Friday, January 2nd — A historic day in St. Paul as Kaohly Her is sworn in as mayor, becoming the first woman and first Hmong American to lead the city. We break down her upset victory, early priorities, and what she’s signaling to residents and businesses as she takes office.
We also have a major update in Minnesota’s fraud crisis, as the Trump administration moves to suspend nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers tied to suspected COVID-era loan fraud, and why the state’s childcare system is now under heightened federal scrutiny.
Plus, teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District return to the bargaining table with a strike looming, Team USA looks to bounce back against Finland, and what you need to know if you still don’t have a Real ID.
And in our bright spot, more than 1,200 dogs take center stage this weekend at the Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show in St. Paul.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, January 1st — Minnesota’s fraud crisis takes a new turn as day care providers warn they could be forced to close if federal funding is frozen following unproven allegations made by a YouTube blogger. We break down the $185 million at stake, hear from the creator whose viral video sparked a “massive investigation,” and look ahead to upcoming congressional hearings in Washington.
Also today: Minnesota’s new paid leave program is officially underway, with hundreds already applying, and several new state laws take effect—from changes to absentee ballot applications to clearer rules on work breaks. Plus, flu hospitalizations are surging across the state, snow emergencies are leading to hundreds of tows in the Twin Cities, and we explain how new federal changes could impact seniors’ budgets in 2026.
We’ll also check sports, highlight a New Year’s health reset with Dry January, and end on a lighter note with the TSA’s cutest new canine calendar.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, December 31st — Minnesota is thrust into the national spotlight as federal officials freeze childcare funds amid new fraud allegations, prompting a sharp response from Governor Tim Walz. We have the latest on vandalism at a Minneapolis daycare, a major forfeiture order tied to the Feeding Our Future case, and Bloomington police searching for more potential victims in a child sex crimes investigation.
We’re also tracking charges against a teen accused in two separate shootings, the start of Minnesota’s new paid family and medical leave program, and New Year’s Eve security preparations around the world. Plus, a positive update out of Stewartville, local ways to ring in 2026, World Junior Hockey action, and a Hall of Fame update for a former Vikings great. Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Tuesday, December 30th — Icy roads are leading to more crashes across Minnesota, keeping auto body shops busy as winter weather creates dangerous driving conditions.
Political fallout is also growing as Congressman Tom Emmer calls for deportations tied to fraud cases, even raising questions about U.S. citizenship, while GOP lawmakers urge Governor Tim Walz to resign ahead of the 2026 election. We break down what it could mean as Republicans line up to challenge the two-term governor.
We also have new details in a Metro Transit bus shooting that injured three people, an emotional reelection announcement from Senator John Hoffman after a politically motivated attack on his family, and warnings of a possible teachers strike in Minneapolis.
Plus, snowmobilers fall through the ice up north, charges are filed in the Christmas Day killing of a hospital security guard, Minnesota’s share of new rural health funding is revealed, and tips to keep pets safe in extreme cold, with a bright spot from New York City’s “Good Riddance Day” celebration.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, December 29th — A winter snowstorm causes widespread impacts across the metro, with snow emergencies declared in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several surrounding cities. We break down what you need to know about parking rules, road conditions, and improving, but still disrupted, air travel at MSP Airport as crews continue cleanup efforts.
Plus, a major development in Minnesota’s ongoing fraud investigations. Federal authorities, including ICE and the FBI, are expected to inspect dozens of suspected fraud sites in Minneapolis as part of what officials are calling a sweeping crackdown tied to large-scale schemes exploiting federal programs, including the Feeding Our Future case.
We also cover the deadly shooting of a teenager in Minneapolis and flags lowered statewide to honor a fallen firefighter. Plus, a critical house fire, a stabbing investigation on the North Shore, a massive product recall tied to contamination concerns, and a possible educators strike in Anoka-Hennepin.
In sports, the Wild continue to benefit from Quinn Hughes’ impact, Team USA skates on at the World Juniors, Justin Jefferson makes NFL history, and the Timberwolves hit the road. And in today’s bright spot, goats in Elk River are happily munching donated Christmas trees to get through the winter.
Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Friday, December 26th — The world is watching Minnesota as the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship gets underway in the Twin Cities, with Team USA chasing a historic third straight gold medal on home ice.
The day after Christmas also marks the start of Kwanzaa, with a multi-day Pan-African cultural celebration kicking off at Midtown Global Market. Plus, despite unseasonably warm weather, the Ice Castles open at the State Fairgrounds for their earliest season ever, though that same warmup is forcing the city of coon rapids to shut down some outdoor rinks for the next few days.
We also break down what not to recycle after the holidays and get an update after a water main break along West River Parkway. In sports, the Gophers face New Mexico in the Rate Bowl, the Wolves fall in a wild overtime game in Denver, and the Wild prepare for Winnipeg. And in today’s bright spot, a $100,000 Powerball win lands in the Twin Cities.
Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, December 25th — Immigration fears are casting a shadow over Christmas celebrations for many Hispanic families in the Twin Cities. We hear from a Lake Street bakery owner who says ICE operations have driven customers away, and we break down new reporting that a large ICE detention facility could be planned for Woodbury, even as city officials say they’ve heard nothing about it.
Police are searching for answers after a man is stabbed and critically injured before boarding a Minneapolis bus early Christmas morning. Plus, the season of giving continues as local restaurants and volunteers serve hundreds of meals to first responders during the 42nd annual Christmas Eve dinner.
It’s a Christmas Day matchup for the Vikings and Lions, with playoff implications and a depleted Vikings lineup heading into kickoff. We also have the latest on legal pressure surrounding newly uncovered Jeffrey Epstein case files, a $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot winner, Minnesota sports headlines, and a bright spot highlighting support for local veterans through MAC-V. Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, December 24th — Police arrest a 17-year-old suspect in last week’s shooting on a Minneapolis bus that left three people injured. We have the latest on the investigation and what police are saying as the victims recover.
 It’s Christmas Eve, and we break down what stores are still open for last-minute gifts and groceries, plus tips for navigating the holiday rush. We also hear from psychologists on how to manage holiday stress and set healthy boundaries during what can be an overwhelming time of year.
Plus: teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District prepare for contract mediation with a possible strike looming, criticism grows over the DOJ’s release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, an arrest in the Maple Grove Benihana shooting, Hopkins’ Christmas Eve Luminaries light up the night, a $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot, Minnesota sports headlines, and a bright spot as Lindsey Vonn qualifies for her final Olympic Games.
Join Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Tuesday, December 23rd — Minnesota leaders warn of increased immigration enforcement over the holidays, as Governor Tim Walz and Twin Cities mayors say ICE tactics are creating fear, disrupting worship, and hurting Somali and Latino owned businesses. We break down what leaders are expecting to see in the coming days and why they say the raids are putting public safety at risk.
We also have major developments in two high-profile murder cases: a guilty verdict in the deadly shooting at a Minneapolis homeless encampment, and life-without-parole sentences upheld in the murder of metro real estate agent Monique Baugh. Plus, educators in the state’s largest school district file intent to strike, citing rising health insurance costs and non-competitive pay as negotiations stall.
Plus: newly released DOJ documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, holiday travel tips from MSP as millions hit the roads and skies, falling gas prices across Minnesota, a $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot, Twin Cities sports tonight, and a bright spot exploring why we wrap gifts and how the tradition became a $16 billion industry.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, December 22nd — Teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District move closer to a possible strike, as thousands of educators overwhelmingly vote to authorize one over concerns about health insurance costs and pay, and school leaders prepare for a special board meeting tonight. We also look at two separate crashes involving Minnesota State Patrol squad cars over the weekend, prompting renewed warnings about impaired driving and increased enforcement through the end of the year.
A candlelight vigil outside the Hennepin County Courthouse shines a light on immigration enforcement concerns and civil rights, as protesters hold a 24-hour event on the winter solstice to show solidarity with immigrant families. Plus: new developments in Minnesota’s ongoing fight against fraud, multiple shooting investigations across the metro, holiday travel surging at MSP Airport, a $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot, updates from Minnesota sports, and a sweet Bright Spot for National Cookie Exchange Day.
Join Amelia Santaniello for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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