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Articles by Ashley Grams
Wayzata remembers longtime teacher and coach Allan Christopherson following his death
The Wayzata, Minnesota, community is mourning the sudden loss of 56-year-old Allan Christopherson, a longtime teacher and coach at Wayzata High School. In a letter sent to families, Scott Gengler, the Wayzata High School principal, said Allan Christopherson was "widely regarded as a kind, caring, and highly effective classroom teacher.
Wayzata remembers longtime teacher and coach Allan Christopherson following his death
The Wayzata, Minnesota, community is mourning the sudden loss of 56-year-old Allan Christopherson, a longtime teacher and coach at Wayzata High School. In a letter sent to families, Scott Gengler, the Wayzata High School principal, said Allan Christopherson was "widely regarded as a kind, caring, and highly effective classroom teacher.
Minneapolis firefighters hurt battling business fire; Indigenous archive at risk
The Minneapolis Fire Department says two firefighters were hospitalized with minor burns in a blaze Sunday evening, which has put decades of Dakota and Ojibwe educational materials at risk. Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker says her department was notified around 4 p.m. of "someone possibly starting a fire" inside a business on the corner of East Franklin and South 13th avenues, just a few blocks west of Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue.
2 Minneapolis firefighters hurt in East Franklin Avenue business fire
The Minneapolis Fire Department says two firefighters are hospitalized with minor burns amid a blaze Sunday evening on East Franklin Avenue. WCCO has confirmed 50 to 60 firefighters are at the scene as of 6:30 p.m. at a business on the corner of East Franklin and South 13th avenues, just a few blocks west of Highway 55. This is a developing story. Stay with WCCO for the latest updates.
Minneapolis City Council scrutinizes police overtime spending as it tries to balance budget
As the City of Minneapolis tries to balance the books with an estimated budget gap in the tens of millions, police department spending is under a microscope. During an hour-long Minneapolis City Council meeting on Monday, members questioned Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson and his team. "The residents of this city, the council, have my commitment that we will do everything possible to not go over budget," said Peterson.
Minneapolis City Council scrutinizes police overtime spending as it tries to balance budget
As the City of Minneapolis tries to balance the books with an estimated budget gap in the tens of millions, police department spending is under a microscope. During an hour-long Minneapolis City Council meeting on Monday, members questioned Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson and his team. "The residents of this city, the council, have my commitment that we will do everything possible to not go over budget," said Peterson.
Plymouth City Council votes to terminate contract with Flock
The Plymouth, Minnesota, City Council voted to terminate its contract with Flock, joining several Twin Cities metro suburbs that have pushed back on the technology over privacy and transparency concerns. The mayor was the only person to vote against terminating the city's contract with Flock. Plymouth has more than a dozen cameras that read license plates positioned around the city.
Plymouth residents express privacy concerns as police ask to keep Flock cameras
Plymouth, Minnesota, is debating whether or not to keep 16 Flock cameras up around the city. Towns across the Twin Cities metro have pushed back on the technology, dropping the automatic license plate readers over privacy and transparency concerns. Tuesday night, Plymouth police acknowledged how complex the issue is, but also shared how the cameras have helped them track down suspects.
Parents of Minneapolis students organizing effort to delay plans that could close up to 16 schools
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis Public Schools parents are organizing an effort to delay district proposals that could close up to 16 schools. District leaders presented three proposals to the school board last week as part of what they call a "transformation plan" that has been in the works for several years. On Monday night, parents gathered outside Loring Elementary School on the city's north side to make posters opposing the proposals.
Parents of Minneapolis students organizing effort to delay plans that could close up to 16 schools
Minneapolis Public Schools parents are organizing an effort to delay district proposals that could close up to 16 schools. District leaders presented three proposals to the school board last week as part of what they call a "transformation plan" that has been in the works for several years. On Monday night, parents gathered outside Loring Elementary School on the city's north side to make posters opposing the proposals.
Parents of Minneapolis students organizing effort to delay plans that could close up to 16 schools
Minneapolis Public Schools parents are organizing an effort to delay district proposals that could close up to 16 schools. District leaders presented three proposals to the school board last week as part of what they call a "transformation plan" that has been in the works for several years. On Monday night, parents gathered outside Loring Elementary School on the city's north side to make posters opposing the proposals.
Celiac-safe beer returns to St. Paul as SAW Brewing takes over Burning Brothers space
Celiac-safe beer is pouring again in St. Paul's Midway neighborhood, where SAW Brewing opened this summer in the space Burning Brothers left behind. Kasey Pate opened the brewery with her mother. Pate spent five years brewing at Burning Brothers, the gluten-free brewery that closed last year after more than a decade in the same building. "An opportunity was there to pick it back up," Pate said. "It's always been my dream to have my own." The name is an acronym.
Minneapolis City Council considering ordinance that would require "human monitors" for driverless cars Original
The Minneapolis City Council is considering an ordinance that would mandate a "human monitor" in the front seat of driverless cars. Council member Jamal Osman is backing the proposal alongside Robin Wonsley, Jason Chavez and Aurin Chowdhury. The council members argue the ordinance focuses on safety and would protect thousands of rideshare drivers from potentially losing their jobs to autonomous vehicles like Waymo.
The Jessi Pierce Community Cup will be held this December in St. Paul
Minnesota Hockey is putting on a youth tournament in honor of sports reporter and hockey lover Jessi Pierce. This December, the Jessi Pierce Community Cup will be held in St. Paul at Tria Rink. "She was a great fan of hockey…a great champion of hockey and a friend to many and always willing to help out," said Jeremy Reed, Executive Director of Minnesota Hockey. Back in March, Pierce and her three children died in a house fire in White Bear Lake.
Minnesota priest who ministered at Ground Zero on 9/11 returning to NYC 25 years later
Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks that altered American history on September 11, 2001, a Minnesota priest is traveling back to Manhattan. Father Jeff Ethen of the Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud was sightseeing in New York City alongside Father Peter Kirchner 25 years ago when the Twin Towers fell. The priests immediately started ministering on the streets and to the firefighters working tirelessly on the ground. They first talked with WCCO just days after the attacks.
Minnesota priest who ministered at Ground Zero on 9/11 returning to NYC 25 years later
Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks that altered American history on September 11, 2001, a Minnesota priest is traveling back to Manhattan. Father Jeff Ethen of the Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud was sightseeing in New York City alongside Father Peter Kirchner 25 years ago when the Twin Towers fell. The priests immediately started ministering on the streets and to the firefighters working tirelessly on the ground. They first talked with WCCO just days after the attacks.
Ahead of Minnesota State Fair, Ramsey County sheriff sends 233 warning letters to potential gang members
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is putting young people with potential gang connections on notice days before the start of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. Fletcher tells WCCO he sent 233 letters to people across the Twin Cities between the ages of 16 and 22, urging them to "consider this letter an opportunity to separate yourself from persons involved in criminal activity." He says all were identified during investigations into 12 gangs.
Neighbors gather to share memories of family members killed in Hopkins and Burnsville
People gathered at Downtown Park in Hopkins, Minnesota, on Monday night to mourn the deaths of 7-year-old Evie Brown, Kristen Brown and Alice Brown. "She was too good for this world. The sweetest and dearest human," said a close friend of Kristen Brown.
Community concert benefits those affected by St. Louis Park apartment fire
One month after a fire tore through the Helix Apartments in St Louis Park, Minnesota, neighbors are still stepping in to help. On Sunday afternoon, Union Congregational United Church of Christ hosted a benefit concert in partnership with the St Louis Park Emergency Program. "In my faith we believe in helping people out, and I mean your neighbors don't have to belong to your church to be important," said Randall Pratt, who said he's attended the church for decades.
Some Minnesota communities parting with Flock Cameras as CEO lays out changes
More Minnesota communities are parting ways with Flock Safety and dropping the automatic license plate reading cameras. On Thursday, the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office joined the list and announced they will no longer use the cameras. "While we believe license plate readers can be a useful tool for public safety, there has been a growing backlash against how some agencies have used the data collected by the cameras," said Commander Ben Zawacki said in a statement.
Tamarack Mining Proposal Draws Strong Support, Environmental Concerns at Public Hearing
On Wednesday night, supporters and opponents of the Tamarack Mining Project packed a meeting in Blaine, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources discussed the state's environmental review of the proposal and opened the floor for public comments. The operation would be just north of Tamarack, in an underground mine where Talon Metals would extract nickel, copper and iron ore that would be processed out of state in North Dakota and Michigan.
Tamarack Mining Proposal draws strong support, environmental concerns at public hearing
On Wednesday night, supporters and opponents of the Tamarack Mining Project packed a meeting in Blaine, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources discussed the state's environmental review of the proposal and opened the floor for public comments. The operation would be just north of Tamarack, in an underground mine where Talon Metals would extract nickel, copper and iron ore that would be processed out of state in North Dakota and Michigan.
Hundreds of scooter riders take over Minneapolis streets; some enter I-35W, state patrol says
Hundreds of people aboard electric scooters and e-bikes took to downtown Minneapolis streets and sidewalks — and on Interstate 35W — late Saturday night in what's being called a "scooter takeover." A WCCO photojournalist shot footage near U.S. Bank Stadium around 9 p.m. Promoter Johan Vargas, 20, told WCCO he did a scooter meet-up on Friday and posted videos to TikTok. He was only expecting around 200 riders for Saturday's meet-up, but says more than 500 riders showed up.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (WCCO) -- Hundreds of people aboard electric scooters and e-bikes took to downtown Minneapolis streets and sidewalks — and on Interstate 35W — late Saturday night in what's being called a "scooter takeover." A WCCO photojournalist shot footage near U.S. Bank Stadium around 9 p.m. Promoter Johan Vargas, 20, told WCCO he did a scooter meet-up on Friday and posted videos to TikTok.
Hundreds of scooter riders take over downtown Minneapolis streets; some enter I-35W, state patrol says
Hundreds of teenagers and young adults aboard electric scooter and e-bikes took to downtown Minneapolis streets and sidewalks — and on Interstate 35W — late Saturday night in what's being called a "scooter takeover." A WCCO photojournalist shot footage near U.S. Bank Stadium around 9 p.m. A promoter told WCCO he was expecting 20 scooters, but an estimated 500 riders showed up. Later, highway cameras captured people on scooters on Interstate 35W.
Cedar Lake beaches closed due to blue-green algae
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issued a hazardous algae warning for all three beaches at Cedar Lake. The board says blue-green algae can grow quickly and form blooms that can be toxic to people and to animals. The city is asking people to avoid swimming at the lake. While a water test at the Cedar Lake South Beach triggered the closure, the board also closed the lakes two other beaches as the bloom is expected to move around the lake based on weather and wind conditions.
Cedar Lake beaches closed due to blue-green algae
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issued a hazardous algae warning for all three beaches at Cedar Lake. The board says blue-green algae can grow quickly and form blooms that can be toxic to people and to animals. The city is asking people to avoid swimming at the lake. While a water test at the Cedar Lake South Beach triggered the closure, the board also closed the lakes two other beaches as the bloom is expected to move around the lake based on weather and wind conditions.
Minneapolis secures $2.5M to address long delays, safety risks at north side rail crossings
Cameras in north Minneapolis have captured cars trying to beat trains across the tracks, people climbing between rail cars and ignoring stop arms. The rail crossings at Lyndale Avenue North, 45th Avenue North and Humboldt Avenue North are known for long waits as trains run in and out of the rail yard. "We live in the neighborhood, we go to the library often and I'm constantly stuck behind this train.
Minneapolis secures $2.5M to address long delays, safety risks at north side rail crossings
Cameras in north Minneapolis have captured cars trying to beat trains across the tracks, people climbing between rail cars and ignoring stop arms. The rail crossings at Lyndale Avenue North, 45th Avenue North and Humboldt Avenue North are known for long waits as trains run in and out of the rail yard. "We live in the neighborhood, we go to the library often and I'm constantly stuck behind this train.
Potential delay to federal THC law offers hope to Minnesota hemp industry
Minnesota Senators are backing a delay to a federal law that would bring major changes to the hemp industry. "This delay was immediately necessary to give Minnesota hemp producers and customers certainty, while giving Congress more time to get to a long-term fix," said Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Klobuchar said she's working alongside Republican Senator Rand Paul by writing the delay into a government funding bill up for a vote in the Senate this week.
Minneapolis Police Department's FAST unit making "tremendous difference" in solving non-fatal shootings
Just over a week ago, nine people were shot in Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood outside the Reign nightclub. A new investigative team focused on solving non-fatal shootings is working the case. The Minneapolis Police Department's Firearm Assault Shoot Team (FAST) launched in March and has been working cases over the last few months. "We were drowning and now we're breathing," said Lt. Andrew Schoeder.
Tensions rise as St. Paul set to clear homeless encampments next week
In one week, St. Paul, Minnesota, will begin clearing homeless encampments . Concerned residents, elected officials and people living in those camps met for a forum on Tuesday night. The city estimates about 220 people live in the three major encampments, with the majority in Pig's Eye Park. Most of the night was an open mic with an opportunity for questions, which led to heated exchanges. "We need to pause at least the sweeps," said one St. Paul resident.
Tensions rise as St. Paul set to clear homeless encampments next week
In one week, St. Paul, Minnesota, will begin clearing homeless encampments. Concerned residents, elected officials and people living in those camps met for a forum on Tuesday night. The city estimates about 220 people live in the three major encampments, with the majority in Pig's Eye Park. Most of the night was an open mic with an opportunity for questions, which led to heated exchanges. "We need to pause at least the sweeps," said one St. Paul resident.
Fridley police detail who can access Flock Safety camera data amid concerns from residents
Police in Fridley, Minnesota, are restricting who can access data from Flock Safety cameras. At a packed City Council meeting on Monday night, the department walked through data, showing Fridley's network of cameras was searched hundreds of thousands of times in December and January by agencies around the country.
Some Boundary Waters entry points to reopen on Monday
MINNESOTA (WCCO) - Portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will reopen for day use starting Monday, after wildfires prompted a rare closure of the forest last week. The U.S. Forest Service says the reopening impacts select entry points of the Gunflint and Tofte districts on the eastern side of the forest. Overnight permits, on the other hand, will be canceled through Wednesday.
Outdoor workers urged to prioritize health as air quality worsens: "Nobody is immune to this"
Wildfire smoke blanketing Minnesota has pushed air quality into never-before-seen levels, creating health concerns for residents across the state and forcing outdoor workers to spend hours in heat and smoke. "We're always prepared, you just got to work through it," said 3 Bear Landscaping laborer Brandon Waak. For landscaping crews like Waak's, staying inside is an option but is choosing to work through smokey conditions.
Crews battle Burnsville house fire amid "person in crisis" situation, city officials say
A lakeside home in Burnsville, Minnesota, is burning to the ground Tuesday with a SWAT team nearby amid what city officials call an hourslong situation involving a "person in crisis." A WCCO crew at the scene early Tuesday evening saw the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on site, joined police, fire, EMS and Centerpoint Energy workers. It's unclear if anyone is still inside the home located near Maple Island Road on Crystal Lake.
Wabasha residents grieve following fatal boat crash on Lake Pepin: "They're just wonderful people"
Ashley Grams In Wabasha, Minnesota, St Felix Catholic Church will open its doors on Monday night to a grieving community. The deaths of three people in a boat crash on Lake Pepin over the weekend have rocked the small town situated in southeastern Minnesota on the Mississippi River. On Monday, the Wabasha fire chief confirmed to WCCO that two firefighters died in the incident.
Flock cameras wrongly flag plates as stolen, lead to police stop in Plymouth
Police in Plymouth, Minnesota, stopped a man in a Kohl's parking lot at the end of June after the car's plate was flagged twice by Flock license plate readers. Joel Feder was behind the wheel of the car and his wife was in the passenger seat. In police body camera footage, which Feder shared with WCCO, Feder gets out with his hands up and an officer pats him down. "I saw two cop cars coming at the right side with the lights lit and sirens going," Feder said.
Minneapolis residents pack hearing on drones-as-first-responders program
The Minneapolis Police Department could start using drones to help do their jobs, but some don't think that should fly. The City Council chambers were so packed on Wednesday for a committee hearing that they opened an overflow room — and even that room completely filled up. Over 40 residents shared their concerns with the council members about the drones-as-first-responder program.
Minneapolis Police Department releases data on new task force to solve non-fatal shootings
The Minneapolis Police Department is starting to release some data on its new investigative unit focused on solving non-fatal shootings. The unit called FAST, or Firearm Assault Shoot Team, launched in March. According to Minneapolis police, in the first three months since the team launched, investigators responded to 46 incidents and 62 victims with non-fatal gunshot wounds Police data shows that in 2025, investigators closed just over 40% of non-fatal shooting cases.
Elk River City Council rejects ordinance amendment that would have allowed for a data center
Elk River, Minnesota, residents packed a city council meeting and spilled into an overflow room on Monday night as council members discussed a data center proposal. The proposed 60,000-square-foot facility would have brought an estimated 40 jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars to the city. But ultimately, the Elk River City Council voted against an ordinance amendment that would have allowed for the project in the city's "light industrial" zone.
Vandals smash car windows in St. Louis Park neighborhood
Neighbors along a three-block stretch in St Louis Park, Minnesota, say vandals smashed car windows early Sunday morning along Quentin Avenue. A spokesperson for the City of St. Louis Park said officers took 18 reports of vehicle tampering and stolen property around 5 in the morning. The city wouldn't confirm how many cars were hit, but said the investigation is ongoing.
2 million eggs will be delivered to Minnesota as part of settlement
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says around 2 million eggs will be delivered to "food banks and community organizations" in Minnesota as part of a settlement with three major egg producers. The U.S. Department of Justice along with 17 states filed a civil lawsuit against the three companies, Cal-Maine Foods, Versova and Hickman's Egg Ranch, alleging the companies "coordinated to artificially inflate the daily price quotations for eggs" between June 2022 and March 2025.
City of St. Paul facing historic $26 million budget deficit in coming year
The City of St. Paul is facing an estimated $26 million budget deficit in the coming year. First-term Mayor Kaohly Her says she inherited a historic budget deficit, with systemic issues as rising costs add pressure. "We all are feeling the pinch at home, so what everybody is experiencing and feeling increased costs the city feels those exact same pinch points," Her said.
How to stay cool and spot heat-related illnesses as Twin Cities deal with dangerous temps
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning across much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Monday. WCCO meteorologists expect highs in the upper 90s in the metro area, with the humidity making it feel closer to 105 degrees. Hennepin County and Ramsey County both offer interactive maps highlighting places to cool off during the day. The maps include pools, malls, libraries and community centers.
Judge orders Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to comply with police staffing level mandate
A judge has ordered Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to comply with a mandate in the Minneapolis City Charter that requires him to employ a minimum number of police officers for the community, according to court documents filed Thursday. The Upper Midwest Law Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of two Minneapolis taxpayers and two people who own property in the city in March that claimed the city, including Frey, had failed to hire enough police officers.
Meet "Havoc," a Minnesota flag football player gearing up for the Special Olympics USA Games
The Special Olympic USA Games are nearly underway in the Twin Cities, with thousands of athletes from across the country competing. That includes one Minnesota flag football star nicknamed "Havoc." With a little help from his mother, Kyle Kauffman geared up for battle at practice, just days before competition begins. Kauffman plays both sides of the ball — rushing quarterbacks on defense and contributing on offense as a center, receiver and running back.
Dog owners push back on plan to close Minnehaha dog park, with final vote expected Wednesday Original
Dog owners in Minneapolis are pushing back on a Park and Recreation Board plan to close the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park. Some are gathering signatures for a petition, others are rallying supporters on social media and creating websites. The park is in an area of land the board said is considered sacred by the Dakota tribes. A park board committee passed a resolution in early June that would "decommission" the park. Now, the full board will take a vote on the matter on Wednesday.
FIFA world cup kicks off with watch parties around the Twin Cities
At a downtown Minneapolis watch party, fans cheered on Mexico in the tournament's opening match on Thursday. 48 teams will face off in over 100 matches for the World Cup title. The U.S. Men's National Team is gearing up to hit the pitch on home soil for the first time on Friday, a special moment that Tony Sanneh knows well.
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