Esme's Blog: Nuclear Newt
The nickname for Newt Gingrich that has been buzzing on social media and the web may stick now that the New York Times is running a front page story with the headline, "No More Nice Guys: Fans Love 'Nuclear Newt.'"
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The nickname for Newt Gingrich that has been buzzing on social media and the web may stick now that the New York Times is running a front page story with the headline, "No More Nice Guys: Fans Love 'Nuclear Newt.'"
Minnesota U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen is endorsing Mitt Romney in the Republican presidential race.
A new poll suggests Newt Gingrich has an edge on Mitt Romney among Minnesota's republican caucus voters.
The new uncertainty in the Republican presidential race means Minnesota's caucuses, which are Feb. 7, are suddenly a lot more important.
Minnesota suddenly matters in the Republican Presidential race.
On the heels of the Iowa caucuses last week, Mitt Romney now leads the field of Republican presidential candidates. Newt Gingrich is in second place, and Rick Santorum has leapt into the top tier and is now right behind Gingrich in the latest CBS News national poll.
Former Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty will campaign with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney this weekend in New Hampshire.
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum shrugged off reports late Thursday that the vote count from Iowa's caucuses might be wrong, saying the errors appear not to change the fact that he and Mitt Romney were nearly tied.
A squeaker of an Iowa victory in hand, Mitt Romney headed into the New Hampshire primary insisting that staying power sets him apart from runners-up Rick Santorum and Ron Paul and the rest of the GOP presidential field.
Here are some of the more notable quotes from Tuesday night's Republican caucuses in Iowa.
Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney waged a seesaw battle for supremacy in Iowa's Republican presidential caucuses late Tuesday night, a dramatic opening round for the campaign to pick a challenger to President Barack Obama.
Iowa's GOP presidential contest remains deeply unsettled, if not downright strange, five days before the Jan. 3 caucus.
So much for staying positive. In just the last 24 hours, Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has blasted rival Mitt Romney as a "Massachusetts moderate" who isn't "man enough" to take responsibility for the harsh attack ads being run on his behalf. And he lambasted Ron Paul's views as "totally outside the mainstream of virtually every decent American."
Three Republican presidential candidates, each claiming to be the truly conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, are launching bus tours Tuesday through this early nominating state.
It's been a different presidential race in Iowa this year — quieter. Campaign headquarters have hardly been buzzing with activity, unlike the around-the-clock nature of past contests. Candidates have barely visited the state, compared with years when most all but moved here.
What would Mitt Romney like to say to the American people? How about this: "Newt Gingrich? Really?"
With little more than two weeks until Iowans caucus, The Des Moines Register is endorsing Mitt Romney for president.
The presidential nominating contests start in 21 days, and the Republican candidates are turning up the heat in Iowa and New Hampshire this week.
Mitt Romney challenged Texas Gov. Rick Perry's claims that the former Massachusetts governor backed a requirement that individuals purchase health care coverage.
Republican presidential hopefuls say lower taxes and fewer regulations will create jobs. But they're struggling to explain what they'd do differently from their rivals to make that happen.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney dived into his campaign's full-scale critique of rival Newt Gingrich on Friday, standing by top supporters who described the former House speaker as self-serving and mocking some of his ideas about science and technology.
Rep. Michele Bachmann said Tuesday she still thinks she has a good chance of winning the Iowa Republican caucuses, saying presidential campaign rivals Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney "have significant flaws."
The once-bursting 2012 Republican presidential field is narrowing to a two-man race, and GOP voters have one month before casting the first votes to winnow it to one. Barring a dramatic new turn, their chief options will be the steady but often bland demeanor of Mitt Romney and the idea-a-minute bombast of Newt Gingrich.
At last, Rep. Phil Gingrey thought as he watched the most recent presidential debate. His candidate, Newt Gingrich, had moved beyond scolding journalists to talking ideas and looking like a contender. But then Gingrich seemed to embrace a form of amnesty for illegal immigrants. And Gingrey, who opposes amnesty like most conservatives, froze.
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is pushing back after rival Newt Gingrich called her "factually challenged."
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
Several people were injured when an armed assailant lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, campaign officials said.
Federal prosecutors want a former Minnesota state senator sent away for half a decade after being caught in a child sex sting, according to court documents.
The bird spent the last few months healing at the rehab center after being found at the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police station with a broken clavicle.
An Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport and struck several vehicles, killing at least five and injuring five others, officials said.
The bird spent the last few months healing at the rehab center after being found at the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police station with a broken clavicle.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the freeway Saturday afternoon.
On one of its last few days, one woman flew home to spend a few magical moments at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
For Jeena Gurung Vomhof, the Minnesota State Fair was supposed to be a celebration. A chance to share the art and traditions of the country she still calls home. Then came devastating news from Nepal.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV crash that seriously injured a child..
After years of planning, the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley is nearly ready to open.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
A better chance for storms arrives Thursday night across central and northern Minnesota. A few could be severe with a slight risk for wind and hail.
Police in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, have an adult man in custody after social media threats were made towards both schools in the area on Tuesday.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
Several people were injured when an armed assailant lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, campaign officials said.
The November election is just over eight weeks away. Early voting starts in 11 days. One of Minnesota's marquee races is for governor. Esme Murphy talked to GOP gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth about the upcoming election.
The filing comes after a U.S. District Court judge extended an order against the Postal Service enforcing President Trump's executive order for the November elections.
The federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro has been unsealed, detailing charges accusing him of lying to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in January, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Federal prosecutors want a former Minnesota state senator sent away for half a decade after being caught in a child sex sting, according to court documents.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the freeway Saturday afternoon.
Police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, are investigating after four juvenile males fled from a shooting Friday evening.
A woman is in critical condition following a shooting overnight Saturday in north Minneapolis.
A group of over 150 Allina Health doctors in the Twin Cities has filed a 10-day unfair labor practice strike notice, their union said on Friday.
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced Tuesday that they completed the merger.
This year, your kid may be more likely to catch a back-to-school bug, as fewer students are getting their shots than at any time in the past decade.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
Vincent Janssen scored early in the second half to finish off a hat trick in his first start and fourth MLS appearance, helping the Portland Timbers outlast Minnesota United 5-4.
The Twins pulled within six games of the White Sox in the AL Central and 3 1/2 games of the third AL wild card.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back fan-favorite safety Harrison Smith.
Colson Montgomery hit a two-run homer and Erick Fedde pitched five sparkling innings, helping the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1.
Several people were injured in a railing collapse at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, Thursday night, following a football game between Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Thomas Academy, according to the Minnesota Vikings.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
Visitors are spending tens of millions of dollars to experience all there is at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 12-day production that costs tens of millions of dollars to put on.
There's more than 300 vendors keeping people fed at the Minnesota State Fair. That's a lot of competition for your cash and the limited space in your stomach.
The corn goes from a farm field west of the Twin Cities to the busy ovens on the fairgrounds.
There's a buzz at the fairgrounds as vendors, exhibitors and 4-H families get ready to welcome millions of people across a very specific stretch of time. Why is the Minnesota State Fair 12 days? Good Question.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
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.
There were a few showers across northern Minnesota in the morning, but most of the activity that develops later will be focused west of the metro.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says our next storm system is slowly approaching from the west, bringing some storms for our Sunday.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest for your weekend forecast.
Two men are expected to survive after being shot near the University of Minnesota campus. It comes just two days before the start of classes. Jason Rantala spoke with a campus safety advocate who says enough is enough.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
A bird rarely seen in Minnesota has a new lease on life thanks to one concerned citizen.
Lehman Riley is an accomplished children's author. He has a career to be proud of, but he's most proud, of his family. After losing his daughter, a friend suggested he do what he'd done for years: write a book.
A Rush City, Minnesota, native is using his own life experiences to make meaningful changes for others. Tristan Larsin joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield to talk about how you can help the IDISCY Foundation.