Thursday, March 19 — A 5-year-old boy whose arrest sparked national outrage is now facing deportation. A judge has denied asylum for Liam Ramos and his father, months after that viral image of him in a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack drew global attention. The family is appealing, as their attorney argues the emotional toll has been severe.
A Minnesota family prepares to say goodbye to one of the first Americans killed in Operation Epic Fury. Master Sergeant Nicole Amor was among those killed in a drone attack overseas, and loved ones are now honoring her life and service.
At the State Capitol, lawmakers are pushing for tougher penalties on people impersonating police officers. The proposal follows last summer’s deadly shooting involving a man posing as law enforcement and could soon move through committee.
And March Madness tips off, with fans across the country filling out brackets and watching the first-round games. We check in at a bar in Minneapolis' North Loop where fans are catching the action.
Plus, a deadly shooting in St. Paul, concerns over fast-tracked asylum cases for Somali immigrants, a scam alert targeting drivers, and a major pay raise for WNBA players.
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Wednesday, March 18 — A quiet North Metro community is reeling after a woman and young boy were shot and killed inside a Lexington home early this morning. Police say a massive, multi-agency manhunt led to the suspect’s arrest, as neighbors struggle to process the violence in their tight-knit town.

For the second straight day, school threats are disrupting districts across the metro. South St. Paul Public Schools shifted to e-learning after what police call a credible threat, leading to the arrest of a 29-year-old man. This follows similar closures Tuesday tied to threats investigators now say were not credible.

At the Capitol, lawmakers are digging into a growing financial crisis at Hennepin Healthcare. Officials warn of tens of millions in projected losses this year, and long-term deficits driven by insurance changes. Now urgent questions are being raised about how to sustain one of the state’s top trauma centers.

And a federal judge is allowing Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants to continue in the short term. But attorneys warn of a troubling surge in fast-tracked asylum cases they say could jeopardize due process.

Also, a lighthearted moment as Anthony Edwards hits the basketball court with former President Barack Obama.

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Tuesday, March 17 — Schools across the south metro are closed after multiple threatening voicemails overnight forced leaders in Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan’s District 196 to cancel classes out of an abundance of caution. Police are now working to trace the source of the threats, calling the investigation ongoing as more than 30 school buildings remain shut down for the day.

A new state audit is raising concerns about fraud oversight in a program designed to help children with autism. Investigators say some complaints, including allegations of kickbacks, were closed without review, and are now urging Minnesota to update its definition of fraud as lawmakers push a broader package aimed at accountability and prevention.

At the Capitol, a new proposal could limit how license plate data is used by law enforcement and private companies, as privacy concerns grow over tracking technology. Supporters say stronger protections are needed, while others argue the tools are critical for public safety.

And funeral arrangements are now set for a Minnesota soldier killed in a drone attack overseas, as family, friends, and the community prepare to honor her life later this week.

Plus, a bill targeting so-called “ghost guns” is advancing, TSA workers face staffing shortages amid a government shutdown, and a group of Minnesota students stranded in California is asking for help getting home.
Also, volunteers step up to help neighbors dig out after the weekend snowstorm, and Metro Transit is offering free rides to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely.

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Monday, March 16 — Southern Minnesota is digging out after a powerful late-season snowstorm that shut down part of Interstate 35 for more than 20 hours near Albert Lea. State Patrol officials say troopers responded to 464 crashes statewide over the weekend, including 40 that caused injuries. More than 650 vehicles spun off the road and nearly 20 semis jackknifed as blowing and drifting snow made travel dangerous.
Cleanup is still underway across the Twin Cities, where both Minneapolis and St. Paul remain in snow emergencies. Dozens of plows are working to clear residential streets, but many drivers woke up to find their cars missing after violating emergency parking rules. As of Monday morning, hundreds of vehicles had already been towed between the two cities, with impound fees topping $200.
Meanwhile at MSP Airport, operations are slowly returning to normal after the storm caused hundreds of flight cancellations, stranding travelers during the busy spring break travel period. Airport officials say more than 3.3 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport between now and early April.
Plus, dozens of rescued dogs from an out-of-state puppy mill are now safe in the Twin Cities and beginning their recovery at the Animal Humane Society.
And Next Weather Meteorologist Lisa Meadows joins us to break down the storm and what comes next in the forecast.
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Friday, March 13 — Powerful winds knocked out power for more than 20,000 Xcel Energy customers across the Twin Cities overnight, and another round of winter weather is already on the way. Meteorologists say a new snowstorm is expected this weekend, and state leaders are preparing for possible impacts across Minnesota.

At the State Capitol, lawmakers heard emotional testimony during a hearing on several gun safety proposals, including a potential assault weapons ban and the creation of an office of gun violence prevention. One father spoke about losing his daughter in the Annunciation school shooting, urging lawmakers to act.

Meanwhile, a vigil in Minneapolis will honor the 180 people killed on the first day of the war with Iran, many of them children after an elementary school bombing. The conflict is also pushing gas prices higher here at home, with Minnesota prices rising 18 cents in the past week.

Despite the threat of snow, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are gearing up across the Twin Cities. Officials say extra staff will be on hand to help keep large crowds safe during parades and events this weekend.

And in our Bright Spot: why a Minnesota ER doctor is helping bring realism to the hit HBO Max medical drama “The Pitt.”

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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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