4 Things To Know from WCCO

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?
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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Tuesday, March 3 — A federal judge in St. Paul says he’s not ruling out jail time for Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney over missing detainee property tied to Operation Metro Surge. We break down the tense courtroom exchange and what we’re learning about the 28 disputed cases.
At the Capitol, Senator Amy Klobuchar presses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during a heated hearing on immigration enforcement, including sharp questions about the killing of Alex Pretti and how many federal agents remain in Minnesota.
Plus, a massive $600 million proposal to renovate Grand Casino Arena heads to the legislature. We explain how the City of St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild plan to fund the overhaul, and why leaders say it’s critical to keeping downtown competitive.

And lawmakers debate the future of self-driving cars as Waymo tests vehicles in Minneapolis. Why some legislators say more than 100,000 Minnesota driving jobs could be impacted.
We’re also following a new child care oversight bill after the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust, an investigation into alleged misconduct by federal agents, new charges tied to threats against House Speaker Lisa Demuth, expanding speed cameras in Minneapolis, and the latest on the Wild, Wolves, Twins, and the start of the boys state hockey tournament.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, March 2 — The war launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran enters its third day as Donald Trump says he’s not ruling out sending American troops. We break down the latest headlines from the region, including rising casualties, Iran’s retaliation, and new details from the Pentagon. Plus, what it means for Minnesota and Wisconsin National Guard troops currently deployed in the Middle East.
Back in Minnesota, nearly 40 people are arrested after a peaceful anti-ICE march at the Whipple Federal Building turns violent. We explain why Mary Moriarty is launching a new public evidence portal to investigate alleged misconduct by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
We’re also following today’s sentencing in the killing of Minneapolis North High School quarterback Deshaun Hill, renewed scrutiny over fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid transportation program, and tense exchanges at the Capitol as lawmakers question state oversight.
Plus: a wrongful-death lawsuit against Menards is dismissed, the Salvation Army’s largest food drive of the year gets underway, ice shelter deadlines loom, Minnesota sports highlights, and new research showing even a short walk in nature can reset the brain.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Friday, Feb. 27 — Minnesota’s latest economic forecast shows a brighter short-term picture, with a $3.7 billion projected surplus for the next budget cycle. But state leaders warn that federal policy shifts and economic uncertainty could cloud the road ahead.

We’re also at the “Make Hunger History” summit in Brooklyn Center, where food banks and advocates say one in five Minnesota households is struggling to afford food, and why The Salvation Army is launching its largest food drive of the year.

Plus: a routine traffic stop near Albert Lea leads to the seizure of 50,000 fentanyl pills, measles cases in Minnesota double in just one week according to the Minnesota Department of Health, and an emotional update after two brothers were shot and killed in North Minneapolis, just hours after the suspect was released on bail.

And in today's Bright Spot: a surprising winter visit from a baby black bear in Hermantown.

Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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