Broadcast Journalist/Afternoon Drive Anchor-WCCO Radio
Laura Oakes is a Broadcast Journalist and Afternoon Drive Anchor at WCCO Radio. She covers a diverse range of topics including sports, law enforcement, and regional interest, with a particular focus on counterterrorism and law enforcement technology. Laura has been featured in Chris Country, University of St. Thomas, CBS Radio, and MSN.
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Minneapolis, United States (Local)
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Laura's coverage focuses on local government and politics, crime, sports, and events in Minnesota. She often covers breaking news and evolving stories related to government announcements. For effective outreach, provide insights or expert commentary on ongoing political issues in Minnesota, developments in local crime incidents or their impact on the community, as well as updates on major sporting events happening within the state.
Given Laura's focus on local news with a specific geographic emphasis (Minnesota), pitches should align with this regional scope by offering information relevant to residents of St Paul and surrounding areas.
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By: Taylor Rivera, Laura Oakes
Five people have been arrested in connection to a downtown St. Paul shootout at the beginning of May. All were linked to a violent multi-group confrontation near the RiverCentre on May 4. "This is what you can expect when you commit crimes like this in St. Paul," said St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry.
By: Laura Oakes, Lindsey Peterson
The "People of the Twin Cities of Minnesota" will be recognized on the national stage this weekend with the JFK Library Foundation's annual "Profile in Courage" award. The Foundation's Rachel Flor said the honor reflects how local residents helped their neighbors during the federal immigration crackdown earlier this year.
By: Laura Oakes
Some experts go so far as to say the typical American diet is killing us. At the same time, entire industries profit immensely by promising to help us get the weight off quickly. How we got here is complicated, but how we get out may not be. WCCO's Laura Oakes has more in this month's “A Closer Look.”
By: Lindsey Peterson, Laura Oakes
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) says the process of returning an ICE agent arrested in Texas in connection with the shooting of a Venezuelan man in north Minneapolis is underway, saying he made a formal request to Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) earlier this week.
By: Laura Oakes
Minneapolis police say a woman, child and dog have been released from a south Minneapolis apartment where an armed suspect has been holed up for several hours after shooting at law enforcement. The situation has been unfolding near 28th street and Nicollet Avenue after deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant.
It's back to the drawing board for the redevelopment of a key piece of George Floyd Square in south Minneapolis. The City Council voted to reject Mayor Jacob Frey's proposal to award the "People's Way" project to the Minnesota Agape Movement, expressing concern about the group's qualifications, and saying public input was not considered.
By: Laura Oakes
Another Minneapolis City Council committee will take public testimony Wednesday afternoon on allowing bathhouses back in the city. Bathhouses, which allowed sexual activity between consenting adults, were banned in the 1980's amid the AIDS epidemic.
By: Lindsey Peterson, Laura Oakes
A human rights watchdog group released a comprehensive report on Operation Metro Surge, calling it a "manufactured crisis." Human Rights Watch interviewed hundreds of people and analyzed data, photos, and evidence relating to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, saying it caused "significant harm."
By: Laura Oakes
Five days of World Cup community watch parties are kicking off on Lake Street in south Minneapolis Tuesday. Organizers say it's an effort to promote some of the ethnic restaurants and shops hit hard during Operation Metro Surge.
By: Laura Oakes
Gov. Tim Walz's office has filed 16 Freedom of Information Act requests seeking records, communications, and writings from the Trump Administration. Walz says Minnesota has been subject to more than 100 federal demands that amount to a coordinated campaign of retribution.
