4 Things To Know from WCCO

Wednesday, November 5th — Minneapolis voters re-elect Mayor Jacob Frey after a record-breaking turnout and a second round of ranked-choice counting. Across the river, Kaohly Her is poised to make history as Saint Paul’s first woman and first Asian American mayor. A new legislative audit reveals widespread financial mismanagement inside Governor Tim Walz’s office. And hundreds of Allina Health doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners walk off the job in what’s believed to be the largest strike of its kind.
Plus: The nation’s longest government shutdown stretches into day 36, “Purple Rain” the musical makes its official debut in Prince’s hometown, Minnesota hunters prepare for the firearm deer opener, and a Rosemount woman wins big on Wheel of Fortune.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Tuesday, November 4th — It’s Election Day in Minnesota, with voters deciding key mayoral, city council, and school board races across the state. Ramsey County announces $450,000 in emergency food funding as the federal shutdown continues to impact SNAP benefits. Hundreds of Allina Health doctors and clinicians prepare to strike after contract talks end without a deal. And the Minnesota Twins introduce new manager Derek Shelton, returning to the organization after the Pittsburgh Pirates fired him in May.
Plus: A downtown favorite, Keys Café, prepares to close its Foshay Tower location, the Ikebana Flower Show brings fall color and Japanese tradition to Como Park Zoo, and a Minnesotan takes the stage on Wheel of Fortune.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Monday, November 3rd — On the eve of Election Day, we’re breaking down the biggest races and ballot questions across Minnesota with political reporter Esme Murphy. The Minneapolis mayoral race between frontrunners Jacob Frey and Omar Fateh heats up as all 13 city council seats are also on the ballot. In St. Paul, Mayor Melvin Carter faces a strong challenge from State Representative Kaohly Her. Two special elections could determine control of the Minnesota Senate, and Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth officially launches her 2026 run for governor.
Plus: A boy is killed during a North Minneapolis birthday party, former officer Tou Thao is released from prison, Attorney General Keith Ellison condemns SNAP benefit cuts, and Minneapolis announces a new “Winterapolis” campaign to celebrate the season.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Friday, October 31st — Two men are dead after an early morning shooting in St. Paul that police say appears to be domestic in nature. The federal shutdown hits day 31, putting more than 440,000 Minnesotans at risk of losing access to food assistance. Democratic leaders, including Minnesota Rep. Dr. Kelly Morrison, accuse Republicans of driving up health care costs ahead of open enrollment. And Minnesota farmers celebrate a new soybean deal with China that could bring trade levels back to pre-trade war highs.
Plus: What you need to know about Minnesota’s new paid family leave law, a longtime Minneapolis ramen spot closes its doors, Hennepin Avenue reopens after two years of construction, and why “6-7” is Dictionary.com's Word of the Year.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Thursday, October 30th — A worker is shot and killed in South Minneapolis after confronting a suspected thief outside his job. A longtime Minnesota business, Minnesota Rusco, suddenly shuts down after 70 years, leaving employees and customers searching for answers. Residents of manufactured home parks rally at the Capitol for a “bill of rights” to combat skyrocketing rents and unsafe conditions. And the University of Minnesota says it will no longer host high school graduations, forcing districts to find new venues.
Plus: DHS faces a new fraud audit amid a “crisis of trust,” Mayor Frey joins a national call to protect SNAP benefits, Hennepin Avenue finally reopens after two years of construction, and Minneapolis climbs into the top 10 of Orkin’s “rattiest cities” list.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Wednesday, October 29th — The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office asks for help finding a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Vadnais Heights. Minneapolis mayoral candidates face off in a live debate moderated by WCCO’s Frank Vascellaro. One hot button issue involved their plans to revitalize downtown. St. Paul voters prepare to weigh in on two key ballot questions, one on civil fines and another on school funding. And as the federal shutdown stretches into day 29, Minnesota nonprofits step up to feed TSA workers going without pay.
Plus: New details in the assault of a Gopher hockey player, state monitoring for Osseo Area Schools after a sexual harassment settlement, and expert advice for navigating layoffs as job cuts hit Target, Amazon, and even WCCO.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Tuesday, October 28th — Minneapolis educators move one step closer to the picket line as union members overwhelmingly vote to authorize a strike. Target announces major layoffs affecting more than 800 corporate employees across the Twin Cities. A new “Housing for Heroes” home opens in St. Paul to help veterans find stability and a fresh start. And the race for Minneapolis mayor heats up ahead of tonight’s live debate on CBS News Minnesota.
Plus: Attorney General Keith Ellison sues the Trump administration over SNAP benefit cuts, Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica as a Minneapolis restaurant rallies relief efforts, and former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao, one of the officer's found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, is set to be released from prison next week.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Monday, October 27th — A St. Paul man is arrested after allegedly posting a “murder-for-hire” threat targeting U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on TikTok. The federal shutdown hits Day 27, prompting Governor Tim Walz to announce $4 million in emergency food funding as thousands of Minnesotans risk losing SNAP benefits. Hundreds are displaced after a weekend fire at the Skyline Tower apartments in St. Paul, and former Viking Adrian Peterson is arrested again on suspicion of DWI in Texas.
 Plus: Minneapolis teachers vote on whether to authorize a strike, Starbucks workers rally in Roseville, Target cuts 1,800 jobs, and police link Red Wing “swatting” calls to an organized crime network.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Friday, October 24th — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits Minneapolis to discuss immigration enforcement, drawing protests and a call for mass demonstrations at the Capitol this weekend. A Minneapolis business owner at the center of the city’s homeless encampment debate opens a new hygiene center on East Lake Street. “Bows of Love” organizers ask volunteers to help collect ribbons before winter to preserve the memorial honoring lives lost in the Annunciation tragedy. And Target announces nearly 2,000 corporate layoffs as part of a major restructuring.
Plus: Allina Health doctors plan a one-day strike, Minneapolis educators vote on a possible strike authorization, major I-94 closures begin tonight, and “Love Your Melon” reopens at the Mall of America.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Thursday, October 23rd — The last hospitalized Annunciation shooting victim is finally home from the hospital. Hear about her upcoming birthday celebration. Then, dozens of current and former NBA players and coaches, including former Timberwolf Chauncey Billups, are charged in two massive gambling and racketeering cases tied to organized crime. Plus, the Vikings take on the Chargers tonight on Thursday Night Football, and Minneapolis teachers begin voting on whether to authorize a strike.
Plus: SNAP benefits in Minnesota are halted amid the government shutdown, fallen Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell receives international honors, test trains roll on the nearly complete Green Line Extension, and a 102-year-old tennis player proves it’s never too late to play.
Join Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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