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.
Pat Kessler
As polls close, Pat Kessler breaks down the bigger races in Minnesota
Polls have closed in Minnesota, and political contributor Pat Kessler has the latest on what to expect.
Election countdown: Pat Kessler has the races to watch
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.
Pat Kessler: 'Will We Ever Shake Hands Again?'
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.
Pat Kessler: 'A Toast To Toast'
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.
Pat Kessler Returns To Cover 'One Of The Most Unreal Moments In American History'
On Wednesday afternoon, a raucous protest turned into a violent and destructive riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Reality Check: The Career And Legacy Of Pat Kessler
What don't you know about Pat Kessler? We dig in for this special Reality Check.
WCCO Bids Farewell To Pat Kessler, Political Reporter Extraordinaire
WCCO is celebrating our friend and colleague Pat Kessler as he begins his retirement.
Reality Check: How Well Do You Know Pat Kessler?
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.
President Trump Falsely Claims Democrats Are Trying To 'Steal The Election'
"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.
Appeals Court: MN Absentee Ballots Received After Election Day Must Be Separated
The decision is likely to create voter confusion, with people who haven't returned their absentee ballots scrambling to make sure their votes count.
Election Latest: Biden And Trump Barnstorm Across The Country
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.
Reality Check: What The Explosion In Absentee Voting Means For Election Day
Thirteen days until Election Day, and the number of early voters is exploding across the country.
Political Reporter Pat Kessler To Retire After 36 Years At WCCO
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.
Reality Check: Is Trump's Claim Biden Would Increase Immigration By 700% True?
Because of President Trump's restrictions on new refugees, Minnesota refugee resettlement numbers are down 90% -- the fewest refugees in at least 15 years.
Reality Check: Will America Know Who Wins The Presidential Election On Election Night?
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.
Reality Check: Biden's Campaign Ad Claiming Trump Plans To End Social Security
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.
Reality Check: Trump's Claims Of Advances Made For Women In Workplace
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."
Is President Trump Correct In Saying Democrat Mayors Run The Most Violent Cities?
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.
Ilhan Omar Attack Ad Goes After $1.1M In Campaign Funds Paid To Her Husband's Firm
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.
Reality Check: Is South Dakota's Strategy Of Luring Minnesota Businesses A New Tactic?
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.
Reality Check: Does Joe Biden Support Defunding The Police?
President Trump is airing television campaign ads in Minnesota and Wisconsin linking Joe Biden to a controversial "defund the police" movement.
Minnesota Lawmakers Given More Than $1 Million In Per Diem Payments In 2020 Session
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.
Reality Check: Was It President Trump Or Gov. Walz Who Called In The National Guard To Minneapolis?
President Donald Trump claims he sent National Guard troops to Minneapolis to restore order after the death of George Floyd. That never happened.
With Only 8% Of Minneapolis Police Officers Living In City, Residency Requirement Push Gaining Traction
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.
CBS News Minnesota — Watch Live 24/7
Latest News
Who's running for president in 2024? Meet the candidates
Twelve Republicans announced their candidacies for president. And President Biden announced in April that he'd run for reelection.
Director controversy, legal challenge make for rocky start for Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management
The agency's new director withdrew after a day over allegations her company had sold cannabis products that are not legal. There is also a legal effort to declare cannabis sales legal now because of an historic clause in the state constitution.
Weekend rainfall a mixed blessing for some Minnesota farmers
Yields will be average to below average, and now the most recent rainstorms are making crops more difficult to harvest.
James Scanlon, Chris Parsons honored at Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
The annual event that honors Minnesota's 243 fallen firefighters takes place on the last Sunday in September.
2 injured, building damaged after crash involving ambulance
An SUV went into the Catholic Charities building near Chicago Avenue and 17th Street East after police say it collided with an ambulance.
Twin Cities News
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James Scanlon, Chris Parsons honored at Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
The annual event that honors Minnesota's 243 fallen firefighters takes place on the last Sunday in September.
2 injured, building damaged after crash involving ambulance
An SUV went into the Catholic Charities building near Chicago Avenue and 17th Street East after police say it collided with an ambulance.
1,000 George Floyd protest murals on the move
The group behind preserving the protest murals created after the murder of George Floyd is preparing for a big move.
Valleyfair's Tricks and Treats weekends return in celebration of all things spooky and fall
The Twin Cities' home theme park is transformed and ready to welcome guests during its final fall push.
No injuries in Inver Grove Heights house fire Sunday morning
Shortly before 7 a.m., a resident reported a smell of smoke and a glow outside a home on the 10000 block of Albertson Court.
Greater Minnesota News
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WATCH: Flood warning in Duluth as sewer overflows
In addition to the National Weather Service's warning, the city is asking residents to stay away from standing and moving water, as well as any dislodged manhole covers.
20-year-old man arrested after stabbing in Ely
A 20-year-old man is in custody after allegedly stabbing another man in northern Minnesota Saturday morning, police said.
Inmate, 54, dies at Crow Wing County Jail
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says deputies found a 54-year-old woman unresponsive in her bunk shortly before 9 a.m.
Former Minnesota Congressman Arlen Erdahl dies at 92
Arlen Erdahl, who represented Minnesota's First Congressional District between 1979 and 1983, died on Thursday at the age of 92.
Luke Bryan show at Gar-Lin Dairy Farm in Eyota canceled due to weather
Luke Bryan's concert at the Gar-Lin Dairy Farm in Eyota was canceled Saturday due to the weather.
Wisconsin News
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Flamingos in Wisconsin? Tropical birds visit Lake Michigan beach in a first for the northern state
Five flamingos that showed up in Wisconsin to wade along a Lake Michigan beach attracted a big crowd of onlookers eager to see the unusual visitors venturing far from their usual tropical setting.
17-year-old girl dies in western Wisconsin crash
A 17-year-old girl died on Saturday morning in a crash with a semi in western Wisconsin.
Wisconsin DNR defends lack of population goal in wolf management plan
Wisconsin wildlife officials are defending their decision not to set a hard cap on the state's wolf population in front of a Republican-controlled legislative committee.
Wisconsin Republicans propose impeaching top elections official after disputed vote to fire her
Several Republican Wisconsin lawmakers have proposed impeaching the state's top elections official.
Wisconsin child care industry on verge of crisis as pandemic-era subsidy comes to end
In Hudson, Angela Norvold says she's able to pay her staff at Simply Giggle Childcare a livable wage because of the federal relief money from the Child Care Counts program.
Community Journalism
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Young patient at Children's Minnesota to bring truck obsession to "Day of the Dozers" benefit
A 4-year-old Twin Cities boy battling leukemia is about to get his day in the sun.
Woodbury therapists create "The Hmong Mental Health Podcast" to offer new way of support
The mental health therapists started the podcast as a way to correct misinformation on social media and to reach the younger Hmong generation to make them feel less alone.
Anthony Bradford, 22, is 1st recipient of Rondo Inheritance Fund
Construction of Interstate 94 tore through St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood, once the heart of the Black community in Minnesota's capitol city. Decades later, city leaders are trying to restore what some families lost: their property and a chance at building generational wealth.
Top Shipt shopper surpasses 20,000 deliveries, but always stops to make connections
It's not unusual to find a 21-year-old who loves shopping, but one young Minneapolis woman is all about shopping for others. She's set a record in the process.
"I'm lost without her": Puppy missing after family van stolen in St. Paul
Bebe, a 4-month-old Papillion was inside the family's van when it was stolen Wednesday afternoon from their alley.
Politics
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Who's running for president in 2024? Meet the candidates
Twelve Republicans announced their candidacies for president. And President Biden announced in April that he'd run for reelection.
Director controversy, legal challenge make for rocky start for Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management
The agency's new director withdrew after a day over allegations her company had sold cannabis products that are not legal. There is also a legal effort to declare cannabis sales legal now because of an historic clause in the state constitution.
Why one former Minnesota judge believes Trump shouldn't be on 2024 ballot
Paul Anderson is a former Minnesota Supreme Court associate justice and appeals court chief judge. He breaks down a lawsuit seeking to prevent Trump from being on the 2024 ballot.
Long Lake girl scout leads push for caregiver mark on driver's licenses
A Long Lake girl scout is doing something to protect Minnesota families that no one has ever done before.
Minnesota girl scout leads push for caregiver mark on driver's licenses
A Long Lake girl scout is doing something to protect Minnesota families that no one has ever done before.
Consumer News
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Director controversy, legal challenge make for rocky start for Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management
The agency's new director withdrew after a day over allegations her company had sold cannabis products that are not legal. There is also a legal effort to declare cannabis sales legal now because of an historic clause in the state constitution.
University of Minnesota announces new "Kudos" apple variety
A new apple variety from the University of Minnesota is said to be sweet with occasional "tropical" overtones.
Over $60 million in missing money returned to Minnesotans during 2023 fiscal year
The Minnesota Department of Commerce receives millions of dollars in unclaimed property every year from businesses and organizations that have lost contact with the owners.
Twin Cities art gallery selling "the rookie card of Bob Ross paintings" for $10 million
"Our phone lines have been so jammed up that it's really hard to figure out where the demand will end," said Modern Artifact owner Ryan Nelson.
Erin DuPree named Minnesota's first director of the Office of Cannabis Management
Minnesotans now know who will lead the agency overseeing the state's nascent legal marijuana market.
Crime News
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Minor injuries for 1 after shooting in White Bear Lake parking lot
A bystander was shot in a White Bear Lake parking lot early Sunday.
20-year-old man arrested after stabbing in Ely
A 20-year-old man is in custody after allegedly stabbing another man in northern Minnesota Saturday morning, police said.
Police: 3 men found dead, 1 injured in Roseville early Saturday
Police are investigating after three people were found dead and another was severely injured in an incident in Roseville.
Minneapolis man has bullet lodged in leg after 4 shot in Lyn-Lake
Minneapolis police said the shooting happened around 10:40 p.m. Friday, the same time popular bars and restaurants in Lyn-Lake start filling with customers.
2 armed gunmen arrested following police pursuit in stolen SUV
Police say some new rules helped them catch two armed teenagers in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Health News
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Recovery after addiction: "It's so worth it, and it's possible"
In our look at the fentanyl crisis, we turn to recovery and the hope for a brighter future. Derek Johnson takes WCCO's Jennifer Mayerle inside his addiction and overdoses and shares what helped him get, and stay, sober.
Young patient at Children's Minnesota to bring truck obsession to "Day of the Dozers" benefit
A 4-year-old Twin Cities boy battling leukemia is about to get his day in the sun.
Family fights for wide availability of fentanyl test strips following daughter's death
Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of the lethal drug in other kinds of drugs, a harm reduction strategy that can save people from the deadly opioid.
A Minnesota man biking around America to raise money for cancer and schizophrenia
A Minnesota man is riding his bike around the whole exterior of the country -- to raise money for two causes close to his heart.
Minnesota's Fentanyl crisis: The families left behind
WCCO brought five families together to learn about the loss and the reality of the fentanyl epidemic.
Entertainment News
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Hollywood writers, studios reach tentative deal to end strike
Terms of the deal must still be ratified by the WGA's approximately 11,000 members.
Valleyfair's Tricks and Treats weekends return in celebration of all things spooky and fall
The Twin Cities' home theme park is transformed and ready to welcome guests during its final fall push.
Usher to headline Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas
Usher will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.
Luke Bryan show at Gar-Lin Dairy Farm in Eyota canceled due to weather
Luke Bryan's concert at the Gar-Lin Dairy Farm in Eyota was canceled Saturday due to the weather.
More than 35,000 people register to vote after Taylor Swift post
A Taylor Swift Instagram post drove thousands of young people to register to vote this week.
Sports News
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Jeffers and Ryan lead AL Central champion Twins to 9-3 win over Angels
Ryan Jeffers homered, tripled and drove in three runs to back a strong outing by Joe Ryan as the Minnesota Twins pulled away late for a 9-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Right-hander Chris Paddack activated by Twins, 16 months after second Tommy John surgery
Right-hander Chris Paddack was activated by the Minnesota Twins, 16 months after he had Tommy John surgery for the second time.
End zone INT gives Chargers 28-24 win over Vikings
The Vikings falls to 0-3 on the season.
Usher to headline Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas
Usher will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.
Bryant throws TD to Mangieri in OT as Northwestern beats Minnesota 37-34
Ben Bryant threw a 25-yard touchdown to Charlie Mangieri in overtime, Bryce Kirtz set a career high with 215 yards receiving and caught two TDs, and Northwestern rallied from 21 down to beat Minnesota 37-34.
Talking Points
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Director controversy, legal challenge make for rocky start for Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management
The agency's new director withdrew after a day over allegations her company had sold cannabis products that are not legal. There is also a legal effort to declare cannabis sales legal now because of an historic clause in the state constitution.
Talking Points: Life-changing law for thousands of undocumented Minnesotans
An estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants will be able to apply and get a Minnesota driver's license soon. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy talks with two men who say they'll apply for the life-changing privilege.
Talking Points preview: Driver’s licenses for undocumented Minnesotans
An estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants live, work, and go to school in Minnesota. Starting Oct. 1, even though they don't have legal status, they will be able to apply for and get a Minnesota driver’s license.
Talking Points: Life-changing law for thousands of undocumented Minnesotans (part 3)
An estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants will be able to apply and get a Minnesota driver's license soon. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Sen. John Jasinski of Faribault about his concerns regarding the law.
Talking Points: Life-changing law for thousands of undocumented Minnesotans (part 2)
An estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants will be able to apply and get a Minnesota driver's license soon. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Esteban Rivera, an immigration attorney, with his client Jassiel Martinez.
Finding Minnesota
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Fillmore County, offering fly fishing year 'round in Minnesota, is a nationwide destination for anglers
Fly fishing in one Minnesota county has become a destination for anglers across the country.
Meet the wrestler-turned-chainsaw artist whose been carving out magic for nearly 40 years
The average chainsaw artist lasts about three to five years in the business because it can be a grueling and dangerous occupation. But an Avon man has created intricate sculptures for 37 years, and counting.
Browns Valley retiree's pedal tractor collection now approaches 250 in number
Years ago, David Nigg found himself at a farm auction in Dyersville, Iowa, and he returned home with a little John Deere tractor. From there, things just started rolling.
Meet the family who has owned the Minnesota State Fair's Space Tower for over 40 years
The Space Tower is an iconic attraction and landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Built in 1964, it's hundreds of feet of history.
100 years ago, the Minnesota State Fair hosted a camp for farm boys
Fairgoers aren't strangers to all the animals and attractions, the food and the fun. But tucked away, far on the north side of the fairgrounds, is an inconspicuous, little house that's chock-full of history.
Good Question
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How are corn mazes made?
Many of us will go to a corn maze this fall. In fact, WCCO's morning team already spent time at one at the Sever's Fall Festival in Shakopee. It had them wondering, how do they even make corn mazes? Good Question.
What goes into the cost of an oil change? And how can we save a few bucks on our next trip?
A common way to maintain your car's health is giving customers sticker shock.
How often does an 0-2 team make it to the NFL playoffs?
As week two of the NFL season wraps up, the Minnesota Vikings are already at a make-or-break point.
How do you know if your at-home COVID test is still good to use?
Doctors hope a new vaccine can keep the worst of the virus at bay. But as cases rise, you might find yourself reaching in your medicine cabinet again for an old, at-home test.
What does it mean to "adopt" a highway? What does the job entail?
Highway signs come in many colors, but when you see blue in Minnesota, it means everyday people are in charge of keeping it clean. Some groups have spent more than four decades volunteering.
Latest Galleries
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A view of 2023 Vikings training camp
Get a feel for 2023 Vikings training camp.
2023 Minnesota State Fair: New food, drinks and vendors
The Minnesota State Fair announced its new offerings for the 2023 edition.
Minnesotans share their bears
Between 12,000 and 16,000 black bears live in Minnesota, the Minnesota DNR says. For the past 20 years, the population has been growing and expanding further south and west. That means a lot of close encounters for Minnesotans.
Summer music heats up 2023
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 9 a.m. report from Sept. 25, 2023
Heavy rain over the weekend trickles into Monday and temps reach a high of 80 during the end of the week.
What is Next Weather?
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.
NEXT Weather: 11 p.m. report from Sept. 24, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says showers and storms will persist through Monday.
Weekend rainfall a mixed blessing for some Minnesota farmers
Yields will be average to below average, and now the most recent rainstorms are making crops more difficult to harvest.
NEXT Weather: 5:30 p.m. report from Sept. 24, 2023
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says rain will linger through Tuesday.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
NEXT Weather: 9 a.m. report from Sept. 25, 2023
Heavy rain over the weekend trickles into Monday and temps reach a high of 80 during the end of the week.
Vikings Worry Fans With 0 - 3 Record After Losing To Chargers
The Vikings don't appear to be panicking after their third straight loss. The Vikings had plenty of chances to win and now have a huge hole to try and escape from. Since 1990, only four teams have started oh and three and made the playoffs. Despite those odds, the Vikings are not giving up. The Vikings play next at Carolina Sunday against the 0 and 3 Panthers.
Hundreds Honor The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service In St. Paul
Two new columns of the memorial were unveiled during the service at the state capitol. They're in remembrance of Hopkins Assistant Fire Chief James Scanlon and St. Paul Fire Captain Chris Parsons. Both died in the line of duty over the last year.
Ingredient Found In Cold Medicines Declared To Be Ineffective By FDA
Phenylephrine, an ingredient often found in cold medicines, was recently declared to be ineffective by an FDA panel. This has many people wondering what kind of over-the-counter cold medicines people should use. Tim Gallagher, a registered pharmacist at Allina Health, shares advice.
Black Fashion Week Minnesota Underway
Black Fashion Week Minnesota is underway and there are still several events coming up to take part in. Founder Natalie Morrow talks opportunities to get involved this weekend.