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This time of year is when The WCCO Weather Team starts to really count on our weather watchers as severe weather becomes a threat. That's why we're really lucky to welcome Dustin Johnson as one of our newest members. He may be new to WCCO Weather Watching, but it's been a passion of his as long as he can remember.
A Minnesota wrestler is achieving life goals both on and off the mat. It's pretty remarkable, considering Ben Cousins has autism and weighed nearly 200 pounds in 5th grade.
To learn more about Sunday's walk put on by the Autism Society of Minnesota, head over to SOHwalk.org.
There will be an indoor walk at Southdale this weekend to benefit the Autism Society of Minnesota. This Steps of Hope annual walk is the largest fundraiser for AuSM (pronounced "awesome"), which has been around since 1971.
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.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
Jessie Eldridge scored two goals to go with an assist, Alina Müller had two assists and a goal, and the Boston Fleet beat the Minnesota Frost 3-2.
A viral TikTok creator known for giving away food and cash is banned from all city parks in St. Paul, Minnesota, until Oct. 3 after officials said he harassed "vulnerable adults" at a location. WCCO spoke with Josh Liljenquist and is hearing from advocates on both sides of the issue.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
The Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball are investigating Jarren Duran's allegation that a fan he pointed his middle finger at during a game had told the Boston Red Sox outfielder to kill himself.
A viral TikTok creator known for giving away food and cash is banned from all city parks in St. Paul, Minnesota, until Oct. 3 after officials said he harassed "vulnerable adults" at a location. WCCO spoke with Josh Liljenquist and is hearing from advocates on both sides of the issue.
Environmental activists are going hungry as they say they want a trash-burning plant in Minneapolis to shut down. People who work there say it's not that simple.
At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.
Republican Tyler Kistner has announced he is dropping out of the 2026 race for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District seat.
Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol are searching for solutions, trying to lend a hand to Hennepin Healthcare before it's too late.
A farm in Monticello, Minnesota, is recovering after a barn fire on Saturday killed dozens of animals, according to the facility.
Kale Misegades averaged a 36 point double-double this season as his Henning Hornets went undefeated until the state semifinal, where they got upset in overtime to the eventual state champs.
"I lost six of my battle buddies who were sitting pretty close to me and that's a struggle within itself. The invisible wounds are hard to heal," Sgt. Cory Hicks said.
Mitchell Bechtold, who is pastor for four churches in the area, has now filmed more than 40 churches across central Minnesota, with many still ahead.
The National Weather Service confirms three tornadoes hit southern Minnesota Monday night in Amboy, Matawan and Elmore.
A woman was found dead at a complex on the Mississippi River in Winona County, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning.
Gamblers in Wisconsin will still have to wait months or maybe even longer before they can start to legally place bets.
Leaders on the board that oversees the Universities of Wisconsin say that the fired president of the system was slow to address pressing issues like artificial intelligence and feared upsetting policymakers, faculty and staff.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Officials at the Universities of Wisconsin have fired the system's president after he refused their offer to quietly resign and said they never gave a clear reason why he should.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
A resolution setting up a process to investigate impeachment claims against DFL Gov. Tim Walz and DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison failed to move forward in the Minnesota House on Wednesday.
Minnesota Republicans on Wednesday tried to set up a process to hear claims against DFL elected officials. As Caroline Cummings reports, impeachment hasn't happened in the state in nearly 150 years.
Republican Tyler Kistner has announced he is dropping out of the 2026 race for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District seat.
It was the fourth time Democrats in the Senate had forced a vote on the issue since the war began on Feb. 28.
Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol are searching for solutions, trying to lend a hand to Hennepin Healthcare before it's too late.
The bills aim to close what supporters call a gambling law loophole, allowing for these prediction markets to flourish with no regulations.
It's a bittersweet changing of kegs and hands in northeast Minneapolis as HeadFlyer Brewing issued a permanent last call on Sunday.
Minnesota continues to beat the national gas price average, but there are still ways to save in the metro area.
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Your car isn't the only vehicle that needs gas. It's a huge budget item for Minnesota fire departments, police and mass transit.
A jury convicted David Wright, 51, of first-degree murder on Wednesday for killing his ex-girlfriend Mariah Samuels in Minneapolis minutes after she wrote on Facebook that he threatened her family and damaged her car.
Charges say police arrested the suspect, who told investigators he punched the victim after he would not let him into the elevator.
Joel Casas-Santiago was arrested and charged last July after authorities seized nearly 900 pounds of meth from two vehicles in St. Paul.
A woman who had a revoked license was charged Monday in connection to a fatal head-on crash on an Eden Prairie, Minnesota, highway over the weekend.
Amarie Alowonle, 19, was shot and killed during a gathering at a Robbinsdale park last May. Her family is pushing for answers since that time.
At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.
Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol are searching for solutions, trying to lend a hand to Hennepin Healthcare before it's too late.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
At 5 years old, William Staley Olesen is a ball of energy. Watching him run around, laugh and play, it would be hard to know just how much he has already been through.
With a billion in Medicaid cuts, Hennepin Healthcare, a hospital that serves people with or without insurance, will likely close if state lawmakers don't act.
A video game is helping people experience the Ojibwe culture in a new way.
At Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, a new production is using the stage to explore the impact of immigration and displacement.
Brad Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3.
Minnesota's own Bob Dylan will return to the Twin Cities to play a show at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater this summer.
Lady Gaga is still slated to perform in St. Paul later this week, despite canceling her Monday night show in Montreal.
Jessie Eldridge scored two goals to go with an assist, Alina Müller had two assists and a goal, and the Boston Fleet beat the Minnesota Frost 3-2.
The Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball are investigating Jarren Duran's allegation that a fan he pointed his middle finger at during a game had told the Boston Red Sox outfielder to kill himself.
Trevor Story homered and drove in five runs to lead the Boston Red Sox over the Minnesota Twins 9-5.
Jesper Wallstedt let in a goal on a power play against the Minnesota Wild in the first period, looked up at the scoreboard to quickly analyze the replay, and realized something wasn't right.
Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who has spoken about his past struggles with mental health, said a fan made a personal comment that crossed the line.
Both the DFL and GOP nominating conventions are the last weekend in May 7, and voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins in June.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders.
The Trump administration's positions on a number of issues is prompting debate on constitutional powers versus executive orders. WCCO spoke with David Schultz, a congressional law professor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to get some clarity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
It's one of the largest musky hatcheries in the entire world. John Lauritsen shows us how the Spooner hatchery keeps fish healthy and anglers happy.
Shattuck-St. Mary's is more than a hockey school, but hockey has helped put the school on the map. They have banners and big names to prove it, though the real evidence lies with a man called Rooster.
Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins is almost here. And across town, the St. Paul Saints are getting ready for their season, too, with some added history.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
The popular afternoon pick-me-up in a cup is like a super food, supplement and medicine cure-all.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising can be finding enough time to work out. WCCO explores whether upping the intensity can give someone the same benefits in a shorter amount of time.
Filing your taxes can be stressful. But daydreaming about how to spend that refund makes it worthwhile.
It's estimated that children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. On average, the fires they start cause nearly 1,000 injuries and 150 deaths each year.
As we all pay more to fuel our cars, drivers might miss the savings hidden right at the pump. It comes down to timing, then adjusting your routine.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says Thursday will be sunny with highs in the 70s and 80s for much of Minnesota. Cooler temperatures are expected to follow.
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.
Temperatures will reach the mid-70s in the Twin Cities on Thursday before a weekend cooldown, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
It's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Before the next round of rough weather hits, officials with both states want to make sure residents have emergency plans in place.
Temps on Wednesday will reach into the 70s, but it's not a perfect forecast as there's a storm on the way.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says Thursday will be sunny with highs in the 70s and 80s for much of Minnesota. Cooler temperatures are expected to follow.
There’s a place in Blue Earth County where you can visit the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge all in one location. In this week’s Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us why Arnie Lillos Creations has taken on a shape of its own.
New details have been revealed about a domestic violence death resulting in policy changes in the Minneapolis Police Department. David Wright was found guilty on Wednesday by a jury of murder in the death of Mariah Samuels outside her home last year. Ashley Grams heard from Samuels' family after the verdict and explains how Minneapolis police hope cries for help won't be ignored in the future.
A viral TikTok creator known for giving away food and cash is banned from all St. Paul city parks until Oct. 3. City officials say the social media influencer crossed the line. He says he’s being punished for helping people. Ubah Ali sits down with him and has reaction from advocates on both sides of the issue.
Minnesota Republicans on Wednesday tried to set up a process to hear claims against DFL elected officials. As Caroline Cummings reports, impeachment hasn't happened in the state in nearly 150 years.