Bloomington police: 14 men arrested in prostitution sting
Bloomington police have arrested more than a dozen people in connection to a prostitution sting.
Sex Trafficking
Gisela Castro Medina sentenced to 3 years in prison for helping Anton Lazzaro sex traffic girls
A 21-year-old woman who helped GOP donor Anton Lazzaro sex traffic underage girls at "every step of the way" was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison.
Who is Anton "Tony" Lazzaro?
Here's what you need to know about Anton "Tony" Lazzaro and why he was sentenced to 21-years in prison for sex trafficking on Wednesday.
Anton Lazzaro sentenced in sex trafficking case
Anton Lazzaro, a former GOP operative in Minnesota, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison in a sex trafficking case.
Anton Lazzaro sentenced to 21 years in prison for sex trafficking underage girls
Anton Lazzaro, a former GOP donor in Minnesota, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison in a sex trafficking case.
11 arrested during undercover operation in St. Paul, 4 trafficking victims recovered
Law enforcement officials say they recovered four trafficking victims and arrested 11 people as the result of a two-day operation in St. Paul.
Former GOP operative Anton Lazzaro guilty on all charges
Lazzaro was charged with seven counts involving “commercial sex acts” with five minors ages 15 and 16 in 2020, when he was 30 years old.
Tony Lazzaro takes witness stand in trial
A GOP operative accused of sex trafficking underage girls returned to the witness stand today in his own defense.
Jury selection begins in trial of former GOP strategist Anton Lazzaro
Jury selection begins Tuesday for a former GOP strategist accused of sex trafficking minors. Anton Lazzaro is accused of recruiting 15- and 16-year-olds for sex in exchange for cash and other items.
Jury selection begins in trial of former GOP strategist Anton Lazzaro
Lazzaro is accused of recruiting 15- and 16-year-olds for sex in exchange for cash and other items. His co-conspirator Gisela Medina has pleaded guilty and is expected to testify against him. All five minors are also expected to take the stand.
GOP donor Anton Lazzaro faces trial on charges of sex trafficking minors
A formerly well-connected Republican donor, accused of plying petite, vulnerable teenage girls with cash, liquor and gifts, goes on trial Tuesday on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.
"Dances With Wolves" actor indicted by grand jury on 19 new charges
Police have described Nathan Chasing Horse as a cult leader who used his position as a self-proclaimed medicine man to gain access to Indigenous girls and women.
Wisconsin woman to use sex trafficking as homicide defense
A woman charged in a Wisconsin murder plans to argue that she is not guilty because she was a coerced victim of human trafficking.
James E. Williams Sentenced To Almost 17 Years For Sex Trafficking, Witness Tampering
Pete Orput, Washington County's attorney, said while the sentence seems severe, Williams "admitted to extreme exploitation of human beings for his own profit."
BCA: Human Trafficking Tips Have Tripled In Minnesota Over Last 3 Years
Sex traffickers begin by gaining access on line to the young and vulnerable. Beth Holger, executive director of The Link, says some victims are as young as 11 and 12.
Man, Woman Each Sentenced To Several Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking Minor
A man and a woman were each sentenced to several years in prison for sex trafficking a minor out of a Twin Cities hotel, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.
'It's So Disguised Now, It Almost Looks Legit': Sex Traffickers Searching Social Media To Find Vulnerable Youths
Experts warn that sex trafficking happens daily in towns across Minnesota. The recent charges against GOP strategist Tony Lazzaro show it's not just an issue on the streets, but a crime finding new, young victims on social media.
FBI Searching For Minneapolis Fugitive Charles Dexter, Wanted On Child Sex Trafficking Charges
The U.S. Attorney's Office says 40-year-old Charles William Dexter III "knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, and advertised a minor victim to engage in a commercial sex act, knowing that the victim had not attained the age of 18 years."
Anton Lazzaro To Remain Detained Until Trial On Charges He Paid Underage Victims For Sex, Judge Rules
Anton Lazzaro will remain in jail until his trial on federal sex trafficking charges, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, after a police officer testified that the top Republican donor paid underage girls for sex with cash and gifts.
Last 4 Exec. Directors Of MN GOP Call For Jennifer Carnahan To Resign Or Be Removed
The past four executive directors of the Minnesota Republican Party are asking for Jennifer Carnahan to resign. And, if she doesn't, they say they implore the state executive committee to remove her.
'Guilt By Association Is Just Wrong': GOP Chair Carnahan Again Denies Knowledge Of Lazarro Sex Trafficking Accusations
Gisela Medina Appears In Court On Charges Of Aiding GOP Donor In Sex Trafficking Of Minors
A now-suspended student at the University of St. Thomas who was the chair of her college's GOP chapter appeared in federal court Monday, facing charges that she conspired with a top Republican donor and activist to traffic minors for sex.
GOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan Pushes Back After More Republicans Call For Her Ouster
More Minnesota Republicans are calling for state party chair Jennifer Carnahan to step down due to her ties to GOP donor and strategist Anton "Tony" Lazzaro, who was indicted Thursday on federal sex trafficking charges.
St. Thomas GOP Chair Gisela Castro Medina Arrested In Florida On Sex Trafficking Charges
The newly elected chair of University of St. Thomas' College Republicans was arrested in Florida on sex trafficking charges, according to FBI Minneapolis.
MN GOP Party Leaders To Have Emergency Meeting Following Federal Sex Trafficking Charges Against Republican Operative And Donor
The executive committee of the Minnesota GOP will have an emergency meeting Friday night in wake of the allegations that a Republican donor "deeply involved" in party politics illegally trafficked minors for sex.
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Latest News
Moore, Augustus, McWilliams-Franklin headline 2024 Women's Basketball HOF Class
Former Minnesota Lynx and USA Basketball teammates Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus headline the 2024 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame class that was announced Thursday night.
Sushi topper wasabi linked to "substantial" memory boost, study finds
A researcher behind a study of wasabi's effect on cognition says he knew the fiery condiment had health benefits, but "the dramatic change" in memory was a surprise.
Apple releases urgent update to fix iOS 17 security issues
The update patches two vulnerabilities, includes no new features to new operating system.
Trump seeks "urgent review" of gag order ruling in New York civil fraud case
Former President Donald Trump intends to appeal a ruling that upheld a gag order in his civil fraud trial in New York.
Doug Burgum ends 2024 presidential campaign
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum had struggled with name recognition and did not qualify for the third GOP debate last month.
Twin Cities News
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21-year-old driver injured in Minneapolis shooting over the weekend
Police in Minneapolis are investigating a shooting that left a 21-year-old man injured over the weekend.
North Minneapolis' Thirsty Whale Bakery closes, citing "economic changes"
A north Minneapolis business is being forced to close its doors.
Man killed, woman injured in Lake Street shooting
A man is dead and a woman is injured after a shooting in south Minneapolis early Monday.
Headscarf Story Circle brings together women from all walks of life
The Headscarf Story Circle is a space for women that has become even more meaningful as many feel a divide during the Israel-Hamas war.
2 injured within hour in separate north Minneapolis shootings
Two men were injured, one of them seriously, in separate shootings Sunday afternoon in north Minneapolis.
Greater Minnesota News
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Lake Superior, known for icy waters, one of the fastest warming lakes in the world
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world — a sea known for its pristine cold water. But in a warming world, that's changing.
November was the second driest on record, according to the data
Data shows that our November was the second driest on record for the Twin Cities.
Jack Loso, 19, killed in landslide at Minneopa State Park, sheriff says
A 19-year-old man was killed in a landslide Saturday night at Minneopa State Park Falls.
Prep academy aims to help families of soldiers heading to Middle East
Soldiers expecting to deploy soon get an introduction to what they can expect
Motorists viewing northern lights causing traffic problems in Chisago County
People flocking to see the northern lights have been causing issues on the road in Chisago County, according to the county sheriff.
Wisconsin News
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iPhone notification leads authorities to man killed in Wisconsin crash, sheriff says
Authorities in western Wisconsin say an iPhone crash notification led them to a deceased driver late Thursday night.
Former Wisconsin GOP Attorney General Brad Schimel is running for the state Supreme Court
Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel is running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court against incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley in 2025.
Western Wisconsin barn fire kills 150+ animals, causes $225K in damage
More than 150 animals were killed in a blaze at a western Wisconsin barn Wednesday morning.
Official who posted "ballot selfie" in Wisconsin has felony charge dismissed
A local Wisconsin official who posted a selfie with his marked ballot on Facebook during the April 2022 election has had a felony charge against him dropped.
Report: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used alternate email under name of Hall of Fame pitcher
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used an alternative state email account using the name of Hall of Fame Milwaukee Braves pitcher Warren Spahn.
Community Journalism
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Minnesota hockey community honors teen who died in Washington County crash
A memorial of hockey sticks and flowers marks the spot of the crash in rural Washington County that would eventually take the life of 16-year-old Samson Walters.
Police need help finding missing adult in Bloomington
The Bloomington Police Department are asking for help finding a missing adult
Prep academy aims to help families of soldiers heading to Middle East
Soldiers expecting to deploy soon get an introduction to what they can expect
Chance north Minneapolis encounter leads to new family, outlook on life for young boy
Tyrone Fischer has a new mom and a new outlook on life after a chance encounter five years ago in a street in north Minneapolis.
This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
Politics
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Trump seeks "urgent review" of gag order ruling in New York civil fraud case
Former President Donald Trump intends to appeal a ruling that upheld a gag order in his civil fraud trial in New York.
Doug Burgum ends 2024 presidential campaign
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum had struggled with name recognition and did not qualify for the third GOP debate last month.
Ukraine aid will run out by end of the year, White House says
Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young sent a dire warning to Congress Monday.
Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
By now you likely know that there at six finalists for the new Minnesota flag. The State Emblems Redesign Commission will meet this Tuesday to discuss the finalists and to possibly make revisions to the top six designs. That is the subject of Esme Murphy's Talking Points.
Ex-U.S. ambassador arrested, accused of serving as agent of Cuba
Manuel Rocha, who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, has been arrested in a long-running FBI investigation. He is accused of serving as an agent of Cuba.
Consumer News
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Arboretum's AppleHouse embraces winter magic with Holiday Boutique
In November, the AppleHouse transforms into a cozy gift shop offering a variety of items, from unique gifts to locally produced goodies, toys, clothes and more.
Report: Inflation impacting Minnesotans more than national average
New numbers from the federal government show the average American needs nearly $11,500 in additional funds just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in 2021.
This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
When will MSP get renewable aviation fuel, which could cut emissions by 80% or more?
Sustainable aviation fuel is a combination of cooking oil, non-food crops, solid waste and industrial waste gasses from processes like steel making. The beauty is it can be used in existing planes and we can transport it through existing pipelines.
Thousands of syringes containing "vaginal tightening gel" seized at MSP Airport, CBP says
CBP officials say the individually wrapped pink packages have an estimated resale value of more than $19,000.
Crime News
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21-year-old driver injured in Minneapolis shooting over the weekend
Police in Minneapolis are investigating a shooting that left a 21-year-old man injured over the weekend.
Man killed, woman injured in Lake Street shooting
A man is dead and a woman is injured after a shooting in south Minneapolis early Monday.
Derek Chauvin returned to prison following stabbing, lawyer says
Derek Chauvin was allegedly stabbed 22 times by a fellow inmate in late November.
Ex-U.S. ambassador arrested, accused of serving as agent of Cuba
Manuel Rocha, who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, has been arrested in a long-running FBI investigation. He is accused of serving as an agent of Cuba.
2 injured within hour in separate north Minneapolis shootings
Two men were injured, one of them seriously, in separate shootings Sunday afternoon in north Minneapolis.
Health News
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COVID levels rise by 50% in Minnesota compared to pre-Thanksgiving levels
New wastewater data from the University of Minnesota shows an uptick in COVID-19 cases statewide.
A look inside the United States' first-ever certified "Blue Zone" located in Minnesota
Living to 100 may seem like a major feat, but there are communities around the world where it's common — they're called "Blue Zones."
Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape. Their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives into the other side effects and the staggering out-of-pocket costs.
Protein bars recalled after hairnet and shrink wrap found in products
Recalled Burn Boot Camp snacks were sold at locations run by gym franchises throughout the U.S.
Hennepin Healthcare nurses vote "no confidence" in CEO ahead of 2024 budget decision
The Hennepin Healthcare board of directors tells us they were able to minimize the negative impacts of benefit changes, and will continue to offer competitive pay and pension plans, stating they currently have a 90% retention rate.
Entertainment News
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Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' is No. 1 at the box office with $21 million debut
Beyoncé ruled the box office this weekend with $21 million in North American ticket sales, according to estimates from AMC Theatres Sunday.
Shane MacGowan, longtime frontman of The Pogues, dies at 65
Singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan, the longtime front-man of The Pogues, died at the age of 65 surrounded by loved ones in Ireland, his family said.
Taylor Swift was Spotify's most-streamed artist in 2023
Taylor Swift was the most-streamed artist globally in 2023, according to Spotify Wrapped. Here's how you can find who you spent the most time with this year.
Sever's Holiday Light Show returns to Shakopee
A holiday tradition is once again shining brightly in Shakopee.
"Late Show" episodes canceled as Stephen Colbert recovers from surgery
Late night host Stephen Colbert is recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix, he said on Monday.
Sports News
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Moore, Augustus, McWilliams-Franklin headline 2024 Women's Basketball HOF Class
Former Minnesota Lynx and USA Basketball teammates Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus headline the 2024 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame class that was announced Thursday night.
Gophers will take on Bowling Green in Quick Lane Bowl
The Gophers will look to continue their bowl game winning streak under P.J. Fleck when they take on Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl later this month.
St. Olaf men's soccer team wins NCAA Division III national championship
Casey McCloskey made the second goal of the game 68 seconds into overtime, winning the championship title for the team.
Thornton, Battle lead Ohio State over Minnesota 84-74 in Big Ten opener
Bruce Thornton had 26 points, Jamison Battle sank four 3-pointers and scored 25 and Ohio State beat Minnesota 84-74 in an early Big Ten Conference opener.
Rossi's two goals lead Wild over Blackhawks 4-1
Marco Rossi scored twice and Mats Zuccarello had a goal and two assists for the Minnesota Wild in a 4-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Talking Points
More Talking Points
Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
Thousands of people have weighed in with comments on the flag options and many of those comments are critical that a loon is not featured in any of the flag designs.
Why are there no loons on Minnesota's new state flag finalists?
By now you likely know that there at six finalists for the new Minnesota flag. The State Emblems Redesign Commission will meet this Tuesday to discuss the finalists and to possibly make revisions to the top six designs. That is the subject of Esme Murphy's Talking Points.
Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape. Their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy dives into the other side effects and the staggering out-of-pocket costs.
Talking Points preview: Weight loss driving demand for diabetes drugs
Esme Murphy explores how the out of pocket costs for these drugs is leaving some people broke.
Talking Points: Diabetes drugs' major side effect, weight loss, drives demand (part 3)
The ads for diabetes drugs are impossible to escape, as their side effect of major weight loss continues to make them surge in popularity. Earlier this year, WCCO spoke with Laura Collins. Her insurance covered her Wegovy from the start. She is maintaining her 100-pound weight loss, and she isn't going broke doing it.
Finding Minnesota
More Finding Minnesota
This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" continues to leave its mark on Minneapolis half a century later
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an iconic show from the 70s put Minneapolis on the map, and why this year marks a special anniversary in the show's history.
Finding Minnesota: For 4 decades, Dennis Foy has painted commemorative Vikings game footballs
For nearly 40 years, Dennis Foy has been on the receiving end of footballs from the Vikings. They send him dozens each season along with emails about whose name they want on the game ball, and what they want it to say.
Jasper man's old-school windmill collection draws visitors from across the country
In 1999, Terry Rodman built a windmill for his wife, from scratch. Then, to balance things out, he put up a farm windmill — and people around Jasper, took notice.
Mother-daughter duo turns 98-year-old Mobil station into Airbnb
Peterson, Minnesota in Fillmore County is known for bluffs, bike trails and a nearly 100-year-old gas station that now serves a new purpose.
Good Question
More Good Question
Is a dessert bar a cookie?
Heather Brown confers with some culinary experts to find the definitive answer!
Could November's minimal snow total impact December's output? Good Question.
The fluffy four-tenths of an inch that fell last Saturday kept the Twin Cities from notching a record of a snowless November.
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving gained popularity in the 1800s, eventually becoming a national holiday with cookbooks and newspapers touting recipes.
What is radon? And how does it get into our homes?
A potentially life-threatening gas enters Minnesota homes at higher rates than other states.
Why do people mix up names?
Have you ever called someone the wrong name, or maybe you list off each of your kids before you get to the right one? We've all done it. So, why do we mix up names? Good Question.
Latest Galleries
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Northern Lights in Minnesota: Dec. 1, 2023
For two nights in a row, the northern lights danced overhead in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and WCCO viewers sent in their best photos.
Northern Lights over Minnesota and Wisconsin: Nov. 30, 2023
Some WCCO viewers shared marvelous photos of Thursday night's northern lights.
Items sold at "The Fashion of Prince" auction
Here's a look at some of the hot items on auction at "The Fashion of Prince."
Minnesota state flag and seal submissions: The good, the bad, and the loony
Minnesota leaders tasked the state's residents with helping to reimagine the state's flag and emblem. The citizenry has delivered, with designs running the gamut of reverent to just plain ridiculous.
Halloween NICU Babies
Lots of people will be out in costumes on Tuesday night, but these babies who are dressed up in the NICU might be the cutest of them all.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 9 a.m. forecast from Dec. 4, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames says we return to seasonable temperatures as we get closer to the weekend.
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.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. report from Dec. 4, 2023
The Twin Cities will see temperatures in the mid-30s on Monday, and snow flurries are possible in the evening hours.
Late flurries possible Monday, warm-up arrives later in week
The Twin Cities will see temperatures in the mid-30s on Monday, and snow flurries are possible in the evening hours.
NEXT Weather: 4:30 a.m. report from Dec. 4, 2023
The Twin Cities will see temperatures in the mid-30s on Monday, with a chance for snow flurries in the evening hours.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
Katie McMahon's Celtic Christmas is the sound of the season
She rose to fame as the original lead singer from Riverdance, but for 20 years, Katie McMahon has been entertaining audiences with her beloved Celtic Christmas show.
Lights displays, holiday markets and all of December’s many offerings
Phil Thompson talks about the fun holiday-themed entertainment opportunities this month, including Sam's Christmas Village, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Winter Lights, and the Mall of America’s Festival of Trees.
Try this easy holiday season appetizer that takes no time to make
Rebecca Kolls shares her recipe for a cranberry and jalapeno dip that can be made ahead and ready in no time at all.
NEXT Weather: 9 a.m. forecast from Dec. 4, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames says we return to seasonable temperatures as we get closer to the weekend.
Social media is the go-to for young parents seeking advice
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Mott Children’s Hospital took a poll that reveals the growing reliance on social media for new parents.