Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty speaks out on youth auto theft crisis
Moriarty mentioned several times the biggest challenge is how young some of the children involved are.
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Moriarty mentioned several times the biggest challenge is how young some of the children involved are.
We're reporting on kids stealing cars a couple of times a week. But we're also searching for solutions. Ubah Ali sat down with the county's top prosecutor for a story you'll see only on WCCO.
In the first six months of the year, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office says there were more than 4,000 reports of stolen vehicles in the county.
There are new details about a wild video of kids in stolen rides ripping by law enforcement. Thursday, police say they found one of those vehicles, but the case won't make it from the police to prosecutors. As Ubah Ali explains, that's part of the challenge when comes to cracking down on car crimes.
Weeks after the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners proposed a 49% pay hike for themselves, then walked it back, members have adopted a much lower raise.
In Hennepin County so far this year, there have been 475 cases of vehicle theft. More than half — 247 — were committed by juveniles.
The program is a new pathway for referral and intervention when police do not have sufficient evidence to submit a case for charging.
Stunning new video shows brazen kids in stolen cars speeding right past police. Officers say they're seeing that every day in cities across the metro. The troubling trend took a tragic turn when four kids were shot this weekend. So how can we pump the brakes on these dangerous drives? Our Ubah Ali sat down with a half dozen police chiefs and hit the streets for a story you'll see only on WCCO.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says it has a response to the crisis of kids, gun violence, and stolen vehicles. But after four kids were shot in a stolen car on the city's north side this weekend, the Minneapolis police chief says the county attorney didn't charge, or divert, the kids involved in the shooting. They ended up back on the street. The chief wants to see more serious consequences. However, some say intervention is what gets results.
The Minneapolis police chief and Hennepin County Attorney's Office are pointing fingers at each other after four children were shot in a stolen vehicle on the city's north side over the weekend.
A bullet has left a man partially paralyzed. The victim says that bullet was fired by a 14-year-old boy. He's fed up and frustrated with how the case is being handled. Our David Schuman talked to him from his hospital bed.
The motion, which passed 4-2, would have increased the commissioners' salary from $122,225 to $182,141 a year.
There is some positive news on crime coming out of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. Car thefts have seen a big drop.
Some positive news from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department on crime: car thefts have seen a big drop. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy takes a look at what's behind the trend.
Right now, Hennepin County Commissioners make $122,225 a year. It's been that way since 2016. But starting next year, it jumps to $182,141 a year. It's an increase of 49%.
If you could decide to boost your salary by nearly 50%, would you do it? That's what the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners did this week. The hefty hike equates to tens of thousands of dollars.
The association's complaint, filed with the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board Tuesday, alleged Moriarty and her office "violated several of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct" in charging Minnesota State Patrol trooper Ryan Londregan.
A Minnesota police group has filed an ethics complaint over a controversial case involving a state trooper. It accuses the Hennepin County Attorney of making repeated "false statements" to prejudice a jury and "achieve political ends."
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office unveiled a new dashboard on Wednesday that lists the number of people in the county's jails.
A Twin Cities woman faces dozens of felony charges after authorities say a raid of her residence yielded thousands of illegal pull tabs, scratch-offs and other games.
A Twin Cities woman faces dozens of felony charges after authorities say a bust yielded thousands of illegal pull tabs, scratch-offs and other games.
The Hennepin County Attorney's office launched a new program to get innocent people out of jail. Several national studies estimate in the U.S. one out of every 20 people found guilty are wrongly convicted. Esme Murphy heard from a man today who spent nearly 20 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. She explains how this program will work.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on Monday announced a new unit to review past cases for mistakes and unjustified convictions.
Police say a 15-hour standoff involving a hostage in the west metro ended early Thursday morning after the suspect shot themself and surrendered.
Hennepin County's top prosecutor is taking heat from all sides following the decision to drop a controversial case against a state trooper. But the County Attorney says she's not going anywhere. As Adam Duxter reports, some supporters say she's doing exactly what they elected her to do.
Having more people come to town for games is a win, especially after the losses they suffered during Operation Metro Surge.
The Minnesota Vikings selected defensive lineman Caleb Banks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft at pick No. 18.
Organizers of the Basilica Block Party announced Wednesday the two-day music festival is over after a three-decade run.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
Having more people come to town for games is a win, especially after the losses they suffered during Operation Metro Surge.
Organizers of the Basilica Block Party announced Wednesday the two-day music festival is over after a three-decade run.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing the hospital in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation.
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.
For more than 50 years, Steve Nesseth has answered the call, not for the recognition, but because for him service is simply a way of life.
Planting is underway and spring conditions have been good across much of Minnesota. But even so, some farmers are electing to sit out a year.
Elk River follows the cities of Champlin, Zumbrota, St. Francis and others in reverting to the old state symbol that was originally adopted in 1957.
Terrifying surveillance footage shows the moment a tornado smashed into a southern Minnesota home Friday.
Matthew Keirans used William Woods's identity for decades, then manipulated police into prosecuting Woods, who spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Dozens of former employees are now suing their former bosses after they were all abruptly laid off from a metal fabrication plant in western Wisconsin.
Officials say more than 100 homes were damaged and one person was injured in a "significant tornado outbreak" across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on Friday.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
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.
Only on WCCO, a mother and daughter from the Twin Cities recount their 55-day ordeal in a Texas immigration center.
Some of Minnesota's government software is decades overdue for big upgrades, but the price tag is steep. As Caroline Cummings reports, there are a few different ideas on how to pay for it.
It's a controversial decision, and a close vote. The Minneapolis City Council made it legal to possess drug paraphernalia, like pipes or needles.
A bill that would stiffen penalties for impersonating police in the wake of last year's Minnesota lawmaker shootings passed unanimously in the state House on Thursday.
The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing the hospital in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation.
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 bill would provide an average refund increase of $171 to homeowners after sharp property tax increases across the state this year.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
Improved response times, re-training and new strategies are part of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara's stated commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. For the family members of two dead victims, the current efforts aren't enough.
The Minneapolis City Council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of their rejection of Toddrick Barnette's reappointment, leaving the commissioner of community safety position without a clear resolution.
A bill that would stiffen penalties for impersonating police in the wake of last year's Minnesota lawmaker shootings passed unanimously in the state House on Thursday.
Police said the shooting appeared to have happened after two groups of people got into an argument in the mall's food court.
Matthew Keirans used William Woods's identity for decades, then manipulated police into prosecuting Woods, who spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Minnesota lawmakers are calling for the humanitarian release of a woman detained earlier this year amid Operation Metro Surge who is suffering from a tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst.
For more than 50 years, Steve Nesseth has answered the call, not for the recognition, but because for him service is simply a way of life.
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?
National Nurses United warns Hennepin County Medical Center could close following federal health care cuts under H.R. 1, threatening care across Minnesota and the Midwest.
Hundreds of nursing home workers from across the Twin Cities are on strike Monday.
A previously unreleased song is one of many ways Prince is being honored a decade after his death.
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.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Having more people come to town for games is a win, especially after the losses they suffered during Operation Metro Surge.
Rob Brzezinski is keeping the makeup of the draft room pretty similar to previous years in his first time calling the shots. But let's be clear, the way he and Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell work together in this process will determine its success.
One of Minnesota's fastest-growing basketball training organizations is expanding with a new facility to develop athletes on and off the court.
With plenty of roster needs, Minnesota could go a number of different ways with its first-round pick. They could seek a starter at multiple defensive spots, supplement their offense or even trade the pick away.
Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime to give the Dallas Stars a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild early Thursday for a 2-1 lead in the first-round series.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
From the controversies to the name-calling to bathhouse proposals to perhaps not renewing Police Chief Brian O'Hara's contract, it seems the Minneapolis City Council is always giving us something to talk about.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
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.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
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?
The pet insurance industry is relatively new, and experts say that's partly why there's a low number of policies, but it is growing.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be cooler with highs in the lower 60s.
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 Chris Shaffer is tracking the potential for severe storms across the state.
Severe thunderstorms are possible in parts of the state until a cold front clears.
The Twin Cities are in a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Storms will be possible until the cold front clears this evening, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Teens from across the globe are coming to St. Paul, aiming to hone their basketball skills for the next level. Mike Max shows how kids from different cultures are learning to play as a team at Minnesota Preparatory Academy.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be cooler with highs in the lower 60s.
Immigration lawyers in the U.S. and Canada say they've been flooded with applications.
Playoff games aren't just exciting for fans; they have local business owners fired up as well. Having more people come to town for games is a win, especially after the losses they suffered during Operation Metro Surge. Ubah Ali found some businesses looking for long, deep playoff runs.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer is tracking the potential for severe storms across the state.