News-imported

Shooting Suspect Sought in Grand Rapids Case

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Grand Rapids police are on the lookout for a suspect in a shooting that occurred Friday, May 8. The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Charles Anthony Olsen of Grand Rapids. His whereabouts are unknown. He is wanted in connection with the shooting of a 22-year-old woman after she was dropped off at the Grand Itasca Clinic and…

House Democratic Bill Hikes Corporate Taxes to Help Schools

Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education. Leaders of the House Democratic majority said Monday that most individual Minnesotans would see tax cuts under their proposal. The bill would bring the state’s…

Former Gov. Pawlenty Stops in Northland

Former Governor Made Stop at Monaco Air

DULUTH, Minn.-Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty made a stop in Duluth today as he’s seeking his governor’s seat once again. The Republican, and former presidential candidate, stopped by Monaco Air this morning to discuss his political platform with Northlanders. He said the current candidates he’s facing are just too far to the left and don’t fit with Minnesota’s core values….

Iron Range Commissioner to Retire from Political Life

Commissioner Rukavina to Serve Out his Term Through January of 2019

DULUTH, Minn.-Current St. Louis County commissioner and former state representative Tom Rukavina is expected to retire after his current term, which ends in January of 2019. Fox 21 spoke with his assistant today who confirmed the information and said his retirement is due to health reasons and spending more time with his family. Rukavina formerly served in the Minnesota House…

Despite Nolan Retirement, Mills Says no New Bid for Congress

Pete Stauber, of Duluth, Running on GOP Side

MINNEAPOLIS-Republican Stewart Mills says he won’t run for Congress again despite Rep. Rick Nolan’s retirement. Mills said in November he wouldn’t challenge Nolan, a Democrat, for a third time. When Nolan recently announced plans to retire, Mills said he was reconsidering. But Mills said in a Facebook posting Tuesday that he’d decided against it. Several Democrats have expressed interest in…

Wisconsin Assembly Adjourns for Year

Assembly Passed Gov. Walker's $100 Per-Child Tax Credit

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Assembly has adjourned, with no plans to return this year. The Assembly adjourned early Friday morning after a 12-hour day. It passed Gov. Scott Walker’s $100 per-child tax rebate, a tax incentive package for consumer products maker Kimberly-Clark and a host of other bills, including one to revoke the driver’s license of four-time drunken drivers. Assembly leaders…

Cloquet Holiday Robbery Suspect Arrested

Incident Occurred Late Saturday

CLOQUET, Minn.-A suspect who allegedly robbed a Holiday in Cloquet late Saturday has been arrested. The suspect, 19-year-old Colt Dalton Nyberg, of Wrenshall, was arraigned in Carlton County District Court on one count of aggravated robbery in the first degree and possession of a small amount of marijuana. His bail was set at $50,000 with a 10 percent cash option. “The…

Assembly Passes School Guard Grant Bill

Bill Still Has to be Voted on by State Senate

MADISON, Wis.-The state Assembly has passed a Republican bill creating a grant program to help schools pay for armed guards. The vote comes six days after a mass shooting at a Florida high school left 17 dead. Under the bill, school districts could receive grants from the state Justice Department for three consecutive years to pay armed security officers in…

Wisconsin Legislature to Vote on Reinsurance, Tax Cuts

Welfare Overhaul Could be Voted on This Week in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.-In a mad dash to the finish, the Wisconsin Legislature this week planned to take several votes on key bills touching on insurance costs, tax cuts and welfare overhaul. Both the Senate and Assembly were scheduled to vote this week on Gov. Scott Walker’s $200 million plan to create a reinsurance fund designed to lower premium costs for people…

Fixes For Tax Filing, License System on Tap for Session

Session Ends in Mid-May

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are heading back to the Capitol with a long list of work but uncertain odds of finishing it. Squaring Minnesota’s tax code with the recently passed federal tax cuts may get top billing when the Legislature returns on Tuesday. But it won’t be easy for the Republican-controlled Legislature to make sure Minnesota taxpayers can easily file…

Minnesota Legislature Considering Five Bills Related to Guns

Legislators Responding to Recent School Shooting in Florida

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The deadly school shooting in Florida has revived discussion over gun control and highlighted Minnesota’s pending bills on the issue. The Pioneer Press reports that there are at least five bills currently on file this session relating to firearms or the Second Amendment. A “stand your ground” bill would allow lethal force to be used to stop felonies,…

Former Duluth News Personality Running for Congress

Michelle Lee Running for Rep. Rick Nolan's Seat

FROM FACEBOOKDULUTH, Minn.-Former Duluth news personality Michelle Lee has announced she’s running for the Eighth District congressional seat up for grabs. Her announcement comes just a week after Rep. Rick Nolan (DFL) announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. Lee would be running as a Democrat. To find out more about her campaign, visit her website…

With Nolan Out, Radinovich Joins Race for 8th District

Rep. Rick Nolan Announced His Retirement Last Week

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Former Democratic state lawmaker Joe Radinovich is entering the race for Rep. Rick Nolan’s seat in Congress. Nolan announced last week he wouldn’t run for a fourth term representing Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. It was a sudden reversal, as the 74-year-old Democrat had turned down calls to run for governor and said he wanted to remain in Congress….

Lawsuits Loom Over Next Week’s Start of Legislative Session

Legislative Session Begins Next Week

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s legislative leaders are heading back to the Capitol soon and promise they’ve put months of contentious legal battles behind them. But it’s clear that lingering disputes could still snag a session already constrained by election-year politics when lawmakers return to St. Paul next week. Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature’s top Republicans and Democrats discussed the upcoming…

New Candidate Comes Forward for Nolan’s Seat

Mayor of North Branch Running for Nolan's Seat

NORTH BRANCH, Minn.-North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy has announced she’s running for Rep. Rick Nolan’s seat on the DFL side. She is in her second term as mayor for that city. She is a single mother of five children and has masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Kennedy was Nolan’s guest at the recent State…

Other Candidates Considering Running for Nolan’s Seat

Former Duluth News Personality Michelle Lee Considering Running

FROM FACEBOOKDULUTH, Minn.-With Rep. Rick Nolan (DFL) announcing he will be retiring from office at the end of his term, some more possible candidates have come forward. Pete Stauber has already announced he is vying for the GOP ticket, but a few others have expressed interest today. Former Duluth news personality Michelle Lee said she is thinking about running. “I…

Walker, Assembly Propose One-Year Tax Rebate, Holiday

Families With School-Aged Children Would Get $100 Tax Rebate

MADISON, Wis.-Families with school-aged children would receive a one-time $100 tax rebate and Wisconsin’s 5 percent sales tax would be waived the first weekend in August under a deal reached with Gov. Scott Walker and Assembly Republicans. Walker and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the agreement Thursday. It’s a variation of a tax cut Walker first put forward last month….

Johnson, Walz Get Gubernatorial Boost From Caucus Voting

Caucuses Were Held Yesterday

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota Democrats and Republicans have chosen their favorites in the wide-open race for governor. Rep. Tim Walz was leading five fellow Democrats in a preference poll among voters conducted at Tuesday’s precinct caucuses as results still were being counted early Wednesday. And 2014 GOP nominee Jeff Johnson cruised to a commanding victory among Republicans with more than 45 percent of…

Walker Ready to Give State of State’s Address Today

Walker to Discuss Juvenile Prisons, Health Care Proposals

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to lay out his priorities for the year in his eighth State of the State speech that comes as he runs for a third term. Walker makes the speech Wednesday afternoon before a joint meeting of the state Senate and Assembly. Walker has said he will reveal more details about his plan to move…

Two Harbors Native and Congressional Candidate Appears on Time Magazine Cover

The Issue of Magazine Will be Out Jan. 29

Copyright MeredithDULUTH, Minn.-Congressional candidate and Two Harbors-native Leah Phifer will be featured on the Time Magazine cover’s Jan. 29th issue. Multiple other women are also featured on the cover, all of whom are running for elected office for the first time. The cover story is titled “The Avengers” and marks the one year anniversary of the Women’s March in Washington….

Pawlenty Says no to Senate Bid for Franken’s Seat

Pawlenty was the Former Governor of Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he won’t run this year for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democrat Al Franken. The two-term Republican governor and one-time presidential candidate had considered a bid in the weeks since Franken resigned due to sexual misconduct allegations. Pawlenty’s fundraising prowess and deep connections made him a prized recruit for Republicans who…

Fischbach Faces Lawsuit Over Senate, Lt. Gov. Roles

A Lawsuit Argues Fischbach Cannot be in Senate While Being Lieutenant Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s new Republican lieutenant governor is being sued for trying to keep her seat in the state Senate. Senate President Michelle Fischbach automatically became Gov. Mark Dayton’s second-in-command this month when Tina Smith resigned the job for a seat in the U.S. Senate. But Democrats vowed to sue Fischbach to force her out of the Senate. A constituent…

Franken Officially Resigns from Senate

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith Will Take His Place

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Sen. Al Franken has officially resigned from the Senate. The Minnesota Democrat formally resigned Tuesday afternoon. It comes nearly a month after he announced his plans to leave Congress after a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations that began in November. His departure sets the stage for current Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to be sworn in on Wednesday…

Minnesota AG’s Office Says GOP Senate Leader Can’t do Two Jobs

Issue Deals With Naming of New Lieutenant Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota attorney general’s office says Republican state Senate President Michelle Fischbach cannot legally keep her Senate seat when she becomes lieutenant governor. Solicitor General Alan Gilbert issued an opinion Thursday saying an 1898 decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Republicans have pointed to is no longer valid. But Gilbert notes only a court can decide the…

Wisconsin Rep. Zepnick Refuses to Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Representative Accused of Kissing Two Women Against Their Will

MADISON, Wis.-A Democratic state representative accused of kissing two women against their will is refusing to resign but says he will decide later whether to seek re-election in 2018. Milwaukee Rep. Josh Zepnick says he is “disappointed and disturbed” that he was stripped of his legislative committee assignments, a move that further marginalizes him in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Zepnick issued…

Gov. Dayton Announces He’s Cancer Free

Dayton Had Prostate Cancer

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he is cancer-free. Dayton made the announcement Monday while urging Minnesotans to get screened for cancer if they have risk factors or a family history of the disease. Minnesota Public Radio News reports the 70-year-old Dayton credited his own early diagnosis with helping him beat cancer. Dayton announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in…

Flynn Pleads Guilty, is Cooperating in Trump-Russia Probe

Plea Hearing Scheduled for This Morning

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael Flynn, the retired general who campaigned at Donald Trump’s side and then served as his first national security adviser, pleaded guilty Friday to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on Trump’s behalf and said members of the president’s inner circle were intimately involved with — and at times directing — his contacts….

Former Two Harbors Resident Running for Nolan’s Seat

Candidate had Been Working for FBI

DULUTH, Minn.-A 33-year-old Two Harbors native has announced she is seeking the DFL endorsement for Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. Leah Phifer, who lives in Isanti, will be seeking out Rep. Rick Nolan’s seat. She had previously worked for the FBI in the national security sector. This past summer, she went on a district-wide listening tour of the community, traveling nearly…

Republicans Running for Minnesota Governor Support Voter ID

Idea Already Rejected in 2012 Statewide Vote

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Four Republicans running for governor in Minnesota all support requiring voters to show identification at the polls, despite the idea being rejected during a 2012 statewide vote. The candidates are Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, former Republican Party chair Keith Downey, state Rep. Matt Dean and state Sen. Dave Osmek. Minnesota Public Radio reports the candidates say the…

Democratic Governor Race Heats Up

Candidate Forum Held in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-The governor’s race is heating up in Minnesota and today all the democratic candidates for the post made a stop in Duluth. A forum was held for all the candidates during AFSCME’s Minnesota Council 5 annual convention at the DECC. It’s not clear which candidate is the frontrunner so far, but today’s event could have a large impact on…

Republicans Vote to Reject Raises for State Employees

30,000 Public Employees Affected

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Legislative Republicans have voted to reject a new contract for Minnesota’s 30,000 public employees. The state’s two massive unions for state employees ratified a new contract earlier this year. The contracts for the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and AFSCME Council 5 call for a 2 percent raise this year and a 2.5 percent hike…

Leak Concerns Causing Infighting in White House

White House Communications Director Sends Out Cryptic Tweet Last Night About Leaks

WASHINGTON-The president’s new communications director is doubling down on his complaints of leaks within the White House. Anthony Scaramucci tells CNN’s “New Day” that sometimes administration officials “leak things to reporters to help shape policy.” But he says he wants to stop what he calls “nefarious, unnecessary, backstabbing, palace intrigue-like leaks.” Scaramucci tweeted about leaks late Wednesday and mentioned the…

Trump to Bar Transgender Individuals from Armed Forces

Trump Sent Out Tweet This Morning

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump says he will bar transgender individuals from serving “in any capacity” in the U.S. armed forces. Trump said on Twitter Wednesday that after consulting with “Generals and military experts,” that the government “will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.” Trump added that “Our military must be focused on…

President Trump Say He’s “Under Siege” in Light of Comey Testimony

WASHINGTON, D.C.-President Donald Trump says he and his supporters “are under siege” but “will come out bigger and better and stronger than ever.” Trump spoke Friday at the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual conference at the same time as former FBI Director James Comey’s was testifying before Congress. The president did not make specific reference to Comey, who says Trump…

Rep. Nolan Not Running for Governor

Plans to Stay in Congress

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Democratic U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan says he won’t run for governor in 2018. Nolan had been mulling running for the state’s highest office for months. Fellow Congressman Rep. Tim Walz already launched a campaign alongside many other Democrats. But the 73-year-old Democrat announced Friday he wouldn’t run for governor and indicated he’ll stay in Congress. Now in his…

House Republicans Pass Abortion Bills

Governor has Vetoed Similar Bills Before

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has passed legislation that would increase restrictions on abortions in Minnesota. The bills, passed on the strength of Republican votes, require abortion providers to obtain permits from the state’s health department and would ban the use of state funds for abortions. The Senate is planning to take up the permitting bill next…

Superior Mayoral Primary Numbers

Paine Wins the Most Votes

Superior, Wis.-Final counts are in for the Superior mayoral primary from Tuesday night. Jim Paine and Brent Fennessey will be moving on to the general election April 4. Paine won with 1,542 votes, while Fennessey grabbed 970 votes. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Politics-imported Tags: news politics superior

Bar Close Time Could be Changed to 4 a.m.

Still Long Ways Away from Becoming Law

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Talk has begun in the Minnesota Legislature to keep bars open until 4 a.m. Currently closing time is set for 2 a.m. The bill is still a long ways away from becoming law. There have also be recent discussions on having liquor stores stay open on Sunday. That too, is a long ways away from becoming a…

The Latest: Pipeline Protesters Arrested at Vikings Stadium

Viking Stadium Protests

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis police have arrested two Dakota Access oil pipeline protesters who unfurled a huge banner inside U.S. Bank Stadium during a Minnesota Vikings game. The man and woman were arrested Sunday afternoon after climbing into a catwalk just after the Vikings’ season finale against the Chicago Bears ended around 3 p.m. Police spokesman…

Virginia murder suspect sentenced

Isham gets more than 30 years

The final person involved in a 2014 Virginia homicide was sentenced to 363 months in prison today. Anthony Isham, 45, of Nett Lake had previously pleaded guilty to intentional second-degree murder for his involvement in the stabbing death of 28-year-old Harley Jacka of Virginia. Fox 21 was told that Jacka was murdered after his girlfriend requested it be done. Categories:…

Northern Waters celebrates one year anniversary

Struggle to gain customers

DULUTH, Minn. Duluth’s Northern Waters Smokehouse’s newer location on Woodland Avenue is getting close to celebrating its one year anniversary. The sit-down restaurant in the Mount Royal Shopping Center opened in February and continues to try and have the same success their Canal Park predecessor has. Management at the restaurant said they started out with a bang with a boom…

Prime rib popular choice for holiday meals

Ham also strong seller

SUPERIOR, WI. Superior Meats has been buzzing along over the last week and inundated with orders due to the upcoming holidays. Management at the store told Fox 21 that the top sellers are their double-smoked ham and prime rib. They have sold 6,800 pounds of the ham and 3,000 pounds of prime rib. Potato sausage is another popular item. What’s…

Environmental report card highlights threat from ‘mega-rains’ for Minnesota

Ticks are also becoming more wide-spread

A draft environmental report card for the state warns that as global temperatures warm, Minnesotans need to prepare for increases in catastrophic “mega-rains” and a greater spread of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease.The report card comes from the Environmental Quality Board, which will discuss the draft next week. The final version will provide a foundation for the Minnesota Environmental Congress in February.The report card singles out climate-related issues for the lowest marks.Minnesota is getting more frequent “mega-rains,” when at least 6 inches affects over 1,000 square miles. Minnesota has experienced seven in the past 17 years, compared with four in the previous 27. Minnesota recorded two this summer alone.The report also shows how ticks are becoming more widespread across Minnesota with the warmer weather.___Online:The draft 2017 Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/2hwjr4CMinnesota Environmental Congress: https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/environmentalcongress