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A Northwestern Wisconsin volunteer fire fighter is being accused of child abuse and sexual assault, according to criminal charges. According to the charges, Virgil A. Hansen, 65, has been charged with sexual assault and exploitation, physical abuse, trafficking and prostitution and enticement of a child.
Police say a man posed as a doctor and went too far with some of his patients. Three women have accused Fredy Escobar of fondling them at his St. Paul clinic. Police arrested him last week, and he has since posted bond.
Authorities continue to ask for more information about Danny Heinrich, the man identified as a person of interest by law enforcement in the Jacob Wetterling case a week ago Thursday. But there is another person of interest named publicly in 2010. Dan Rassier is a school band teacher, and Wetterling was abducted at the end of his quarter-mile-long driveway.
The University of Minnesota has investigated a series of sexual misconduct allegations against Gopher football players that it says did not result in criminal charges. An internal university email does not identify the players involved in the incidents, or when they happened.
A 66-year-old northern Minnesota man was convicted Friday of sexually abusing two women on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. The U.S. Attorney's Office says William Andrew Clark, of Blackduck, was found guilty of one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of sexual abuse in connection to two rapes on the reservation.
A fugitive from the Hennepin County "Most Wanted" list has been arrested, according to Hennepin County officials.
Minneapolis police say a woman was sexually assaulted while running near Lake Harriet last week.
It's Welcome Week at the University of Minnesota and some university centers are taking advantage of the extra hype. All week long the University of Minnesota Aurora Center for Advocacy & Education is quizzing students about consent.
Minneapolis Police officers are working what they say is a rare and violent attack on a young woman walking in Uptown. She was choked so hard she passed out, and officers need some help. They've released photos of two different men they want to talk with.
A graduate of an exclusive New England prep school was cleared of forcible rape but convicted of lesser sex offenses Friday against a 15-year-old freshman girl in a case that exposed a campus tradition in which seniors competed to see how many younger students they could sleep with.
Katie Eichele, director University of Minnesota's Aurora Center, visited WCCO Sunday Morning to talk with Esme Murphy about sexual harassment in the workplace. This comes after the resigniation of the U's athletic director, Norwood Teague. The Aurora Center for Advocacy & Education serves University of Minnesota and Augsburg College students, faculty and staff -- providing counsel and advice for those seeking help for sexual harassment or assault.
A Minnesota-native is among the newest accusers saying they were sexually assaulted by actor and comedian Bill Cosby. Eden Tirl, 49, grew up in south Minneapolis, according to the Star Tribune.
Uber is revisiting its safety procedures after one of its drivers was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting one of his riders last Sunday in Dallas, Texas. Court records claim Talal Chammout recently served federal prison time for weapons charges and other crimes that should have prevented him from being cleared to drive for Uber.
For decades, Bill Cosby cast himself as America's dad and then as America's granddad, a moralist with tough talk for young people about acting responsibly. It was that image that proved to be his undoing. The judge who unsealed documents on Monday revealing Cosby's 2005 admission that he obtained quaaludes to give to young women before sex cited the comedian's public moralizing in deciding to release the testimony.
A Minnesota fugitive, wanted on a warrant for sexual contact with children under the age of 13, was captured in Pueblo County, Colorado, after a Hennepin County resident tipped off police.
The man who attacked Carrie Fringer in June 2005 was a stranger. Stranger rape is rare, accounting for about 15 percent of assaults, and they take top priority with police. Her case is still unsolved.
A former tennis coach in prison for sex with a teenager is now accused of asking fellow inmates for help contacting his victim.
University of Minnesota officials say a case originally reported to police as a sexual assault in a dorm room is now being classified as a student crisis intervention. Officials sent out a campus alert Tuesday after the alleged assault at Sanford Hall early Sunday morning. A student reported that two strangers pulled her into her dorm room and raped her at knifepoint.
University of Minnesota police say they're no longer investigating the sexual assault of a female student in a dorm as an attack by strangers.
The mother of a teenager who says she was sexually assaulted says her daughter's attack should have been prevented. Ashanti Lymon is charged with criminal sexual conduct in her case, and in another one. WCCO investigated and discovered Lymon previously pleaded guilty in a similar case, but was allowed to stay in a program for at-risk teens. WCCO's Jennifer Mayerle investigates why parents of kids in the program weren't warned.
University of Minnesota police now say a student who says two men raped her in her dorm room knew her attackers. The attack happened early Sunday morning at Sanford Hall. The student originally told police she didn't know the men who approached her in the hallway outside her room.
A University of Minnesota student was groped on Friday while she was walking toward her apartment building.
Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota could soon be required to provide a tally of their untested rape kits, a move advocates and legislators say would help determine whether more action is needed to tackle potential backlogs.
A push to strengthen sexual assault policies at Minnesota colleges is moving through the Legislature, with advocates saying it will provide more options for victims. Some schools already have strong policies, but the bill would extend best practices across Minnesota, said author Rep. Marion O'Neill, R-Maple Lake.
Once a football hero celebrated in New Orleans for his role in the Saints' Super Bowl season, Darren Sharper is returning to the city in disgrace to complete plea deals on charges that he drugged and sexually assaulted women. He has resolved similar charges with pleas in Las Vegas and Arizona and a no-contest plea in Los Angeles under a multi-jurisdictional plea deal announced last month.
Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Bones Hyland had 20 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 128-126.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Conservative activist Jake Lang is back in Minnesota. This time, the pardoned January 6th insurrectionist claims he has permission to hold his next rally inside the State Capitol. State officials confirmed to WCCO that no such permit has been granted.
Two Minnesota school districts and the state's largest teachers union on Wednesday sued to block federal immigration agents from showing up to school property, which educators say is distressing families and disrupting student learning.
"This operation is illegal on so many levels that it's hard to fathom," said Danielle Robinson Briand, attorney and owner of Justicias Law.
Conservative activist Jake Lang is back in Minnesota. This time, the pardoned January 6th insurrectionist claims he has permission to hold his next rally inside the State Capitol. State officials confirmed to WCCO that no such permit has been granted.
Two Minnesota school districts and the state's largest teachers union on Wednesday sued to block federal immigration agents from showing up to school property, which educators say is distressing families and disrupting student learning.
"This operation is illegal on so many levels that it's hard to fathom," said Danielle Robinson Briand, attorney and owner of Justicias Law.
Minnesota's ICE Surge is leaving many with strong feelings of fear and anxiety.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Minnesota's ICE Surge is leaving many with strong feelings of fear and anxiety.
The crash happened on the Arrowhead Snowmobile Trail north of Orr at approximately 12:26 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.
A former Northfield Middle School teacher has been sentenced to 60 days of house arrest for sending sexual photos of herself to high school students.
The Associated Press reports one of its photographers witnessed several federal agents arresting a car full of activists at gunpoint Tuesday morning in south Minneapolis. None of the agents were wearing body cameras.
Authorities north of the Twin Cities are seeking more families who may have had contact with a man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
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.
Two Minnesota school districts and the state's largest teachers union on Wednesday sued to block federal immigration agents from showing up to school property, which educators say is distressing families and disrupting student learning.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Minnesota's ICE surge is leaving many with strong feelings of fear and anxiety. Photojournalist Joe Van Ryn and Conor Wight show us how the community and mental health experts are handling it.
In Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, lawmakers were again talking tough about fraud in Minnesota. But in Minneapolis, the public may not be getting the full weight of the government to actually investigate and prosecute that very fraud.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? Reg Chapman sat down with the man in charge of the city's safety.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
The disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, is being investigated as a crime.
A federal judge has ordered the man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis to remain in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
About 100 Hennepin Healthcare employees are losing their jobs as the system closes or integrates some of its standalone clinics and services.
Recently released federal data shows the rate of improper payment in Minnesota's Medicaid program is far below the national average, the state's Department of Human Services says.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Catherine O'Hara was best known for her comic performances in projects including "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and "Schitt's Creek."
Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Bones Hyland had 20 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 128-126.
The Winter Olympics are a land of snow and frozen water — no "ice," though, at least not at the hospitality house being hosted by U.S. sports teams in Milan for the Games.
Eight Minnesota Wild players have been named to an Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games; seven will play. Defenseman Brock Faber is one of just two on the U.S. roster with Olympic experience.
The Minnesota Vikings have hired former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as their assistant head coach among four changes to head coach Kevin O'Connell's staff.
The Detroit Pistons have agreed to acquire Kevin Huerter from the Chicago Bulls in a four-player, three-team deal, according to two people with knowledge of the trade.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
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.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
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.
We will have a series of days finally above freezing. We will stick the upper 30s for a few days and have a shot at hitting 40 degrees. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the timing.
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.
Thursday will be the first day above freezing in almost three weeks, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
No big storms in sight. A few misses to the north could graze us here in the metro, but any precipitation will be light, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Expect a cloudy, seasonable day on Wednesday before warmer temperatures start to move in.
We have a warm up in our future. For the first time in a while we will be above freezing. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks it down and shares when we could see a day in the 40s.
Wisconsin's Jeffrey the Snowman sits over 60 feet tall and has his own scholarship.
Conservative activist Jake Lang is returning to Minnesota. Despite his claims, he has not been issued a permit to hold a rally inside the State Capitol.
Two Minnesota school districts and the state's largest teachers union on Wednesday sued to block federal immigration agents from showing up to school property, which educators say is distressing families and disrupting student learning.
We will have a series of days finally above freezing. We will stick the upper 30s for a few days and have a shot at hitting 40 degrees. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down the timing.