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Push to make bald eagle national bird took flight in Minnesota

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Push to make bald eagle national bird took flight in Minnesota


The bald eagle is poised to be officially recognized as the United States’ national bird as a bipartisan bill is on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk.

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History of bald eagle as symbol of United States

The backstory: Back in 1782, Congress put the bald eagle on the national seal and since then, it has been used on everything from passports to currency. But it was never officially designated the national bird, a fact many people assumed it already was.

“Assuming something doesn’t necessarily make it so. So, this is just kind of that official overdue recognition that this is our national symbol. Let’s make it our national bird,” said Ed Hahn, the National Eagle Center director of advancement and marketing communications.

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The National Eagle Center in Wabasha is home to four bald eagle ambassadors who help teach visitors about the environment and conservation. But soon the formerly endangered species could be soaring to new heights.

“It’s a very cool development and surprising to most people,” said Hahn.

Push to name bald eagle as national bird

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What we know: Preston Cook, whose 40,000 piece collection of eagle memorabilia is housed at the eagle center, discovered the oversight while he was writing a book about the birds.

Cook urged Minnesota lawmakers in Washington D.C. to introduce legislation naming the bald eagle the national bird, which passed the U.S. Senate back in July and the U.S. House on Monday. The bill is now headed to President Biden’s desk to make the designation official.

“Here we are a country that doesn’t have a national bird. Now, every state, all 50 states have a state bird, but we don’t have a national bird. So it is time I felt that this should be done,” said Cook.

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Dig deeper: The bald eagle bounced back from near extinction in the late 60s and 70s and the eagle center hopes giving the country’s most prominent bird a new title will help the species continue to spread its wings for years to come.

“I think any time that we’re able to elevate something like the bald eagle in high into the public eye, it raises awareness and appreciation for our natural resources, for the environment, for conservation, which are all important,” said Hahn.

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The bald eagle will join the rose as the national flower, the oak as the national tree and the bison as the national mammal.

What we don’t know: While the bill has been sent to President Biden’s desk, it’s unknown when he may sign the bill into law. 

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DFL Senate leader discusses hopes for 2026 Minnesota Legislative session

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DFL Senate leader discusses hopes for 2026 Minnesota Legislative session


The second week of the legislature starts Monday and two major priorities are on a collision course. The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.



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Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, dies at age 25

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Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, dies at age 25


Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25, authorities reported Saturday. 

Moore was found dead in the garage of a home in New Albany, Indiana, the New Albany Police Department said. The cause of death was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police disclosed. An investigation was underway, and no further details were provided.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” the Vikings said in a statement. “While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in his own statement that he was “devastated” by Moore’s death, describing him as a “humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots.”

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Moore, a New Albany native, was a college standout at Purdue before being selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Rondale Moore of the Arizona Cardinals runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.

Cooper Neill / Getty Images


He spent three seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2024 season, but suffered a knee injury in training camp and did not play for them. 

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He signed with the Vikings in March 2025, but again missed all of last season after suffering another knee injury in the team’s first preseason game. 

Retired Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt said on X, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just now way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”  

Louisville head football coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said in a statement Saturday that Moore was a “complete joy to coach.”

“The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation,” Brohm said. “We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post that he was “praying for Rondale’s family and the entire Vikings community.”

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“Bro what in the world,” Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard said on social media. “Cmon Rondale you was gon comeback n prove em wrong .. RIP.”


If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.

In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.



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INTERVIEW: Minnesota Wedding Show

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INTERVIEW: Minnesota Wedding Show


INTERVIEW: Minnesota Wedding Show

If you’re getting ready to tie the knot, you’re in luck: The Minnesota Wedding Show is coming up on Sunday.

The show is an opportunity for engaged couples to connect with local wedding vendors to gain inspiration and plan for their big day.

Brooke Beise, publisher of Minnesota Bride magazine, stopped by our studio to chat with anchor Alex Jokich about the event.

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The Minnesota Wedding Show runs from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Tickets are free for those who preregister online or $10 at the door for same-day general admission. VIP access is $20 and gets passholders a one-hour head start.



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