Ubah Ali
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🇸🇴Somali-American| Journalist | Avocado 🥑Enthusiast| @StCloudState Alumna 🐾|Opinions are my own
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Articles by Ubah Ali
Dog defends Minneapolis family after man attacks mother with hammer in her home
A Minneapolis mother is recovering from a terrifying attack inside her home. Maria Grant sustained severe injuries that left her with six staples in her head. She said she's recovering physically, but the emotional toll is only growing with her attacker on the loose. About three weeks ago, Grant says she heard a knock at the door just before 9 p.m. and opened it. She says she was met with a hammer.
Minnesota releases new statewide guidelines for sexual assault investigations
More than 2,200 Minnesotans were victims of sexual assaults in 2025, according to state data. Now, a new statewide guide is giving law enforcement agencies and other responders a common framework for handling sexual assault cases. "We want law enforcement agencies across Minnesota to have the tools and resources they need to conduct thorough, professional and compassionate investigations," Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said.
Minnesota releases new statewide guidelines for sexual assault investigations
More than 2,200 Minnesotans were victims of sexual assaults in 2025, according to state data. Now, a new statewide guide is giving law enforcement agencies and other responders a common framework for handling sexual assault cases. "We want law enforcement agencies across Minnesota to have the tools and resources they need to conduct thorough, professional and compassionate investigations," Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said.
Local and county officials studying Lakeville roundabout known to cause car crashes
Lakeville, Minnesota, leaders are reviewing a roundabout known to cause car wrecks. The intersection at Dakota County roads 50 and 60 in Lakeville was switched to a two-lane roundabout in 2015. County leaders say it's been the worst intersection in the county for crashes since. For thousands of drivers, the roundabout is part of their daily commute, and navigating it has become a stressful part of their drive. "I go through this roundabout at least two or three times a day," said Kumars Toosi.
Local and county officials studying Lakeville roundabout known to cause car crashes Original
Lakeville, Minnesota, leaders are reviewing a roundabout known to cause car wrecks. The intersection at Dakota County roads 50 and 60 in Lakeville was switched to a two-lane roundabout in 2015. County leaders say it's been the worst intersection in the county for crashes since. For thousands of drivers, the roundabout is part of their daily commute, and navigating it has become a stressful part of their drive. "I go through this roundabout at least two or three times a day," said Kumars Toosi.
Renovated wiffle ball field renamed Hope Field in honor of Annunciation shooting victims
A newly renovated wiffle ball field at Annunciation Catholic Church and School was unveiled Saturday and renamed Hope Field in honor of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, two children killed in last year's church shooting. "God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good," Annunciation School Principal Matthew DeBoer said. The space was revamped for a community to come together, pray, play and build lasting memories.
How a Minneapolis clinic helped bring healthcare to patients during Operation Metro Surge
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care. Instead of waiting for patients to come to the clinic, medical professionals went straight to their door. More than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and mental health professionals mobilized and, over four months, made more than 800 patient connections. Nearly 200 involved home and telehealth visits.
How a Minneapolis clinic helped bring healthcare to patients during Operation Metro Surge
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care. Instead of waiting for patients to come to the clinic, medical professionals went straight to their door. More than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and mental health professionals mobilized and, over four months, made more than 800 patient connections. Nearly 200 involved home and telehealth visits.
State set to give opening statement on Friday in murder trial for father of Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr.
A father accused of killing his 16-year-old son goes on trial Friday. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself. He is accused of killing his 16-year-old son Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr. Collins Jr. was last seen May 8, 2025, near his father's apartment in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. His mother reported him missing days later, and a search began.
State set to give opening statement on Friday in murder trial for father of Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr.
A father accused of killing his 16-year-old son goes on trial Friday. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself. He is accused of killing his 16-year-old son Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr. Collins Jr. was last seen May 8, 2025, near his father's apartment in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. His mother reported him missing days later, and a search began.
Twin Cities doctor paralyzed in mountain fall returns to practicing medicine nearly 2 years later
A Twin Cities physician who has spent the last two years learning to live with a life-changing injury is making a remarkable recovery. Dr. Shirlee Xie's return follows a devastating fall from a mountain while hiking in Switzerland that left her paralyzed from the chest down. When WCCO first met Xie at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in late 2024, transferring from her wheelchair to the bed was difficult.
Twin Cities doctor paralyzed in mountain fall returns to practicing medicine nearly 2 years later
A Twin Cities physician who has spent the last two years learning to live with a life-changing injury is making a remarkable recovery. Dr. Shirlee Xie's return follows a devastating fall from a mountain while hiking in Switzerland that left her paralyzed from the chest down. When WCCO first met Xie at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in late 2024, transferring from her wheelchair to the bed was difficult.
Data center developer walks away from plans to buy old printing facility in Minneapolis' North Loop
The future of a big piece of Minneapolis property is suddenly wide open. Legacy Investing, a company that develops data centers, is walking away from its plan to purchase the old Star Tribune printing facility in the North Loop. The company, based in Arlington, Virginia, which also converted the Sleep Number building into a data center, was under contract to purchase the 13-acre printing site and the parcels next to it.
U.S. Bank will have some new technology upgrades this season
Football is back, and just days before the Vikings and Packers face off in a border battle, U. S Bank Stadium is making major upgrades. The stadium is adding technology designed to make the fan experience seamless from start to finish. "We're going to have 66,000 super excited Vikings fans here on game day and what we want to do when they enter the building is we want to get them in quicker," said JP Paul, Vice President of Stadium Operations.
Minnesota State Fair vendors put final touches on booths before opening day
The Minnesota State Fair was busy Wednesday as vendors worked to finish last-minute preps before the gates opened Thursday. For longtime vendors, setting up is second nature. Some have been doing it for decades, including Stacey Pittroff-Barona. "I've been here 29 years, and we are also doing this at the last minute, I feel like," Barona said. When she first started Quench'd, it was a water stand.
Minnesota State Fair vendors put final touches on booths before opening day
The Minnesota State Fair was busy Wednesday as vendors worked to finish last-minute preps before the gates opened Thursday. For longtime vendors, setting up is second nature. Some have been doing it for decades, including Stacey Pittroff-Barona. "I've been here 29 years, and we are also doing this at the last minute, I feel like," Barona said. When she first started Quench'd, it was a water stand.
Falcon Heights bringing back Minnesota State Fair parking program with some changes
With the Minnesota State Fair just days away, Falcon Heights is preparing for its busiest two weeks of the summer. "It's a tradition here in the city that we welcome every year. One challenge, obviously, is it's a big population growth for our small city during that time," said City Administrator Jack Linehan. For the second year, city leaders are bringing back its pay-by-mobile parking program.
Minnesota expert warns against wasting water amid drought: "Our water source is not a bottomless pit"
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is facing its worst drought conditions in five years, experts say. About 88% of Minnesota is either experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. "Right now, almost half of our state is in severe drought," said Luigi Romolo, state climatologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Romolo said the current drought is competing with the 2021 drought when it comes to severity. He said the situation could become worse if dry conditions continue.
Minnesota expert warns against wasting water amid drought: "Our water source is not a bottomless pit"
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is facing its worst drought conditions in five years, experts say. About 88% of Minnesota is either experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. "Right now, almost half of our state is in severe drought," said Luigi Romolo, state climatologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Romolo said the current drought is competing with the 2021 drought when it comes to severity. He said the situation could become worse if dry conditions continue.
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.
St. Paul residents call for end to Flock camera contract ahead of city council vote
The fight over Flock cameras could be moving to Minnesota's Capitol City. The automatic license plate-reading cameras continue to spark debate across Minnesota, with some cities cutting ties with the technology, as other cities deal with vandals taking matters into their own hands.
The fight over Flock cameras could head to St. Paul
The fight over Flock cameras could be moving to Minnesota's Capitol City. The automatic license plate-reading cameras continue to spark debate across Minnesota, with some cities cutting ties with the technology, as other cities deal with vandals taking matters into their own hands. Saturday, Eyes Off Saint Paul, a group of concerned citizens, gathered at Mattocks Park, worked to make sure residents understand what Flock cameras collect.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says data centers should be regulated and not serve as sole use of a property
The data center debate is not new to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and Minneapolis has several buildings that house them already. Several months ago, Minneapolis City Council members approved a five-month pause on new data center development, giving city staff time to study regulations and examine concerns about environmental impacts, energy use and public safety. The moratorium does not apply to smaller data centers located downtown that are less than 350,000 square feet.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says data centers should be regulated and not serve as sole use of a property
The data center debate is not new to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and Minneapolis has several buildings that house them already. Several months ago, Minneapolis City Council members approved a five-month pause on new data center development, giving city staff time to study regulations and examine concerns about environmental impacts, energy use and public safety. The moratorium does not apply to smaller data centers located downtown that are less than 350,000 square feet.
Woman's life saved by ECMO machine thanks to new program designed to help rural Minnesotans
When your heart stops, time is everything. Michelle Brant suffered a cardiac arrest while at her home in Zimmerman, Minnesota, back in March. In the United States, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less than 12%. That day, something went right. Her family was home, EMT quickly responded and an ECMO helicopter was called to Fairview Princeton from Fairview East Bank University. "If they didn't do that, I probably would not be sitting here now," Brant said.
Woman's life saved by ECMO machine thanks to new program designed to help rural Minnesotans
ZIMMERMAN, Minnesota (WCCO) -- When your heart stops, time is everything. Michelle Brant suffered a cardiac arrest while at her home in Zimmerman, Minnesota, back in March. In the United States, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less than 12%. That day, something went right. Her family was home, EMT quickly responded and an ECMO helicopter was called to Fairview Princeton from Fairview East Bank University.
Woman's life saved by ECMO machine thanks to new program designed to help rural Minnesotans
When your heart stops, time is everything. Michelle Brant suffered a cardiac arrest while at her home in Zimmerman, Minnesota, back in March. In the United States, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are less than 12%. That day, something went right. Her family was home, EMT quickly responded and an ECMO helicopter was called to Fairview Princeton from Fairview East Bank University. "If they didn't do that, I probably would not be sitting here now," Brant said.
North Loop residents question developers over proposed data center at former Star Tribune site
A packed community meeting Wednesday in Minneapolis' North Loop focused on a potential data center at the former Star Tribune printing plant. Arlington, Virginia-based Legacy Investing, which also converted the Sleep Number building into a data center, is under contract to purchase the 13-acre printing site and the parcels next to it. The company does not yet own the building. Developers said they wanted to hear from residents about what they want to see in their neighborhood.
Bloomington settles lawsuit with man wrongfully arrested due to facial recognition technology
The City of Bloomington, Minnesota, has settled a lawsuit brought by a man who said he was wrongly arrested back in 2021. Kylese Perryman claims his rights were violated, saying investigators carelessly and incorrectly identified him as the man responsible for a violent felony.
Bloomington settles lawsuit with man wrongfully arrested due to facial recognition technology
The City of Bloomington, Minnesota, has settled a lawsuit brought by a man who said he was wrongly arrested back in 2021. Kylese Perryman claims his rights were violated, saying investigators carelessly and incorrectly identified him as the man responsible for a violent felony.
Former urban explorer warns of dangers after teen falls at Minneapolis grain elevator
They call themselves urban explorers: teens and young adults who enter abandoned buildings and other restricted locations looking for unique views to share online. On Monday, an 18-year-old was seriously injured after falling onto an elevated platform .
Former urban explorer warns of dangers after teen falls at Minneapolis grain elevator
They call themselves urban explorers: teens and young adults who enter abandoned buildings and other restricted locations looking for unique views to share online. On Monday, an 18-year-old was seriously injured after falling onto an elevated platform.
Faribault man accused of stealing Flock camera and attempting to break it
MINNESOTA (WCCO) -- A 42-year-old man is accused of stealing a law enforcement camera that reads license plates in Faribault, Minnesota, and trying to break it, according to a court document filed in Rice County. According to the criminal complaint, the man from Faribault is charged with one count each of theft, interfering with emergency communications and fourth-degree damage to property. An individual reported to police on July 27 that someone had stolen a Flock camera, the court document said.
Minneapolis researchers studying whether GLP-1s could help veterans with alcohol use disorder Original
GLP-1s have become a household name for their role in weight loss. Now, researchers are studying whether they could help veterans living with alcohol use disorder. The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 18 VA sites across the United States participating in the new clinical trial testing semaglutide as a potential treatment for AUD. Experts say there are approximately 400,000 veterans in the U.S. who have an alcohol use disorder but a limited collection of medications for treatment.
Heritage Park Apartment residents want to know when they can move out
Some residents at Heritage Park Apartments say they are ready to move out of homes they describe as unsafe and plagued by mold, water damage, and rodents. Two weeks ago, the Minneapolis City Council voted to approve $2.5 million to relocate and repair the crumbling public housing complex on the city's north side. Residents say there has been no movement. Myra Cain, 67, said she has been living with conditions including mold for seven years.
Heritage Park Apartment residents want to know when they can move out
Some residents at Heritage Park Apartments say they are ready to move out of homes they describe as unsafe and plagued by mold, water damage, and rodents. Two weeks ago, the Minneapolis City Council voted to approve $2.5 million to relocate and repair the crumbling public housing complex on the city's north side. Residents say there has been no movement. 67-year-old Myra Cain said she has been living with conditions including mold for seven years.
Aliveness Project says it's losing $450K a year in HIV prevention funding as CDC ends community grant program
The Aliveness Project — a south Minneapolis nonprofit that's provided HIV testing, prevention and support services for nearly four decades — says it's losing roughly $450,000 a year in direct federal funding after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declined to renew a program that has anchored community-based HIV prevention nationwide since 2020.
Family of boy killed in Farmington hit-and-run seek answers: "You need to pay for your mistakes"
A family in Appley Valley, Minnesota, is asking for answers after their teenage son was killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding his bike. Authorities say the crash happened at the intersection of Highway 50 and Dushane Parkway in Farmington around 9:45 p.m. on July 14, and say the driver left the scene. Thirteen-year-old Sasha Balandin died from his injuries.
Disgruntled apartment tenant executed 3 over parking garage contract dispute, charges say
Click here for updates on this story ST. PAUL, Minnesota (WCCO) -- A 30-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, man is accused of executing three people inside a leasing office Monday over a parking garage contract dispute. According to charges filed in Ramsey County, officers were called to the Davern Park Apartments on the 1500 block of St. Paul Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. after several people reported gunshots and screams.
Around 90 apartment units damaged in large fire at St. Louis Park complex; 3 injured
Click here for updates on this story ST. LOUIS PARK, Minnesota (WCCO) -- Around 90 apartment units are damaged after a massive fire at a complex in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Friday, according to city officials. Crews responded to a report of smoke at the Helix Apartments, located at 7500 Hwy. 7, at 4:47 p.m. Once at the scene, they saw a "working fire," officials said. Flames were shooting out of the roof of the 167-unit complex early on Friday evening.
Around 90 apartment units damaged in large fire at St. Louis Park complex; 3 injured
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minnesota (WCCO) -- Around 90 apartment units are damaged after a massive fire at a complex in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Friday, according to city officials. Crews responded to a report of smoke at the Helix Apartments, located at 7500 Hwy. 7, at 4:47 p.m. Once at the scene, they saw a "working fire," officials said. Flames were shooting out of the roof of the 167-unit complex early on Friday evening. As of 8:30 p.m., the fire is under control, according to officials.
Heartbreak, hope for those impacted by St. Louis Park apartment complex fire
Families are grappling with unimaginable loss after a devastating fire tore through the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The fire tore through a major portion of the apartment complex, impacting 90 of its 167 units. The destruction is hard to miss — charred walls, boarded-up windows and apartments exposed to the elements. Some residents whose apartments were on the east side of the building were allowed back inside for a short time on Saturday. Bailey Mourning was one of them.
Canadian Air Force rescues Minnesota teens trapped in wildfires, Gov. Walz says
Click here for updates on this story Minnesota (WCCO) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday members of the Royal Canadian Air Force successfully evacuated 11 Minnesota teenagers and four staff members from wildfires north of the border. Officials with YMCA of the North say the teens were split into two groups. Both have exited Wabakimi Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, and are on their way back to Minnesota. The park is about 175 miles north of the Minnesota border.
Extreme heat prompts safety measures at international soccer tournament in Blaine Original
North America's largest youth soccer tournament kicks off Tuesday in Blaine, Minnesota, bringing more than 1,100 teams from 24 states and 13 countries to the National Sports Center. About 17,000 athletes from around the globe have arrived, all hoping to make a championship run. But they'll have to face an added opponent — the sweltering sun. Minnesota is facing extreme heat for a long stretch, forcing organizers to change their game plan.
Yaseen Abumayyaleh, 23, dies after mortar-style firework explodes in Shoreview
Ubah Ali A 23-year-old man died after a fireworks explosion on the rooftop of an abandoned building in Shoreview, Minnesota, early Sunday morning, his family says. The Lake Johanna Fire Department said first responders were called around 1:30 a.m. Sunday to the rooftop of an abandoned building off County Road I on the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site. Yaseen Abumayyaleh's family said he was holding a mortar-style firework in the air when it exploded. He later died at the hospital.
The family of Yaseen Abumayyaleh is grieving after a deadly fireworks accident
A family is grappling with grief after a fireworks tragedy claimed the life of 23-year-old Yaseen Abumayyaleh. His cousin, Abdullah Eisa says Abumayyaleh was a community giant, an accomplished realtor, a devoted student in his faith and someone who poured into others. "He was a visionary, he had a lot of ideas and honestly, the sky was the limit for him," Eisa said. Early Sunday morning, Eisa's role model was taken from him.
I-394 traffic shift between Minneapolis and St. Louis Park starts on Wednesday
A major traffic shift will start on one of Minnesota's busiest highways Wednesday morning. Eastbound lanes of Interstate 394 between Louisiana Avenue in St. Louis Park and downtown Minneapolis will be down to two lanes, with no EZ-Pass options. That means getting from the west metro to downtown Minneapolis could be tricky. Officials say drivers should expect increased traffic around St. Louis Park through the fall.
Family pushes for answers after state patrol says 61-year-old grandmother "fell out" of car
MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, Minnesota (WCCO) -- A Twin Cities family is asking for answers after their loved one somehow ended up on the interstate in the middle of the night. The Minnesota State Patrol said 61-year-old Sonja Brown was a passenger in a car and "fell out" before other drivers hit her early Wednesday morning. But Brown's family say they believe someone inside the vehicle she was riding in is responsible for her death.
Twin Cities family pushes for answers after state patrol says 61-year-old grandmother "fell out" of car
A Twin Cities family is asking for answers after their loved one somehow ended up on the interstate in the middle of the night. The Minnesota State Patrol said 61-year-old Sonja Brown was a passenger in a car and "fell out" before other drivers hit her early Wednesday morning. But Brown's family say they believe someone inside the vehicle she was riding in is responsible for her death. Her daughter Enjeania Brown says her mother was picked up from her sister's house by two people she knew.
Children's Minnesota doctor warns of Benadryl challenge dangers
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication. Doctors say the so-called Benadryl challenge involves teens taking large amounts of the medication and record themselves as the effects kick in.
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