4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis)
A local Minneapolis show with a supportive stance towards local leaders and a focus on crime and public safety.
What This Tone Is Based On
The tone scores on this page come from analyzing how this show covers each political figure it mentions. Below is the breakdown of how many of those reads were positive, neutral, or negative.
Net media tone Slightly Positive across 345 figure-in-episode tone reads (not audience/impressions).
How 4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis) Differs from Other Shows
Compared to 219 outlets · Sep 2025–Aug 2026This show's average tone sits near the field, but its coverage is far more split by figure. It rates Tim Walz +0.60 above the media average on the figures it favors and Luigi Mangione -0.18 below it on the ones it criticizes — a 0.78-point gap between its most favorable and most critical coverage that a typical outlet doesn't show.
- Tim Walz+0.60more favorable vs. other showsShow↑ +0.29Other shows↓↓ -0.3177 eps
- Jacob Frey+0.56more favorable vs. other showsShow↑ +0.32Other shows↓↓ -0.2558 eps
- Ilhan Omar+0.48more favorable vs. other showsShow→ -0.02Other shows⤓ -0.5015 eps
- Pam Bondi+0.27more favorable vs. other showsShow↑ +0.11Other shows↓ -0.1616 eps
- Luigi Mangione-0.18more critical vs. other showsShow⤓ -0.57Other shows↓↓ -0.3918 eps
- Donald Trump+0.13more favorable vs. other showsShow↘ -0.13Other shows↓↓ -0.2621 eps
- JD Vance+0.11more favorable vs. other showsShow↑ +0.12Other shows→ +0.0213 eps
- Kristi Noem-0.07more critical vs. other showsShow↓↓ -0.30Other shows↓↓ -0.2425 eps
- Tom Homan-0.06more critical vs. other showsShow↗ +0.09Other shows↑ +0.1518 eps
Delta = this show's tone toward the figure minus the average across all 219 other tracked outlets that covered them ≥3 times, Sep 2025–Aug 2026.
Positive = friendlier here; negative = harsher.
Editorial Identity
The editorial fingerprint of this center local news show — who it elevates, who it goes after, and where it breaks from the pack.
4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis) is a center-leaning local news show that prioritizes policy discussions, particularly around crime, public safety, and immigration. It frequently covers local political figures like Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey with a supportive tone, reflecting a positive bias towards local leadership. The show tends to focus on policy over scandal, with a significant emphasis on issues that directly impact the Minneapolis community.
The show champions local Minnesota leaders, notably Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, covering them more favorably than the average media outlet. It also gives significant attention to issues like gun policy and the economy, often presenting them in a positive light.
4 Things To Know takes a critical stance towards figures like Kristi Noem and Luigi Mangione, often highlighting controversies or negative aspects of their actions. The show also scrutinizes issues related to government ethics and corruption, though less frequently than other topics.
The show is distinctive in its heavy focus on crime and public safety, covering these issues much more than the average outlet. It also stands out for its supportive coverage of local Minnesota politicians, contrasting with the generally more critical tone found in broader media coverage.
Who 4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis) boosts and attacks
Tracked figures split by this show's average tone toward them, each with the clips behind the call — tap a quote to jump to the audio.
4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis) is a reliable ally to Tim Walz, Jacob Frey, Pam Bondi; its prime targets are Luigi Mangione, Kristi Noem, Donald Trump.
“Governor Tim Walz signed a bill to allow happy hours at nursing homes. Tim Walz says the bill gives more independence and safety to residents while still under clear regulations.”
“Governor Tim Walz issued that order this morning.”
“Governor Tim Walz was there with the mayor of St. Paul, Kaliher, and some of the state's commissioners and state lawmakers.”
“Tom Homan appeared on CBS's Face the Nation yesterday. He says more than 1,000 people have already left town with several hundred more leaving today or tomorrow.”
“they credited the arrival of border czar Tom Homan.”
“the governor said that he is hoping to hear an announcement about a drawdown and an end to Operation Metro surge from Tom Homan sometime this week.”
“the arrest were made at the end of a rally on Saturday. That rally was celebrating the firing of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.”
“U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi promised to charge the protesters and was in Minneapolis this week.”
“Pam Bondi says Levy Armstrong allegedly played a key role in organizing what she calls the attack on city's church.”
“the court sided with Republicans in a case initially filed by then Senate candidate JD Vance.”
“JD Vance has vigorously defended the shooting of Good, calling Ross a, quote, innocent law enforcement officer and labeling good a, quote, deranged leftists who tried to run him over.”
“Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has endorsed JD Vance for president in 2008.”
“both he and former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem came under fire for their comments about the shootings.”
“Borders are Tom Homan called her after the hearings and told her that Kristi Noem mischaracterized the number of ICE agents still in the Twin Cities.”
“Kristi Noem said close to 650. Those include investigators working on fraud allegations as well.”
“this is already being seen as a big win for Tim Walz, Governor Tim Walz, and Mayor Jacob Frey. And a hit to the Department of Justice and the Trump administration's Department of Justice.”
“Thankfully, the Trump administration is putting an end to fraud in this country.”
“President Trump has officially signed the resolution ending a 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters.”
“Luigi Mangione accused of stalking and gunning down United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.”
“A sudden switch for the man accused of murdering a Minnesota health care CEO. Luigi Mangione now says he will not use a psychiatric defense during his trial.”
“Under that strategy, Mangione would have admitted to killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024, but likely would have received less prison time.”
Coverage Volume
Transcribed episodes per week — last 26 weeks
Sentiment Trajectory
Average weekly tone toward figures — green favorable, red critical
Whose coverage is ramping up — and dropping
Cooling on Donald Trump, Tim Walz, Jacob Frey.
Nothing ramping this window.
“Across N days” = distinct days behind the recent count; a single burst means it’s concentrated in ≤2 days — treat as one story, not a trend.
Top Issues 4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis) drives
Top Issues ranked by lift — how much harder this show pushes an issue than the average outlet. ≥ 1.25× over-indexes.
4 Things To Know (WCCO Minneapolis) pushes Gun Policy hardest — 10.3× the average outlet's rate of coverage.
Show organizations & places →Organizations & Places They Focus On
Recent Stories
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of a trailer belonging to Honor Flight, an organization that assists veterans. The trailer, valued at $30,000, was recovered, but the suspect claimed to have burned the merchandise inside. He is scheduled to appear in court soon.
A Minnesota mother may face jail time after her 15-year-old daughter, driving for the first time, caused a fatal accident. The incident occurred when the girl lost control of the vehicle, resulting in one death and serious injuries. The mother was present during the incident and is now scheduled to appear in court next month.
With Democratic Governor Tony Evers not seeking re-election, the race for Wisconsin's governorship is drawing national attention. The Democratic primary features a chaotic field, with Francesca Hong leading in polls, while Republican Tom Tiffany, backed by Trump, is expected to be a strong contender. The close nature of past elections suggests every vote will be crucial.
In South Minneapolis, a man was hospitalized after being struck by an empty police squad car during a chase of a burglary suspect. The incident is under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the man is expected to recover. This unusual situation raises questions about police procedures during pursuits.
West St. Paul and Isanti County are discontinuing the use of controversial license plate reading cameras after a trial period. While the cameras showed some effectiveness in crime-fighting, community distrust led to their removal. Officials cited budget concerns and the need for community trust as primary reasons for the decision.
Federal observers are monitoring polling sites in Minnesota during the primary elections, with a focus on ensuring fair practices. Minnesota's Secretary of State, Steve Simon, noted that observers have been present in past elections, and their role is to maintain transparency. Voters are advised they are not obligated to answer questions from these observers.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are holding primary elections today, with significant races for governor and U.S. Senate. In Minnesota, Representative Angie Craig and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are competing for the Senate seat, while the governor's race sees Mike Lindell, endorsed by Trump, leading against Lisa Damath and Kendall Qualls. High voter turnout is expected, with absentee ballots already surpassing previous records.
An 18-year-old named Drew Von Fisher tragically died in a crash on I-94 after hitting a barrier and subsequently being struck by another vehicle. The incident highlights the dangers of highway travel and the tragic loss of young life.
A large gathering of scooter riders in Minneapolis, organized by 20-year-old Johann Vargas, turned into a chaotic scene as hundreds took to the streets and even the highway. While Vargas intended for the event to be a fun gathering, the Minnesota State Patrol deemed it dangerous, emphasizing the risks involved with such reckless behavior.
Taylor Fresh Foods has expanded its recall of products linked to a cyclospora outbreak, affecting items containing jalapeños potentially tainted with salmonella. The recall includes popular products sold at major retailers, urging consumers to return them for refunds.
Minnesota and Wisconsin voters are preparing for primary elections, with tight races for governor and U.S. Senate. In Minnesota, Kendall Qualls is surprising analysts by polling third in the Republican nomination, while Amy Klobuchar is expected to secure the Democratic nomination for governor. Wisconsin's Democratic primary features Francesca Hong leading against other candidates, with a close race anticipated in November.
A man named Jason Phillips is facing 32 felony charges after a standoff with police in Isanti, during which his wife and five children were trapped inside their home. The charges detail alarming behavior, including making one child hold a gun and instructing a girl to apply face paint to appear scary, highlighting the dangerous situation that unfolded.
Taiwanese buyers visited a Minnesota farm to explore soybean purchasing opportunities amid rising costs for local farmers. The visit is part of a larger deal that could see Taiwan purchase up to $4.2 billion worth of U.S. soybeans over four years, providing much-needed relief to farmers facing economic challenges.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a use-of-force incident during a standoff in Isanti, where police responded to reports of an armed man. After hours of negotiations, a SWAT team member shot at the suspect, but no injuries were reported, and the suspect was taken into custody after being evaluated at a hospital.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed concerns regarding the police department's overtime pay, revealing that the department exceeded its budget by $3 million during Operation Metro surge. He emphasized that the overtime was necessary due to crisis events and explained that the city had previously managed overtime costs through vacancy savings from officer attrition.
Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota reported the theft of a trailer containing merchandise intended to support free flights for veterans to Washington, D.C. The organization is seeking public assistance in recovering the stolen items.
A Minnesota woman is suing Chipotle after suffering severe salmonella complications linked to tainted jalapenos served at a Roseville location. The CDC has reported 345 salmonella infections across 27 states, with Chipotle halting the use of the implicated jalapenos as investigations continue into the source of the outbreak.
A 26-year-old woman was struck and killed by a motorist on I-94 in St. Paul. The incident occurred late at night, and the State Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt is facing threats of arrest from federal immigration officials regarding her office's handling of immigration enforcement. The threats stem from her department's cooperation with ICE, and Witt has stated that she will not change her approach despite the intimidation, emphasizing her commitment to legal responsibilities.
Leading candidates for governor participated in a forum at Farm Fest, discussing how to unite urban and rural communities in Minnesota. The event featured Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and three Republican candidates, who emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and addressing farmers' concerns.