4 Things To Know from WCCO

Wednesday, November 19th — Community members and local leaders gather at a vigil in St. Paul after a tense federal operation outside Bro-Tex, where Homeland Security, the DEA, and ICE executed a sealed search warrant. Speakers, including Rep. Leigh Finke and Mayor-elect Kaohly Her, called for transparency after what some described as a “war zone.” Bloomington police arrest 16 men in an underage sex sting, including an ICE contractor, as investigators warn that evolving technology is making these cases harder to track. And heartbreak in Orono, where 10-year-old Weston Paszkiewicz, who recently signed a one-day contract with the Minnesota Wild through Make-A-Wish, has passed away following his battle with leukemia. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise around the Vikings as Cris Carter’s criticism of JJ McCarthy sparks apologies and online drama.
Plus, Congress is poised to pass the “Epstein Transparency Act,” a Minnesota state trooper faces charges for alleged groping at a training event, new court documents reveal the harassment facing the ex-wife and family of the man charged in the deadly attacks on state lawmakers, and Target reports another quarterly sales drop while announcing major store remodel investments, along with the arrival of Krispy Kreme in 25 metro stores. At the Mall of America, the Festival of Trees kicks off with 75 decorated trees on display, Major League Volleyball adds a new St. Paul franchise owned by Craig Leipold, and the Wild and Wolves are both back in action tonight. Finally, Maria and Johnny try the new Thanksgiving Oreo flavors, from cranberry sauce to sweet potato.

Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday, November 18th — ICE Agents clashed with protestors in St. Paul today and used chemical agents on them outside a business near Hampden Avenue, where witnesses say demonstrators tried to block what they believed was an immigration detention raid. In Washington, the U.S. House votes to pass legislation involving the release of unclassified investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Minnesota’s Senate is back at full strength after two lawmakers, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Michael Holmstrom, were sworn in, restoring the chamber’s narrow majority balance. And in Plymouth, volunteers from Free Lutheran Bible College spend their day off sorting hundreds of donated shoes to help families struggling with food insecurity through the “Shoe Away Hunger” program.
Plus, new details in a deadly St. Paul hit-and-run, a restaurant worker injured in a South St. Paul hit-and-run, a teen shot near East Lake Street, President Trump’s high-profile welcome for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and a looming strike threat by MSP airport food workers. Duluth International Airport also secures $20 million to replace its aging air traffic control tower. In sports, questions continue around JJ McCarthy’s mechanics, the Wild stay hot with six wins in eight games, and the Wolves look ahead after beating Dallas. And for a festive twist, Oreo unveils six new Thanksgiving-inspired flavors, including turkey & stuffing and creamed corn.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday, November 17th — Thanksgiving travel is getting a boost as flight restrictions are lifted at 40 major airports, including MSP, easing concerns ahead of the holiday rush. Former Minnesota Viking and current Jets cornerback Kris Boyd is in critical but stable condition after being shot in New York City. In northern Minnesota, a sheriff’s deputy is hospitalized following a deadly shootout in Cass County. Meanwhile, a young man involved in a violent high school basketball game ambush receives a three-year probation sentence.
Plus, Minneapolis teachers ratify their contract, St. Paul Mayor-Elect Kaohly Her resigns her legislative seat, two longtime Minnesota lawmakers announce their retirements, and the U.S. House prepares to vote on releasing DOJ files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In sports, the Vikings struggle, the Wolves take on Dallas tonight, and the Wild continue their recent winning trend. Plus, a local nonprofit distributes thousands of bikes to kids this holiday season.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday, November 14th — St. Paul Police are looking for the driver who killed a woman in a hit-and-run. John Lauritsen reports on what they know so far about the suspect. Then, another deadly crash in St. Paul. Now a 22-year-old Fridley man is charged after a state trooper says he saw the driver going more than 100 miles per hour on a major Twin Cities interstate. Plus, could Minnesota's cannabis industry be in for some major changes? What the U.S. Congress did that raised some eyebrows. And our state will get a new women's professional volleyball team. League One Volleyball is coming to Minnesota. What you need to know about the new team. And in today's Bright Spot, checking out the new wolf pack at the Minnesota Zoo might be a good way to spend part of your weekend.

Join Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday, November 13th — A Northfield family is demanding answers after a father was detained by masked ICE agents in a residential neighborhood, as bystanders recorded the emotional scene. The federal government reopens after a record 43-day shutdown, with federal workers finally set to receive back pay. In Minneapolis, the city’s legal battle with landlord Hamoudi Sabri continues after a judge dismisses his countersuit. And Metro Transit adds more officers on trains and platforms to improve rider safety heading into winter.
Plus, the man convicted again in the 2019 murder-for-hire plot that killed realtor Monique Baugh is set to be sentenced, Chicago and St. Paul sue the Justice Department over new policing grant restrictions, Starbucks workers strike on Red Cup Day, and Anthony Edwards surprises a young superfan with the jersey off his back.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday, November 12th — The man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting Senator John Hoffman and his wife, appears in federal court, with prosecutors weighing whether to pursue the death penalty. A 2013 rape case is finally solved thanks to new DNA testing and one woman’s courage to speak out. A Wright County worker is charged with murder after what police call a planned sledgehammer attack at a Cokato business. And Krispy Kreme makes its long-awaited return to Minnesota, with fans camping out overnight for the first fresh doughnuts in 16 years.
Plus, Saint Paul moves to restrict assault weapons, Minnesota breweries push back on federal hemp limits, and Amazon reveals its pick for the best book of the year.
Join Maria Lisignoli for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday, November 11th — Congress moves one step closer to ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with the Senate approving a funding bill to reopen the government and reinstate laid-off federal workers, but confusion continues over SNAP benefits as the Trump administration and the courts clash over payments. Minnesota leaders and families share their frustration as uncertainty lingers. Law enforcement agencies request an “after-action” report following the deadly June attacks on state lawmakers, a process expected to take six months once underway. On this Veterans Day, Governor Tim Walz signs an executive order to combat food insecurity among veterans, and students in Chaska honor service members with a heartfelt ceremony. And experts say you might not need to rake those leaves after all, find out why mulching could be better for your lawn and local wildlife.
Plus: Minneapolis teachers avoid a strike after reaching a tentative contract deal, a baby formula recall expands following a botulism case in Minnesota, Highway 610 finally reopens in Maple Grove, and the Herbivorous Butcher prepares to welcome customers back after a devastating fire.
Join Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday, November 10th — A strike is averted in Minneapolis as teachers and the district reach a tentative deal after months of negotiations, promising smaller class sizes, pay raises, and better support for education staff. In Washington, lawmakers edge closer to ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, but confusion grows over SNAP benefits as the Trump administration and the courts issue conflicting orders. The Supreme Court declines to revisit its landmark 2015 same-sex marriage ruling, keeping those protections in place. And Minnesota remembers the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald with a new podcast and a beacon lighting at Split Rock Lighthouse.
Plus: Minneapolis churches and coffee shops rally to feed neighbors in need, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday, and Trollhaugen and Wild Mountain open for ski season.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday, November 7th — Airlines are canceling flights nationwide as the FAA orders reductions at 40 major airports, including MSP, amid an air traffic controller shortage and weeks without pay for workers. Tens of thousands of Minnesotans gear up for the deer rifle opener this weekend, with healthy deer numbers thanks to mild winters. Nine years after Terry Brisk was shot and killed while hunting near Little Falls, the case remains unsolved, and the $30,000 reward still stands. And Minneapolis begins issuing tickets from its new traffic safety cameras, showing sharp drops in speeding across the city.
Plus: The state launches a new medical cannabis consultant training program, a Faribault family’s squatter ordeal sparks calls for clearer property laws, and nominations are out for the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday, November 6th — The FAA says the ongoing government shutdown is forcing it to cut thousands of flights nationwide, including at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. A Maplewood woman finds a loaded gun while walking her dog, prompting police to issue a warning to gun owners. The body of a Minnesota man killed in an Alaskan avalanche eight months ago is recovered. And Minneapolis educators rally across the city as contract negotiations with the district continue, with a strike possible next week.
Plus: A Faribault couple sounds the alarm about squatters’ rights, Nancy Pelosi announces her retirement from Congress, St. Paul debates a new gun ordinance despite state preemption laws, and an inspiring recovery update from a young Annunciation shooting survivor.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices