WCCO digital headlines: Afternoon of Dec. 12, 2025
WCCO's Reg Chapman shares the latest news headlines and updates from Friday afternoon.
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WCCO's Reg Chapman shares the latest news headlines and updates from Friday afternoon.
Walz introduced the team lead, Tim O’Malley, who will serve as Director of Program Integrity.
It's the state's latest effort to crack down on fraud after the Feeding our Future scandal.
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
Michelle Mildred, the owner of Minnesota-based e-commerce business Coloring Your Own, says she has seen ads using her voice and face to promote counterfeit products with her designs, sending customers to scam sites overseas.
Luxury cars, homes, jewelry and casino trips were among the spoils of some of the biggest pandemic era fraud cases, according to a CBS News review of five years of government records and data.
The federal and state crackdowns on fraud in Minnesota are creating collateral damage in programs aimed at helping people with disabilities.
As federal investigations expand, the state is now pressing pause on all new licenses for home and community-based providers for the next two years. One small provider told us: It's been swept up with the bad actors and is now in danger of closing. Learnability provides 24-hour care to the severely disabled. The CEO told Esme Murphy that the families she serves aren't sure what they're going to do.
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
The federal and state crackdowns on fraud in Minnesota are creating collateral damage in programs aimed at helping people with disabilities. One nonprofit says it's at risk of shutting down because of potential lapses in funding.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims half of the visas held by Somali-Minnesotans are fake, and says fraudsters are using them to leech off of state welfare programs. WCCO's Caroline Cummings took those allegations to an immigration expert.
A Minneapolis-based businessman will not serve any more jail time for his role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud pandemic relief programs, according to court documents.
Several federal entities are looking at Minnesota, putting the state and Gov. Tim Walz on the defensive.
Several federal entities are looking at Minnesota, putting the state and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz on the defensive.
Minnesota is in the hot seat again following two separate federal investigations: One that's digging into state dollars and another that's looking at state drivers licenses.
A Minneapolis man is accused of participating in a fraud scheme that stole more than $1 million in state, federal and local grants.
A Minneapolis man is accused of participating in a fraud scheme that stole more than $1 million in state, federal and local grants.
The former head of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, accused of stealing reward money for the unsolved murder of children, pleaded guilty to mail fraud on Monday.
The former CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce pleaded guilty to stealing more than $200,000 from the organization.
Could some of the money stolen in one of Minnesota's fraud cases have gone to a terrorist group? That's what the federal government is now investigating.
A 24-year-old man has been ordered by a federal judge to pay nearly $48 million in restitution and sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the U.S., the Department of Justice said Monday.
A 36-year-old man has become the 78th person charged in the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.
A federal jury has convicted a 39-year-old Minnesota man of fraudulently posing as a decorated U.S. Marine in an effort to obtain more than $140,000 in benefits.
Republican Minnesota state Rep. Kristin Robbins talks with WCCO’s Esme Murphy about her run for governor, and her work to fight fraud in the state.
According to the FBI, last year, there were nearly 11,000 complaints of cryptocurrency ATM fraud, resulting in more than $240 million in losses.
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
President Trump threatened Thursday to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell anti-ICE protests in Minnesota. He previously threatened to do so in Chicago, but never followed through.
The Minnesota Twins have claimed infielder Vidal Bruján off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot multiple times overnight Thursday in the city's northeast corner.
The attorney for Renee Good's family, Antonio Romanucci, spoke to CBS News about their pursuit of accountability following last week's deadly ICE shooting.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot multiple times overnight Thursday in the city's northeast corner.
The American Civil Liberties Union is filing a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of three Minnesotans — two Somali men and one Latino man — "whose constitutional rights were violated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agents," the ACLU of Minnesota announced Thursday morning.
Outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, protests continue. Advocates say what's happening inside the courtrooms is also alarming.
Cellphone footage is providing a closer look at what families say are ICE operations near Minnesota students.
"Rights have always been violated for us as Native people" Rachel Dionne Thunder told WCCO.
The American Civil Liberties Union is filing a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of three Minnesotans — two Somali men and one Latino man — "whose constitutional rights were violated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agents," the ACLU of Minnesota announced Thursday morning.
Most good Minnesota high school hockey teams face the offseason reality that their best players may leave for juniors. This year, Rogers had three key players decide not to, which has benefited the roster.
In a rare primetime address Wednesday evening, Gov. Tim Walz gave a six-minute-long address to Minnesotans where he called on President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to "end this occupation."
President Trump is following through on a promise he made late last year to end deportation protections for some Somali immigrants in the country.
Faith leaders, union representatives and community members are calling for a Day of Truth and Freedom on Friday, Jan. 23 — urging all Minnesotans not to go to work, school or go shopping.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
A western Wisconsin town is reveling in the national spotlight.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
President Trump threatened Thursday to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell anti-ICE protests in Minnesota. He previously threatened to do so in Chicago, but never followed through.
The American Civil Liberties Union is filing a new class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of three Minnesotans.
The American Civil Liberties Union is filing a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of three Minnesotans — two Somali men and one Latino man — "whose constitutional rights were violated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agents," the ACLU of Minnesota announced Thursday morning.
President Trump announced on social media Thursday morning he may invoke the Insurrection Act to send troops into Minnesota.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
WCCO gathered data on core staple items from Aldi in Apple Valley, Target in Fridley and Cub Foods in north Minneapolis.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot multiple times overnight Thursday in the city's northeast corner.
Outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, protests continue. Advocates say what's happening inside the courtrooms is also alarming.
Cellphone footage is providing a closer look at what families say are ICE operations near Minnesota students.
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot a man Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after allegedly being attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says it began distributing payments on Friday to over 2,600 Minnesotans.
Just one day after dropping his bid for reelection, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state's paid family leave program is one of the most transformational bills the state has ever passed.
Roughly 12,000 Minnesotans have already applied for the state's new paid family leave program, according to an update by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
The clock is ticking to snag a few more gifts and prepare for that holiday trip to visit family. As the pressure builds, so does the stress.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
The Minnesota Twins have claimed infielder Vidal Bruján off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.
Kiki Rice had 25 points on 8-for-9 shooting and Lauren Betts posted her third straight double-double, leading No. 3 UCLA past Minnesota 76-58 on Wednesday night.
Most good Minnesota high school hockey teams face the offseason reality that their best players may leave for juniors. This year, Rogers had three key players decide not to, which has benefited the roster.
The men leading the Minnesota Vikings' operations don't sound ready to give up on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but neither are they speaking like they're satisfied at the position.
John Blackwell buried a 3-pointer at the buzzer and scored 27 points to help Wisconsin overcome an 11-point second-half deficit to beat Minnesota for a 10th straight time, 78-75.
The shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised several legal questions.
The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised many legal questions. Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.
The DFL race pits two prominent party leaders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, against each other.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
New polling shows most voters do not think last week's deadly ICE shooting was justified. But the Trump administration thinks so and suggested that Renee Good was a domestic terrorist. Experts say that's not a label to be taken lightly.
ICE is making arrests in Minnesota right next to shoppers grabbing groceries. The tense encounters are happening at places like Target, Walmart and other private businesses.
It's a question many people have been asking: What is the cost of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minnesota? WCCO was able to get some numbers.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
From the frozen ponds and lakes to the packed indoor rinks serving as community hubs, hockey is uniquely celebrated and cherished in Minnesota like no other state in the country.
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.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
A clipper diving south will bring spotty, light snow showers through Thursday afternoon across the Twin Cities, as well as areas north of the Interstate 94 corridor.
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.
Cold is the theme this weekend with highs in the single digits Saturday and teens Sunday, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
A clipper diving south will bring spotty, light snow showers through Thursday afternoon across the Twin Cities, as well as areas north of the Interstate 94 corridor.
A storm system will drop a couple inches of snow late Thursday and overnight Friday in the Twin Cities, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Student Jacob Smith and Dunwoody College of Technology's E.J. Daigle share a preview.
KB Balla, with NextGen Legacy Foundation, shares a preview of the upcoming event.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot a man Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after allegedly being attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
A clipper diving south will bring spotty, light snow showers through Thursday afternoon across the Twin Cities, as well as areas north of the Interstate 94 corridor.
The American Civil Liberties Union is filing a new class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of three Minnesotans.