4 Things To Know from WCCO

Thursday, February 26 — Vice President J.D. Vance is in Wisconsin as the Trump administration withholds more than $259 million in Medicaid funding from Minnesota, citing fraud concerns. Tim Walz fires back, calling the move political retaliation as he unveils a sweeping anti-fraud legislative package at the Capitol.

We also break down a federal lawsuit tied to a disruptive church protest in St. Paul, deadly new details from a crash in Mille Lacs County, and newly unsealed court documents revealing the scope of a massive federal takedown of a Minneapolis gang operating along Lake Street.

Plus: a plea deal in a St. Olaf College terror threat case, new arrests over threats of mass violence at the State Capitol, rental assistance relief following Operation Metro Surge, highlights from the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show, and a look at tonight’s biggest Minnesota sports matchups.

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

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Wednesday, February 25th — Federal prosecutors have announced charges against members and associates of what they call a violent Minneapolis street gang, following a joint investigation across the Twin Cities. The FBI says agents executed search and arrest warrants tied to a large-scale drug trafficking organization, but there is no known threat to public safety. We hear from U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

Meanwhile, leaders at Hennepin County Medical Center say the situation has never been more dire. After already cutting tens of millions from the budget, including beds and entire departments, they warn the hospital could run out of money by the end of the year without state support. County leaders are now pushing for a one-cent sales tax to keep the Level One trauma center afloat.

Plus, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar shouts during President Trump’s State of the Union and says she has no regrets, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivers an unofficial rebuttal in Washington, and Governor Tim Walz orders flags at half-staff to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson.

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

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Tuesday, February 24th — Two deadly shootings that are now believed to be connected are rocking the metro. Brooklyn Center police shot and killed an armed man suspected of killing two people earlier in the day at an IHOP. We have the latest from investigators, hear from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and from Katie Bryant, the mother of Daunte Wright, as the community once again grapples with police use of force.

Meanwhile, an eighth grader who survived the shooting at Annunciation Church and School is speaking out. Lydia Kaiser stood alongside Governor Tim Walz, urging lawmakers to pass stricter gun laws. The governor is calling for a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but with a divided legislature, bipartisan support will be key.

Plus, President Trump prepares to deliver the first State of the Union of his second term amid economic uncertainty, tariff turmoil, and political division. We break down what to expect, and how Minnesota Democrats are responding, from planned boycotts to bringing guests impacted by immigration enforcement and trade policy.

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

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Monday, February 23rd — Minnesota’s fraud crisis takes center stage as Director of Program Integrity Tim O’Malley unveils a sweeping 56-page “roadmap” aimed at fixing what he calls decades of ignored warnings and systemic failures. The plan calls for tougher oversight, unannounced site visits, retired investigators to recover stolen funds, and an independent monitor to ensure reforms actually stick. We break down what’s in the proposal, and what lawmakers are saying.

Meanwhile, police are searching for the gunman who opened fire inside Maplewood Mall, injuring a young man and sending shoppers scrambling for safety. Two arrests have been made on possible riot charges, but the suspected shooter remains at large.

Plus, thousands of Americans in Mexico, including Minnesotans, are sheltering in place after the death of a powerful cartel leader sparked deadly violence. Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are canceled, leaving travelers stranded and unsure when they’ll return home.

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

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Friday, February 20th — The man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, appears in federal court, as prosecutors weigh whether to pursue the death penalty. We break down what happened inside the courtroom and what comes next.

Meanwhile, protesters prepare to march in Minneapolis marking nearly one month since federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, as immigration enforcement operations continue to spark outrage.

Then, two Minnesota members of Congress tour the Whipple Federal Building following a judge’s order granting broader access to ICE detention areas, and Border Czar Tom Homan addresses the Minneapolis shootings on CNN.

Plus, Senator Tina Smith says she’ll skip President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union, healthcare workers rally outside M Health Fairview over Operation Metro Surge, and a wave of federal prosecutor departures leads to dismissed cases, including one involving a 12-time convicted felon.

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

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Thursday, February 19th — An emotional moment at Minneapolis City Hall as the family of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel receives a resolution honoring his life, nearly six months after the Annunciation school shooting that also claimed 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

The Minneapolis City Council then turns to debate over liquor licenses tied to Operation Metro Surge, while new polling shows political fallout from the federal immigration operation.
We’re also learning more about a dramatic 40-minute police chase in Wisconsin involving a stolen ambulance with a patient inside, and dangerous road conditions across Minnesota that led to dozens of crashes, spinouts, and a snow emergency in St. Paul.
Plus, another charge in the massive Feeding Our Future fraud case, the cancellation of the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby for the third straight year, Team USA hockey headlines, and a new egg on the DNR Eagle Cam.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, February 18th — Investigators are looking into allegations that ICE officers severely injured a Mexican man during an arrest, while lawmakers hear new testimony about the growing impact of Operation Metro Surge on schools, students, and funding.

We also remember the three Burnsville first responders killed two years ago and cover the latest push to protect the Boundary Waters from mining.

Plus, more from the Capitol, a Brooklyn Park shooting investigation, and community efforts to support families and businesses.

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

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Tuesday, February 17th — The Minnesota Legislature returns to the Capitol for the first time since last summer’s tragedy, honoring the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman as a closely divided House and Senate begin a session that will require bipartisan cooperation.

A new Ramsey County report finds a restorative justice approach is significantly reducing repeat youth crime.

Today is also the deadline for the federal government to turn over key evidence to Hennepin County prosecutors in the investigation into the shooting death of Renee Good, as tensions over federal cooperation continue.

And the Twins face a major blow with ace Pablo López likely out for the season after a torn UCL.
Plus, Maria talks with CBS News senior correspondent Norah O’Donnell about her new book We the Women and her upcoming Minneapolis stop.

We also cover a Team USA women’s hockey watch party, Blake girls hockey returning to state, and a Richfield dad’s backyard rink bringing a neighborhood together.

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

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Monday, February 16th — The BCA says the FBI is refusing to share evidence in the Alex Pretti investigation, raising concerns about cooperation in several high-profile cases.

Minnesota lawmakers push back against the federal immigration crackdown ahead of the legislative session, while the Capitol prepares to honor the late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.

We also cover two tragic ice-related deaths in Hennepin County, the ongoing impact of Operation Metro Surge on families and businesses, a restaurant shooting in Columbia Heights, and a strong showing for Team USA Women’s Hockey and Anthony Edwards.

Plus, the Shamrock Shake is back. Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, February 13 — Protesters and journalists arrested inside a church tied to a local ICE leader are in court today, and the controversial federal immigration surge that drew protests is now ending with mixed messages between state and federal leaders.

Dozens of restaurant workers and owners, backed by the Restaurant Opportunities Center, rallied outside Hospitality Minnesota’s downtown Minneapolis headquarters calling for workplace protections and a response to their "86 ICE" demands, including safety plans, barring ICE entry without warrants and welcoming back fearful staff just as Valentine’s weekend nears. They say they’ve sent nearly 2,000 letters with no reply.

Plus, more than 1,000 advocates push gun-violence prevention at the State Capitol, a federal judge dismisses charges in a high-profile ICE shooting case, Interstate 94 will close again, the Minnesota Golf Show returns, PJ Fleck’s contract gets a boost, and Delta announces new nonstop service from MSP to Maui.

Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know

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