Pat Kessler discusses polling and Scott Jensen’s campaign
WCCO political contributor Pat Kessler talks about “wishcasting” polling, and how controversial statements from Dr. Scott Jensen and Matt Birk may have impacted their gubernatorial campaign.
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WCCO political contributor Pat Kessler talks about “wishcasting” polling, and how controversial statements from Dr. Scott Jensen and Matt Birk may have impacted their gubernatorial campaign.
Polls have closed in Minnesota, and political contributor Pat Kessler has the latest on what to expect.
More than 160,000 Minnesotans have cast their ballots early for the midterms elections. With every day closer to Election Day, several races are getting tighter. Pat Kessler has the latest.
As we approach a year of life in quarantine, special correspondent and former WCCO senior political reporter Pat Kessler reflects on his last handshake before the pandemic.
Thursday is National Toast Day, and special correspondent and former WCCO senior political reporter Pat Kessler has a personal essay to share on the topic of toast.
On Wednesday afternoon, a raucous protest turned into a violent and destructive riot at the U.S. Capitol.
What don't you know about Pat Kessler? We dig in for this special Reality Check.
WCCO is celebrating our friend and colleague Pat Kessler as he begins his retirement.
Pat Kessler is known for his tough questions. He's covered Minnesota politics for decades, but now he's retiring. So, we wanted to do a Reality Check on his career with WCCO.
"They want to find out how many votes they need and then they seem to be able to find them. They wait and wait and then they find them," President Donald Trump said.
The decision is likely to create voter confusion, with people who haven't returned their absentee ballots scrambling to make sure their votes count.
Ahead of the polls, Biden campaigned in Georgia, a southern state Democrats never thought they could win. Trump is holding three events in three states he won back in 2016: Michigan, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
Thirteen days until Election Day, and the number of early voters is exploding across the country.
Kessler dedicated 36 years to covering Minnesota politics and local government here. Kessler has reported on the administrations of eight Minnesota governors, dozens of legislative sessions and political conventions.
Because of President Trump's restrictions on new refugees, Minnesota refugee resettlement numbers are down 90% -- the fewest refugees in at least 15 years.
There's a very good chance America won't know who wins the presidential election -- on election night. Not because of fraud, because of COVID.
Both President Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden are visiting "swing state" Minnesota on Friday. Now, a couple of Biden TV ads say President Trump is planning to end Social Security, but that's a stretch.
The Minnesota Trump campaign says the president is "building back the economy" for women, and the millions of jobs added back as the economy recovers is "shattering expectations."
The country's biggest cities saw violent unrest this summer, including Minneapolis. Since June 23, the president has repeatedly linked violence to cities run by Democrats.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is facing a challenge from fellow Democrat Antone Melton-Meaux in one of the most closely-watched congressional primaries in the country -- and a new TV ad making serious claims against her.
The state of South Dakota has launched a major marketing campaign-- in Minnesota. It's unusual not just because it's targeting Minnesota businesses, but because it's asking them to re-locate due to Minnesota's pandemic shut down.
President Trump is airing television campaign ads in Minnesota and Wisconsin linking Joe Biden to a controversial "defund the police" movement.
That's an average of $6,362 per lawmaker, or $449 extra per week on the paycheck -- for a session in which some of the biggest items were left undone.
President Donald Trump claims he sent National Guard troops to Minneapolis to restore order after the death of George Floyd. That never happened.
Minneapolis has one of the lowest numbers in the country for police residents. In fact, the four ex-Minneapolis police officers charged in Floyd killing don't live in the city.
The search for Grant Gardner, the Minnesota hiker who went missing on Aug. 1 in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, has been suspended.
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
Cracker Barrel stock plunged almost 15% on Thursday after the company released a new logo that removes its long-time image of a man leaning against a barrel.
Dr. James Dobson founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs and campaigned against abortion and gay rights.
The Federal Trade Commission said tens of thousands of LA Fitness customers "reported difficulties" cancelling their memberships.
The search for Grant Gardner, the Minnesota hiker who went missing on Aug. 1 in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, has been suspended.
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
"The State of Hockey" got some big news on Thursday: plans are in the works for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
A mobile home fire overnight Thursday in Hamel, Minnesota, has left a man in critical condition.
The Le Sueur Police Department on Monday announced the passing of Karl Haugen, 41, who the department said served the Le Sueur-Henderson community since 2008.
A grandma's quiet craft shop in Holdingford, Minnesota, got a big surprise thanks to her loving grandson and a viral Facebook post.
An Olmsted County judge handed down a 75-month prison sentence, which will be stayed for five years, to Jose Gutierrez Ojeda on Tuesday.
As kids gear up to go back to school, many Minnesota districts are still searching for enough bus drivers.
The amphitheater set to become Minnesota's largest outdoor music venue officially has a name.
Officials say a traveler from out of state who visited two Wisconsin gas stations may have exposed others to measles.
A deer hunter has discovered a rare subtropical wood stork in the wilds of Wisconsin.
Wolfdogs in northern Wisconsin are helping war veterans deal with their post-traumatic stress disorder.
A motorcyclist from Minnesota was killed in a crash with a truck pulling a trailer in western Wisconsin on Sunday.
Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states has led to water rescues, power outages and road closures.
A grandma's quiet craft shop in Holdingford, Minnesota, got a big surprise thanks to her loving grandson and a viral Facebook post.
The second annual Guns and Hoses event is being held to raise money for police officers, firefighters and paramedics across the state, including those who responded to the shootings that wounded Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
After a monthslong push for more transparency, a community exposed to elevated lead emissions earlier this year was able to get some answers from investigators.
Dozens of students will be looking their best when heading back to school, thanks to the annual Youth Appreciation Day in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sometimes there are milestones so rare that they turn a care center into the most joyful place in town.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simons says Minnesota will join the fight if President Trump follows through with his call to end mail-in voting by the 2026 Midterm Elections. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy examines whether Trump has the authority to do so, as well as other election issues, including who should have access to voter information.
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
Gov. Tim Walz was among the first people to pass through the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on its opening day Thursday, where he spoke to WCCO's Heather Brown and A.J. Hilton about when he'll make a decision on running for a third term in 2026.
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, says someone used AI to simulate her voice, making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of the controversial American Eagle jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says someone used AI to simulate her voice making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of an ad for jeans featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, plus more of the day’s top stories.
With almost three dozen new foods to try at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, it can be difficult to plan the menu for your visit. WCCO is here to help.
Visitors to this year's Minnesota State Fair might get sticker shock when buying some of their favorite foods.
Local organizations are stepping up to help families in need have a successful school year, from end-of-summer celebrations to free haircuts and full backpacks of essentials.
One Minnesota woman left the corporate world to run her own bakery in Saint Paul's Lowertown.
Some recent, big-name restaurant closures in Minneapolis have fueled concerns about the health of the Twin Cities dining scene.
An Olmsted County judge handed down a 75-month prison sentence, which will be stayed for five years, to Jose Gutierrez Ojeda on Tuesday.
The last suspect at large following a Twin Cities armed robbery spree that led to a countywide crime alert on Sunday is now in custody, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.
A special Capitol security panel convened Wednesday for the first time since the deadly attacks on Minnesota lawmakers and their families sent shock waves around the state.
A male of unknown age was critically injured in a stabbing in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, early Wednesday, police said.
Immigration agents pulled an undocumented man from the passenger seat of a car in Minneapolis on Friday. They say they arrested him because he showed "a reckless disregard for the safety of others."
Officials say a traveler from out of state who visited two Wisconsin gas stations may have exposed others to measles.
Today, the program has nine helicopters, 45 pilots and it airlifts about 2,600 patients a year.
The southern Minnesota city of Waseca has closed several beaches, boat ramps and bodies of water due to possible water contamination.
One in every seven police officers worldwide suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, and one in every 10 struggles with other mental illnesses. Officers in Bloomington, Minnesota, are making sure to check in and take care of their fellow officers.
A dog named Nova is suiting up for a very special purpose: keeping a close eye on her human, University of Minnesota medical student Wesley Flint.
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, says someone used AI to simulate her voice, making a "vulgar and absurd" critique of the controversial American Eagle jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
A Maryland ticket broker is accused of illegally purchasing and reselling hundreds of thousands of tickets for profit, including thousands to Taylor Swift's highly-sought Eras Tour.
The Oscar-nominated actor famously played arch-villain General Zod in "Superman" and "Superman II."
President Trump announced this year's "truly exceptional class" of Kennedy Center Honorees and said he will host the annual ceremony himself.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed plans for a July 4, 2026 fight at the White House to mark America's 250th birthday.
Julia Rodrigue attended Hudson High School in Wisconsin and was active in three sports. In college, she stumbled into a sport she had never tried. Three years later, she's a national champion and climbing.
"The State of Hockey" got some big news on Thursday: plans are in the works for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press the New York Jets have agreed to trade for veteran nose tackle Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings.
Max Brosmer's short-but-stellar stay shaped Minnesota into a dangerous passing team last season.
Shea Langeliers hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning and the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simons says Minnesota will join the fight if President Trump follows through with his call to end mail-in voting by the 2026 Midterm Elections. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy examines whether Trump has the authority to do so, as well as other election issues, including who should have access to voter information.
Fateh is a Democratic Socialist, part of a surging progressive wing of the Democratic Party both in Minnesota and nationwide.
Tuesday will mark one month until early voting begins in local municipal and school board elections around the state. That includes the Mayor's race in Minneapolis. In tonight's Talking Points, Esme Murphy looks at the candidacy of State Sen. Omar Fateh.
A new Minnesota law requires governments and public entities to report cyberattacks within 72 hours to the state and notify victims whose data has been breached. Starting next year, the law will require the state to issue an annual report on cyberattacks.
As St. Paul reels from the fallout of a cyberattack, a new law in place that aims better to track the growing number of cyberattacks across the state.
It's been 50 years since WCCO has been at its current location at the "Great Minnesota Get-Together."
Caves that were once used for making beer in the 1800s are now used for making cheese. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen looks into the history of the cheese caves in Faribault.
On his five-acre property in Blaine, Minnesota, Erik Lund has plenty of space to fine-tune his golf game and his guitar game.
This Friday, the town of Braham will reach a milestone as it celebrates its 35th "Pie Day." It's always the first Friday in August.
In the mid-90s, a group of Alexandria, Minnesota, residents wanted to highlight wooden boats and their craftsmanship, believing they were essentially works of art. So, they converted an old city garage into the Legacy of Lakes Museum.
Jeff Wagner looks at the winding road it took for the Minnesota State Fair to find its permanent home 140 years ago.
The first Tuesday of August is a unique night meant for nothing more than connection with those living on your street and the people tasked to protect it: National Night Out, which is now in its 42nd year.
Homeowners know the saying, "water finds a way." Add wildfire smoke to that distinction, another savvy invader harming indoor quality, where people should feel protected from it.
Be sure to turn your eyes to the night sky, as brief flashes of light will streak through outer space on Tuesday night.
From farmland to store shelves and, soon, your kitchen, produce is a healthy choice that sometimes needs a healthy rinse.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
The new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is under construction just outside of Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Set to open in late 2026, the $40 million, first-of-its-kind project in the nation will be eight times the size of the existing museum. It will honor not only Minnesota's service members and their sacrifices, but the refugee experience as well. Watch and read more in Pauleen Le's series "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota."
The National Weather Service has issued multiple tornado warnings and many more severe thunderstorm warnings throughout wide swaths of southern and central Minnesota Monday afternoon.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says you could scarcely ask for a nicer set of opening days at the Minnesota State Fair, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames says the forecast for the first stretch of the Minnesota State Fair is looking plenty sunny and mild, if a little cool for this time of year.
The Minnesota State Fair opens on Thursday with summer warmth, followed by a storm chance overnight, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Expect a beautiful start to the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday, with sunshine and seasonable temperatures topping off in the low 80s.
Mariam Mohamed, the co-founder of Hoyo, and Amina Deble, owner of Oasis, teamed up to bring a taste of Somalia to the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says you could scarcely ask for a nicer set of opening days at the Minnesota State Fair, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
Sarah Ness, with SCI-Math, and Cordell Hardy, Vice President of Core R&D at Cargill, share more details about bringing science education awareness to the fair.
"The State of Hockey" got some big news on Thursday: plans are in the works for a $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
Caroline Cummings talked with some of this year's earliest arrivals at the Minnesota State Fair.