WJON In Depth

The use of medical cannabis is still a controversial topic in the United States. The federal government still considers marijuana a schedule-1 drug, meaning it has no medical use and is highly addictive. But 28 states, including Minnesota, have legalized marijuana to be used for medical purposes.

Every 12 minutes, someone takes their own life in America, that's 121 people a day, and over 40,000 a year. More than three different cancers, and heart attacks.

Since its inception in the mid-1990s, the thought of bringing the Northstar Rail from the Twin Cities to St. Cloud has been a goal for residents. However since 2009, that goal has become wishful thinking.

Nearly 50 percent of kids in the United States are either overweight or obese. However, here in central Minnesota we have a reason to be hopeful, the community is fighting it and we're starting to see a positive outcome.

From comments like “It’s not your father’s St. Cloud anymore” to “St. Cloud isn’t what it used to be” there’s a belief by some that crime in St. Cloud is higher than it has ever been, and that it’s not a safe place to live. Is this just a perception or is this our reality?

It was a double murder that happened far away, but hit close to home in St. Cloud. It's been just over 20 years since St. Cloud native Julie Williams and Lollie Winans were found murdered in Shenandoah National Park.

The Eastman Park/Lake George area in St. Cloud is probably best known for weekly Summertime By George concerts now, but for years it was the place to go to cool off on a hot summer day. For 55 years the St. Cloud Municipal pool was the crown jewel of that neighborhood.

Growing up 25 miles west of St. Cloud, Cold Spring native Nate Meyer has always had a passion for football. Now entering his senior season at St. Cloud State University, he looks to bring that same passion to Husky Stadium.

It's been nearly 42 years since Susanne and Mary Reker went missing in St. Cloud. They were found nearly a month later murdered in Quarry Park, both were stabbed multiple times. Authorities still haven't determined who murdered the girls, but signs indicate that they are getting closer with viable suspects they are looking into.

When most people think of wine country they think Napa Valley, California but right here in Minnesota we have our own version of wine country.