Task force busts central Minnesota cocaine trafficking ring
Nine central Minnesota men were arrested Monday and are facing drug conspiracy charges following a monthslong cocaine distribution investigation.
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Nine central Minnesota men were arrested Monday and are facing drug conspiracy charges following a monthslong cocaine distribution investigation.
Minnesota made school meals free for every child in 2023. Now, leaders of a Twin Cities school district leaders say an unintended consequence could cost them millions.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
You've likely heard of Liam Ramos - the 5-year-old Columbia Heights boy in the bunny hat detained by ICE with his dad. That school district had at least 7 students detained during Operation Metro Surge, most with their parents, including Valley View 5th grader Zuriel.
It's been months since students at Columbia Academy were all in school together. Many stayed home with their families, fearful of the ICE surge in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
It was just two months ago when the President's Border Czar said agents would leave Minnesota after months of immigration raids. Those raids affected many students. It's been months since students at Columbia Academy were all in school together. Many stayed home with their families fearful of the ICE surge in Columbia Heights.
Operation Metro Surge may be over, but the impact remains in the Twin Cities. That's why educators at Columbia Academy Middle School converted a physical education storage space into a functioning food pantry.
Operation Metro Surge may be over, but cities like Columbia Heights are still feeling it. Some families there haven't left their homes in weeks or months. It's why the school district is stepping up to help. As Jennifer Mayerle shows us, they're helping more than a hundred families with free groceries.
Police in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, are asking for the public's help to find 17-year-old Tavian Jovan Williams, who went missing on Monday.
Video obtained through a public records request shows 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who became a face of the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis when he was detained while wearing a bunny hat, being flown with his father to Texas on a Delta Air Lines flight.
Gas prices have been on the rise in the weeks since the Iran war started. And WCCO has been tracking them since President Trump took office again last year. In this Price Check, Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield explains some gas prices are especially painful for people who are trying to do good.
Attorneys for Liam Ramos and his father have filed an appeal after an immigration judge denied their asylum claim a month ago, and the family will remain in the country during the appeals process.
In Columbia Heights, a small city that made national headlines after ICE detained a five-year-old during Operation Metro Surge, community groups are working daily to keep up with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of need.
The federal drawdown may have been announced, but many Minnesota school districts are worried about funding because of missing students and the continued ICE presence in their communities.
Schools are being forced to come up with new lesson plans in the aftermath of the ICE crackdown. Many districts are worried about funding because of missing students and the continued ICE presence in their communities. Esme Murphy reports from Columbia Heights.
Police in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, are looking for the shooter who injured a man and a teenage boy Saturday night inside a restaurant.
Authorities say a man and a teenage boy were injured in a shooting at a Columbia Heights restaurant.
On the same day that federal officials announced the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, a nightmare began for a family in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights.
A major announcement from the White House's border czar has many Minnesotans cautiously optimistic, plus more of the day's top stories.
It's not just people in Minneapolis who are hoping to move forward from Operation Metro Surge. The city of Columbia Heights got the national spotlight after federal agents detained 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father outside their home. They are experiencing a mix of emotions.
Class is back in session Tuesday for students at Columbia Heights Public Schools, one day after a racially and politically motivated bomb threat forced them to close for the day.
Fourth grader Elizabeth Zuna is one of four students in her Twin Cities school district still in federal custody.
Class is back in session for students at Columbia Heights Public Schools, one day after a racially and politically motivated bomb threat forced them to close for the day.
An investigation is underway after a "politically and racially motivated" bomb threat was emailed to several schools in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where dozens of parents and four students have been detained in the last few weeks — including the boy in the blue bunny hat, 5-year-old Liam Ramos.
Five-year-old Liam is back in Minnesota after more than a week at an immigration facility in Texas. ICE agents detained him and his father at school pickup in Columbia Heights. Derek James shares what's next for the family.
A 38-year-old man is dead after he was thrown from a vehicle following an attempted auto theft in south Minneapolis on Friday, according to police.
A 35-year-old man has been charged after being accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl during a time in which he was a police officer, according to court documents filed Monday.
At a hangar in St. Paul, Minnesota, engineers at Momentum Aeronautics are building Heatwave, a new generation scooping float system designed to make one of firefighting aviation's most dangerous jobs safer.
It's estimated that there are more than 15,000 black bears in Minnesota, with the majority of them in the northeastern part of the state.
A Minnesota dancer is breaking barriers everytime she competes on stage.
A 38-year-old man is dead after he was thrown from a vehicle following an attempted auto theft in south Minneapolis on Friday, according to police.
A 35-year-old man has been charged after being accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl during a time in which he was a police officer, according to court documents filed Monday.
The City of Minneapolis is trying a new approach when it comes to solving and preventing non-deadly shootings.
A federal court will decide whether a Minnesota man can continue his fight to stay in the U.S.
The number of human-biting mosquitoes in and around the Twin Cities metro was low, according to surveillance done by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District on Wednesday.
At a hangar in St. Paul, Minnesota, engineers at Momentum Aeronautics are building Heatwave, a new generation scooping float system designed to make one of firefighting aviation's most dangerous jobs safer.
It's estimated that there are more than 15,000 black bears in Minnesota, with the majority of them in the northeastern part of the state.
Authorities arrested a 48-year-old man they believe is responsible for shooting at a fire suppression aircraft in northern Minnesota on Friday.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday traveled to Two Harbors to see damage caused by wildfires ripping through the area, state officials said.
A Minnesota motorist was shot in the face Friday by "an errant round" fired by someone on a family's nearby target shooting range.
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
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.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
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.
Both sides of the aisle are claiming wins following the end of the legislative session in Minnesota. They barely got everything done in time. Esme Murphy details bills that were approved by lawmakers.
It came right down to the wire, but the legislative session is over and finished on time. Most top priorities passed, including a bailout for HCMC and a hospital reserve fund, a one year roll-back of car tab fees, and property tax relief. But, the most emotionally-charged issue of the session never came up for a final vote, gun control. Esme Murphy is live at the Capitol with what happened.
Minnesota lawmakers crossed the finish line at the State Capitol just before midnight. But even with bipartisan agreements in place, the final hours were anything but smooth.
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
President Trump had accused the Treasury Department and IRS of unlawfully allowing a government contractor to leak his tax returns and those of his sons and company.
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
With more Americans opting to drive rather than fly amid higher costs, South Dakota tourism officials say the state is well-positioned as a regional road trip destination.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
A 38-year-old man is dead after he was thrown from a vehicle following an attempted auto theft in south Minneapolis on Friday, according to police.
A 35-year-old man has been charged after being accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl during a time in which he was a police officer, according to court documents filed Monday.
The City of Minneapolis is trying a new approach when it comes to solving and preventing non-deadly shootings.
Three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and two suspected shooters were found dead inside a vehicle nearby, police said.
A federal officer faces charges in connection with a shooting in north Minneapolis that left a man wounded, and that two agents were caught lying about under oath.
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
A Twin Cities teenager is facing an unimaginable battle: terminal cancer. She's fortunate enough to have family by her side through her fearless fight as they all hope for a miracle.
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia has led Mayo Clinic since 2019, and the organization said it was his decision to "complete his tenure at the end of this year."
Twin Cities emergency room physicians, nurses and technicians made an emotional plea Tuesday for lawmakers to do something about Minnesota's gun laws.
Dave Ryan has been a pillar of Minnesota radio for over three decades who last week made the surprise announcement that he would retire from his morning show at KDWB.
If you're a Smashing Pumpkins fan in Minnesota, today may be the greatest day you've ever known. Billy Corgan and his band are bringing their next tour to Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Dave Ryan announced Wednesday that May 22 will be his last day at KDWB, ending a 33-year run at the Twin Cities station.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
A Minnesota dancer is breaking barriers everytime she competes on stage.
The Baltimore Ravens will participate in two joint practices during training camp this summer, including a home clash with the Washington Commanders.
Minneapolis is expected to play host to the 2028 NFL draft, according to multiple reports.
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Amy Klobuchar is putting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear. She faces no significant opposition in the race for the DFL endorsement and her existing record of statewide wins is formidable.
The legislation establishes a list of requirements aimed at improving transparency and reducing conflicts within HOAs. Minnesota estimates that 25% of its residents live in an HOA, and 82% of new homes are built within one.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Dana Ohman, an attorney who handles HOA disputes, about some of the most common questions homeowners have.
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.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
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.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
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.
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.
Another system of rain will move through much of Minnesota on Monday night, followed by cool and windy conditions on Tuesday.
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 Mike Augustyniak says more rain is possible this evening, but things are not expected to be severe.
There's another chance for rain Monday evening before a mostly dry week.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says there's a marginal risk of flash flooding and severe weather in parts of central and southern Minnesota on Monday.
A federal agent is accused of shooting a man in the line of duty in north Minneapolis and lying about what happened. These are the most serious charges against an ICE agent tied to Operation Metro Surge. As Ubah Ali reports, legal experts say the road to charging a federal officer is not easy.
Another system of rain will move through much of Minnesota on Monday night, followed by cool and windy conditions on Tuesday.
Black bears are on the move in Minnesota. Sightings are somewhat common in the north and central regions of the state, but pictures and video of black bears have been coming in from southern Minnesota, where sightings are rare. John Lauritsen speaks with a woman who had two close encounters.
Both sides of the aisle are claiming wins following the end of the legislative session in Minnesota. They barely got everything done in time. Esme Murphy details bills that were approved by lawmakers.
An aircraft fighting a fire in northern Minnesota is equipped with some new technology that was made in St. Paul. Derek James shows how the aeronautical engineering company is making those fire runs safer.