Thursday, January 1st — Minnesota’s fraud crisis takes a new turn as day care providers warn they could be forced to close if federal funding is frozen following unproven allegations made by a YouTube blogger. We break down the $185 million at stake, hear from the creator whose viral video sparked a “massive investigation,” and look ahead to upcoming congressional hearings in Washington.
Also today: Minnesota’s new paid leave program is officially underway, with hundreds already applying, and several new state laws take effect—from changes to absentee ballot applications to clearer rules on work breaks. Plus, flu hospitalizations are surging across the state, snow emergencies are leading to hundreds of tows in the Twin Cities, and we explain how new federal changes could impact seniors’ budgets in 2026.
We’ll also check sports, highlight a New Year’s health reset with Dry January, and end on a lighter note with the TSA’s cutest new canine calendar.
Join Maria Lisignoli for today’s episode of 4 Things to Know.

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