The difficulties of reintegration after incarceration
Gina Evans serves as the secretary to the Board of Directors at the Minnesota Second Chances Coalition, a nonprofit that helps those once incarcerated rebuild their lives.
Prison
Mohamed Noor's release, challenges of life after prison
WCCO's Pauleen Le looks into life after incarceration and what Noor can expect after his release.
Rally outside Shakopee women's prison calls for justice
Demonstrators allege that the prison has a history of abuse against inmates.
Wisconsin Prisons To Allow In-Person Visits Again
The prison system initially closed its doors to visitors in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold. The DOC reopened to visits in July 2021 but closed them down again this past December amid the omicron surge.
Man Gets 100 Months For Rioting On Nicollet Mall In Downtown Minneapolis
A St. Paul man was sentenced to 100 months in prison and two years of supervised release for burning, looting, and damaging stores and businesses in downtown Minneapolis in August last year.
Shakopee Inmate Becomes First Woman To Take Law School Test In Prison: 'Everybody Deserves A Second Chance'
"Everyone that is released from here are going to be our neighbors and our friends. The more that they're educated, the better they can help their communities," Dr. Kristen O'Connell
Lynx's Maya Moore Helps Free Missouri Man From Prison
Moore was on hand when Jonathan Irons, 40, walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center. She clapped as Irons approached a group of people waiting for his release.
Detroit Lakes Man Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Distributing Meth
A 38-year-old Detroit Lakes man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine on the White Earth Reservation.
Record Use Of Solitary Confinement In Minnesota Last Year
A record number of Minnesota prison inmates were placed in solitary confinement last year.
Minnesota Prisons Resort To Video For Psychiatric Care
Minnesota prisons are turning to telepsychiatry to provide inmates with mental health care.
Wrongfully Convicted Man To Receive $1.5 Million After 46 Years In Prison
To pass the time and temper the injustice, he painted.
'We Cannot Sacrifice Safety': Corrections Commissioner Says Safety Inside Prisons Paramount
Safety and security for officers is the top priority for the new head of corrections. Just last July, Minnesota had its first corrections officer killed in the line of duty.
Man Accused Of Prison Guard's Death Appears Before Judge
Edward Johnson arrived under tight security from Oak Park Heights, where he's now being held following Officer Joe Gomm's death.
Prison Union Calls For Workplace Changes Following Officer Gomm's Death
The union representing Minnesota corrections employees is set to demand workplace changes after a prison guard's death last month.
What Are The Rules For Serving Prison Time?
"Everyone who goes to federal prison, unless they screw up badly while they're in prison, they get 15 percent off their sentence for what's called good time."
Denny Hecker Moved To Minimum-Security Duluth Prison
A former car dealer and convicted con man is back in Minnesota. Online prison records show Denny Hecker is now at the federal prison in Duluth.
Republicans Pushing For State To Buy Empty Appelton Prison
Republican lawmakers at the Minnesota Legislature are asking the State Corrections Department to buy or lease the privately-owned prison in Appleton.
Legislative Battle Brewing Over Drug Sentencing Reductions
A legislative game of tug-of-war is brewing over looming reductions to prison sentences for some major drug offenders. The state's sentencing commission passed the changes late last year, slashing sentence guidelines for first- and second-degree possession convictions.
Gang Member Sentenced In Mpls. Shooting That Injured Mother, Toddler
A 28-year-old Minneapolis man has been sentenced in a wild shooting spree that resulted in a mother and child suffering significant wounds.
Man Wrongfully Convicted Of Sexual Abuse May Get $475K From State
A man wrongfully convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter will likely receive $475,000 from Minnesota taxpayers -- but the state legislature must still approve the award. In his attorney's office Wednesday, Roger Olsen described how he still has trouble getting a job even a decade after the conviction was tossed.
Franken Working To Change How The Justice System Deals With The Mentally Ill
Sen. Al Franken is hoping this is the year he can get legislation passed to help people suffering from mental illness.
AG: Shakopee Inmate Defrauded Medical Assistance Program
Minnesota's Attorney General has filed felony fraud charges against a 51-year-old woman. With an aging population and soaring hospital costs, home healthcare delivers efficient medical care.
40-Year Sentence Upheld In Toddler's Suffocation Death
A 31-year-old Duluth man's 40-year prison sentence for suffocating a toddler has been upheld, according to the St. Louis County Attorney's Office.
Mpls. Man Convicted In Serial Killings Dies In Prison
A Minneapolis man convicted of killing three women in the 1980's has died in prison. Billy Glaze was convicted in 1989 of killing Kathleen Bullman, Angelina Whitebird Sweet and Angela Green. They were raped, murdered and mutilated in similar ways.
Minn. Man Gets 25 Years For Making, Possessing Child Porn
A White Earth man was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years in prison for making and possessing child pornography.
Latest News
THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
6 teens rushed to hospital following Ham Lake crash
Officials saying it appears they were speeding when the vehicle hit a tree. The crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday on Xylite Street.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
Where To View Fireworks In 2022
Click on the city nearest to you to find information about their Fourth of July firework display plans.
Hibbing police investigate suspicious death, 1 in custody
Police in Hibbing have determined a woman's death to be suspicious, and have taken her boyfriend into custody.
After manhole explosions near U, Met Council warns not to flush gas down the toilet
Officials have issued a warning about what people can dump in the sewer, after several explosions forced evacuations near the University of Minnesota.
St. Paul police investigating homicide on Dale Street
Police in St. Paul say they're investigating a homicide after they found a dead body on the 600 block of Dale Street North overnight.
Why are Minneapolis and St. Paul going another year without 4th of July fireworks?
It's like Halloween with no candy, or Thanksgiving without a turkey. For another year, both Minneapolis and St. Paul have scrapped plans for large Fourth of July fireworks displays.
Residents in tiny Forada still working to rebuild one month after devastating tornado
Sheryl Herschman and her sister, Judy Sellgren-Ehle, moved back to Forada, their hometown, in the spring and inherited their family's campground business. "We didn't know we'd get baptized by fire, or in this case, wind," Herschman said.
Twin Cities News
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After manhole explosions near U, Met Council warns not to flush gas down the toilet
Officials have issued a warning about what people can dump in the sewer, after several explosions forced evacuations near the University of Minnesota.
St. Paul police investigating homicide on Dale Street
Police in St. Paul say they're investigating a homicide after they found a dead body on the 600 block of Dale Street North overnight.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
6 teens rushed to hospital following Ham Lake crash
Officials say it appears they were speeding when the vehicle hit a tree. The crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday on Xylite Street.
Greater Minnesota News
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Hibbing police investigate suspicious death, 1 in custody
Police in Hibbing have determined a woman's death to be suspicious, and have taken her boyfriend into custody.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
Minnesota agencies to crack down on drinking while boating over holiday weekend
"We have zero tolerance for people boating under the influence," said Lt. Adam Block, a boating law administrator with the DNR.
Residents in tiny Forada still working to rebuild one month after devastating tornado
Sheryl Herschman and her sister, Judy Sellgren-Ehle, moved back to Forada, their hometown, in the spring and inherited their family's campground business. "We didn't know we'd get baptized by fire, or in this case, wind," Herschman said.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin's conservative high court hands GOP another weapon
The decision essentially prevents a governor from replacing the previous governor's appointees without Senate confirmation. The ruling left Democrats stunned.
Wisconsin court bats down challenge to Kohler golf course
Conservatives on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a conservation group couldn't challenge an agency's decision to sell state park land for the construction of a high-end golf course along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin governor, AG file legal challenge to 1849 abortion law
Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has filed a direct challenge to the state's 1849 criminal abortion law that bans nearly all abortions.
Anti-abortion groups look to update 1849 Wisconsin ban
Some Democrats and abortion rights supporters have questioned the validity of a law that had been on the books for 173 years but wasn't enforced due to the Roe decision.
Wisconsin's Tony Evers looks for boost from anger over abortion
Wisconsin's Democratic Gov. Tony Evers hopes to translate anger over the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade into votes this fall as he vows to fight a 173-year-old state abortion ban in any way he can.
Politics
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THC edibles, beverages now legal in Minnesota as new law goes into effect
The new law now governs the packaging, the sale and the makeup of the products, which may not contain more than 5 mg of THC per serving, and no more than 50 mg per package.
Wisconsin's conservative high court hands GOP another weapon
The decision essentially prevents a governor from replacing the previous governor's appointees without Senate confirmation. The ruling left Democrats stunned.
'We're at a turning point": Deadline arrives for Nat'l Guard to be vaccinated
"We are in a war for talent," General James McConville, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, told members of the House Armed Services Committee. "That means recruiting our nation's best."
Minneapolis city council fails to override Frey's veto of 24-hour Hennepin Avenue bus lane
The council needed nine votes to override Frey's veto, but they only had eight.
Attack ad blames Rep. Angie Craig for high gas prices as battle over swing district heats up
A conservative group has already spent $620,000 on an advertisement targeting Rep. Angie Craig in what's likely just the beginning of a battle by both parties to win a critical district.
Consumer News
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Kris Lindahl files to trademark his outstretched arm pose
Kris Lindahl has filed to trademark this iconic pose you see on billboards all over the state.
Citing "operational challenges," Delta offers holiday weekend travelers waivers to rebook
Delta, one of the nation's largest airlines with a hub at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, has a free flight change policy for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, as the company expects a record number of travelers since the pandemic began.
Minnesota resorts are booked solid this summer
Some of the guests booked at the resorts this July 4th weekend are actually being re-booked from canceled trips last summer or even 2020. It's created a logjam of reservations for several weeks.
Proposed legislation will aim to close legal gap after several Minnesota families lose savings to pool contractor
A WCCO investigation has sparked state action to protect your money and property.
Metro Transit ridership rebounds as gas prices soar
Gas, groceries, and just about everything is getting more expensive. As we look for ways to save money, more are opting to hop on public transit.
Crime
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Hibbing police investigate suspicious death, 1 in custody
Police in Hibbing have determined a woman's death to be suspicious, and have taken her boyfriend into custody.
St. Paul police investigating homicide on Dale Street
Police in St. Paul say they're investigating a homicide after they found a dead body on the 600 block of Dale Street North overnight.
10 pounds of meth discovered after being delivered to wrong address, charges say
Two people face multiple felony counts after 10 pounds of meth that was supposed to be delivered to them ended up at the wrong address, according to recently filed charges.
Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Man on the lam charged in fatal south Minneapolis shooting
A 31-year-old Twin Cities man who remains on the lam is now charged in a fatal shooting earlier this week in south Minneapolis.
Health
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'We're at a turning point": Deadline arrives for Nat'l Guard to be vaccinated
"We are in a war for talent," General James McConville, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, told members of the House Armed Services Committee. "That means recruiting our nation's best."
Bloomington begins phasing out tobacco licenses for businesses
The city of Bloomington is taking more steps to end tobacco sales. Starting Thursday, the city will begin phasing out tobacco licenses.
COVID In Minnesota: Hospitalization rate stays below high risk level
The state's case growth rate, stands at 23.9 per 100,000 residents. That's still well above the high risk line of 10, but showing signs of slowly going down.
These companies are covering travel costs for abortions
Bellwethers from finance, technology and retail industries are bankrolling workers who need to access reproductive services.
Several Minnesota companies to reimburse workers who travel for abortion services
Law professor David Schultz says the companies could face consequences in states like Texas, which have criminalized not only abortion, but anyone facilitating an abortion.
Entertainment
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Could R. Kelly's sentence impact his case in Hennepin County?
Kelly faces a solicitation case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. But the case has been on the back burner while the federal cases play out.
Tom Barnard to leave KQRS after 36 years as host
KQRS, a classic rock station based in Golden Valley, announced that Tom Barnard would be retiring from the station, with his final show being scheduled for Dec. 23.
Minnesota's top pick among patriotic movies is "Apollo 13"
Other states went for films that feature explicitly hometown appeal, such as Texas choosing "The Alamo," Alabama going for "Forrest Gump," and Pennsylvania selecting "Gettysburg."
For F1RST Wrestling's Arik Cannon, bringing the event back to Mall of America is "surreal"
Arik Cannon wasn't at the Mall of America on Sept. 4, 1995, when WCW wrestlers tussled in the rotunda for the first episode of "Monday Nitro. Now, 27 years later, he's finally going to get to see wrestling at the mall. In fact, he's in charge of the whole event.
These are the most popular game consoles in each state
In a single uninterrupted battle for supremacy of the living room, the console wars have given gamers such legendary installments as the Nintendo 64 and the PlayStation 2 and such cautionary tales as the Nokia N-Gage and the Ouya.
Sports
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How have former $100M earners panned out for the Timberwolves?
The four-year, $224 million dollar contract Karl-Anthony Towns agreed to on the first day of free agency will keep him in Minnesota through the 2027-28 season. And it's reasonable to say he's earned it.
Karl-Anthony Towns agrees with Timberwolves on $224 million extension
It's a huge commitment from the Timberwolves, and one they made as quickly as they possibly could: Starting in 2024-25, Towns will make $224 million over four years, and that follows the $70 million he's slotted to make over the next two seasons.
Andrés Giménez homer in 9th gives Guardians 5-3 win over Twins
Andrés Giménez watched his home run clear the center-field fence, kissed his bat and then flipped it while turning toward Minnesota's stunned dugout.
Top Minnesota teams face off, test out coming shot clock rule
Some of the best high school teams in Minnesota played each other with a shot clock that'll be part of regulation high school basketball in two years.
Idea to tackle youth umpire, referee shortage: Improve the behavior of coaches, parents
Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) is a nonprofit that partners with parent volunteer organizations to promote positive behavior at games.
Finding Minnesota
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One-of-a-kind garden highlights Ojibwe culture, sense of beauty
Sue Foss began growing her garden near Sandstone in 1989. She and her husband, Rod, planted over 500 different kinds of flowers, shrubs and trees to honor the Ojibwe people.
Minneopa State Park enjoys a bison baby boom
"They are pretty laid back and calm. They really are," said park manager Ashley Steevens. "They're managed as a wild herd, so this is their territory. This is their home."
The story behind Faribault County's Jolly Green Giant statue
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how a giant statue ended up in the city of Blue Earth.
After More Than A Century, Southern Minnesota Restaurant Still Slinging 'Dam' Good Burgers, Pies
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to the Rapidan Dam Store in Blue Earth County.
'It's Bizarre': Southern Minnesota Ghost Town Still Attracting Summer Visitors
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us on a tour of a treasured ghost town in Fillmore County, near the Iowa border.
Good Question
More Good Question
How does a park become a state park?
Just under 1% of Minnesota is state or national parkland, which places Minnesota 29th compared to other states across the country.
What will come of the January 6th hearings?
"The question then becomes though, even if the ex-president indicted, is there enough to convict," said constitutional law professor David Schultz.
Why is golf so hard?
"If you think of any other sport out there, whether it's football, baseball hockey, the ball is coming at you and react to it," said PGA pro Phil Anderson. "Whereas you have to think about it and make a movement away from a golf ball.
Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?
"One thing that scientists have known for a long time is that mosquitoes are attracted to the odor of used gym socks," Dr. Jon Oliver said.
What is the purpose of the "#ShowYourStripes" campaign?
"Just that slightest shift in an average puts us into a whole new climate, really upping those chances for all of the extremes that we have to deal with," said Climate Central Chief Meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky.
Latest Galleries
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Flashback: "WCW Monday Nitro" at Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro."
Stars hit the red carpet at the 75th Annual Tony Awards
Stars of stage and screen hit the red carpet for the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night.
New Food Options At Target Field 2022
Opening Day is nearly here and the Minnesota Twins are unveiling new foods at Target Field, including Australian-inspired savory pies and an official grilled cheese sandwich of the ballpark.
2022 Celebrity Deaths
A gallery of the beloved celebrities who have died in 2022.
Viewers Share Their Love Stories
It's Valentine's Day, and Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield asked WCCO viewers to share their stories of romance. Here are some of the best we got!
Weather
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Weather
Next Weather: 9 a.m. weather report
Friday will be cool and bright, but the holiday weekend brings with it the chance for some storms.
Next Weather: 5 a.m. weather reports
WCCO meteorologist Riley O'Connor says expect a beautiful and cooler day Friday.
Next Weather: 10 p.m. report
Meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports on the holiday weekend forecast.
Tips for beating extreme heat
"The elderly and the really young," said CentraCare sports medicine physician Dr. George Morris. "Those are the two populations that I would worry about most."
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.
Latest Video
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Latest Video
MSP introduces new interim superintendent
New interim superintendent Rochelle Cox has been with the district 25 years.
6 teens hospitalized following Ham Lake crash
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says the six 17-year-olds were speeding when they crashed into the tree.
"Don't flush gas down the toilet," Met Council warns
A new warning about what people dump in the sewer after several explosions forced evacuations near the University of Minnesota Thursday.
Farmers market-ready recipes for the holiday weekend
Jenny Breen, market manager of the East Isles Farmers Market, shares a few recipes.
How to keep your pets from stressing on July 4th
Azure Davis, with Ruff Start Rescue, offers some advice for pet owners.