4 Things To Know from WCCO

Friday, July 31st — President Trump is downplaying reports that Iran could be responsible for the cyberattacks in Minnesota, while U.S. officials are investigating the possible link.

A new voice is speaking out on the death of a Minneapolis man killed during Operation Metro Surge. The attorney representing Alex Pretti's parents sat-down with WCCO for the first time since the shooting.

There are several new state laws taking effect tomorrow. Many address domestic violence. There's also a commitment to provide services to victims and measures to take guns away from offenders.

Professional wrestling will be taking over Minneapolis this weekend. WWE's SummerSlam will have two nights of bouts and matches on Saturday and Sunday inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

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

0:00 Intro

0:13 Trump and Iran

2:34 Alex Pretti

4:01 New Laws

4:48 WWE

7:16 More to Know

11:58 Bright Spot

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Thursday, July 30 — The New York Times is reporting that the cyberattack on Minnesota's water systems this week was possibly the work of Iranian hackers. The Times says that's according to U-S and State Officials and others familiar with the matter.

Minnesotans accused of assaulting ICE agents are now having their charges dropped. Judges have now dismissed 19 cases.

We're also following a couple of recent shootings in the Twin Cities. One man is dead.

And after being closed for more than two weeks due to wildfires, canoers and campers are starting to return to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

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

0:00 Intro

0:12 Iranian Hackers

1:07 ICE Charges

2:49 Shootings

3:43 Boundary Waters

6:23 More to Know

13:22 Bright Spot

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F4D6ib2RxYs

Wednesday, July 29 — The world's richest man is attempting to block Minnesota's newest law just days before it's set to take effect. We'll tell you about Elon Musk's lawsuit.

An investigation of Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is underway. This is after allegations of sexual harassment toward Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry and other city employees.

Five men have been arrested and charged following a month-long investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of a 14 year old runaway.

And lawmakers in Minnesota and beyond launched a new nationwide effort aimed at increasing accountability for federal immigration agents. They're pushing for the ability to sue ICE agents in state court.

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

0:00 Intro

0:11 Nudification Lawsuit

2:41 St. Paul Mayor Investigation

3:52 Teen Trafficking Case

4:39 ICE Accountability

6:08 More To Know

11:22 Bright Spot

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ONjVm9n1v38

Tuesday, July 28 — A handful of Minnesota cities are working with state and federal leaders to get their water systems back online after hackers shut down controls.

The Minnesota Vikings are checking into training camp today. Head Coach Kevin O'Connell spoke on the QB battle between Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy ahead of the team's first practice.

A new Minnesota law to ban prediction market wagers was supposed to take effect on August 1st. But now, it has to wait until a federal lawsuit plays out.

And there are signs of progress in the fight against Northland Wildfires. The Superior National Forest says it will reopen nearly half of the Boundary Waters on Thursday.

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

0:15 Water Attack

2:02 Vikings QBs

3:26 Prediction Markets

4:13 Wildfires

5:06 More to Know

9:29 Bright Spot

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Monday, July 27 — Beret Leone is in for Maria and Johnny today as they enjoy a well-deserved break.

Officials say 53% of the wildfires are contained, and some evacuation orders are lifting with parts of the BWCA Wilderness reopening. The Eastern parts of the BWCA have reopened for day trips, while the western parts remain closed. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was in Ely this morning to give an update alongside public safety, federal, and local leaders.

Angie Craig is now disputing a claim made by Senator John Hoffman. At a rally for senate rival Peggy Flanagan, Hoffman claimed that an individual approached him on behalf of Craig to ask for his endorsement in the tense senate primary while he was still in the ICU after having been shot by a political assassin. In response, Craig released a text message from June saying she was praying for Hoffman, as well as a statement disputing his claim.

A family is in mourning and demanding answers after a man was stabbed and killed by a client while working alone with residents at an adult foster home in Cold Spring, Minnesota, in late June. WCCO spoke with his brother, who used to work there himself, who says employees have brought up unsafe staffing levels in the past.

Employees at a Forest Lake game shop say thieves broke in and stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon cards overnight Saturday. Owners say it's the second major theft to target the business in recent years.

And for your bright spot, we're exactly one month away from the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and the question is: Do you have a talent you want to show off? Auditions for the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest begin today and will run through Sunday at the Luther Auto Bandshell. 30 preteen, 42 teen, and 48 open division acts will advance to the semifinals during the State Fair. To participate, you'll need to register online.

Join Beret Leone for this episode of 4 Things to Know.

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Friday, July 24 — A woman has been found guilty of disorderly conduct for directing racist slurs at an 8-year-old autistic Somali boy during a confrontation at a Rochester playground that was captured on video and sparked national attention. She was sentenced to probation, 200 hours of community service, and will avoid jail if she meets the terms of her sentence.

The City of Shakopee has voted to revoke the license of a Baymont hotel after years of police calls, drug overdoses, and public safety concerns. The hotel owner plans to appeal the decision.

Some Boundary Waters entry points will reopen for day trips on Monday as wildfire conditions improve in parts of the wilderness, though most of the area remains closed and overnight permits continue to be canceled while crews battle several uncontained fires.

Thousands of golf fans packed TPC Twin Cities as the 3M Open got underway, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler making his tournament debut and drawing some of the largest crowds of the event.

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

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Thursday, July 23 — Vance Boelter was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years in federal prison for the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman, his wife Yvette, and their daughter. Emotional victim impact statements from the Hortman and Hoffman families underscored the lasting impact of the attacks.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the deadly Farmington hit-and-run that killed 13-year-old Sasha Balandin. Police say they have recovered the vehicle involved, and prosecutors are now reviewing the case to determine formal criminal charges.

A Brooklyn Park man is in custody after police say he broke into two homes and sexually assaulted two women at gunpoint just days after being released from prison. Investigators say 25-year-old Darius Olson-Baker was arrested following a SWAT operation and remains jailed as charges are expected.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined Lakeview Hospital nearly $16,000 after investigators found infectious medical waste improperly disposed of in regular trash. Workers at a Newport waste facility say they've discovered blood-filled tubes, body parts, and other hazardous materials more than 300 times in the past three years.

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

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Wednesday, July 22 — The man accused of killing three employees at St. Paul’s Davern Park Apartments made his first court appearance today and remains jailed on $10 million bail. Prosecutors say the shootings stemmed from a dispute over a $65 monthly parking lease, while neighbors continue gathering to honor the victims.

Minneapolis residents demanded answers from city leaders during a community meeting following a string of shootings in the Stevens Square neighborhood. The violence comes after four separate shootings between Sunday and Monday, including one that left a man dead and four others injured.

A Columbia Heights family seeking asylum has voluntarily returned to Ecuador after spending three years living and working in Minnesota. The family says the difficult decision was made in hopes of preserving their chance to legally return to the United States in the future.

Federal prosecutors are asking for multiple life sentences for Vance Boelter ahead of his sentencing Thursday for the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his family. Defense attorneys say Boelter has accepted responsibility and is prepared to face the consequences.

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

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Tuesday, July 21 — A St. Paul man is in custody after three employees were shot and killed inside a Highland Park apartment leasing office, a tragedy that has left neighbors shaken and the community mourning. Police say the suspect was arrested in northern Minnesota less than 24 hours after the shootings.

Minneapolis is also grappling with another wave of gun violence after two more shootings Monday night, following two mass shootings over the weekend that left one person dead and 13 others injured. Police are still searching for suspects.

Funeral services were held today for two Wabasha firefighters killed in a deadly boating crash on Lake Pepin. Manuel De Angel-Sola and Nicholas Loechler were remembered for their service and dedication to the community as investigators continue searching for answers about what caused the collision with a barge.

A WCCO investigation is uncovering new legal trouble for Gopher Resource. Five lawsuits filed on behalf of children of current and former employees allege lead contamination was brought home from the Eagan battery recycling plant, exposing families to harmful levels of lead.

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

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Monday, July 20 — Minneapolis police are investigating two separate mass shootings that left 14 people shot and one person dead within 24 hours. Community leaders are calling for action as investigators work to determine who was responsible for the violence.

Dozens of residents are displaced after a massive fire tore through the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park, destroying about 90 units. As families begin the recovery process, neighbors, schools, and relief organizations are stepping up to provide shelter and support.

Wildfire danger remains high across northern Minnesota, where multiple active fires continue burning in and around the Boundary Waters. New burn restrictions are now in effect as firefighters battle dry conditions and work to contain the growing blazes.

And the investigations into the ICE killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, along with the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, have reached a critical stage. For the first time, Hennepin County prosecutors have gained access to evidence collected by federal investigators, a development that could have implications far beyond Minnesota.

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

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