Minneapolis, MN

Cigarettes at $15 per pack? Minneapolis might do it.

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2024

Cigarettes at per pack? Minneapolis might do it.

The Minneapolis City Council is considering making a pack of cigarettes no cheaper than $15 — before taxes — the highest in the nation.

“That’s robbery,” said Ojo Trill after shopping at the Uptown Tobacco & E-Cigs store on Lake Street. “Stop raising the costs for us to be regular people.”

Public health officials and smoking cessation advocates say the high cost should reduce the number of people who smoke, especially youth, although opponents worry about the effect it could have on low-income smokers and potentially encourage black market sales. Jason Johnson, another man shopping at the Lake Street store Tuesday, said it’s unfair to people who already struggle with the costs of living in the city.

“People can’t afford $15, $16 for cigarettes,” Johnson said.

The proposal, headed toward a full council vote next week, would also ban discounts and coupons, set minimum prices for other tobacco products, and ban smoking inside cigar and hookah lounges.

While much of the proposed ordinance has widespread support among the council and from Mayor Jacob Frey, its immediate prospects aren’t certain. Following a public hearing Tuesday afternoon, a council committee moved the plan ahead without recommendation, as several members said they might want to change parts of it.

The proposal, led by Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, is similar to one introduced last year that was shelved, in part, to give more time for businesses like Anthony’s Pipe & Cigar Lounge in Uptown, For years, cigar aficionados have kicked back in chairs at Anthony’s to take in stogies via an exception to the state’s indoor smoking ban that allows patrons to “sample” the products of tobacco shops. Under the current proposal, Anthony’s, as well as several hookah lounges frequented by East African immigrants, would have to ban indoor smoking Dec. 1, although outdoor smoking would remain OK.

That portion of the proposed ordinance is designed to protect workers, but the thrust of the package is aimed at curbing smoking itself.

$15 minimums

The price of tobacco products has been climbing for years, with a pack of smokes surpassing $13.50 in downtown Minneapolis convenience stores. But the $15 minimum — at least $15.74 after state taxes — would be a new high, eclipsing the $10-per-pack minimum enacted by St. Paul in 2021 and blowing past New York City’s $13 minimum, although actual prices are often higher.

Evalyn Carbrey, senior public health specialist for the city’s health department, said Minneapolis’ $15 floor would be the highest minimum price in the nation, and it wouldn’t be just for cigarettes.

A 4-pack of cigars would also be $15, as would a tin of chewing tobacco. Vaping compounds and e-cigarettes would not be affected.

The extra money would not be a tax, but simply a mandatory minimum price. The retailer would keep the extra money. The reasoning, Carbrey said, is that the extra money could “soften the blow from any decrease in sales” for retailers.

No coupons

Today, many tobacco users get their fix for less, thanks to coupons and discounts targeted so precisely, via email and social media, that nonsmokers might never know they exist.

The proposed changes in Minneapolis would render those coupons worthless within the city limits.

Goal: Less smoking

Smoking cessation advocates, ranging from public health officials to the American Cancer Society, have been pushing for minimum prices as a way to combat smoking in recent years because, they say, it works, especially with youth who haven’t yet taken up the deadly addiction.

Carbrey cited studies showing that every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes corresponds to a 3-5% decrease in adult smoking and a 6-7% decrease in youth smoking.

Still, forcing nicotine addicts, who are disproportionately lower income and can be disproportionately people of color, to pay more is not a painless idea.

Council Member Andrea Jenkins, who been active in the smoking cessation movement for 20 years, said she supported much of the proposal but emphasized a nuance: “The impact will negatively impact communities of color who smoke for many reasons, including, as stated (by a many who spoke at the hearing minutes earlier), ‘being Black in America.’ “

Although he was buying a vape cartridge Tuesday at the Uptown tobacco shop, Trill said he also buys cigarette packs each week. He was appalled by the idea of imposing a minimum cost, and said it feels like the city is trying to control smokers’ lives.

Johnson, who was buying a pack of Newports for $12.60, said cigarettes are crucial for himself and others to relax and ease stress.

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Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis man sentenced to nearly 30 years for murder of Deshaun Hill

Published

39 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Minneapolis man sentenced to nearly 30 years for murder of Deshaun Hill

WCCO Staff

March 2, 2026 / 4:26 PM CST
/ CBS Minnesota

A Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to murdering a high school student in 2022 was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison on Monday.

It was the second time Cody Fohrenkam was sentenced for fatally shooting 15-year-old Deshaun Hill. He was convicted and sentenced to more than 38 years in prison in February 2023, but the Minnesota Court of Appeals later reversed the conviction and granted him a retrial based on illegally obtained incriminating statements.

Fohrenkam, 33, agreed to a plea deal as his second trial was set to start, pleading guilty to one count of second-degree intentional murder in exchange for Monday’s 340-month sentence. The judge presiding over the hearing gave him credit for 1,476 days already served.

Fohrenkam shot and killed Hill while Hill was walking to a bus stop just blocks from Minneapolis North High School, where Hill was a star quarterback and honor roll student.

One of Hill’s aunts said in a statement shortly before the judge sentenced Fohrenkam that her nephew was “full of life.”

“When he spoke, you listened. He had a soft spirit and a good heart,” she said. “Deshaun was an artist who, as you all know, he took his education seriously. He had dreams and goals. He worked hard to make his family proud.”

This story will be updated.

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Minneapolis, MN

Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com

Published

13 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com

A man is now charged with murder after prosecutors say a robbery inside a Minneapolis apartment building ended in a fatal shooting.

Prosecutors say the man was on conditional release after being charged with first-degree armed carjacking for an incident in Minneapolis last September.

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The killing happened Feb. 24 inside the Abbott Apartments lounge area on the 100 block of East 18th Street, where police found an adult man dead from gunshot wounds after reports of a shooting.

Court documents state the victim and a friend went to the building to meet 20-year-old Abdirahman Khayre Khayre. A witness stated Khayre left the room several times and appeared to be stalling before three armed men entered and demanded property. The men were described as carrying two Glock-style handguns with extended magazines and an AR-style rifle. During the robbery, the suspects demanded a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to the victim. When the victim resisted, a struggle broke out. The witness stated that two guns were taken from him during the robbery.

The witness told investigators Khayre was handed one of the stolen guns and then pointed it at him, causing him to flee into the lobby. Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard. The witness returned and found the victim shot. Surveillance footage from other areas of the building reportedly corroborated key parts of the account, and the witness later identified Khayre in a photo lineup, according to the complaint.

PREVIOUSLY: Man Shot and Killed Inside Minneapolis Apartment Building

Authorities say Khayre was on conditional release at the time of the killing in a separate Hennepin County case involving a September 2025 armed carjacking.

READ MORE > Minneapolis coverage

In that earlier case, prosecutors alleged Khayre and others confronted a woman in a garage near 19th Street and Nicollet Avenue, pointed handguns at her and forced her to give up the keys to a Dodge Challenger before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle and arrested multiple suspects, including Khayre, who was identified as the driver.

Court records show Khayre posted a $75,000 non-cash bond and was released under conditions requiring him to remain law-abiding, have no possession of firearms or ammunition, avoid alcohol and controlled substances and complete treatment.

Khayre is now charged with second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony and first-degree aggravated robbery. He made an initial court appearance Friday, where a judge set bail at $1 million. If convicted of second-degree felony murder, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact Minneapolis police by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online. Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.

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Minneapolis, MN

Man killed over Louie Vuitton bag, suspect was on bond for suspected carjacking, charges say

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Man killed over Louie Vuitton bag, suspect was on bond for suspected carjacking, charges say

article

Minneapolis police are investigating a homicide on Feb. 24, 2026. (FOX 9)

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A man is dead after a witness said he refused to give up a Louis Vuitton bag while being robbed by multiple men at gunpoint.

Abdirahman Khayre Khayre, 20, is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree robbery for the incident that happened on the evening of Feb. 24 in Minneapolis.

READ MORE: Man fatally shot in south Minneapolis apartment building

Fatal Minneapolis shooting after robbery

The set-up:

Minneapolis police responded around 10:42 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Abbott Apartments, located on the 100 block of East 18th Street in the Stevens Square neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Officers then found a dead man in the lobby who had been shot multiple times.

A witness to the shooting said he and the victim arrived at the apartments to “hang out” with Khayre, according to the criminal complaint.

The witness said he became suspicious when Khayre he left the room multiple times and “appeared to be stalling.”

The robbery:

The complaint states the witness reported three men then came into the room and yelled “Give me everything.” The men were armed with Glock handguns that had extended magazines as well as an AR-style rifle.

They then stole two guns from the witness, and one of them was handed to Khayre.

When the men demanded a Louis Vuitton bag from the victim, he refused, leading to a fight between them all.

The shooting:

The witness said when he walked toward them, Khayre pointed the witness’ stolen gun at him and racked it.

The witness then got out of the room, ran toward the lobby and heard multiple gunshots. He then saw two of the men flee out the back of the building, but didn’t see what direction they went in.

The victim was then found dead.

The aftermath:

Khayre was then identified by the witness in a photo lineup, according to the criminal complaint.

Police say video footage corroborated much of what the witness reported.

Khayre was on conditional release for a suspected carjacking at the time of the shooting, according to the complaint.

The Source: This story uses information gathered from a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County and previous FOX 9 reporting.

Crime and Public SafetyMinneapolis

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