Ubah Ali Has Departed WCCO-TV

The Somali-American reporter concludes her three-year tenure with the Minneapolis television station.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Islam

Gouache-painted illustration of a broadcast microphone on a desk overlooking a stylized city skyline, symbolizing a career transition in journalism.
Ubah Ali has stepped down from her position at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis after a three-year tenure as a television reporter. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Ubah Ali announced her departure from WCCO-TV via social media on September 25, 2026. Ali made history as the first Somali-American television reporter in the Twin Cities.

Why it matters

Ali's departure marks a transition for a prominent voice in Minneapolis media who broke significant representational barriers. Her career trajectory from a local intern to a reporter has been a notable journey within the Twin Cities journalism community.

Ali served a total of three years at the station, including her recent role as a reporter. She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University, where she earned a degree in Mass Communications.

The players

Ubah Ali

She is the first Somali-American television reporter in the Twin Cities and a St. Cloud State University graduate.

WCCO-TV

This is a prominent television news station serving the Twin Cities area.

The details

Ali shared the news of her resignation through a social media post, ending her current stint that began when she joined the station as a reporter in 2023. Prior to her full-time role, she gained experience as an intern at WCCO-TV in 2017.

Timeline

  1. 2017: Ubah Ali completed an internship at WCCO-TV.

  2. 2023: Ubah Ali joined the staff at WCCO-TV as a reporter.

  3. September 25, 2026: Ubah Ali formally announced her resignation.

Culture Shift

Ali's tenure reflects the broader movement to improve cultural representation within regional media markets. This transition highlights the evolving landscape for diverse journalists who are increasingly becoming established figures in local newsrooms.

Viewers in the Twin Cities will see a change in the WCCO-TV reporting team as Ali moves on from her position. Local audiences who followed her reports will need to look to other correspondents for news updates moving forward.

The takeaway

Ali leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer for Somali-American representation in local news broadcasting. Her career path serves as a notable example of professional growth from local internships to full-time reporting roles.

Further reading

Learn more about the local community in Minneapolis Islam.

Source note: This article includes information reported by 1390 Granite City Sports.

Ubah Ali Has Departed WCCO-TV