4 Things To Know from WCCO

Friday, December 5th — Federal prosecutors file new kidnapping charges against Abdimahat Bille Mohamed after he received probation in a recent Hennepin County case, sparking sharp reactions from state and federal officials. ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” continues in the Twin Cities, with 12 arrests so far and new questions after plain-clothed DHS agents visited Hola Arepa.
Nearly two years after the Lutsen Lodge fire, owner Bryce Campbell is charged with arson and insurance fraud, as investigators outline deep financial troubles and key messages tied to the case. And after a slow, snowy commute, fresh powder gives skiers and winter businesses a welcome boost at Theo Wirth Park.
Also today: St. Paul reports its 13th homicide, Luigi Mangione’s court hearing is postponed, a CDC panel votes to shift infant hepatitis B vaccine recommendations, and holiday events and charity drives kick off across the metro. In sports: Wolves win, Wild fall, and Adam Thielen reunites with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Today’s Bright Spot: a new holiday Coke flavor hits shelves.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, December 4th — Minnesota leaders are speaking out as ICE operations targeting Somali immigrants intensify. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar urges resilience, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signs an order blocking immigration enforcement in city-owned parking lots.
Also today: More details in an overnight shootout near the Mall of America, Minnesota’s new budget forecast shows a short-term surplus but long-term deficit, and we preview a powerful story from reporter John Lauritsen.
More to know: A 19-year-old is charged in the assault of a Gopher hockey player, an MPD recruit dies unexpectedly, more than a million bags of shredded cheese are recalled, a cougar is spotted in Duluth, and the nation’s largest ice fishing show opens in St. Paul.
In sports: A statement win for Gopher men’s basketball and the latest from the Wolves and Wild.
Today’s Bright Spot: Sever’s Holiday Lights returns with a two-mile drive-through holiday display.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, December 3rd — CAIR Minnesota is speaking out after President Trump’s latest comments targeting Somali immigrants and Rep. Ilhan Omar, as federal officials signal an increase in ICE operations in the Twin Cities. Local leaders are urging calm, noting that most Somali Minnesotans are U.S. citizens.
Federal tensions don’t end there: Agriculture officials warn SNAP administrative funds could be pulled from Minnesota and other states next week amid a standoff over data sharing. And the U.S. Department of Transportation is now investigating how Minnesota issued commercial driver’s licenses to non-U.S. residents, threatening more than $30 million in highway funding.
Then, a look at Minnesota’s climate powerhouse, peatlands, and new efforts to restore these wetlands that store massive amounts of carbon.
Also today: energy assistance funds released after a federal shutdown delay, applications set to open for paid family and medical leave, Rosemount’s police chief resigns, longtime prosecutor Diane Krenz launches a campaign for Hennepin County Attorney, and seniors protest Blue Cross Blue Shield’s cuts to SilverSneakers gym coverage.
In sports: Adam Thielen heads to Pittsburgh to join Aaron Rodgers, a strong night for Minnesota teams, and the Gopher men’s basketball team opens Big Ten play.
Today’s Bright Spot: Mall of America’s must-have holiday gifts for 2025.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Tuesday, December 2nd — Minnesota is under new federal scrutiny, with the Treasury Department investigating whether state dollars were misused and transportation officials threatening to pull $30 million over allegedly illegal commercial driver’s licenses. Governor Tim Walz says the state followed the law and called the timing political.
A New York Times report says ICE is preparing a major operation targeting Somali immigrants as the Trump administration moves to end Temporary Protected Status.
Then, Minnesota’s new paid family and medical leave program launches January 1st, offering most workers up to 20 weeks of leave. And in St. Paul, police are still searching for answers after four men were wounded in a mass shooting.
Also today: two teens arrested after a Facebook Marketplace deal turned violent in Edina, new federal fraud charges tied to pandemic relief, and a new fee coming to MSP for travelers without a Real ID.
In sports: the Frost, Wolves, and Wild all play tonight, Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is set to return, and Tommie Volleyball heads to the NCAA D-I tournament. Today’s Bright Spot: a $6.25 billion gift from Michael and Susan Dell to support children’s investment accounts.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, December 1st — A winter storm triggers snow emergencies in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Adam Thielen is waived after a shutout loss in Seattle, and a frightening accident involving a sled-dog trailer closes part of a Minnesota interstate.
The man accused of murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO returns to court as attorneys fight over what evidence should be allowed. Nationally, new immigration proposals from President Trump spark pushback from Governor Tim Walz and concern among resettled Afghan families in Minnesota. An armed robbery in Edina leaves one person hospitalized, and Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel enters the race for governor.
Plus: The U of M joins a nationwide blood-donation challenge, I-35W lane and ramp closures may slow your commute, and winter workouts kick off at U.S. Bank Stadium. In sports, the Vikings are shut out for the first time in 18 years. Yeesh! And in our Bright Spot, the Ice Castles race toward an early-January opening.

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

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Wednesday, November 26th — Icy roads caused over a thousand crashes across Minnesota this morning, with slippery streets still a challenge in St. Paul. Northern Minnesota’s Bentleyville Tour of Lights closed tonight due to storm damage.
In St. Paul, an ICE raid led to arrests and clashes, prompting a city review of police actions. A jury awarded nearly $19.8 million in a lawsuit against Mayo Clinic for a botched surgery.
Also, the BCA is investigating two police shootings under investigation. Plus, Edina Police warn of a burglary spike this holiday season.

In sports: Vikings vs. Sam Darnold, Wild’s shutout streak, and Wolves face the Thunder. Today’s Bright Spot: a Thanksgiving food chat with Maria and Johnny.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Tuesday, November 25th — A fast-moving winter storm is expected to move into Minnesota tonight, with heavy snow, strong winds, and tough travel expected by morning. Meteorologist Joseph Dames breaks down the timing and totals. In St. Paul, a crowd confronts federal agents with few details released so far. Plymouth Police say an officer shot and wounded an armed man during a domestic call this morning. And ahead of the busy holiday weekend, a Woodbury officer injured by a drunk driver urges Minnesotans to plan a sober ride.
Plus, the Trump administration moves to end deportation protections for nearly 4,000 immigrants from Myanmar, Edina opens its first cannabis dispensary just in time for “Green Wednesday,” and Twin Cities animal shelters report a surge in pet surrenders.
In sports: a possible QB change for the Vikings, and the Gophers prepare for Wisconsin. Today’s Bright Spot: Santa arrives at Mall of America tonight.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Monday, November 24th — Minnesota lawmakers push back after President Trump ends deportation protections for Somali immigrants, a move affecting hundreds across the state. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defends the decision during a visit to MSP, where she also hands out $10,000 bonus checks to select TSA workers. The local union calls those awards unfair. And with one of the busiest travel weeks ahead, TSA shares key tips to navigate holiday lines.
Plus, “Slender Man” stabber Morgan Geyser is back in custody after fleeing a supervised group home, a federal judge blocks the elimination of four federal agencies, Starbucks workers continue their strike in Minneapolis, and Union Gospel Mission hands out thousands of Thanksgiving meals. Free Bikes 4 Kidz hosts another major bike giveaway, and Guns N’ Roses announces a 2026 tour stop in Shakopee.
In sports: the Vikings place JJ McCarthy in concussion protocol, the Wolves play late in Sacramento, and the Wild stay hot. Today’s Bright Spot: a chocolate-and-gold-dusted Thanksgiving turkey recipe from Reynolds Wrap.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Friday, November 21st — Senator Amy Klobuchar meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, joining Ukrainian families whose children were kidnapped during the war, and calling their return essential to any path toward peace. Federal officials reveal the reason behind a tense raid at St. Paul’s Bro-Tex facility, saying immigration violations led to 14 arrests, though details about those taken into custody remain limited. In the Twin Cities, police charge a Little Canada man accused of robbing Facebook Marketplace sellers at gunpoint during meetups, and in Lino Lakes, the Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm opens for the season with crowds already rushing to cut their holiday trees.
Plus, an Iowa woman receives a 40-year sentence for murdering her ex-girlfriend in southern Minnesota, a pet-rescue investigation uncovers several deceased dogs on a rural property, and two Becker County brothers warn others after falling through thin ice while fishing. The TSA considers an $18 identity-verification fee for travelers without a REAL ID, and Minneapolis kicks off its Christkindl Market with new vendors, a lantern parade, and holiday festivities in the North Loop. In sports, the Vikings prepare for the Packers as questions center on rookie QB JJ McCarthy, the Gophers head to Wrigley Field for a unique matchup with Northwestern, and the Wild and Wolves hit the road for weekend games. Today’s Bright Spot highlights a Waseca coach who survived cardiac arrest and is back on the sidelines, grateful for every moment.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Thursday, November 20th — Self-driving cars are officially on the roads in Minneapolis as Waymo begins autonomous vehicle testing across the city, collecting data with human drivers for now while working toward fully driverless rides. Hennepin County prosecutors unveil a new diversion-first model for youth crime, after a U of M study found keeping kids out of the system makes them less likely to reoffend. Activists gather outside Target’s headquarters on Nicollet Mall, urging shoppers to continue a boycott through the holidays as the company projects its sales slump will stretch into the season. And Minnesota Olympic champion Jessie Diggins announces this will be her final year of competitive skiing, reflecting on her career and what comes next as she trains abroad for the World Cup.
Plus, a nationwide baby-formula recall grows as at least 31 infants are diagnosed with botulism, a new president is named for St. Cloud State University, and Minnesota marks Transgender Day of Remembrance at the Capitol. Another Minnesota brewery prepares to close its doors amid industry-wide strain, Dick Cheney is laid to rest in Washington, and archaeologists uncover 16 ancient dugout canoes in Madison’s Lake Mendota, one more than 5,000 years old. In sports, the Wild and Wolves notch wins, the Vikings prepare for Green Bay amid mounting chatter around JJ McCarthy, and the Twins gear up for a Field of Dreams matchup next summer.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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