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.
Gov. Tim Walz speaks to state lawmakers and Minnesotans in his State of the State address
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.
As Minnesotans gear up for the growing season, the University of Minnesota has a warning about where you buy your plants.
Less than 24 hours after bottles filled with an accelerant were thrown on the roof of the Elks Lodge in north Minneapolis and started a fire, there was another fire — this time near the entrance to the building.
The airline has teamed up with MicroTau, an Australian aerospace company, to study the use of this special skin that can be applied to a plane to increase it's fuel efficiency.
A series of timeless movie trailers has inspired a Minnesota filmmaker to produce a documentary about their history.
In St. Paul, a special art gallery is open featuring hundreds of works by Holocaust survivor Lucy Kreisler Smith, who immigrated to the Twin Cities after the war.
As Minnesotans gear up for the growing season, the University of Minnesota has a warning about where you buy your plants.
Less than 24 hours after bottles filled with an accelerant were thrown on the roof of the Elks Lodge in north Minneapolis and started a fire, there was another fire — this time near the entrance to the building.
In St. Paul, a special art gallery is open featuring hundreds of works by Holocaust survivor Lucy Kreisler Smith, who immigrated to the Twin Cities after the war.
A jury on Tuesday found a 38-year-old man guilty in the stabbing of a man found dead in a car in Crystal, Minnesota, last March.
Minnesotans love to claim Bob Dylan as their own, but they may want to think twice about sharing a quote on Pope Francis purporting to be from the iconic musician.
As Minnesotans gear up for the growing season, the University of Minnesota has a warning about where you buy your plants.
Authorities say they believe a southern Minnesota man accused of theft and online threats may have been planning a "mass casualty event."
Minnesotans love to claim Bob Dylan as their own, but they may want to think twice about sharing a quote on Pope Francis purporting to be from the iconic musician.
Wednesday night at the State Capitol, DFL Gov. Tim Walz will speak to state lawmakers and Minnesotans in his State of the State address.
Two weeks ago, the shelter took in more than 200 animals living in concerning conditions, including more than five dozen birds.
Guidance from the Democratic governor of Wisconsin's administration to state employees about what to do if immigration officials or other federal agents show up at their workplace is drawing fire from Republicans.
The bull elk was found on private property in Black River Falls on March 18.
Wisconsin health officials are calling a significant spike in congenital syphilis over the last several years "especially concerning."
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that the Democratic governor legally used the state's uniquely powerful veto to lock in a school funding increase for 400 years.
Storms moving through Wisconsin brought large amounts hail Friday morning.
The 17 crop art portraits on display depict themes of civic engagement, justice and community.
The birth of a child is typically the happiest day in a parent's life. But for a Minneapolis family, it started a mother's fight for her life.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick and Ludacris are slated to headline Taste of Minnesota this year.
Low enrollment at Chelsea Heights Elementary School has impacted funding for music and arts programs, leaving staff to figure out how they will still deliver creative classes for students.
Avianah Drakeford was born with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that negatively affects how blood moves around the body. It's not life-threatening, but it is life-altering.
Minnesota's governor will deliver his yearly "State of the State" address to a closely divided Capitol. WCCO's Caroline Cummings is there live with a look at what we can expect to hear tonight.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin announced Wednesday he is retiring and will not run for reelection in 2026.
Two U.S. retailers warned President Trump his sweeping tariff policy could disrupt supply chains and lead to empty shelves in the coming weeks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not given any press briefings in the briefing room but has used the room as a backdrop for TV hits with Fox News.
Iowans attending a forum hosted by Sen. Chuck Grassley started to turn on each other as the lawmaker faced heated questions about President Donald Trump's first months in office.
Pork carnitas products sold at Aldi stores nationwide maybe contaminated with pieces of metal, according to a public health alert from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
While 4/20 is a celebratory time for her, My Little CBD Co., owner Lynn Bialick said she is surprised at how long it's taking just to set up a cannabis marketplace.
Target's chief executive officer has met with the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose civil rights organization has encouraged consumers to avoid U.S. retailers that scaled backed their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
A Minnesota company is offering the chance to own never-before-seen pieces of music history.
A company that makes baby food for Target is recalling more than 25,000 packages of a product because it may contain elevated levels of lead.
A jury on Tuesday found a 38-year-old man guilty in the stabbing of a man found dead in a car in Crystal, Minnesota, last March.
Authorities say they believe a southern Minnesota man accused of theft and online threats may have been planning a "mass casualty event."
Upon learning that David Powers' whereabouts were unknown, the judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest and continued the trial.
Minneapolis fire investigators are looking into what they call a suspicious fire at the Elks Lodge in north Minneapolis.
Police in Edina, Minnesota say a suspect is in custody after M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital went into a brief lockdown on Tuesday afternoon following reports of an armed person in the facility.
It's only the second case in the state this year, following 70 cases in 2024 — the second highest total in the past 15 years.
In 2019, city officials in Northfield, Minnesota said the town's water supply tested for high levels of manganese.
Across several networks and streaming channels, you'll often find a dramatic depiction of life in a hospital.
Pork carnitas products sold at Aldi stores nationwide maybe contaminated with pieces of metal, according to a public health alert from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Applications for free state health care by undocumented Minnesota residents are exceeding expectations.
A series of timeless movie trailers has inspired a Minnesota filmmaker to produce a documentary about their history.
Minnesotans love to claim Bob Dylan as their own, but they may want to think twice about sharing a quote on Pope Francis purporting to be from the iconic musician.
Meghan Trainor will perform at the Grandstand this year, the Minnesota State Fair announced.
Across several networks and streaming channels, you'll often find a dramatic depiction of life in a hospital.
Monday marks nine years since the death of Minnesota superstar Prince, and his former home and recording studio marked the occasion by inviting fans for a day of remembrance.
Kirill Kaprizov had two goals and an assist as the Minnesota Wild took advantage of turnover-prone Vegas and beat the Golden Knights 5-2, tying the first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Luka Doncic had 31 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers fought back to even their first-round series with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 94-85 victory in Game 2.
A Minneapolis teacher is helping high school basketball players get one more look from college coaches.
Bailey Ober worked six strong innings to win his second straight start, Trevor Larnach hit a two-run homer and Byron Buxton made a diving catch to end the game and seal the Minnesota Twins' 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.
In the back of Beloved Studios in Roseville, Minnesota, JC Stroebel and Jesse George are equal parts tattoo artist and superfan.
The U.S. House recently passed the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. The bill has resulted in a heated debate on what ID requirements should be needed to vote.
The U.S. House recently passed the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote.
Domestic violence groups across Minnesota and the surrounding region are struggling to determine how they will be able to effectively serve people if proposed federal funding cuts go into effect.
Domestic violence services are in jeopardy amid federal funding cuts. In Talking Points, one of the biggest centers in Minnesota is bracing for an uncertain funding future.
At the State Capitol, there is a bipartisan effort to limit the authority of homeowner association (HOA) boards and make their dealings more transparent.
Easter is this weekend, and chances are a park in rural Redwood County will be a popular destination.
April 15 will be the 113th anniversary of the day the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic, taking with it 1,500 lives. From news to movies, people still marvel over what happened.
It's sap-tapping season in our state. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an Otter Tail County man landed in the Maple Syrup Hall of Fame.
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows how one group is unearthing a bit of history.
South of Hastings, Minnesota, there's a town without a single resident and there are businesses that don't sell a single thing. Yet people can't wait to visit, and once here, they don't want to leave.
Electrical currents travel in an instant, but the effort to ensure that electricity is generated in a carbon-free way is a years-long journey.
Across several networks and streaming channels, you'll often find a dramatic depiction of life in a hospital.
A sure sign of spring might be flowing outside your home starting Wednesday. Streets will be soaked, but it won't be thanks to Mother Nature — fire hydrants are getting flushed.
No matter how you take your coffee, there are endless ways to create the morning staple.
Being married has its benefits, but a new study found that staying single late in life might actually be better for your brain.
A spring snowstorm dropped several inches of plowable snow overnight in the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota.
Six Minnesota Vikings made the initial roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the most in 15 years.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain showers are possible in southern Minnesota overnight and early tomorrow with heavier rain arriving later Thursday.
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.
Rain will move in late Wednesday night and become more widespread Thursday afternoon and evening, especially from the Twin Cities east, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Rain is expected to move in overnight and will possibly become more widespread Thursday afternoon.
Wednesday will be sunny and top out around 70, but more rain is on the way.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain showers are possible in southern Minnesota overnight and early tomorrow with heavier rain arriving later Thursday.
As Minnesotans gear up for growing season, the University of Minnesota has a warning about where you buy your plants. WCCO's John Lauritsen talked with researchers about the damage that can be done.
Minnesota's governor will deliver his yearly "State of the State" address to a closely divided Capitol. WCCO's Caroline Cummings is there live with a look at what we can expect to hear tonight.
A firebug apparently carried out an arson attack again. Cameras caught the fire spreading outside a door after someone tossed yet another Molotov cocktail at an Elks Lodge in north Minneapolis last night. As WCCO's Reg Chapman reports, the club is considering changes.
Before their next fleet of "birds" take to the friendly skies, Delta Air Lines is looking to the ocean for inspiration. Adam Del Rosso explains how sharks are helping to improve innovation.