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. 8H AGO

    Gov. Walz Defends His Campaign Exit, ICE Arrests Spark Protests

    Tuesday, January 6th — Federal immigration enforcement ramps up across the Twin Cities as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joins agents on arrests in St. Paul and Bloomington, sparking protests, emotional witness accounts, and questions about who is being targeted and why. We also look at a Minnesota hotel being removed from Hilton’s system after cancelling reservations for federal agents, Governor Tim Walz’s blunt response to criticism over ending his reelection campaign amid the state’s fraud crisis, and last-ditch contract talks as Anoka-Hennepin teachers prepare for a possible strike that could impact more than 40,000 students. Plus: Edina considers a local gun ordinance, major school closures and program cuts in Robbinsdale, the CDC’s controversial update to childhood vaccine recommendations, events marking five years since January 6th, and a bright spot as a Minneapolis woman is honored nationally for saving a toddler’s life.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

    14 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Walz Drops Out of the Governor’s Race, 2K ICE Agents Deployed to Minnesota

    Monday, January 5th — Breaking political news out of the State Capitol as Governor Tim Walz announces he is dropping out of the 2026 race for governor, saying Minnesota needs his full attention amid mounting scrutiny over fraud in state programs. We break down what led to the surprise decision, what comes next in the governor’s race, and which Democrats could step in.Plus, sources tell CBS News the Trump administration has ordered a major surge of federal agents to the Twin Cities, escalating an already intense immigration crackdown and sparking clashes with protesters. We also look at bipartisan backlash after President Trump amplifies a baseless conspiracy theory tied to the death of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman.And we have more Minnesota headlines you need to know, from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s inauguration to the final ride of the Northstar Line,along with sports and a bright spot spotlighting volunteers spreading warmth across the metro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min

  3. 4D AGO

    St. Paul Makes History with a New Mayor, Warning for Minnesota Borrowers During Fraud Crisis

    Friday, January 2nd — A historic day in St. Paul as Kaohly Her is sworn in as mayor, becoming the first woman and first Hmong American to lead the city. We break down her upset victory, early priorities, and what she’s signaling to residents and businesses as she takes office.We also have a major update in Minnesota’s fraud crisis, as the Trump administration moves to suspend nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers tied to suspected COVID-era loan fraud, and why the state’s childcare system is now under heightened federal scrutiny.Plus, teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District return to the bargaining table with a strike looming, Team USA looks to bounce back against Finland, and what you need to know if you still don’t have a Real ID.And in our bright spot, more than 1,200 dogs take center stage this weekend at the Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show in St. Paul.Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min

  4. 5D AGO

    “If We’re Not Open, Parents Can’t Work”: Day Cares Caught in Fraud Crisis, New Year, New Laws, New Flu Data in MN

    Thursday, January 1st — Minnesota’s fraud crisis takes a new turn as day care providers warn they could be forced to close if federal funding is frozen following unproven allegations made by a YouTube blogger. We break down the $185 million at stake, hear from the creator whose viral video sparked a “massive investigation,” and look ahead to upcoming congressional hearings in Washington.Also today: Minnesota’s new paid leave program is officially underway, with hundreds already applying, and several new state laws take effect—from changes to absentee ballot applications to clearer rules on work breaks. Plus, flu hospitalizations are surging across the state, snow emergencies are leading to hundreds of tows in the Twin Cities, and we explain how new federal changes could impact seniors’ budgets in 2026.We’ll also check sports, highlight a New Year’s health reset with Dry January, and end on a lighter note with the TSA’s cutest new canine calendar.Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Federal Fraud Probe Freezes Minnesota's Child Care Funds, Paid Leave Begins, New Year’s Eve Security

    Wednesday, December 31st — Minnesota is thrust into the national spotlight as federal officials freeze childcare funds amid new fraud allegations, prompting a sharp response from Governor Tim Walz. We have the latest on vandalism at a Minneapolis daycare, a major forfeiture order tied to the Feeding Our Future case, and Bloomington police searching for more potential victims in a child sex crimes investigation.We’re also tracking charges against a teen accused in two separate shootings, the start of Minnesota’s new paid family and medical leave program, and New Year’s Eve security preparations around the world. Plus, a positive update out of Stewartville, local ways to ring in 2026, World Junior Hockey action, and a Hall of Fame update for a former Vikings great. Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Icy Commutes, Busy Body Shops, Fraud Fallout

    Tuesday, December 30th — Icy roads are leading to more crashes across Minnesota, keeping auto body shops busy as winter weather creates dangerous driving conditions.Political fallout is also growing as Congressman Tom Emmer calls for deportations tied to fraud cases, even raising questions about U.S. citizenship, while GOP lawmakers urge Governor Tim Walz to resign ahead of the 2026 election. We break down what it could mean as Republicans line up to challenge the two-term governor.We also have new details in a Metro Transit bus shooting that injured three people, an emotional reelection announcement from Senator John Hoffman after a politically motivated attack on his family, and warnings of a possible teachers strike in Minneapolis.Plus, snowmobilers fall through the ice up north, charges are filed in the Christmas Day killing of a hospital security guard, Minnesota’s share of new rural health funding is revealed, and tips to keep pets safe in extreme cold, with a bright spot from New York City’s “Good Riddance Day” celebration.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

    12 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Winter Snow Emergencies and a Homeland Security Fraud Crackdown in Minnesota

    Monday, December 29th — A winter snowstorm causes widespread impacts across the metro, with snow emergencies declared in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several surrounding cities. We break down what you need to know about parking rules, road conditions, and improving, but still disrupted, air travel at MSP Airport as crews continue cleanup efforts.Plus, a major development in Minnesota’s ongoing fraud investigations. Federal authorities, including ICE and the FBI, are expected to inspect dozens of suspected fraud sites in Minneapolis as part of what officials are calling a sweeping crackdown tied to large-scale schemes exploiting federal programs, including the Feeding Our Future case.We also cover the deadly shooting of a teenager in Minneapolis and flags lowered statewide to honor a fallen firefighter. Plus, a critical house fire, a stabbing investigation on the North Shore, a massive product recall tied to contamination concerns, and a possible educators strike in Anoka-Hennepin.In sports, the Wild continue to benefit from Quinn Hughes’ impact, Team USA skates on at the World Juniors, Justin Jefferson makes NFL history, and the Timberwolves hit the road. And in today’s bright spot, goats in Elk River are happily munching donated Christmas trees to get through the winter.Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    World Juniors Begin in Minnesota, Kwanzaa Celebrations, Ice Castles Open Early

    Friday, December 26th — The world is watching Minnesota as the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship gets underway in the Twin Cities, with Team USA chasing a historic third straight gold medal on home ice.The day after Christmas also marks the start of Kwanzaa, with a multi-day Pan-African cultural celebration kicking off at Midtown Global Market. Plus, despite unseasonably warm weather, the Ice Castles open at the State Fairgrounds for their earliest season ever, though that same warmup is forcing the city of coon rapids to shut down some outdoor rinks for the next few days. We also break down what not to recycle after the holidays and get an update after a water main break along West River Parkway. In sports, the Gophers face New Mexico in the Rate Bowl, the Wolves fall in a wild overtime game in Denver, and the Wild prepare for Winnipeg. And in today’s bright spot, a $100,000 Powerball win lands in the Twin Cities.Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
19 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
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Portions Recorded.

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