Month: April 2026

By Paula Wethington

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    WASHTENAW, Michigan (WWJ) — A drug trafficking scheme operating in Southeast Michigan resulted in the seizure of firearms, cash and narcotics.

The Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET) has been working on the case for several months, according to the report from Michigan State Police, First District. LAWNET detectives served five search warrants on Friday at homes in Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties as part of the investigation.

The items that detectives seized included 699.5 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 47 grams of crack cocaine, 14.5 grams of cocaine, seven Xanax bars and four firearms, police said. Detectives also seized $73,968 in cash and about $200,000 worth of what officers said was “high-end jewelry.”

Agencies that assisted on the case included the Metro Narcotics Enforcement Team (MNET); MSP Emergency Support Team; Downriver SWAT; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Sterling Heights Police Department; and five MSP K-9 units.

Police said charges will be sought after the investigation is complete.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KTVT

By Erin Jones

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    DALLAS, Texas (KTVT) — Next week, a court hearing could decide whether some hemp products stay on shelves in Texas. Local hemp shops are watching closely.

At Moon Taxi in Lower Greenville, manager Tess Bratton-Rodriguez is urging customers to stock up on smokable hemp products.

“I decided to start our 4/20 sale today on 4/17 just because I want people to get the opportunity,” she said. “They are still worried.”

State advances new restrictions Right now, a legal fight is playing out. Late last month, state health officials advanced rules banning smokable hemp products and raising fees. The move follows Governor Abbott’s focus on safety and limiting access for minors.

Within days, hemp companies filed a lawsuit, arguing the rules go too far.

A judge issued a temporary restraining order, pausing enforcement and allowing shops to keep selling for now.

Key hearing set for Thursday Next Thursday, a judge will decide whether to grant a longer-term injunction.

“We need to figure out a middle ground or stick to what we were doing prior because it’s working,” Bratton-Rodriguez said.

If an injunction is granted, the rules stay on hold while the lawsuit continues. If it’s denied, the ban could take effect immediately.

“I anticipate the outcome being positive,” Bratton-Rodriguez said.

She believes smokable hemp products are here to stay.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Erin Jones

Click here for updates on this story

    DALLAS, Texas (KTVT) — Next week, a court hearing could decide whether some hemp products stay on shelves in Texas. Local hemp shops are watching closely.

At Moon Taxi in Lower Greenville, manager Tess Bratton-Rodriguez is urging customers to stock up on smokable hemp products.

“I decided to start our 4/20 sale today on 4/17 just because I want people to get the opportunity,” she said. “They are still worried.”

State advances new restrictions Right now, a legal fight is playing out. Late last month, state health officials advanced rules banning smokable hemp products and raising fees. The move follows Governor Abbott’s focus on safety and limiting access for minors.

Within days, hemp companies filed a lawsuit, arguing the rules go too far.

A judge issued a temporary restraining order, pausing enforcement and allowing shops to keep selling for now.

Key hearing set for Thursday Next Thursday, a judge will decide whether to grant a longer-term injunction.

“We need to figure out a middle ground or stick to what we were doing prior because it’s working,” Bratton-Rodriguez said.

If an injunction is granted, the rules stay on hold while the lawsuit continues. If it’s denied, the ban could take effect immediately.

“I anticipate the outcome being positive,” Bratton-Rodriguez said.

She believes smokable hemp products are here to stay.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

WBBM

By Noel Brennan

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    DES PLAINES, Illinois (WBBM) — The Des Plaines River has seen near-record flooding in northwest suburban Des Plaines, and officials fear levels could reach major flood stage this weekend with more rain in the forecast.

As of Thursday afternoon, the river was running at 15 feet and almost 10 inches near Des Plaines, about five feet below the record, but after recent storms and more rain expected on Friday, the river is expected to rise further.

Crews filled sandbags at the Des Plaines Public Works building and handed them out all morning and afternoon on Thursday as the city prepares for flooding along the Des Plaines River over the next couple of days.

Low-lying areas have already been covered in water, including the old Methodist Campground in Des Plaines.

About 15 miles away in Lincolnshire, homeowners used to flooding also were getting ready for the river to rise.

Jean Muzik and her family have been through this before. She said she has seen the river run higher than it is now, recalling one time she took a canoe to her car.

She and her family made Lincolnshire home in 1983. She didn’t realize it back then, but flooding was about to become routine.

“September 26, 1986, is when we had the big flood; came through and went all the way to past our driveway out into the middle of our circle,” she said.

After that, they raised their house a few feet off its foundation, and she said it now sits about a foot above where that 100-year flood reached in 1986.

After all these years, she’s used to the routine along the Des Plaines River.

“We’re thinking, by tomorrow, the garage will be flooded, but we’ll have everything of value or that we don’t want to get ruined will be up on tables,” Muzik said. “It’s just going to be another day, that’s all.”

People who live along the Des Plaines River are used to this routine, but they’re still closely watching the water. The river is expected to crest near 17 feet on Saturday.

Flooding is also a concern along the Fox River, where a flood warning is in effect until further notice in Kane, Kendall, Lake, and McHenry counties.

The Fox River was at 13.5 feet in St. Charles as of Thursday afternoon, and expected to remain near flood stage for the next several days, with flooding threatening parking lots at city hall and Boy Scout Island. Flooding is also threatening the Fox River Trail at St. Mary Park.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Noel Brennan

Click here for updates on this story

    DES PLAINES, Illinois (WBBM) — The Des Plaines River has seen near-record flooding in northwest suburban Des Plaines, and officials fear levels could reach major flood stage this weekend with more rain in the forecast.

As of Thursday afternoon, the river was running at 15 feet and almost 10 inches near Des Plaines, about five feet below the record, but after recent storms and more rain expected on Friday, the river is expected to rise further.

Crews filled sandbags at the Des Plaines Public Works building and handed them out all morning and afternoon on Thursday as the city prepares for flooding along the Des Plaines River over the next couple of days.

Low-lying areas have already been covered in water, including the old Methodist Campground in Des Plaines.

About 15 miles away in Lincolnshire, homeowners used to flooding also were getting ready for the river to rise.

Jean Muzik and her family have been through this before. She said she has seen the river run higher than it is now, recalling one time she took a canoe to her car.

She and her family made Lincolnshire home in 1983. She didn’t realize it back then, but flooding was about to become routine.

“September 26, 1986, is when we had the big flood; came through and went all the way to past our driveway out into the middle of our circle,” she said.

After that, they raised their house a few feet off its foundation, and she said it now sits about a foot above where that 100-year flood reached in 1986.

After all these years, she’s used to the routine along the Des Plaines River.

“We’re thinking, by tomorrow, the garage will be flooded, but we’ll have everything of value or that we don’t want to get ruined will be up on tables,” Muzik said. “It’s just going to be another day, that’s all.”

People who live along the Des Plaines River are used to this routine, but they’re still closely watching the water. The river is expected to crest near 17 feet on Saturday.

Flooding is also a concern along the Fox River, where a flood warning is in effect until further notice in Kane, Kendall, Lake, and McHenry counties.

The Fox River was at 13.5 feet in St. Charles as of Thursday afternoon, and expected to remain near flood stage for the next several days, with flooding threatening parking lots at city hall and Boy Scout Island. Flooding is also threatening the Fox River Trail at St. Mary Park.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Samantha Calderon

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    TOWN OF BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (WISC) — TOWN OF BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. — Animal rights activists broke into Ridglan Farms in the Town of Blue Mounds Saturday morning, rather than the previously scheduled Sunday morning break-in, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office said. A leader of the movement has also been arrested, and no dogs have been rescued as of 11:43 a.m.

This follows a March 15 break-in at the animal breeding facility, which has been accused of constant abuse, specifically towards beagles. The sheriff’s office previously referred charges against 63 people after last month’s forced entry.

The group has been working with longtime animal rights activist and Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) co-founder Wayne Hsiung. He was one of the people arrested after the March 15 break-in. Online jail records show that Hsiung was booked into the Dane County Jail shortly after 9:45 a.m. for burglary building or dwelling.

According to a spokesperson from Ridglan Farms, approximately 1,500 activists attempted to break in starting at 9 a.m. Roughly an hour ago, an activist driving a pickup truck allegedly drove at high speeds, nearly running over several police, security staff, and bystanders. Police arrested her within Ridglan Farms property, and she currently remains in custody.

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a video that there were between 300 to 400 activists. He also added that the activists have been blocking emergency vehicles out on the roadways. More updates will come at a later time.

“As your sheriff, I want to be very clear. This is not a peaceful protest, and we will do everything and use every resource we have to keep and maintain the peace,” Barrett said.

Activists insist the attempted break in and the protest are peaceful. A News 3 Now crew on scene said tear gas, pepper spray, and sandbag guns were used. An ambulance was on its way as well.

Reviews by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection raised concerns over “cherry eye” procedures performed at the facility. Ridglan’s lead veterinarian, Richard Von Domelen, saw his license suspended after DATCP found he delegated the procedures to staff who weren’t properly licensed.

DATCP also hit the facility with 311 violations in September, mostly centered on the cherry eye procedures. Last year, Ridglan Farms entered into a settlement with a special prosecutor that saw it hand over its breeding license, effective July 1, 2026, in order to avoid criminal prosecution. The facility was allowed to continue operating as a research facility.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Samantha Calderon
scalderon@wisctv.com
(608)277-5133

By Beret Leone, John Lauritsen, Anthony Bettin

Click here for updates on this story

    MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (WCCO) — The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to end a mining ban near the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.

The measure passed on a 50-49 vote.

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith spoke for hours on the Senate floor Wednesday night in an attempt to block the vote.

It was a fight that had been building for months before Smith took it to the Senate floor. She spoke for nearly five hours to try to stop this resolution before the vote.

“The Senate and House should follow the law they should follow the laws they wrote. About how public land orders are treated in this country and I do not believe that happened here,” Smith said.

The measure in question would use the Congressional Review Act to reverse a 20-year mining ban that was put in place in 2023. The resolution opens up 225,000 acres of land, on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters, to copper sulfide mining.

“When it comes to protecting this precious place, you are choosing the wrong side because you aren’t protecting this place that needs our support and needs our protection,” Smith told lawmakers.

Environmental groups warn a mine in this water-rich area could lead to contamination. There are also concerns about long-term pollution in the area known for hiking, camping and canoeing.

“This is focused on northern Minnesota today, but where will it be next time?” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who also spoke out against the resolution.

Smith said the proposal also ignores tribal treaty rights and the government’s responsibility to consult Indigenous communities.

“These are tribal nations, Indigenous people that have lived in northern Minnesota, on the borderlands of northern Minnesota, for time immemorial, and they have treaties with the federal government,” Smith said. “And yet this CRA before us today completely abrogates those tribal treaty rights. It ignores the responsibility of the federal government to consult with tribes, which has not been done, and that is why so many of the tribes across the country have come together to oppose this.”

Smith also read part of a message from a Lakeville, Minnesota, resident.

“When making the decision to move to Minnesota, a huge draw for us was outdoors. We visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every year, and my kids know the feeling of a great hike and the beautiful scenery to go with it,” Smith quoted. “If this resolution passes Congress, not only will my grandchildren not be able to enjoy this beautiful place, but my kids will watch it disappear before their eyes. Please protect this land, protect beauty and protect the feeling of a great hike.”

Supporters argue lifting the ban could bring in hundreds of jobs, billions in economic impact and reduce reliance on foreign materials.

Twin Metals Minnesota supports the legislation, saying in part in a statement earlier this year, “Minnesota is fortunate to have both world-class mineral deposits and a stringent regulatory framework that ensures mining projects are held to the highest environmental and labor standards.”

Twin Metals also said it is “committed to moving forward with the responsible development of our mineral resources for the benefit of Minnesota communities while also contributing to a stronger nation.”

“There is no other way to say it than today is hard,” said Pete Marshall with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. “This is a betrayal of wilderness.”

He said he wasn’t shocked the resolution passed by a vote, but he said he’s gravely disappointed that Republican lawmakers ignored a two-year Forest Service study, and other details.

“They ignored more than 650,000 public comments. The overwhelming majority of which opposed mining in this pristine area,” said Marshall.

The group said the fight isn’t over. They are now urging Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and the Department of Natural Resources to cancel Twin Metals’ state mineral leases, possibly ending mining near the BWCA, before it even begins.

“While this action is going to place these loved lands and waters at risk, we will not stop fighting,” said Mary Blitzer, Sierra Club North Star Chapter.

The resolution already passed the House.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.