The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar

The Minnesota Twins have announced their jerseys will now feature Securian Financial advertisement patches. Communications Director Matt Hodson talks about the partnership and what it means for the team.

Minneapolis Animal Control is holding a special animal adoption event today to help clear the space in area shelters. Why shelters all across the country are seeing an increase in animals at shelters and how hopeful pet owners can help.

Rusty and Vineeta went to see the movie Eddington together. It is a star studded cast that centers around the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Henry was in Las Vegas to see the Minnesota Timberwolves play in their summer league series. He lets us know how promising the future could be for the team. He also is happy with how the Lynx performed in their latest game as they head into the All-Star break.

The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is happening this weekend in St. Paul and attendees may have some trouble getting there with the Green Line being shut down. Metro Transit CEO Brian Funk explains the reasoning behind this decision.

Representative Angie Craig gives a brief update on the health of Senator Tina Smith. She is also reintroducing a bill that aims to hold social media companies more accountable and shares new developments on her campaign for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota.

Baseball legend Dave Winfield is getting recognition in St. Paul this weekend at Toni Stone Stadium at Dunning Park.

Senator Tina Smith was taken to the hospital overnight out of an abundance of caution. Rep. Angie Craig is reintroducing a bill in congress which aims to hold social media companies accountable if they are culpable in the sale of illegal drugs.

Twins VP Sean Johnson talks about the recent draft picks made by the Twins and what the future holds for them as players and the impact they could have on the team.

Vineeta has been seeing more and more dirty soda shops around the Twin Cities and had never tried it before. We have Chad Taylor from Sota and he brings some samples in for us to try. Vineeta gets some answers to the questions she has had surrounding dirty soda.

Former Mayor of Duluth Emily Larson talks about her life after politics and her new career leading The Family Partnership.

The MLB All-Star Game was one of the best in recent memory. Steve Thompson breaks down the highlights and how the two Twins players did during the game. The Lynx are back in action at Target Center today.

The Minneapolis City Council exploring the idea of government-owned grocery stores and are taking a step forward in making it a reality at their meeting today. Minneapolis Council Member Robin Wonsley shares what this could look like in the city. We are also joined by Cole Hanson who is running for the open city council seat in St. Paul and supports a similar idea in the city.

Lake Street in Minneapolis has seen challenges in recent years. Now there is a new initiative to revitalize the area through mural installation. The Director of The Lake Street Council joins the show to talk about the work being done in the area.

The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education voted to place an operating referendum on the ballot this year. What it could mean for students and parents in the district as referendums are being considered in several districts across Minnesota.

Vineeta gets the latest on a heat advisory for the metro, a bit of a storm watch tonight, then some cooler weather from WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer.

There is a unique partnership aimed at addressing youth mental health through performance art. People Incorporated and Circus Juventas are teaming up to help young people in a creative way.

The Minnesota Wild are announcing the 2025 Block Party Series. They will visit eight communities in Minnesota this summer starting today at the CUB in Oakdale. What visitors can expect at these events and where they will be found.

Steve Thompson fills in for Henry Lake. Byron Buxton shines during the Home Run Derby. The Minnesota Lynx bounced back last night. The Target USA Cup is underway in Blaine and it comes during another hot week in Minnesota. Teddy Bridgewater gets suspended for a reason we are struggling to agree with.

Union Depot is starting its search for the next Hub for the Holidays tree. Organizers are looking for a particular evergreen to serve as the centerpiece for this year's holiday festivities. uniondepot.org

Governor TIm Walz has been getting criticism for spending over $400,000 in legal fees in preparation for a congressional hearing in Washington DC. Is there potential for Pete Hegseth to hold office in some capacity in Minnesota?

Jill Schlesinger talks about strategies to become financially independent this year.

Dan Hayes from the Athletic talks about the history being made after Byron Buxton completes a full cycle with The Twins. He also gives an update on the pending sale of the team.

Artist-led Urban Market Garden and CSA The Black Radish works to provide fresh and locally grown vegetable to the community. We hear about their mission and their plans for the future.

Minnesota State Representative Andrew Myers writes a letter to MNDOT raising concerns over the amount of road construction projects having a major impact on drivers in the metro.

Steve Thompson is in for Henry Lake. The Minnesota Twins were not able to get a sweep with the Pittsburgh Pirates and now head into the All-Star break. Byron Buxton makes a bit of history by making a complete cycle. The Twins also picked up some new players during the MLB Draft.

Vineeta went to the Lakefront Music Fest and was impressed how well it was executed by organizers who put on the event for a good cause

The burglary trial of Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell begins this morning with jury selection after a series of delays since she was first charged in April 2024. Blois gives a preview of what to expect in the courtroom. A special has been called to fill the seat left open by the death of Rep. Melissa Hortman.

Talking with Tom Hauser on The WCCO Morning News!

Find out about this great story that culminates in St. Cloud next Saturday!

Reaction from Steve Thomson on The WCCO Morning News

A new pilot program will send out tickets to violators. Good idea or not? Listen to what WCCO Listeners told Tom Hauser on the WCCO Morning News.

More from WCCO TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer on The WCCO Morning News

Political Analyst Brian McDaniel talked with Tom Hauser on the WCCO Morning News

Dave Huml, President and CEO of the Tennant Company joins the show to talk about the innovations in his business and how the work they do is felt all over Minnesota and the country.

Steve Thompson breaks down the game between the Twins and Cubs last night. They have taken 2 out of 3 games in the series and are hoping for a sweep. The Lynx lost to the Mercury after losing their lead.

Jeff Harmening, CEO General Mill, talks about the the long history of the company in Minnesota and what their future looks like in the state and across the nation.

CEO of MN Business Partnership and former State House Speaker Kurt Zellers joins the show. He talks about the significance of having so many fortune 500 companies in Minnesota and why he thinks businesses find such success in the state.

Geoff Martha, MBP and Chairman and CEO of Medtronic joins Vineeta to talk about the strength of Minnesota business and the impact big and small companies have around the world.

Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, talks about the organization and the impact it has had on getting young people involved in the game of golf.

Former Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips and billionaire Elon Musk are having serious talks about forming a third party in the United States. What could this look like and how it could shape future elections if it does become a reality? The significance of the business community in the state of Minnesota.

The show is at The Orpheum through Sunday!