4 Things To Know from WCCO

WCCO
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  • UPDATED DAILY

Get your Minnesota news from WCCO all in one place with new episodes weekdays at 3 pm CST. Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner cover the biggest stories, weather, sports, plus a bright spot to keep you connected to your community. Start your commute with 4 Things to Know: A Daily News Podcast from WCCO. Follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts. For more news coverage, check out WCCO.com.

  1. 2D AGO

    Winter Snowstorm Ahead as Minnesota Prepares, Father of Annunciation Shooting Victim Testifies in Emotional Gun Violence Hearing

    Friday, March 13 — Powerful winds knocked out power for more than 20,000 Xcel Energy customers across the Twin Cities overnight, and another round of winter weather is already on the way. Meteorologists say a new snowstorm is expected this weekend, and state leaders are preparing for possible impacts across Minnesota. At the State Capitol, lawmakers heard emotional testimony during a hearing on several gun safety proposals, including a potential assault weapons ban and the creation of an office of gun violence prevention. One father spoke about losing his daughter in the Annunciation school shooting, urging lawmakers to act. Meanwhile, a vigil in Minneapolis will honor the 180 people killed on the first day of the war with Iran, many of them children after an elementary school bombing. The conflict is also pushing gas prices higher here at home, with Minnesota prices rising 18 cents in the past week. Despite the threat of snow, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are gearing up across the Twin Cities. Officials say extra staff will be on hand to help keep large crowds safe during parades and events this weekend. And in our Bright Spot: why a Minnesota ER doctor is helping bring realism to the hit HBO Max medical drama “The Pitt.” Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Minnesota Sues Feds Over Medicaid Funds, Equal Rights Amendment Rally at Capitol

    Thursday, March 12 — A federal judge heard arguments today in Minnesota’s lawsuit against the federal government over $243 million in withheld Medicaid payments. State leaders say they’ve already taken corrective action after acknowledging fraud in the program but claim federal officials haven’t made clear what additional steps are needed to restore the funding. The judge says a decision will come as soon as possible.At the State Capitol, supporters of a proposed Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment rallied in the rotunda, urging lawmakers to advance the measure that would add protections against discrimination to the state constitution. The proposal would also protect decisions about pregnancy, including abortion rights. It cleared a Senate committee last month, but Republicans have raised concerns about the language as it heads toward the next step in the legislative process.A Hastings woman is pushing for new safety rules after an electric bike crash left her with lasting injuries. She’s now working with lawmakers on a proposal that would ban electric bikes from Minnesota sidewalks.Plus, the Minnesota BCA is investigating after Rochester police shot and killed a man during a mental health crisis call.And in sports, Kyler Murray is visiting the Vikings today. Is he the team's next quarterback?Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    14 min

  3. 4D AGO

    Minnesota's Legal Settlement with Lyft, Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan

    Wednesday, March 11 — Minnesota officials have reached a legal settlement with Lyft after the rideshare company repeatedly denied rides to a blind college student traveling with her service dog. The state says the cancellations violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The agreement includes a monetary settlement and new in-app warnings for drivers about service animal protections. At the State Capitol, leaders shared an update on Minnesota’s Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan. Officials say the state continues to lose about 100 veterans to suicide each year, and a new statewide strategy aims to strengthen prevention, crisis response, and support services for veterans and their families over the next four years. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a city council ordinance that would have doubled the eviction notice period for renters from 30 to 60 days following Operation Metro Surge. Instead, the mayor announced a new $1 million investment in emergency rental assistance to help residents avoid eviction. Plus, TSA workers are once again feeling the brunt of the government shutdown. We chat with them at MSP International Airport.Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Walz Proposes Changes to Human Services System to Combat Fraud, Albert Lea Officers Honored for Saving Kidnapped Girl

    Tuesday, March 10 — Governor Tim Walz is proposing a major overhaul of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services as the state faces a federal deadline to address fraud in public programs. The plan would shift eligibility decisions from counties to the state and eliminate managed care organizations as leaders try to strengthen oversight and protect Medicaid funding. At the State Capitol, lawmakers and community members are holding a “People’s Hearing on Immigration Enforcement” following Operation Metro Surge. Testimony is expected from residents, advocates, and attorneys documenting the impact of recent immigration enforcement actions across Minnesota communities. Two southern Minnesota police officers are being recognized for rescuing a kidnapped 7-year-old earlier this year after spotting the suspect’s vehicle more than 100 miles away. Their actions helped safely recover the child just hours after an Amber Alert was issued. Plus, a job fair in St. Paul is helping people with criminal records connect with employers offering second-chance opportunities and career support. Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Minnesota Fraud Report, AI Regulation Push, Fallen Soldier Returns Home

    Monday, March 9 — Minnesota's long running fraud problem is back in the spotlight at the State Capitol. The governor's new Director of Program Integrity testified before lawmakers about a report tracing the issue back decades and outlining a plan to stop fraud before it happens. Lawmakers are also considering new proposals to regulate artificial intelligence. Senator Erin Maye Quade introduced several bills aimed at protecting kids, consumers, and patients, including restrictions on chatbots for minors and a bad on AI-driven price manipulation. Meanwhile, Minnesota is honoring Master Sergeant Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, who returned to the U.S. after being killed in a drone strike in Kuwait. Flags remain at half-staff as her community remembers her service. Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min

  6. MAR 6

    Local Reaction to Noem Ouster, Iran War Update, St. Paul Potholes, and Daylight Saving Time

    Friday, March 6 - WCCO's Beret Leone fills in for Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner today as they enjoy a much needed break. Minnesota may have had a role to play in the major shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security. Kristi Noem is out, and Senator Amy Klobuchar says questions raised during a recent Senate hearing helped bring big problems to light. The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran enters its seventh day, and President Trump says there will be no deal with Iran "except unconditional surrender". The husband of Nicole Amor, who was killed in Kuwait, has started a GoFundMe to raise money for a memorial green house in honor of his wife and her love of gardening. St. Paul city leaders say they've got a plan to tackle the pothole problem. The city has experienced a high number of potholes due to the rampant freeze-thaw cycle this winter, and now leaders are planning to reopen the city's asphalt plant. The clocks spring forward this Sunday as Daylight Saving time begins. The shift will move an hour of daylight from the morning to evening, giving us more light on our commute home but darker mornings. Join Beret Leone in today's episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    6 min

  7. MAR 5

    One Dead in St. Paul Squad Car Crash, Six Flags Sells Valleyfair, Lawmakers Push for Infertility Coverage, and More

    Thursday, March 5 - WCCO's Beret Leone fills in for Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner today as they enjoy a much needed break. One man is dead and four others, including a child, are hurt, after a crash that involved a sheriff's deputy. New details from the Ramsey County Sheriffs department says a deputy was responding to assist State Patrol in a stolen car chase. The deputy's squad crashed into an S-U-V unrelated to the chase. Valleyfair owner Six Flags Entertainment announced that it will sell seven of its parks, including Valleyfair, to Kansas City-based EPR Properties. The parks reportedly will continue to run their regular schedule and season passes will be honored through the end of this year. Capitol lawmakers are pushing for insurance coverage for infertility treatments. The Senate Commerce committee held a hearing on the bipartisan measure that would require health plans to cover infertility treatments and standard fertility preservation services. With one in six families struggling with their fertility, the bill could potentially help thousands of people. The Capitol had several other important agenda items today, including a bill to make guns illegal at the state capitol, even if you have a permit, as well as a bill to prevent private equity entities from buying homes. And in today's bright spot, it's the 9th annual Puppy Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Animal Humane Society. Dog eligible for adoption or foster are getting lots of attention as they explore the capitol grounds. The nonprofit also took the opportunity to outline their 2026 legislative priorities, including the Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill and a bill to establish an Office of Animal Protection. Join Beret Leone for today's episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    6 min

  8. MAR 4

    Minnesota Soldier Killed in Kuwait, Deadly St. Paul Squad Crash, Walz, Ellison Face Heated Fraud Hearing

    Wednesday, March 4 — A Minnesota family is mourning the loss of Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, killed in a drone attack in Kuwait just days before she was set to return home. We look back at her two decades of service in the Army Reserve and what we’re learning about the six soldiers killed.In St. Paul, one person is dead and another seriously hurt after a crash involving a Ramsey County Sheriff’s squad car responding to a stolen vehicle call. What investigators say happened at 12th and Robert Streets.At a contentious hearing in Washington, Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison face tough questions from lawmakers over what they knew about alleged fraud in Minnesota, and when.Plus, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is pressed again about her comments following the January shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.We’re also tracking the cost of Operation Metro Surge on Minneapolis police, a University of Minnesota Law School delegation presenting before the United Nations Human Rights Council, a major workforce summit, Google’s plans for a new data center near Duluth, Target’s $2 billion store overhaul, the first tee time of the Twin Cities golf season, a record-setting night for Kirill Kaprizov and the Wild, a big win for the Wolves, and why the world’s best cheeses are on display in Wisconsin.Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Get your Minnesota news from WCCO all in one place with new episodes weekdays at 3 pm CST. Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner cover the biggest stories, weather, sports, plus a bright spot to keep you connected to your community. Start your commute with 4 Things to Know: A Daily News Podcast from WCCO. Follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts. For more news coverage, check out WCCO.com.

Information

  • Creator
    WCCO
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Portions Recorded.

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