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Police officers in Minnesota get training for almost any type of emergency. Now, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is offering a unique class to law enforcement officers across the Twin Cities on what to expect when they encounter a person with autism.
One in 68 children has autism. But in some Minnesota communities, kids are being diagnosed at a considerably higher rate -- and nobody knows why. WCCO spent six months documenting what it's like for one Twin Cities family navigating a complicated system of care. By now, Nick St. Sauver has grown used to the constant questions. As an 11-year-old, he has been asking them himself nearly his whole life.
This weekend, WCCO-TV's Jason DeRusha and Nina Moini will be hosting the Fraser Annual Benefit in downtown Minneapolis. Fraser is one of the largest providers of Autism services in the state, but we learned there are also resources for people with many other types of challenges. One of those resources could help someone you know start a business.
The Three Rivers Park District is debuting a GPS tracking system to protect vulnerable guests. The outdoors can pose an added challenge for families with loved ones who have autism, Alzheimer's or dementia and have a tendency to wander.
It's the news for which thousands of Minnesota families have waited. State lawmakers reached a deal Thursday that will make medical marijuana legal. Angela Garin watches her son have seizures daily. Now, the St. Paul mom hopes medical marijuana will help him and thousands of others.
A Twin Cities artist is selling original works for thousands of dollars, and he's only been painting for a few years. But no one is sure of how long his artistic abilities will last. Jimmy Reagan, 20, has regressive onset autism. In the past six years, he has developed a flair for abstract art that's been showcased as far away as Germany, while drawing the attention of wealthy buyers.
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and with so many children now impacted by the disorder, toy companies have taken notice. A local store has partnered with St. David's Center to develop Autism-specific toys.
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 U.S. children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the report, entitled "Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children Aged 8 Years," the number of children identified with ASD is growing, with the estimate about 30-percent higher than in previous studies.
In a packed gym on a Saturday morning, the atmosphere is downright raucous. With every basket, the crowd goes wild. Every basket. Even the opponent's.
Health advocates are speaking out after a Twin Cities suburb voted down a permit to open a mental health facility for teenagers. "Lifespan," which treats clients for ADHD, schizophrenia and autism disorders, wants to open a facility in a vacant property along Pennsylvania Avenue in Golden Valley, but council members voted down a permit this week after neighbors voiced safety concerns. Mayor Shep Harris apologized Saturday for the hurtful comments made during the council meeting.
For years, parents in the Somali community in Minneapolis have said autism is unusually common in their kids. Now, a University of Minnesota study confirms those claims. The study used data from 2010 to determine if more Somali kids, ages seven to nine, had autism than other kids in the state's largest city. Idil Abdul has a son with autism. "I knew what they said today in 2008," Abdul said.
On Monday nights throughout December, WCCO is going back to visit people whose stories touched us this past year. With generous support from our friends at Slumberland and Pandora Jewelry, it's our hope to make Christmas unforgettable for these families. In this week's "Season of Hope," we go back to Litchfield High School. In April, we introduced you to two girls who invited boys from their special education program to senior prom.
Family members say the adult tricycle that was stolen from a man with autism has been found. The tricycle, made by Worksman, was stolen Saturday night from a bus stop on Robert Street Saturday night.
Police in West St. Paul are asking for the public's help in finding an adult tricycle that belongs to a man with autism. The trike's owner, Elliott Albright, doesn't drive and relies on his trike to get him from his West St. Paul apartment to the nearest bus stop. Albright told WCCO why it's so important for him to get it back. "I'm walking a lot more and it's hard because I have limited mobility," Albright said. "One of my legs, I do limp, so it harder for me, a lot harder to get around without that."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar joined five families Sunday at the University of Minnesota who have been impacted by diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Autism, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's. She said these are the people who are being hurt by cuts to funding of medical search.
It was one year ago when a western Wisconsin boy went missing for nearly a day after he sneaked out the front door of his home. Five-year-old Scott Meyer is non-verbal with autism, so hundreds of volunteers turned out to try and find him.
It has been nearly a year since a 5-year-old boy went missing during one of the hottest days of summer. Last July, Scott Meyer snuck out the front door of his house in western Wisconsin and ran off. Because he is non-verbal with autism, hundreds turned out to try to find him. A search volunteer and his dog discovered Scott the next day after he'd spent a night in the nearby woods.
The Twin Cities is home to one of the premiere children's mental health centers in the country. The Washburn Center for Children in Minneapolis helps pair therapists with families and helps schools get kids the help they need to be successful.
Raising a child with autism presents a special set of challenges. Finding the right toys to promote learning and fun can be a struggle -- without help.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has issued a Missing Endangered Person Alert for an 18-year-old Woodbury teen.
A new government report suggests the number of children with autism in the U.S. is underestimated.
In the coming months there will be a big change in how we define autism.
A Minnesota mom says she's suing two major insurance companies for not providing her son with the care he needs.
A new study suggests moms who get sick with the flu or fever while pregnant may have an increased risk of having a child with autism.
An autism advocate accused Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack on Monday of revealing his son's autism to get sympathy as he faces questions about his Minnesota ties in a tight congressional race.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Border czar Tom Homan said in an update Wednesday morning that 700 federal agents would be leaving the Twin Cities area "effective immediately," due to an "unprecedented" level of cooperation between counties and immigration enforcement officials.
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.
The police chief and mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, react to new ICE body cameras and speak about economic impacts and eroding trust in local law enforcement.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Border czar Tom Homan said in an update Wednesday morning that 700 federal agents would be leaving the Twin Cities area "effective immediately," due to an "unprecedented" level of cooperation between counties and immigration enforcement officials.
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.
LEDC is offering $800,000 in grant money to immigrant-owned businesses to cover things like rent, payroll and loan payments.
The St. Paul Police Department says officers responded to the intersection of Front Avenue and Grotto Street North on a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.
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.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the man's death.
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.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
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.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
The GOP and DFL both held party caucuses and conducted straw polls for candidates for governor on Tuesday.
The first steps toward a November election that could have major consequences for Minnesota happened Tuesday night. The GOP and DFL kicked off their party caucuses and held straw votes for candidates for governor. Esme Murphy breaks it down.
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
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.
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.
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.
More prosecutors are leaving the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota during a time of continued turmoil over the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement in the state and recent shootings of civilians by federal agents.
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."
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.
Many Minnesota-based athletes at the Winter Olympics this week have more on their minds than sports.
Lindsey Vonn, 41, said she ruptured her left anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, but that she was still planning to compete.
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.
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.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
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.
Skies will turn brighter later as highs hit the mid-20s.
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.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will start to warm tomorrow into Friday, with highs near 40.
Skies will turn brighter later as highs hit the mid-20s.
There are new questions about coordination or lack thereof between Minnesota and federal immigration officials, plus more of the day’s top stories.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
The Wild are sending eight players to compete in the Olympics. Ren Clayton talked with Brock Faber, who possesses hard to come by Olympic experience.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will start to warm tomorrow into Friday, with highs near 40.