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Not always, but often times people who teach special needs students do it because they have a loved one living with a disability, such as a sibling or a cousin they helped as a child and developed an empathy to help others.
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.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
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.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
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
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
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.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
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.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
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."
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
Grace Grocholski scored 21 points, Mara Braun added 16 and Minnesota beat No. 10 Iowa 91-85 on Thursday night for its fifth straight victory.
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.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
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.
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.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
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.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.
Temps are set to fall into the teens by the evening due to gusty winds from the north.
As of Friday, the girls basketball team at Wayzata is undefeated in the Lake Conference after big wins against Minnetonka and Hopkins. WCCO's Marielle Mohs caught up with the Trojans.
Providence Academy's girls basketball team met Hill-Murray in Maplewood on Friday night. Plus, see highlights from other prep basketball and hockey battles that took place around Minnesota in the Feb. 6, 2026, edition of High School Sports Rally.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
Residents of Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood returned to their apartment units on Friday following a sudden flood to find loss, damage and community support.
Two Democratic congresspeople who represent parts of Minnesota said the Department of Homeland Security on Friday wouldn't let them into the Whipple federal building to check on conditions where federal officials hold immigrants and others. A third Democratic lawmaker was allowed inside. Laurie Perez reports.