from Minnesota are considered casualties of America's foreign wars.
Family that lost everything in Lake Howard fire thanks community for support
Homeowners who lost everything explain why they're remaining positive despite this devastating fire.
Howard Lake fire damages historic church and two homes
A fire in Howard Lake Sunday damaged two homes and a historic church, the chief of the town's fire department said.
MPCA issues air quality alert Sunday and Monday for central and SE Minnesota
Central and southeastern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, will be under an air quality alert Sunday through Monday due to high levels of ground-level ozone.
With lower water levels, crews search along Mississippi River in Winona for Madeline Kingsbury
The search for a missing Minnesota mother continued Saturday, nearly two months after her disappearance.
Wisconsin News
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Minnesotans enjoy beautiful, rain-free Memorial Day weekend for 1st time in 16 years
Picture-perfect weather continues this Memorial Day weekend. It's an opportunity not lost on us in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, as this is typically one of the wettest times of the year.
Protester involved in pulling down abolitionist's statue in Wisconsin gets 6 months in jail
A man who drove the car that helped pull down the statue of a Civil War hero and abolitionist outside of the Wisconsin state Capitol during a night of protests in 2020 has been sentenced to six months in jail.
Wisconsin trial over fake electors set to start just before 2024 presidential election
A jury trial in a lawsuit seeking $2.4 million in damages from Republicans who attempted to cast Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes for Donald Trump in 2020 even though he lost is scheduled to begin just two months before the 2024 presidential election.
Wisconsin budget committee rejects Evers' plan to make tax agents permanent
The Wisconsin Legislature's budget-writing committee has rejected Gov. Tony Evers' plan to make permanent nearly 40 revenue agent positions who are meant to enforce the state's tax laws.
Wisconsin lawmaker says his bar where overdose victims bought drugs isn't "bad establishment"
Police in Wisconsin say drugs laced with fentanyl that killed one person and caused three more to overdose were purchased at a bar owned by a state lawmaker.
Politics
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Politics
Sen. Klobuchar explains why she's voting to raise debt ceiling
Both the U.S. House and Senate are expected to vote as soon as Wednesday on a deal reached over the weekend to raise the U.S. debt ceiling.
Gov. Tim Walz to sign recreational cannabis bill into law Tuesday
Gov. Tim Walz says he will sign the bill legalizing recreational cannabis use, and expunging low-level cannabis convictions, Tuesday at noon.
Still unclear how Minnesota delegation will vote in U.S. debt ceiling deal
The deal was reportedly worked out over the weekend by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the White House. It includes restarting student loan debt payments, which have been on hold since the pandemic and will start up again in August.
Biden honors troops' sacrifice on Memorial Day
President Biden went to Arlington National Cemetery to laud the sacrifice of generations of U.S. troops who died fighting for their country.
Debt ceiling deal's next steps — getting it through Congress
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden will now have to sell their debt ceiling deal to lawmakers.
Consumer News
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Minnesotans can now get rebates up to $1,500 for e-bikes
A new program may save you money if you're in the market for a bicycle with a battery-powered boost.
Gov. Tim Walz to sign recreational cannabis bill into law Tuesday
Gov. Tim Walz says he will sign the bill legalizing recreational cannabis use, and expunging low-level cannabis convictions, Tuesday at noon.
Boaters enjoying lower gas prices on Memorial Day weekend
As boaters prepare to fill up, they're finding some good news at the pumps – if they can even get to the pumps yet.
State rebate program could get Minnesotans up to $1,500 for e-bike purchase
Minnesotans who buy an e-bike could soon get a rebate of up to $1,500 due to a bill passed at the legislature this session.
New daily train line between Twin Cities and Duluth is set for construction
The captivating beauty of Minnesota's North Shore is set to become even more accessible with the Northern Lights Express. The line goes from the Twin Cities to the Twin Ports, with stops in Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, and Superior, Wisconsin.
Crime News
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Youth shot dead in Minneapolis' McKinley neighborhood, police say
Minneapolis police say a boy is dead following a shooting on Memorial Day evening in the McKinley neighborhood.
Shooting on Hollywood, Florida boardwalk leaves 9 wounded
At least 3 children were among those shot. One suspect was in custody and others were being sought.
2 youths in custody after 18-year-old shot in Robbinsdale
An 18-year-old man is fighting for his life after a shooting on Memorial Day in the north metro.
2 arrested after "traffic altercation" leads to assault in Brooklyn Park, police say
A traffic altercation in Brooklyn Park Sunday led to an assault and two arrests, police said.
2 women stabbed near downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis police are investigating after two women were stabbed near downtown Minneapolis.
Health News
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Gov. Tim Walz to sign recreational cannabis bill into law Tuesday
Gov. Tim Walz says he will sign the bill legalizing recreational cannabis use, and expunging low-level cannabis convictions, Tuesday at noon.
Good Question: Why are people using diabetes medication to lose weight?
You may have seen videos on TikTok or heard celebrities talking about Ozempic or Wegovy. They're medications used to treat diabetes. And now, for a lot of users, to lose weight.
Leukemia survivor Alexa Score, of Spring Lake, surfs to save others' lives
Score graduated high school early, and at 17, moved to Florida with her older sister. At 21, she turned pro. Score spent six years in the sport, earning a top 10 ranking among female professional wakeboarders in the world.
What will Minnesota lawmakers do for an encore in 2024 after momentous 2023 legislative session?
House Speaker Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, said that Democrats came into the session with seven big issues that they had developed over the previous three election cycles: education, health care, an economy that works for everyone, climate action, reproductive freedom, preventing gun violence and protecting democracy.
Rice County officials warn of health effects from landfill fire
Officials in southern Minnesota say a fire at a landfill may cause adverse effects to the health of both residents and the environment.
Entertainment News
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WGA asks Tony-nominated members not to attend Tony Awards
The WGA has already said it won't picket the Tonys after organizers agreed to host an unscripted ceremony.
"The Little Mermaid" dominates at the box office
The live-action remake of the 1989 Disney classic exceeded other box office hits and new releases on Memorial Day weekend.
Students finding their rhythm in life with Rondo school's rap program
In the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, an out of the box lesson plan has turned into something really special.
Yacht rock season is here: WCCO's favorite tunes for smooth sailing into summer
With the arrival of the Memorial Day weekend and, with it, the unofficial start of the summer season in Minnesota, we thought it best to don our captain's hat and set sail.
Sole "Survivor" Yam Yam Arocho reflects on tough competition
The 44th season of Survivor came to a close Wednesday night and one of the three finalists is from Minnesota.
Sports News
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Lewis has 4 RBIs in season debut, Jeffers homers in 10th to give Twins 7-5 win over Astros
Rookie Royce Lewis homered with four RBIs in his season debut and Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run shot in the 10th inning to give the Minnesota Twins a 7-5 win over the Houston Astros Monday.
Young scores 23, Gray adds 19 points and 10 assists; Aces beat Lynx 94-73
Jackie Young scored 23 points, including four 3-pointers, Chelsea Gray added 19 points and 10 assists and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Minnesota Lynx 94-73.
United 2 goalkeeper Will Pulisic is much more than the name he shares with famous cousin
Minnesota United's second team hosts a number of talented footballers who are working to earn their biggest break yet.
Twins to call up Royce Lewis a year after ACL injury
The Minnesota Twins have lost eight of 10 series in May with a lineup that's been limping along lately with a spate of injuries and too many strikeouts.
Blue Jays beat Twins 3-0 on Berríos' pitching, Kirk's hitting, Varsho's fielding
José Berríos pitched around a season-high five walks and into the sixth inning for Toronto to beat his old team as the Blue Jays blanked the Minnesota Twins 3-0 for their first series win in four tries.
Talking Points
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Talking Points
Talking Points: Attorney General Keith Ellison pens book about Chauvin trial
In his new book, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison writes about the high-stakes prosecution of former police officer Derek Chauvin, the officer convicted of murdering George Floyd.
Requests from other prosecutors inspired AG Ellison's book on Chauvin trial
The attorney general and his book are already being sought out by other prosecutors handling police abuse cases.
Talking Points: What's changed since George Floyd's murder
On the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Esme Murphy spoke with key players to reflect on what has and has not changed since May 25, 2020.
George Floyd murdered 3 years ago this week
Floyd's death under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin not only changed our community but it changed the nation.
Talking Points: Breaking down the state election results (part 3)
On the third anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Esme Murphy spoke with key players to reflect on what has and has not changed since May 25, 2020. Murphy asked Local civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong if she's seen change and asked what still needs to be done. Murphy also checked in with Floyd's long-time girlfriend Courteney Ross.
Finding Minnesota
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Two mansions of Minnesota lumber barons a popular destination for reunions, weddings
Imagine spending the night in a turn-of-the-century lumber baron's mansion. Well, now you can do exactly that.
Iron ore and baseball celebrated at Chisholm's Minnesota Museum of Mining
"Chisholm is kind of one of those amazing places that believes in itself no matter what. And they never say die," said Carol Borich.
The awe-inspiring Minneapolis water tower protected by 8-ton stone guardians
Minnesota has plenty of wacky water towers. But there's one in Minneapolis that's all about architecture and art.
Finding Minnesota: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper live on in Montevideo
In the late 1950s, there were no bigger names in music than Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. So when the teen idols announced they were coming to Montevideo as part of their Winter Dance tour, locals were gearing up.
Minnesota's landlocked town of Willernie once drew gangsters, funseekers
If you've never heard of the town of Willernie, you're not alone, even though it's located in the middle of Washington County. But between famous gangsters and a famous amusement park, Willernie has quite the history.
Good Question
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Good Question: Why are people using diabetes medication to lose weight?
You may have seen videos on TikTok or heard celebrities talking about Ozempic or Wegovy. They're medications used to treat diabetes. And now, for a lot of users, to lose weight.
Why is loneliness bad for our health? And how can we help ourselves and others?
As the country navigates the end of a pandemic, the U.S. surgeon general said Americans are suffering from an epidemic: Loneliness.
How does AAA calculate travel projections?
AAA projects that 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend, which is a very specific number.
Twin Cities rush hour more unpredictable than it was pre-pandemic
The pandemic changed just about everything in our lives, including traffic. Marie from Little Canada wanted to know, "when is the actual rush hour these days?" Good Question.
How should we clean a grill? And how often should we do it?
Jeff Wagner gets his hands dirty for this one.
Latest Galleries
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Minnesota Fishing Opener 2023
Many WCCO viewers across the state Saturday took part in the unofficial start to Minnesota summer -- the fishing opener.
Gallery: Joe Kapp, former Vikings QB who led team to first Super Bowl, dies at 85
Joe Kapp, the quarterback who led the Minnesota Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance, has reportedly died. Kapp played three seasons with the Vikings, amassing a 23-12-3 record. He captained the Vikings to Super Bowl IV, which they lost 23-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Former President Trump's arraignment draws protesters, heightened security in NYC
Crowds gathered both to support and protest against former President Donald Trump as he was expected to surrender to authorities in appear in court in Lower Manhattan for the first time to face criminal charges, a historic first .
New foods unveiled at Target Field
The first home game of the Twins season is almost here. For the 2023 season, the Twins have eight local vendors serving food at Target Field this year as part of their Minnesota Made program.
Northern Lights over Minnesota: March 23, 2023
Many WCCO viewers shared stunning photos of Thursday night's Northern Lights, which could be seen practically across the entire state of Minnesota.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. report from May 30, 2023
Scattered storms are making their way across Minnesota Tuesday morning, and after some midday dry time, another round could hit later on.
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.
NEXT Weather: 4:30 a.m. report from May 30, 2023
Scattered storms are making their way across Minnesota Tuesday morning.
NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report from May 29, 2023
Isolated thundershowers will return to the Twin Cities Tuesday, including a chance for some localized large hail.
NEXT Weather: 6 p.m. report from May 29, 2023
Much of Minnesota will be under the threat of isolated hail Tuesday.
Latest Videos
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4 things to know from May 30, 2023
Gov. Walz is set to sign a bill legalizing recreational cannabis at noon, Congress returns to Washington to attempt to agree on a deal to raise the debt ceiling, and more.
Summer market series brings variety of vendors to Viking Lakes
Corey Jones of Jones N Your Bones BBQ previews his summer menu.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. report from May 30, 2023
Scattered storms are making their way across Minnesota Tuesday morning, and after some midday dry time, another round could hit later on.
MnDOT set to start work on one of its largest construction projects ever
One of MnDOT’s largest construction efforts to date is set to begin tonight.
Summer fun returns to Viking Lakes
A series of summertime fun is returning to the Markets at Viking Lakes each Tuesday now through August. VP of Operations Kyle Chank talks about what's coming up.