4 Things To Know from WCCO

May 21 — Federal prosecutors announce sweeping new fraud charges tied to Minnesota’s ongoing Medicaid investigation, accusing 15 people of stealing nearly 90 million dollars from state programs meant to help vulnerable residents. The Department of Justice says the schemes targeted housing stabilization and autism services while fraudsters allegedly used taxpayer money to buy luxury homes, cars, and gifts.

Plus, Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock is sentenced to more than 41 years in prison in what prosecutors call the largest fraud scheme in Minnesota history. New daycare fraud charges are also filed against a Minneapolis business owner.

 Then, a federal agent accused of pointing a gun during a road rage incident on Highway 62 plans to turn himself in to authorities after a nationwide warrant was issued.

And Minnesota launches its traffic and boating safety campaign. The messages from law enforcement to keep you and your family safe on the roads and water.

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May 20 — Two women are in custody after Army veteran Amos Ferrier was killed during an attempted car theft. It happened outside the Minneapolis coffee shop where Ferrier worked helping fellow veterans transition back to civilian life. His coworkers say they are heartbroken by the loss but are choosing forgiveness as they seek justice.
Plus, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated Dr. Reginald Freeman to lead the city’s fire department after a five-month global search. Freeman says he and his family are ready to make Minneapolis home for the long term.
Then, Governor Tim Walz visits HCMC after lawmakers approved more than 200 million dollars in emergency funding for the hospital system as it faces a growing financial crisis.
And a “cyber incident” forces Delano schools to cancel classes while experts work to secure the district’s network.
Also: wildfire updates from northern Minnesota, concerns from families of children with disabilities after the legislative session ends, metro police departments testing drones for 911 calls, and why Minneapolis and St. Paul parks rank among the best in the nation.
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May 19 — A Minnesotan dedicated to helping veterans was killed in a robbery. The victim was Internship Director Amos Ferrier for the organization Every Third Saturday. Police haven't made any arrests. We hear from those Ferrier worked with.
Plus, Patriotic Kenny, whose real name was Kenneth Jary, has died. The Minnesota veteran and social media influencer announced in March that he had been having some health problems. Patriotic Kenny will be remembered for his positive attitude and his charitable giving to other veterans.
Then, could magic mushrooms get legalized at some point in Minnesota? It seems like the door is opening, we'll tell you what lawmakers are allowing.
And wildfires continue burning in northern Minnesota, but recent rain has helped contain them. We'll update you on the conditions up north.
And in today's Bright Spot: Maria talks with Survivor's Rick Devins. Did you see how he got voted off after pulling off some of the most legendary moves in Survivor history?
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Monday, May 18 — Minnesota lawmakers wrapped up a dramatic final night at the Capitol, reaching bipartisan agreements on hospital funding, anti-fraud measures, infrastructure spending, and property tax relief just before the midnight deadline.

A major announcement today in connection to a January ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty addresses newly filed charges tied to the case.

This week also marks five years since 6-year-old Aniya Allen was shot and killed by a stray bullet in North Minneapolis. Her family and community members are once again gathering to honor her memory and renew calls for justice. A reward of 180-thousand dollars remains in place for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Governor Tim Walz has declared a state of emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard as wildfires continue burning across northern Minnesota. Evacuations remain in place near the North Shore, Highway 61 is still closed in parts of Lake County, and authorities say a man has been arrested after a firefighting aircraft was struck by gunfire.

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Friday, May 15 — A sit-in at the Minnesota Capitol stretches into a second day after House lawmakers have not taken up a controversial gun reform bill. DFL legislators are sleeping in the chamber as the clock ticks down on the final weekend of the legislative session.

President Trump says China will buy “billions” in U.S. soybeans as part of a new trade agreement, and Minnesota farmers are reacting with cautious optimism after years of declining exports.

Law enforcement officers from across the state gather at the Capitol for a 24-hour tribute honoring Minnesota officers killed in the line of duty.

Plus, it’s win-or-go-home for the Timberwolves tonight at Target Center as they try to force a Game 7.

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Thursday, May 14 — Former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn pleads guilty in federal court and is taken into custody after prosecutors say he tried to solicit explicit images from someone he believed was a teenager.

Then, Minnesota lawmakers strike a major deal at the Capitol that could deliver emergency funding for HCMC, roll back car tab fees, and help lawmakers finish session on time.

Plus, tensions are rising over a stalled gun reform bill at the State Capitol, with some House Democrats threatening an overnight sit-in if the legislation doesn’t move forward.

And a routine traffic stop in Saint Paul takes a shocking turn when police say a child pulled a handgun from a Mickey Mouse diaper bag.
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Wednesday, May 13 — A teenager in Bemidji told police he shot his parents because they took his phone away. We hear from police and dig into the criminal complaint.

Then, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to sign a new gun reform ordinance today. We'll tell you what this means for the city moving forward.

Plus, the Minnesota Department of Health says one person may have been exposed to the Hantavirus in Minnesota.

And why was a century-old tree chopped down on a local golf course? Frankie McLister finds out in Cokato.

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May 12 — Nurses at Maple Grove Hospital have voted to authorize a possible unfair labor practice strike after more than a year of negotiations with North Memorial Health. Union leaders point to staffing shortages, high turnover, and stalled contract talks as key concerns, while hospital officials say they remain committed to reaching a long-term agreement. No strike date has been announced, but nurses could walk off the job with a 10-day notice.
Meanwhile, rural hospital leaders from across Minnesota are sounding the alarm at the State Capitol, warning lawmakers that financial strain is threatening access to critical healthcare services in small communities. Hospital executives are urging the House to pass legislation tied to a federal drug discount program they say helps fund emergency rooms, labor and delivery care, behavioral health services, and local pharmacies.
Fire officials in St. Paul are investigating an early morning house fire that injured one person and killed several pets. Investigators believe a lithium-ion battery may have sparked the blaze, as concerns continue growing over battery-related fire risks.
Plus, much of Minnesota is under a Red Flag Warning today as dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds create extreme fire danger across 35 counties. The DNR is urging residents not to burn outdoors as fires could spread rapidly.
And in sports, the Minnesota Frost face Montreal tonight with a trip to the Walter Cup Finals on the line, while the Timberwolves return to the court in a pivotal playoff matchup against San Antonio.
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May 11 — Minnesota lawmakers enter a critical final week at the Capitol as supporters push for new legislation aimed at limiting ICE activity in schools, hospitals, courts, and shelters. Advocates say the proposal would create stronger protections for immigrants and families following high-profile enforcement incidents earlier this year, while Republican leaders in the House remain opposed to new state-level ICE regulations.
Meanwhile, Minneapolis police are investigating after a Metro Transit bus crashed into a house early Monday morning following a collision with a speeding truck. Authorities say the truck driver died at the scene, while the bus driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators believe the truck may have run a stop sign before the crash.
Nearly 600 nurses at Maple Grove Hospital are voting on whether to authorize a strike after more than a year of contract negotiations with North Memorial Health. Union leaders say the vote is about making nurses’ voices heard, while hospital officials say they remain committed to reaching a long-term agreement.
And it’s another massive night for Minnesota hockey. The Wild face a pivotal playoff showdown against Colorado as they try to avoid falling into a bigger deficit, while the Minnesota Frost battle Montreal in a winner-take-all Game 5 with a trip to the championship on the line.
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May 8 — Minnesota’s fishing opener is here, with hundreds of thousands of anglers expected to hit the water this weekend as Stillwater hosts the Governor’s Fishing Opener on the St. Croix River. Governor Tim Walz calls it the unofficial start of summer, while local businesses prepare for a major tourism and economic boost tied to the state’s multi-billion-dollar fishing industry.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is moving closer to a new “HOA Bill of Rights.” The proposal would create new protections and transparency rules for homeowners' associations as lawmakers respond to growing frustrations from residents dealing with fees, assessments, and disputes.
Minneapolis Public Schools says a special education audit uncovered more than 10 million dollars in additional funding for this year and next, helping the district restore positions and reduce uncertainty for families, even as leaders warn major budget challenges remain.
And it’s a huge sports weekend across Minnesota. The Timberwolves return home for a pivotal playoff matchup at Target Center, while the Minnesota Frost face elimination in St. Paul as their Walter Cup defense hangs in the balance. Plus, the Wild face a must-win game 3, or the team will be on the brink of elimination.
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