Thursday, March 5 - WCCO's Beret Leone fills in for Maria Lisignoli and Johnny Kahner today as they enjoy a much needed break.

One man is dead and four others, including a child, are hurt, after a crash that involved a sheriff's deputy. New details from the Ramsey County Sheriffs department says a deputy was responding to assist State Patrol in a stolen car chase. The deputy's squad crashed into an S-U-V unrelated to the chase.

Valleyfair owner Six Flags Entertainment announced that it will sell seven of its parks, including Valleyfair, to Kansas City-based EPR Properties. The parks reportedly will continue to run their regular schedule and season passes will be honored through the end of this year.

Capitol lawmakers are pushing for insurance coverage for infertility treatments. The Senate Commerce committee held a hearing on the bipartisan measure that would require health plans to cover infertility treatments and standard fertility preservation services. With one in six families struggling with their fertility, the bill could potentially help thousands of people.

The Capitol had several other important agenda items today, including a bill to make guns illegal at the state capitol, even if you have a permit, as well as a bill to prevent private equity entities from buying homes.

And in today's bright spot, it's the 9th annual Puppy Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Animal Humane Society. Dog eligible for adoption or foster are getting lots of attention as they explore the capitol grounds. The nonprofit also took the opportunity to outline their 2026 legislative priorities, including the Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill and a bill to establish an Office of Animal Protection.

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Wednesday, March 4 — A Minnesota family is mourning the loss of Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, killed in a drone attack in Kuwait just days before she was set to return home. We look back at her two decades of service in the Army Reserve and what we’re learning about the six soldiers killed.
In St. Paul, one person is dead and another seriously hurt after a crash involving a Ramsey County Sheriff’s squad car responding to a stolen vehicle call. What investigators say happened at 12th and Robert Streets.
At a contentious hearing in Washington, Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison face tough questions from lawmakers over what they knew about alleged fraud in Minnesota, and when.
Plus, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is pressed again about her comments following the January shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
We’re also tracking the cost of Operation Metro Surge on Minneapolis police, a University of Minnesota Law School delegation presenting before the United Nations Human Rights Council, a major workforce summit, Google’s plans for a new data center near Duluth, Target’s $2 billion store overhaul, the first tee time of the Twin Cities golf season, a record-setting night for Kirill Kaprizov and the Wild, a big win for the Wolves, and why the world’s best cheeses are on display in Wisconsin.
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Tuesday, March 3 — A federal judge in St. Paul says he’s not ruling out jail time for Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney over missing detainee property tied to Operation Metro Surge. We break down the tense courtroom exchange and what we’re learning about the 28 disputed cases.
At the Capitol, Senator Amy Klobuchar presses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during a heated hearing on immigration enforcement, including sharp questions about the killing of Alex Pretti and how many federal agents remain in Minnesota.
Plus, a massive $600 million proposal to renovate Grand Casino Arena heads to the legislature. We explain how the City of St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild plan to fund the overhaul, and why leaders say it’s critical to keeping downtown competitive.

And lawmakers debate the future of self-driving cars as Waymo tests vehicles in Minneapolis. Why some legislators say more than 100,000 Minnesota driving jobs could be impacted.
We’re also following a new child care oversight bill after the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust, an investigation into alleged misconduct by federal agents, new charges tied to threats against House Speaker Lisa Demuth, expanding speed cameras in Minneapolis, and the latest on the Wild, Wolves, Twins, and the start of the boys state hockey tournament.
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Monday, March 2 — The war launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran enters its third day as Donald Trump says he’s not ruling out sending American troops. We break down the latest headlines from the region, including rising casualties, Iran’s retaliation, and new details from the Pentagon. Plus, what it means for Minnesota and Wisconsin National Guard troops currently deployed in the Middle East.
Back in Minnesota, nearly 40 people are arrested after a peaceful anti-ICE march at the Whipple Federal Building turns violent. We explain why Mary Moriarty is launching a new public evidence portal to investigate alleged misconduct by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
We’re also following today’s sentencing in the killing of Minneapolis North High School quarterback Deshaun Hill, renewed scrutiny over fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid transportation program, and tense exchanges at the Capitol as lawmakers question state oversight.
Plus: a wrongful-death lawsuit against Menards is dismissed, the Salvation Army’s largest food drive of the year gets underway, ice shelter deadlines loom, Minnesota sports highlights, and new research showing even a short walk in nature can reset the brain.
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Friday, Feb. 27 — Minnesota’s latest economic forecast shows a brighter short-term picture, with a $3.7 billion projected surplus for the next budget cycle. But state leaders warn that federal policy shifts and economic uncertainty could cloud the road ahead.

We’re also at the “Make Hunger History” summit in Brooklyn Center, where food banks and advocates say one in five Minnesota households is struggling to afford food, and why The Salvation Army is launching its largest food drive of the year.

Plus: a routine traffic stop near Albert Lea leads to the seizure of 50,000 fentanyl pills, measles cases in Minnesota double in just one week according to the Minnesota Department of Health, and an emotional update after two brothers were shot and killed in North Minneapolis, just hours after the suspect was released on bail.

And in today's Bright Spot: a surprising winter visit from a baby black bear in Hermantown.

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Thursday, February 26 — Vice President J.D. Vance is in Wisconsin as the Trump administration withholds more than $259 million in Medicaid funding from Minnesota, citing fraud concerns. Tim Walz fires back, calling the move political retaliation as he unveils a sweeping anti-fraud legislative package at the Capitol.

We also break down a federal lawsuit tied to a disruptive church protest in St. Paul, deadly new details from a crash in Mille Lacs County, and newly unsealed court documents revealing the scope of a massive federal takedown of a Minneapolis gang operating along Lake Street.

Plus: a plea deal in a St. Olaf College terror threat case, new arrests over threats of mass violence at the State Capitol, rental assistance relief following Operation Metro Surge, highlights from the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show, and a look at tonight’s biggest Minnesota sports matchups.

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Wednesday, February 25th — Federal prosecutors have announced charges against members and associates of what they call a violent Minneapolis street gang, following a joint investigation across the Twin Cities. The FBI says agents executed search and arrest warrants tied to a large-scale drug trafficking organization, but there is no known threat to public safety. We hear from U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

Meanwhile, leaders at Hennepin County Medical Center say the situation has never been more dire. After already cutting tens of millions from the budget, including beds and entire departments, they warn the hospital could run out of money by the end of the year without state support. County leaders are now pushing for a one-cent sales tax to keep the Level One trauma center afloat.

Plus, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar shouts during President Trump’s State of the Union and says she has no regrets, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivers an unofficial rebuttal in Washington, and Governor Tim Walz orders flags at half-staff to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson.

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Tuesday, February 24th — Two deadly shootings that are now believed to be connected are rocking the metro. Brooklyn Center police shot and killed an armed man suspected of killing two people earlier in the day at an IHOP. We have the latest from investigators, hear from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and from Katie Bryant, the mother of Daunte Wright, as the community once again grapples with police use of force.

Meanwhile, an eighth grader who survived the shooting at Annunciation Church and School is speaking out. Lydia Kaiser stood alongside Governor Tim Walz, urging lawmakers to pass stricter gun laws. The governor is calling for a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but with a divided legislature, bipartisan support will be key.

Plus, President Trump prepares to deliver the first State of the Union of his second term amid economic uncertainty, tariff turmoil, and political division. We break down what to expect, and how Minnesota Democrats are responding, from planned boycotts to bringing guests impacted by immigration enforcement and trade policy.

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Monday, February 23rd — Minnesota’s fraud crisis takes center stage as Director of Program Integrity Tim O’Malley unveils a sweeping 56-page “roadmap” aimed at fixing what he calls decades of ignored warnings and systemic failures. The plan calls for tougher oversight, unannounced site visits, retired investigators to recover stolen funds, and an independent monitor to ensure reforms actually stick. We break down what’s in the proposal, and what lawmakers are saying.

Meanwhile, police are searching for the gunman who opened fire inside Maplewood Mall, injuring a young man and sending shoppers scrambling for safety. Two arrests have been made on possible riot charges, but the suspected shooter remains at large.

Plus, thousands of Americans in Mexico, including Minnesotans, are sheltering in place after the death of a powerful cartel leader sparked deadly violence. Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are canceled, leaving travelers stranded and unsure when they’ll return home.

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Friday, February 20th — The man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, appears in federal court, as prosecutors weigh whether to pursue the death penalty. We break down what happened inside the courtroom and what comes next.

Meanwhile, protesters prepare to march in Minneapolis marking nearly one month since federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, as immigration enforcement operations continue to spark outrage.

Then, two Minnesota members of Congress tour the Whipple Federal Building following a judge’s order granting broader access to ICE detention areas, and Border Czar Tom Homan addresses the Minneapolis shootings on CNN.

Plus, Senator Tina Smith says she’ll skip President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union, healthcare workers rally outside M Health Fairview over Operation Metro Surge, and a wave of federal prosecutor departures leads to dismissed cases, including one involving a 12-time convicted felon.

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

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