4 Things To Know from WCCO

Wednesday, October 22nd — The Minnesota Supreme Court rules that USA Powerlifting violated the state’s Human Rights Act when it barred a transgender woman from competing in the women’s division. Minneapolis teachers prepare to vote on whether to strike after contract negotiations stall again. And four years after Bemidji teen Nevaeh Kingbird went missing, police renew the search with a new $10,000 reward.
Plus: St. Paul introduces a new gun violence prevention ordinance, a Fridley man is charged in a Minneapolis arson case, health insurance premiums are set to rise for millions, and we’re counting down to Halloween with 2025’s most popular costumes.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Tuesday, October 21st — New details emerge from the night Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot in their Champlin home, including a chilling 911 transcript from their daughter describing a gunman disguised as police. Minneapolis teachers prepare for a possible strike as mediation continues, and Attorney General Keith Ellison announces his bid for re-election. Plus, the ongoing federal government shutdown hits Minnesota in surprising ways.
Also: the Twin Cities see a drop in shootings, an ice cream shop targeted with Molotov cocktails, Grand Avenue reopens in Saint Paul, and it’s National Apple Day. We’ll tell you where to get your fall fix.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Monday, October 20th — Boston Scientific celebrates a major milestone in Maple Grove with the grand opening of its new facility, a move that signals growth for Minnesota’s medical technology industry. Plus, Minneapolis mayoral candidates take the stage in a key forum less than three weeks from Election Day. The federal government shutdown hits day 20, with TSA agents feeling the strain. And the Timberwolves drop a purple surprise, unveiling their new Prince-inspired City Edition jerseys.
Also today: A police standoff in Brooklyn Park, a heroic woman saves students from a burning school bus, and MSP Airport unveils a massive new art installation. And we’re celebrating a big Emmy win for WCCO’s “Home for the Holidays” project.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Friday, October 17th — Organizers are preparing for the “No Kings” protest at The Commons near U.S. Bank Stadium,  one of more than a thousand rallies planned nationwide this weekend. A Minneapolis man tracks down his stolen car using an Apple AirTag, and police find the suspect asleep inside. A student survivor of the Annunciation Church shooting shares her inspiring recovery story after returning to school. And a new housing project breaks ground in southeast Minneapolis as city leaders push to add more affordable homes.
 Plus, the state braces for a colder, snowier winter, Paul McCartney takes the stage tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium, and Gopher fans are ready to pack Huntington Bank Stadium for a Friday night showdown.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Thursday, October 16th — A southern Minnesota woman faces sentencing for a crash that killed two Amish children, an alleged black-market Botox spa in Prior Lake is under investigation for using unauthorized drugs and operating without medical oversight. Minneapolis police are tracking down suspects after more than 120 cars were damaged in just one week. And Hennepin EMS welcomes a new four-legged teammate, Rigsby, a therapy pup bringing comfort to first responders after months of tragedy.
 Plus, the government shutdown deepens with thousands of federal workers at risk of layoffs, and Prince’s Purple Rain makes its pre-Broadway debut at the State Theatre.
 Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Wednesday, October 15th — A violent overnight crash in northeast Minneapolis leaves two people hurt after their cars slam into a train. KMOJ Radio, the “Voice of the Black Community," is being forced to move ahead of light rail construction, launching a campaign to fund a new home. Lawmakers debate rising health insurance costs as premiums spike across Minnesota, and travelers pack MSP Airport for MEA weekend, with a few new changes to help with the rush.
Plus, the government shutdown is now in its second week, threatening food assistance for Minnesotans. And in today’s Bright Spot: the “Tulip House”, a beloved Minneapolis landmark, is for sale, but one big question remains: will the new owners keep its blooming tradition alive?
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Tuesday, October 14th – Mayors from across Minnesota unite at the Capitol, urging lawmakers to give cities more power over gun safety. In Wisconsin, the Hudson School Board votes to close two elementary schools despite emotional pleas from the community. A former Saint Paul Police employee is arrested after a massive drug bust involving meth, fentanyl, and firearms. And in southern Minnesota, a $25,000 AI scam is stopped just in time, thanks to a suspicious courier and alert investigators.
Plus, White Bear Lake parents demand accountability after an adult enrolled as a teen in high school, and the Green Line Extension finally begins testing trains.
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Monday, October 13th — Faulty DWI tests may have led to inaccurate convictions across Minnesota, prompting an immediate statewide inspection of all testing instruments. A Douglas County couple survives a carbon monoxide scare as fire officials launch a new campaign to prevent similar tragedies. Sioux descendants file a historic lawsuit against the United States, on Indigenous Peoples Day, seeking recognition and the return of ancestral land near Lake Pepin. And fall travel takes off as MSP braces for a busy MEA break week.
Plus — President Trump signs a ceasefire deal in Gaza, Minneapolis’ mayoral race heats up with new endorsements and DFL controversy, and the FBI issues a warning about a billion-dollar “phantom hacker” scam.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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Friday, October 10th — Three new measles cases are confirmed in Dakota County, bringing Minnesota’s total to 20. Health officials say the outbreak is tied to unvaccinated individuals, and we hear from the state’s director of infectious disease. Then, a woman is brutally attacked at a St. Paul train platform — with witnesses nearby — and now the male suspect is linked to another violent assault.
Plus, Minnesota faces a federal ultimatum over transgender athlete policies, and hundreds of millions in school funding could be at risk. And finally, there’s a new polar bear at Como Zoo — meet Astra, a 700-pound addition.
Also: a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, a wildfire spreads near Crosby-Manitou State Park, Gophers football prepares for homecoming, and the Savannah Bananas are bringing their baseball circus to Target Field next summer.
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Thursday, October 9th – Firefighters are battling a wildfire near Crosby Manitou State Park in Minnesota’s Northland that has now grown to 50 acres. At the same time, new AI technology is being tested to help detect wildfires sooner. A standoff in Royalton forces a nearby elementary school into lockdown after a man with multiple warrants climbs onto his roof and refuses to come down for hours. Anoka County sues MnDOT over $6.2 million redirected to a proposed whitewater surf park on the Rum River, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars. And the Minnesota Wild kick off their 25th anniversary season tonight in St. Louis with high hopes and a historic new contract for Kirill Kaprizov.
Plus: National Guard troops deploy to a Chicago suburb as a federal judge has yet to decide if that's legal. Two northern Minnesota companies settle workplace sex discrimination claims. Anders Folk launches his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney. Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner announces his retirement. CHS Field transforms into a haunted attraction. And Rolling Stone stirs debate with its new list of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century.
Join Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner for this episode of 4 Things To Know.

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