$1M Awarded In Child Sex Trafficking Case
Panyia Vang, now 24, moved to the Twin Cities with her family after she became pregnant with the man's child.
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Panyia Vang, now 24, moved to the Twin Cities with her family after she became pregnant with the man's child.
A major international human trafficking operation with ties to Minnesota has been disrupted.
A Wisconsin veterinarian received the first conviction and sentence in Minnesota history for labor trafficking Wednesday.
The fight to stop sex trafficking took a large step last week when the website Backpage.com suspended its adult services section.
Police in Albert Lea say three people are behind bars after they were arrested for soliciting prostitution.
An organization that fights to put an end to child prostitution and trafficking is getting help from taxi and ride share drivers.
An international sex trafficking organization responsible for transporting hundreds of women from Thailand for sex in U.S. cities has been dismantled.
About a dozen people were arrested in cities across the U.S. on Tuesday for running what authorities called a sophisticated sex trafficking operation.
A Wisconsin veterinarian is facing sex trafficking charges after a weeks-long investigation in Minnesota.
When the Ryder Cup comes to Chaska fans will be focused on the golf course but police will be patrolling for a crime playing out behind closed doors.
Police in Roseville say one of the men arrested Sunday morning for sex trafficking barricaded himself for a time in a hotel room.
Law enforcement officers across the state are now better trained to identify and combat sex traffickers.
The leader of a St. Paul sex trafficking operation received a record-breaking prison sentence on Friday.
A 41-year-old St. Cloud man was sentenced to 27 years in prison on Thursday for sex trafficking two women in Stearns County.
A Minnesota woman who spent four years in jail after she was accused of participating in a sex trafficking ring has filed a lawsuit against the city of St. Paul and a key police investigator.
Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to dismiss all the remaining charges in a sex trafficking case involving Somali gang members.
A St. Paul police sergeant's apparent lies in court have led to charges against 16 defendants being dropped. Sgt. Heather Weyker, who was put on leave last week, worked on a 2009 sex ring case targeting Somali-Americans from Minnesota.
A St. Paul man pleaded guilty Tuesday to almost a dozen charges connected to recruiting, prostituting, trafficking, beating and raping women. The Ramsey County Attorney's Office says 35-year-old Rashad Ramon Ivy was the mastermind behind a sex trafficking organization that victimized at least seven women in St. Paul in 2015.
A Minneapolis man accused of bringing women to North Dakota for prostitution has pleaded guilty to a federal sex trafficking charge.
A 26-year-old St. Paul man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 24 years in prison for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls in Minnesota. Dontre D'Sean McHenry pleaded guilty in the case back on Oct. 17, 2014, and was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court.
What used to be a crime centered mostly in bigger cities is now becoming more common in suburbs and other outlying areas. A growing number of children and teenagers are being lured into prostitution and offered for sale online.
The prosecution of a large sex trafficking ring concluded Thursday with the fifth and final defendant pleading guilty and subsequently sentenced, the Ramsey County Attorney's Office announced Friday.
An investigation into sex trafficking and prostitution has resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old St. Cloud man, according to Waite Park police.
Six men face sex trafficking charges after an undercover operation earlier this month in Hastings.
Is the huge classified ad site an abettor of sexual trafficking and exploitation, or a beacon of free expression? Does it generate crime, or help solve it?
WCCO's Chris Shaffer said to look out for storms on Monday.
Luka Doncic was ill with a stomach bug in Minnesota's 116-104 victory late Friday night.
The funeral service for Pope Francis took place Saturday morning at the Vatican. Watch the full ceremony.
The Trump Administration walked back the decision to terminate the status of thousands of students studying in the United States that left many in legal limbo and concerned of deportation.
A math teacher at an Oakdale, Minnesota middle school is accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend's daughter, according to charges filed Thursday.
The Trump Administration walked back the decision to terminate the status of thousands of students studying in the United States that left many in legal limbo and concerned of deportation.
A math teacher at an Oakdale, Minnesota middle school is accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend's daughter, according to charges filed Thursday.
Masked burglars were caught on camera breaking into a Twin Cities antique shop.
In Minnesota, Native Americans and American Indians are 30 times more likely to experience homelessness than their white counterparts, according to state data.
David Powers, the Twin Cities man who disappeared earlier this week during his criminal trial for rape, kidnapping and domestic assault charges, has died in Texas after jumping off a bridge and onto a highway, where he attempted to carjack a driver before being detained and hospitalized, authorities say.
The Trump Administration walked back the decision to terminate the status of thousands of students studying in the United States that left many in legal limbo and concerned of deportation.
Minnesota first responders got a rare opportunity this week to work with colleagues around the state and simulate a real-life disaster.
A Duluth man faces criminal charges some nine months after firefighters found the burned body of a 25-year-old man who had been stabbed more than 30 times.
Critters not commonly seen around the Twin Cities found themselves in a prickly situation on Wednesday.
It's a twist that would make Tex Avery proud: a duck has temporarily taken over the nest featured on Minnesota's EagleCam.
It's proof you can make friends at any age: A couple of World War II veterans from Minnesota and Wisconsin struck up a friendship well after they turned 100.
Guidance from the Democratic governor of Wisconsin's administration to state employees about what to do if immigration officials or other federal agents show up at their workplace is drawing fire from Republicans.
The bull elk was found on private property in Black River Falls on March 18.
Wisconsin health officials are calling a significant spike in congenital syphilis over the last several years "especially concerning."
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that the Democratic governor legally used the state's uniquely powerful veto to lock in a school funding increase for 400 years.
In Minnesota, Native Americans and American Indians are 30 times more likely to experience homelessness than their white counterparts, according to state data.
The 17 crop art portraits on display depict themes of civic engagement, justice and community.
The birth of a child is typically the happiest day in a parent's life. But for a Minneapolis family, it started a mother's fight for her life.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick and Ludacris are slated to headline Taste of Minnesota this year.
Low enrollment at Chelsea Heights Elementary School has impacted funding for music and arts programs, leaving staff to figure out how they will still deliver creative classes for students.
After weeks of legal uncertainty for international students across the country and in Minnesota they finally have a second of relief, for now.
Previous state leadership prioritized ending veteran homelessness. Now, lawmakers are looking at eliminating state-funded direct financial assistance that helps veterans.
State funding cuts could dismantle a system that's making huge progress to house our homeless veterans.
During a news conference Friday, workers impacted warned that any change would force them to quit in order to make ends meet.
A clash at the Minnesota State Capitol over jobless benefits for school workers on summer break.
Pork carnitas products sold at Aldi stores nationwide maybe contaminated with pieces of metal, according to a public health alert from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
While 4/20 is a celebratory time for her, My Little CBD Co., owner Lynn Bialick said she is surprised at how long it's taking just to set up a cannabis marketplace.
Target's chief executive officer has met with the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose civil rights organization has encouraged consumers to avoid U.S. retailers that scaled backed their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
A Minnesota company is offering the chance to own never-before-seen pieces of music history.
A company that makes baby food for Target is recalling more than 25,000 packages of a product because it may contain elevated levels of lead.
A math teacher at an Oakdale, Minnesota middle school is accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend's daughter, according to charges filed Thursday.
Masked burglars were caught on camera breaking into a Twin Cities antique shop.
David Powers, the Twin Cities man who disappeared earlier this week during his criminal trial for rape, kidnapping and domestic assault charges, has died in Texas after jumping off a bridge and onto a highway, where he attempted to carjack a driver before being detained and hospitalized, authorities say.
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in NYC at his arraignment in Manhattan federal court.
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving while impaired.
In Minnesota, Native Americans and American Indians are 30 times more likely to experience homelessness than their white counterparts, according to state data.
It's only the second case in the state this year, following 70 cases in 2024 — the second highest total in the past 15 years.
In 2019, city officials in Northfield, Minnesota said the town's water supply tested for high levels of manganese.
Across several networks and streaming channels, you'll often find a dramatic depiction of life in a hospital.
Pork carnitas products sold at Aldi stores nationwide maybe contaminated with pieces of metal, according to a public health alert from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
A series of timeless movie trailers has inspired a Minnesota filmmaker to produce a documentary about their history.
Minnesotans love to claim Bob Dylan as their own, but they may want to think twice about sharing a quote on Pope Francis purporting to be from the iconic musician.
Meghan Trainor will perform at the Grandstand this year, the Minnesota State Fair announced.
Across several networks and streaming channels, you'll often find a dramatic depiction of life in a hospital.
Monday marks nine years since the death of Minnesota superstar Prince, and his former home and recording studio marked the occasion by inviting fans for a day of remembrance.
The University of Minnesota dance team will be returning home with gold and silver medals earned while representing Team USA in the ICU World Championships.
The 2025 NFL draft is underway, and with limited picks, the Minnesota Vikings will need to make each selection count.
A Minneapolis teacher is helping high school basketball players get one more look from college coaches.
The Minnesota Vikings completed their offseason mission of completely overhauling the interior offensive line by taking guard Donovan Jackson in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night.
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving while impaired.
Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana in 2023, and at the time the state said stores could be open as early as March of this year, but the licensing for retail cannabis shops continues to be delayed.
When will your neighborhood store be open for recreational sales? For those dreaming of green in dollars with a new small cannabis business, they're stuck waiting.
To the dismay of small business owners, retail shop licensing continues to be delayed. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Andrew Caruthers, the owner of Twin Cities High in Golden Valley, who is waiting in limbo.
The U.S. House recently passed the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. The bill has resulted in a heated debate on what ID requirements should be needed to vote.
The U.S. House recently passed the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote.
Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton County, Minnesota, is turning 110 years old this year.
Easter is this weekend, and chances are a park in rural Redwood County will be a popular destination.
April 15 will be the 113th anniversary of the day the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic, taking with it 1,500 lives. From news to movies, people still marvel over what happened.
It's sap-tapping season in our state. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an Otter Tail County man landed in the Maple Syrup Hall of Fame.
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows how one group is unearthing a bit of history.
With road work back in full swing, enforcement of work zone laws is increasing, too.
Electrical currents travel in an instant, but the effort to ensure that electricity is generated in a carbon-free way is a years-long journey.
Across several networks and streaming channels, you'll often find a dramatic depiction of life in a hospital.
A sure sign of spring might be flowing outside your home starting Wednesday. Streets will be soaked, but it won't be thanks to Mother Nature — fire hydrants are getting flushed.
No matter how you take your coffee, there are endless ways to create the morning staple.
A spring snowstorm dropped several inches of plowable snow overnight in the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota.
Six Minnesota Vikings made the initial roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the most in 15 years.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
A possible NEXT Weather Alert has been issued for Monday evening.
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's Chris Shaffer said to look out for storms on Monday.
Clouds will clear out in the evening hours and Saturday is expected to be a beautiful day to get outside.
Clouds clear out on Friday evening and pave the way for a gorgeous Saturday.
A pop-up event in the Twin Cities will offer tips to people looking to get a littler greener.
A possible NEXT Weather Alert has been issued for Monday evening.
A Minnesota family also has a top horse in the race this year.
You can meet a service dog in training if you plan to be at the NHL playoff game at the Xcel Energy Center.
Clouds will clear out in the evening hours and Saturday is expected to be a beautiful day to get outside.