4 Things To Know from WCCO

WCCO
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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. 18h ago

    BWCA Wildfire Update | Craig Disputes Hoffman Claim | Group Home Murder | Fifty Thousand Dollar Pokémon Theft | July 27

    Monday, July 27 — Beret Leone is in for Maria and Johnny today as they enjoy a well-deserved break. Officials say 53% of the wildfires are contained, and some evacuation orders are lifting with parts of the BWCA Wilderness reopening. The Eastern parts of the BWCA have reopened for day trips, while the western parts remain closed. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was in Ely this morning to give an update alongside public safety, federal, and local leaders. Angie Craig is now disputing a claim made by Senator John Hoffman. At a rally for senate rival Peggy Flanagan, Hoffman claimed that an individual approached him on behalf of Craig to ask for his endorsement in the tense senate primary while he was still in the ICU after having been shot by a political assassin. In response, Craig released a text message from June saying she was praying for Hoffman, as well as a statement disputing his claim. A family is in mourning and demanding answers after a man was stabbed and killed by a client while working alone with residents at an adult foster home in Cold Spring, Minnesota, in late June. WCCO spoke with his brother, who used to work there himself, who says employees have brought up unsafe staffing levels in the past. Employees at a Forest Lake game shop say thieves broke in and stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon cards overnight Saturday. Owners say it's the second major theft to target the business in recent years. And for your bright spot, we're exactly one month away from the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and the question is: Do you have a talent you want to show off? Auditions for the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest begin today and will run through Sunday at the Luther Auto Bandshell. 30 preteen, 42 teen, and 48 open division acts will advance to the semifinals during the State Fair. To participate, you'll need to register online. Join Beret Leone for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 3d ago

    Rochester Playground Racial Slurs Case Ends in Guilty Verdict | Shakopee Moves to Shut Down Troubled Hotel | Boundary Waters Partially Reopening | Scottie Scheffler Draws Crowds at 3M Open | July 24

    Friday, July 24 — A woman has been found guilty of disorderly conduct for directing racist slurs at an 8-year-old autistic Somali boy during a confrontation at a Rochester playground that was captured on video and sparked national attention. She was sentenced to probation, 200 hours of community service, and will avoid jail if she meets the terms of her sentence. The City of Shakopee has voted to revoke the license of a Baymont hotel after years of police calls, drug overdoses, and public safety concerns. The hotel owner plans to appeal the decision. Some Boundary Waters entry points will reopen for day trips on Monday as wildfire conditions improve in parts of the wilderness, though most of the area remains closed and overnight permits continue to be canceled while crews battle several uncontained fires. Thousands of golf fans packed TPC Twin Cities as the 3M Open got underway, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler making his tournament debut and drawing some of the largest crowds of the event. Join Maria Lisignoli for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 4d ago

    Vance Boelter Sentenced to Life in Prison | 4 Arrested in Farmington Hit-and-Run | Brooklyn Park Sexual Assault Arrest | Hospital Fined for Infectious Waste | July 23

    Thursday, July 23 — Vance Boelter was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years in federal prison for the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter. Emotional victim impact statements from the Hortman and Hoffman families underscored the lasting impact of the attacks. Four people have been arrested in connection with the deadly Farmington hit-and-run that killed 13-year-old Sasha Balandin. Police say they have recovered the vehicle involved, and prosecutors are now reviewing the case to determine formal criminal charges. A Brooklyn Park man is in custody after police say he broke into two homes and sexually assaulted two women at gunpoint just days after being released from prison. Investigators say 25-year-old Darius Olson-Baker was arrested following a SWAT operation and remains jailed as charges are expected. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined Lakeview Hospital nearly $16,000 after investigators found infectious medical waste improperly disposed of in regular trash. Workers at a Newport waste facility say they've discovered blood-filled tubes, body parts, and other hazardous materials more than 300 times in the past three years. Join Maria Lisignoli for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 5d ago

    St. Paul Triple Homicide Suspect Appears in Court | Minneapolis Residents Demand Action on Gun Violence | Asylum-Seeking Family Leaves Minnesota | Vance Boelter Sentencing Nears | July 22

    Wednesday, July 22 — The man accused of killing three employees at St. Paul’s Davern Park Apartments made his first court appearance today and remains jailed on $10 million bail. Prosecutors say the shootings stemmed from a dispute over a $65 monthly parking lease, while neighbors continue gathering to honor the victims. Minneapolis residents demanded answers from city leaders during a community meeting following a string of shootings in the Stevens Square neighborhood. The violence comes after four separate shootings between Sunday and Monday, including one that left a man dead and four others injured. A Columbia Heights family seeking asylum has voluntarily returned to Ecuador after spending three years living and working in Minnesota. The family says the difficult decision was made in hopes of preserving their chance to legally return to the United States in the future. Federal prosecutors are asking for multiple life sentences for Vance Boelter ahead of his sentencing Thursday for the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his family. Defense attorneys say Boelter has accepted responsibility and is prepared to face the consequences. Join Maria Lisignoli for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 6d ago

    Triple Homicide Shakes St. Paul | Minneapolis Hit by More Gun Violence | Wabasha Firefighters Remembered | Lead Exposure Lawsuits Filed | July 21

    Tuesday, July 21 — A St. Paul man is in custody after three employees were shot and killed inside a Highland Park apartment leasing office, a tragedy that has left neighbors shaken and the community mourning. Police say the suspect was arrested in northern Minnesota less than 24 hours after the shootings. Minneapolis is also grappling with another wave of gun violence after two more shootings Monday night, following two mass shootings over the weekend that left one person dead and 13 others injured. Police are still searching for suspects. Funeral services were held today for two Wabasha firefighters killed in a deadly boating crash on Lake Pepin. Manuel De Angel-Sola and Nicholas Loechler were remembered for their service and dedication to the community as investigators continue searching for answers about what caused the collision with a barge. A WCCO investigation is uncovering new legal trouble for Gopher Resource. Five lawsuits filed on behalf of children of current and former employees allege lead contamination was brought home from the Eagan battery recycling plant, exposing families to harmful levels of lead. Join Maria Lisignoli for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 20

    Minneapolis Mass Shootings Leave 1 Dead | St. Louis Park Apartment Fire Destroys 90 Units | Boundary Waters Wildfires Grow | ICE Shooting Investigations Advance | July 20

    Monday, July 20 — Minneapolis police are investigating two separate mass shootings that left 14 people shot and one person dead within 24 hours. Community leaders are calling for action as investigators work to determine who was responsible for the violence. Dozens of residents are displaced after a massive fire tore through the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park, destroying about 90 units. As families begin the recovery process, neighbors, schools, and relief organizations are stepping up to provide shelter and support. Wildfire danger remains high across northern Minnesota, where multiple active fires continue burning in and around the Boundary Waters. New burn restrictions are now in effect as firefighters battle dry conditions and work to contain the growing blazes. And the investigations into the ICE killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, along with the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, have reached a critical stage. For the first time, Hennepin County prosecutors have gained access to evidence collected by federal investigators, a development that could have implications far beyond Minnesota. Join Maria Lisignoli for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jul 17

    National Guard Fights Wildfires | Lyndale Redesign | Cyclospora Source | Yacht Club Music Festival | July 17

    Friday, July 17 — Heather Brown is here filling in for Maria and Johnny with the 4 things you need to know today. Wildfires are still raging in the northlands, and the Minnesota National Guard is helping fight them. Hear from some of the servicemembers as they talk about their duty to protect our neighbors up north. Minneapolis' next major redevelopment got the green light by City Council on Thursday. The redesign of the century-old Lyndale Avenue South will include separated sidewalks and bikeways, along with traffic-calming measures that supporters say will keep people safe. Critics expressed worry about the impact the plan and reconstruction will have on local businesses, pointing to the reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue as a warning. Federal regulators are investigating one specific company they say may be linked to lettuce contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite. The parasite has caused thousands of people to get sick. The company supplies lettuce to Taco Bell locations across five states where people have gotten sick with cyclosporiasis. Lastly, thousands will head to Harriet Island for the Minnesota Yacht Club Music Festival this weekend. Performers will have 45 minutes to an hour long set, except for the headliners, who get a full 90 minutes. Big names this year include The Lumineers, Mount Joy, Matchbox Twenty, and The Strokes. Join Heather Brown for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jul 16

    Worst Air Quality Ever | Police Seek Hit-and-Run Help | Todd Blanche Confirmation Hearing | St. Paul Street Renaming | July 16

    Thursday, July 16 — Heather Brown is here filling in for Maria and Johnny with the 4 things you need to know today. Wildfire smoke has led to the worst air quality ever recorded in the Twin Cities. The smoke has been hanging heavy over the metro since Wednesday, and is expected to clear out over the next few days. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advises everyone to avoid outdoor activity as much as possible, as the quality is deemed hazardous for anyone. Investigators in the south metro are asking for your help to find a hit-and-run driver who killed a 13-year-old boy. Farmington Police say they're looking for a black 2008-2011 Ford Focus with front end and passenger side damage. Acting Attorney General, and former personal lawyer to President Trump, is back on Capitol Hill today after facing hours of questions during his confirmation hearing yesterday. He was questioned on the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee that, quote, "mistakes were made..." around the release of the files, and apologized to survivors whose personal information was not redacted. And citizens of St. Paul can start weighing in on the renaming of Cesar Chavez Street, after allegations of sexual assault have clouded the famous labor leader legacy and prompted renaming efforts across the country. Join Heather Brown for this episode of 4 Things to Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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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
    312
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Portions Recorded.
  • Show Website
    4 Things To Know from WCCO

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