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.
Mike Conley reunited with the Minnesota Timberwolves this week as if he hadn't ever left.
On Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would impose 10% tariffs on most foreign imports to the United States.
Minnesota junior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson will be sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury that has kept him out of the last two games.
Minnesota right-hander Pablo López will have season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery, expected once the Twins discovered their ace's torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Anthony Edwards returned to Minnesota with his All-Star Game MVP award and scored 40 points to help the Timberwolves hold off Dallas 122-111 in the 10th straight loss for the Mavericks.
A major setback for President Trump's tariffs has left Minnesota businesses and shoppers in limbo.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
A federal judge has ordered the release of a man who authorities say was fleeing from federal officers when he crashed in St. Paul last week.
Measles cases in the U.S. are rising at the fastest rate in a generation, and the trend now includes five cases in Minnesota since the start of the new year.
Prosecutors working on the case of Vance Boelter — the man accused of killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband in a politically motivated spree that also injured state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife — say they have not yet made a decision whether to pursue the death penalty.
A 15-year-old boy is in the hospital after the car he was driving, which was reportedly stolen, rolled at the end of a pursuit by a deputy in Becker Township Friday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
A trial date has been set for a former Minnesota state senator charged in connection with an underage prostitution sting.
Two New London, Minnesota, brothers, who died when their UTV collided with a pick-up truck, are being honored in a special way.
Inside Port 104 restaurant and bar in Lake City, Minnesota, the reaction was absolutely electric when hometown hero Taylor Heise earned her her first Olympic gold medal.
Minnesotans got a brief taste of spring over the weekend, but the relief didn't last long, as a snowstorm pummeled parts of the Twin Cities and northern Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
On Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would impose 10% tariffs on most foreign imports to the United States.
A federal judge who took the extraordinary step of holding a government lawyer in contempt of court earlier this week blasted the Justice Department for its handling of immigration cases on Friday.
President Trump signed an order that will impose 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a different set of sweeping global tariffs.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will join several other Democratic elected officials and well-known actors in giving unofficial responses to President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, according to a news release about the event.
The man accused of killing a top Minnesota House Democrat and her husband appeared in court Friday.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
A 15-year-old boy is in the hospital after the car he was driving, which was reportedly stolen, rolled at the end of a pursuit by a deputy in Becker Township Friday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Prosecutors working on the case of Vance Boelter — the man accused of killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband in a politically motivated spree that also injured state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife — say they have not yet made a decision whether to pursue the death penalty.
A trial date has been set for a former Minnesota state senator charged in connection with an underage prostitution sting.
Jackie Rahm Little pleaded guilty to one count each of arson and damage to religious property for setting fire to the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque in Bloomington, Minnesota, and the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis in April 2023.
A man who was found guilty of killing three people at a Minneapolis homeless encampment was sentenced Thursday to 86.5 years in prison.
Measles cases in the U.S. are rising at the fastest rate in a generation, and the trend now includes five cases in Minnesota since the start of the new year.
It's a place that sees patients in the worst of times. And now, Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis is in the worst of ways.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
North Minneapolis resident Kate Varns is a bonafide Ironman, meaning she's finished the toughest of toughest triathlons. But after surviving a stroke several years ago, that accomplishment paled in comparison to what laid ahead.
Dr. Michael Osterholm and Dr. Emil Lou, faculty members with the University of Minnesota, have been recognized by TIME as two of the 100 most influential people in health in 2026.
In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The EP, released on Ash Wednesday and called "Days of Ash" is "of the moment we wish we weren't in . . . but are," Bono said.
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert criticized CBS on Monday night, saying the network blocked his interview with U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico from airing.
Anderson Cooper will report multiple stories for "60 Minutes" before the end of the television season in May.
Springsteen's Land Of Hope And Dreams tour will start March 31 at Target Center. Tickets will go on sale Friday at noon.
Mike Conley reunited with the Minnesota Timberwolves this week as if he hadn't ever left.
Minnesota junior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson will be sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury that has kept him out of the last two games.
Minnesota right-hander Pablo López will have season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery, expected once the Twins discovered their ace's torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Anthony Edwards returned to Minnesota with his All-Star Game MVP award and scored 40 points to help the Timberwolves hold off Dallas 122-111 in the 10th straight loss for the Mavericks.
One of the best goalies in Minnesota is on one of the best teams in the state. Chase Jerdee doesn't overcomplicate it.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democratic analyst, and Amy Frederiksen, a Republican analyst, about the political impact.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will send a letter this week, demanding DHS and DOJ turn over evidence in the shooting death of Alex Pretti.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says she will be sending a letter this week to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to demand they turn over evidence in the Jan. 24 killing of Alex Pretti by immigration officers in south Minneapolis.
Last month, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church. In Talking Points, she shares why she felt it was important to protest, her arrest and White House's digitally altered photo of her arrest.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and while we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday.
The monthslong Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Minnesota has sparked ongoing protests, some measured tens of thousands of demonstrators, others just a few dozen.
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.
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.
Saturday temps will be in the low 20s. Wind and clouds stick around for most of the day. There's a chance we could see more sunshine on Sunday but temperatures will remain cool. WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso shares when we could see another storm and when we start to warm back up.
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.
Feels-like temperatures in the Twin Cities on Saturday will be in the single digits due to windy conditions, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
Temperatures will be in the teens for much of Saturday in the Twin Cities, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer. Sunday will feature windy conditions.
Reg Chapman and Adam Del Rosso share the four things you can do on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.
The inaugural Skyway 5k will take place in St. Paul. Jess Fast stopped by to talk with Reg Chapman and Adam Del Rosso on what runners can expect and how the race came to be.
Can Do Canines stopped by WCCO to discuss their next Open House. Those interested can learn how to volunteer, participate in events and learn how to support the organization.
Pamela Weems stopped by WCCO to discuss the iconic photo of her from 2020 and how it ended up on display National Museum of African American History and Culture. She also spoke on breaking the glass ceiling in Minnesota.
Saturday temps will be in the low 20s. Wind and clouds stick around for most of the day. There's a chance we could see more sunshine on Sunday but temperatures will remain cool. WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso shares when we could see another storm and when we start to warm back up.