4 Things To Know from WCCO

Friday, December 19th — Explosive new indictments shine a harsh spotlight on Minnesota’s fraud crisis, as federal prosecutors reveal eye-popping numbers tied to social services programs and warn that as much as half or more of $18 billion billed since 2018 may have been stolen. We break down the latest charges, new federal raids, and how investigators describe so-called “fraud tourists” targeting Minnesota.
We also remember a retired Twin Cities police officer killed while stopping to help a stranded driver on an icy road, as holiday travel officially lifts off at MSP with nearly 1.8 million travelers expected in the coming weeks. And a powerful night of healing at the Annunciation Catholic School Christmas concert, where students used music to honor two classmates they lost this year, Harper and Fletcher.
Plus: new charges after school threat investigations in Dakota County, an update on respiratory illness outbreaks, a Minneapolis homeless memorial amid a mayoral veto, national crime and court developments, Minnesota sports headlines, and the Ice Castles are returning earlier this year.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, December 18th — A NEXT Weather Alert is in effect as rain gives way to snow showers this afternoon, creating slick and dangerous travel conditions across Minnesota.
We also hear new insight into Monday’s chaotic ICE operation in Minneapolis, including a former ICE agent’s blunt assessment of what went wrong and why these confrontations may be becoming more common.
Federal prosecutors announce new indictments in Minnesota’s widening fraud investigation, with two out-of-state men accused of exploiting taxpayer-funded programs, pushing the total number of people charged to 90.
And caregivers, seniors, and families are left in limbo after Minnesota failed to submit Medicaid rate increases on time, putting future raises and costs into question.
Plus: a deadly overnight fire in St. Paul, a holiday travel surge at MSP Airport, inflation and holiday cost concerns, Kevin Garnett’s return to the Timberwolves, changes in Twins ownership, and a quirky bright spot involving the Planters Nutmobile.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, December 17th — Minnesota’s ACLU is suing ICE, alleging federal agents violated the constitutional rights of protesters, observers, and journalists during recent enforcement activity in Minneapolis. The lawsuit follows a press conference today and includes accounts from community members who say they were detained while documenting or questioning ICE actions, as DHS confirms more than 400 arrests during Operation Metro Surge.
Educators in the Anoka-Hennepin School District are voting on whether to strike as contract talks stall, with union leaders warning rising insurance costs are leaving some teachers with less take-home pay. We’re also tracking disturbing reports of medical and biohazard waste showing up at a metro recycling center, raising safety concerns for workers.
Plus: the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame announces its new home in Inver Grove Heights, a USDA investigation into SNAP fraud allegations in four metro counties, bipartisan action from Senator Amy Klobuchar to crack down on AI-powered scams, and a police chaplain charged in a hit-and-run that seriously injured a toddler.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Tuesday, December 16th — Newly released audio captures a frantic call for help as Hennepin County deputies rushed to a violent confrontation between ICE agents and community members in south Minneapolis, marking the most intense clash yet during Operation Metro Surge. Business owners and faith leaders say stepped-up immigration enforcement is keeping families home and devastating Lake Street businesses.
We also have new details from ICE on a federal raid at a Chanhassen construction site, and a sharp response from the agency after Rep. Ilhan Omar said her son was pulled over by ICE. Several Twin Cities high schools are closed today amid reported threats, as Governor Tim Walz signs new executive orders aimed at reducing gun violence, and state officials pause licensing for another Medicaid-related program over fraud concerns.
Plus: special Minnesota House primaries, major school closures in Robbinsdale due to budget cuts, a Christmas Day Vikings halftime show headlined by Snoop Dogg, and Merriam-Webster’s word of the year.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, December 15th — New details in a shooting outside a southern Minnesota high school that left a teenage wrestler in critical but stable condition, as the Stewartville community returns to class with counseling support in place.
We also look at a deadly antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia and how Jewish leaders in Minnesota are responding, plus a Minnesota congresswoman’s claim that ICE agents stopped her son amid growing protests over immigration enforcement.
Plus: an arrest in the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, an update in the Brown University shooting, rising flu hospitalizations, Toys for Tots for student parents, holiday shipping deadlines, and Minnesota sports headlines.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Friday, December 12th — A high school wrestler is in critical condition after an early-morning shooting in the Stewartville High School parking lot. Investigators say the team was boarding a bus at 5 a.m. when the student was shot. Minutes later, an adult man was found dead nearby from a self-inflicted gunshot. School is canceled today as the community leans on counselors and awaits answers about the relationship between the two.
Governor Tim Walz unveils a new statewide fraud prevention initiative, tapping former BCA superintendent Tim O’Malley to lead the effort. GOP candidate Lisa Demuth criticizes the move, saying the administration ignored fraud for years.
Lindsey Vonn returns to the top of the podium at age 41, winning the World Cup downhill in Switzerland just weeks before the Milan Winter Olympics.
Plus: dangerous wind chills expected this weekend, two men shot in north Minneapolis, Minneapolis approves a plan for George Floyd Square, ICE activity sparks protest in Edina, and the FBI details a chaotic encounter involving an immigration agent in Plymouth.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, December 11th — The race for Minnesota governor is heating up as MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell launches a campaign for the GOP nomination. We break down his announcement, the reaction from Gov. Tim Walz, and what it means for the crowded field.
Minneapolis police are investigating a string of violent incidents, including two separate deadly shootings overnight, plus new details after an officer opened fire during an armed standoff.
The Justice Department files a civil rights lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools, accusing the district of discriminatory employment practices. We explain what’s in the lawsuit, and how MPS is responding.
And rising energy costs are hitting Minnesota farmers hard. We look at what’s driving the increases and what rural leaders are asking lawmakers to do.
Plus: Gov. Tim Walz pushes back on federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis, Metro Transit secures a major grant for hybrid buses, snow emergency tows pile up, and Powerball climbs to $1 billion.
And in your Bright Spot, Time Magazine names the “Architects of AI” as its People of the Year.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, December 10th — Federal immigration activity in Minneapolis escalated as agents used pepper spray in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Council Member Jamal Osman says a U.S. citizen was tackled and detained before being released in the snow. Immigration officials say no arrests were made.
A 47-year-old LSG Sky Chefs employee was hit and killed by a plow at MSP Airport, as snowy conditions led to more than 260 crashes and spinouts statewide.
Snow emergencies are now in effect across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several suburbs. We lay out the parking rules and share safety tips from a cardiologist on shoveling heavy, wet snow.
Plus: bipartisan pushback to President Trump’s upcoming AI executive order, WCCO’s “Home for the Holidays” campaign needs your help, The Strokes headline next summer’s Yacht Club Festival, and the Gophers volleyball team heads to the Sweet Sixteen.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Tuesday, December 9th — Snow and rain move into Minnesota, prompting a NEXT Weather Alert Day and a potentially slick evening commute.
Federal scrutiny over long-running Medicaid fraud concerns is intensifying, with officials warning Minnesota could face funding consequences.
An ICE arrest at Augsburg University is raising questions after conflicting accounts from campus officials and Homeland Security. ICE says 20 immigrants have now been detained under “Operation Metro Surge,” adding to growing community tension.
And Minnesota is looking to Chicago for clues on what stepped-up immigration enforcement could look like here, with insight from CBS Chicago reporter Sabrina Franza.
Also today: a new federal farm aid package, the investigation into the Prior Lake Mosque and school fire, fresh State Fair concert announcements, and Minnesota sports chatter.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, December 8th — A Prior Lake Mosque and private school is closed after an overnight fire caused major damage and a collapsed roof. State and federal investigators, including the ATF, are now looking into the cause as the community expresses concern.
A Superior Police Officer is recovering after being shot multiple times during a traffic stop. The shooter later barricaded himself inside a middle school before surrendering. Students moved to at-home learning due to building damage.
ICE activity continues across the Twin Cities, with Burnsville officials confirming new arrests and Augsburg University reporting an encounter with armed agents outside a residence hall. ICE says 12 immigrants have been detained so far, including five Somali individuals, amid growing tension and community pushback.
And questions over fraud investigations in Minnesota continue to intensify, with new developments unfolding behind the scenes.
Also today: updates in the Luigi Mangione case, a deadly domestic stabbing in St. Cloud, Anoka-Hennepin’s next round of budget cuts, Paramount Skydance’s $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, and thousands gathering for 3,000 Acts of Kindness. In sports: Vikings win big, Wolves seek a sixth straight victory. And the Bloomington Glowing Tree shines once more.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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