Political Archives - Fox21Online

Superior Residents Meet City Council Candidates

Meet and greet at the Elks Lodge hosted by Superior Young Professionals

March 20, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior residents had a chance to meet city council candidates at the Elks Lodge. Current city councilors Craig Sutherland, Tylor Elm, Brent Fennessy, Ruth Ludwig, and Jack Sweeney were at the event. Plus, candidate Tom Woldolkowski and a representative from candidate Laura Gapske attended. The meet and greet was hosted by the Superior Young Professionals. “It’s a…

Bitter Health Insurance Debate Erupts in Minnesota House

March 20, 2019

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bitter, partisan debate erupted on the Minnesota House floor when Republicans tried to bring up a health care reinsurance bill that House Democrats oppose as a giveaway to the insurance industry. Republicans passed a $549 million reinsurance plan to hold down individual marketplace premiums when they controlled the Legislature in 2017. A bill the Senate…

Convenience Stores Find Loophole to Sell Flavored Tobacco

Korner Store in Gary New Duluth opening up smoke shop.

March 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At least two convenience stores in Duluth have found a way around a year-old city ordinance that bans the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products. Derek Medved, owner of the Korner Store in Gary New Duluth, is creating a separate retail establishment as a smoke shop within his convenience store. The 10 foot by 10 foot section…

House Lawmakers Pass Hands-Free Driving Bill, on to Senate

State Highway Patrol in favor of law.

March 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota House has approved a bill requiring drivers to use hands–free devices when talking on the phone. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. Sponsors of the bill say the measure will help cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. Today the Minnesota State Highway Patrol told us that they’re…

Governor Walz to Deliver State of the State Address in April

March 19, 2019

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Office of Gov. Tim Walz) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday morning he will deliver his first State of the State Address on Wednesday, April 3. The address will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be delivered in the Minnesota State Capitol House Chamber. This will be Gov. Tim Walz’s first State of the State…

Trump Issues First Veto After Rebuke of Border Order

It is Unlikely Congress Will have Majority Required to Override the Veto

March 15, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency on Friday, overruling Congress to protect his emergency declaration for border wall funding. Flanked by law enforcement officials as well as the parents of children killed by people in the country illegally, Trump maintained that he is not through fighting for his signature campaign…

Senate Rejects Trump Border Emergency as Republicans Defect

March 14, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – In a stunning rebuke, the Republican-controlled Senate has voted to terminate President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Senate voted 59-41 for a resolution to halt Trump’s emergency order. Trump has promised to veto it, and it is unlikely that Congress will have the votes to override him. Yet the vote represents…

Democrat Beto O’Rourke announces 2020 White House bid

O'Rourke Officially Announced his 2020 Democratic Primary bid Thursday

March 14, 2019

The Associated Press,

AUSTIN, Texas – Former congressman Beto O’Rourke is running for president. The 46-year-old officially announced his 2020 Democratic primary bid Thursday with an online post. After months of teasing a bid, he’s finally, formally hoping to turn buzz from a close loss in Texas’ 2018 Senate race into a White House try. O’Rourke nearly upset Sen. Ted Cruz. Since then,…

Dems Select Milwaukee for 2020 National Convention

The Convention is Scheduled for July 13-16, 2020

March 11, 2019

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Democrats selected Milwaukee to host their 2020 national convention Monday, setting up the party’s 2020 standard-bearer to accept the presidential nomination in the heart of the old industrial belt that delivered Donald Trump to the White House. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez chose Milwaukee over Houston and Miami after deliberations lingered longer than party leaders or…

Rep. Pete Stauber Visits IPS Cranes

He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and refurbishes locomotive cranes.

March 9, 2019

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber stopped in Duluth this weekend to visit a local manufacturing facility. Representative Stauber says Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District has every form of transportation from rail to air. Stauber got a chance to meet some transportation workers this weekend. He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and…

Gov. Tim Walz Visits Duluth

The Gov. and Lt. Gov. are on a statewide education tour

March 7, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and the state’s education commissioner stopped in the Northland today as part of their statewide education tour. The Governor read to kindergarteners at Myers Wilkins Elementary in Duluth. He then met with teachers and administrators, getting feedback about what they need. Walz is also using the tour to promote full service community…

Hillary Clinton Rules out 2020 Rematch With Donald Trump

Clinton Made the Announcement During an Interview Posted Monday

March 5, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – Hillary Clinton says she won’t run for president in 2020, but vows she’s “not going anywhere.” The former secretary of state, senator and first lady ruled out another campaign during an interview posted Monday by New York TV station News12 . Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump, says, “I’m going to keep on working…

Walz Sets Goal: 100 Percent Carbon-Free Electricity by 2050

March 4, 2019

The Associated Press,

(video courtesy: Facebook/Governor Tim Walz) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has set an ambitious goal for Minnesota to get 100 percent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050. Walz said at a news conference Monday that his clean energy proposals would put Minnesota at the forefront of addressing climate change. The Democratic governor says his proposals build…

Democratic Leader Won’t Take Position on Evers’ Plan

March 1, 2019

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – The Democratic leader of the Wisconsin state Senate won’t say whether she supports a key provision of Gov. Tony Evers’ transportation plan that Republicans have backed in the past. Evers wants to repeal the state’s minimum markup law on gasoline, a move he says would cut the price of gas by as much as 14 cents a…

Trump, Kim Summit Collapses Over Sanctions Impasse

February 28, 2019

The Associated Press,

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — President Donald Trump has departed Vietnam after failing to reach an agreement during his second nuclear summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. The U.S. leader said he “walked away” from talks with Kim after it was clear the two sides remained at odds in talks over ending the North’s nuclear program. Trump says the North…

UMD Student Running For Duluth City Council At-Large Seat

February 27, 2019

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD student Mike Mayou, who is studying at the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at the university, has announced he is running for an at-large seat on the Duluth City Council in November. “I’m running to make our city government open and accessible to all so that we can continue to make Duluth an inclusive city…

Duluth Council OKs $88K For External Review Of Police Dept.

February 25, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- City councilors have unanimously approved Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s request to purchase an external evaluation of his department at a cost of roughly $88,000. The funds would come from the department’s already-approved operational budget for 2019. The assessment would be performed by a third party, and police say it would help them better allocate their limited resources…

Kal Randa Enters Race for St. Louis County Board

22-year-old University of Minnesota student joins three other candidates in race

February 23, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A fourth candidate has entered the race for the open seat on the St. Louis County Board. Kal Randa is a 22-year-old college student from Hermantown. He’s expecting to graduate soon from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a major in political science. He is president of the group, Minnesota Students for Liberty. Randa joins candidates Keith…

Trump Vows Veto if Border Resolution Passed

February 22, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is pledging a veto if Congress passes a resolution blocking his use of a national emergency declaration to fund a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that he would veto the resolution introduced by House Democrats earlier in the day. Trump said, “Will I veto it? 100…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

February 21, 2019

Brett Scott,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

One-On-One: Gov. Walz Talks Legalizing Marijuana, Mining & Infrastructure

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

February 20, 2019

Brett Scott,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Republican tax Plan

Evers Will Unveil his Income tax Plans Next Week

February 20, 2019

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed an income tax cut bill in an early showdown with legislative Republicans who had moved to weaken the Democrat’s powers just weeks before he took office. Evers’ veto Wednesday came on a bill that his party had called a stunt by Republicans. The GOP doesn’t have enough votes to override the…

Minnesota Joins Lawsuit to Block Trump’s National Emergency

The Lawsuit was Filed by California's Attorney General

February 19, 2019

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota has joined with 15 other states in suing to block President Donald Trump’s declaration of an emergency to fund his proposed wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. Attorney General Keith Ellison says the plan to divert funds is illegal and unconstitutional. He says federal money designated for the Minnesota National Guard would be at…

Sen. Bernie Sanders Running for President in 2020

The Announcement Came Tuesday Morning

February 19, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says he’s running for president in 2020. The 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist challenged Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary in 2016 and said on Tuesday that he planned to again seek the nomination. Sanders has reshaped Democratic politics and earned a loyal following with his passionate defense of liberal proposals including free college…

Trump declares national emergency to build border wall

February 15, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says he expects legal challenges to his decision to declare a national emergency to erect barriers between the U.S. and Mexico but says he’ll be vindicated. Trump announced Friday that he has signed the appropriate paperwork to declare an emergency on the border so he can build a wall. In a sing-songy tone of voice,…

Trump Says He’ll Sign National Emergency

February 15, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says he’ll be declaring a national emergency so he can build a southern border wall. Trump did not say on Friday when he would make such a declaration, but the move will allow him to bypass Congress to spend more money to erect barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border. Congress has given Trump about…

Trump Plans to Spend $8B on Border Barriers

February 15, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump plans to spend about $8 billion on border barriers, far more than Congress has given him for that purpose. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney says Trump will tap various other sources of money beyond the nearly $1.4 billion in a government funding bill that Congress passed. Trump is expected to sign the…

Senate Passes Border Security Plan

The House Will Take a Vote Thursday Night

February 14, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – The Senate has passed a bipartisan border security plan that would finance 55 additional miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, significantly less than President Donald Trump wanted. The vote came shortly after the White House announced he’ll sign the measure — and immediately announce he’ll use emergency powers to build additional miles without approval from Congress. The…

Senate Confirms William Barr as Attorney General

Barr Previously Served as AG From 1991-1993

February 14, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – The Senate has confirmed William Barr as attorney general, placing the veteran government official and lawyer atop the Justice Department as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates Russian interference in the 2016 election. The Senate voted 54-45 to confirm Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993. Barr will succeed Jeff Sessions, who was…

Klobuchar Raises $1M Within 48 Hours of Launching 2020 bid

She Kicked off her Candidacy Sunday

February 13, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s campaign says the Democrat raised more than $1 million in the 48 hours after launching her presidential bid. Klobuchar kicked off her candidacy Sunday during a snowy rally in Minneapolis. Her campaign says the money was raised from “online and grassroots supporters.” She is one of the few Democrats running for the presidency who…

Amy Klobuchar Launches Presidential Bid During Snowy Minneapolis Rally

February 10, 2019

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS — (FOX 9) – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar launched her presidential campaign Sunday afternoon during a snowy rally near downtown Minneapolis, joining a crowded field of Democrats seeking to challenge President Donald Trump. A light but steady snow fell during the event at Boom Island Park, partially obscuring the Minneapolis skyline behind the stage. Some supporters trekked to the…

Gary Anderson To Run for Second Term on Council

Current first district councilor announces he'll run for second term

February 6, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- To cheers from his supporters at Vanilla Bean in Duluth, First District City Councilor Gary Anderson announced he will be running for council for a second 4-year-term. Anderson is currently the Vice President of the council. During his term has helped craft and vote on the Earn Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and changing the age to buy…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Signals Presidential Announcement Is Near

February 6, 2019

Dan Hanger,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Amy Klobuchar is signaling she could become the next Democrat to enter the presidential race. She tells MSNBC that she’ll make an announcement on Sunday in Minneapolis. If she enters the race, Klobuchar would likely use her Minnesota roots to make a strong play for the Midwest. She already plans to visit neighboring Iowa, home to…

College Students on State of the Union

UMD College Democrats Watch and Critique

February 5, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Lots of people in the Northland had interest in President Trump’s State of the Union Speech, including some younger eyes. Students at a few of the political clubs in twin port colleges tell us they had private viewing parties to watch the big speech. According to one UMD College Democrat, President Trump should focus on topics he feels…

Republican Jason Rarick Wins MN 11th District State Senate Race

Rarick tops DFL candidate Stu Lourey

February 5, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

FINLAYSON, Minn. – Republican candidate, Jason Rarick, won the special election to represent Minnesota’s 11th District in the State Senate. When the final results were counted on Tuesday night, Rarick had 8,127 votes compared to DFL candidate Stu Lourey’s 7,171. Rarick is a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives where he has served since 2015. He and his supporters…

Narrow Divide in Senate Raises Stakes in Special Election

Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual.

February 5, 2019

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual. Republicans had just a one-seat majority in the Senate before newly elected Gov. Tim Walz appointed Democrat Tony Lourey to his cabinet. Now the GOP is hoping to flip the seat Lourey vacated to give themselves a bit…

Elements Begin To Emerge of Walz Agenda For Rural Minn.

February 3, 2019

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New Gov. Tim Walz won’t release his first budget until Feb. 19 but some elements of his agenda for rural Minnesota are already emerging. Walz is Minnesota’s first governor from greater Minnesota since Rudy Perpich left office in 1991. The Democratic former congressman from Mankato has provided some glimpses recently about his plans for the…

US Leaving Arms Control Treaty With Russia

Russia Denies Violating the Treaty

February 1, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that the U.S. is pulling out of a treaty with Russia that’s been a centerpiece of arms control since the Cold War. The American withdrawal had been expected for months. It follows years of unresolved dispute over Russian compliance with the 1987 pact, which bans certain ground-launched cruise missiles….

Goodbye 18, Hello 21. Duluth’s Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Rises

Ordinance Will Take Effect In 120 Days

January 28, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- In a 6-2 vote Monday night, the Duluth city council voted in favor of raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. “I know people will say this is a complex issue. But the lives of our children–is simple,” said Tonya Sconier, principal at Denfeld High School, before the vote was made. About a…

Trump, Pelosi Agree on Feb. 5 for State of the Union Address

The House and Senate Still Must Pass

January 28, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to give his State of the Union speech on Feb. 5. Trump said in a letter to Pelosi on Monday that it is his “great honor” to accept her invitation to speak before a joint session of Congress next week. He writes, “We have a great…

Sanders Says Stone Arrest Unrelated to Trump

Stone was Arrested Friday

January 25, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON -White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the arrest of former Donald Trump campaign adviser Roget Stone in the special counsel’s Russia probe has nothing to do with the president. Sanders’ comments came hours after Stone was arrested Friday during a pre-dawn raid at his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home. Stone was charged in a seven-count indictment that includes…

Trump Says any Deal Must Have Wall Down Payment

The Senate Rejected 2 Proposals Thursday

January 24, 2019

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Donald Trump will not accept a short-term deal to reopen the government unless it includes “a large down payment” for his promised border wall. The statement from White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Thursday came as Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer were meeting to try…

Stu Lourey Takes Win In DFL Primary For Dist. 11 Senate Seat

January 22, 2019

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Stu Lourey took the win Tuesday night over Michelle Lee in the primary for the DFL State Senate Dist. 11 race. Lourey will now face off against GOP candidate and current State Rep. Jason Rarick and Legal Marijuana Now candidate John “Sparky” Birrenbach in the general election on Feb. 5. Lourey is the son of current Dist….

Lourey, Lee vie in Democratic Primary for Senate Seat

Republicans Holds a two Seat Edge in Senate

January 22, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Democrats Stu Lourey and Michelle Lee are vying in a primary for an open state Senate seat. The District 11 seat opened when Lourey’s father, Tony Lourey, was named state Human Services commissioner earlier this month. Tuesday’s winner will face Rep. Jason Rarick, a Republican from Pine City, and Legal Marijuana Now candidate John Birrenbach of Pine City…

High Court Lets Military Implement Transgender Restrictions

Cases Will Continue to Move Through Lower Courts

January 22, 2019

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to go ahead with its plan to restrict military service by transgender people while court challenges continue. The high court on Tuesday reversed lower-court orders preventing the Pentagon from implementing its plans. But the high court for now declined to take up cases about the plan. The…

Kamala Harris Jumps Into Presidential Race

Harris is a Former California Attorney General

January 21, 2019

Kelly Tekler,

WASHINGTON – Sen. Kamala Harris is running for president. The California Democrat tells ABC’s “Good Morning America” that she’s entering the increasingly crowded field of candidates seeking the Democratic nomination. If successful, she’d be the country’s second African-American president and the first woman to hold the office. Harris is a daughter of immigrant parents who grew up in Oakland, California….

DFL-Endorsed Lee vs. Lourey In Tuesday’s Primary For Senate Dist. 11

January 20, 2019

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news personality Michelle Lee took a win Saturday for the DFL endorsement for Minnesota’s Dist. 11 Senate seat. The primary is Tuesday, Jan. 22. Lee received 59.6 percent of the delegate votes on the first ballot at the convention held in Barnum on Saturday. Sixty percent is needed for an endorsement. DFL candidate Stu Lourey immediately conceded…

Free Haircuts For Federal Workers

Dapper Jack's Treating Unpaid Workers Affected by Shutdown

January 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As businesses across the Northland continue to offer discounted or free services to unpaid federal workers during the shutdown, Dapper Jack’s barbershop on 47th Avenue East offered free haircuts to federal workers. If you’re wondering how many people really need it, the barber there says he had folks lined up before he even opened. He says the feeling after…

Evers Picks new Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent

Burrell is President of the National Black State Troopers Coalition

January 18, 2019

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers has picked the Wisconsin State Patrol’s next leader. Evers named patrol Maj. Anthony Burrell as superintendent on Friday. He will take over on Sunday. Burrell has served as a state trooper since 1990. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006, lieutenant in 2012 and captain of the patrol’s 11-county Northeast Region in 2015. He…

TSA Employees at Duluth International Airport are Still Working Without Pay

Operations are not affected by shutdown.

January 14, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- The TSA at the Duluth International Airport also continues to work without pay. Currently representatives at the airport say they have not experienced any operational disruptions with TSA The airport’s leadership say they are very grateful the employees come in everyday to continue to do their jobs. “Their morale, their attitude is the same from our standpoint,”…

Political

Meet and greet at the Elks Lodge hosted by Superior Young Professionals

Korner Store in Gary New Duluth opening up smoke shop.

State Highway Patrol in favor of law.

It is Unlikely Congress Will have Majority Required to Override the Veto

O'Rourke Officially Announced his 2020 Democratic Primary bid Thursday

The Convention is Scheduled for July 13-16, 2020

He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and refurbishes locomotive cranes.

The Gov. and Lt. Gov. are on a statewide education tour

Clinton Made the Announcement During an Interview Posted Monday

22-year-old University of Minnesota student joins three other candidates in race

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

Evers Will Unveil his Income tax Plans Next Week

The Lawsuit was Filed by California's Attorney General

The Announcement Came Tuesday Morning

The House Will Take a Vote Thursday Night

Barr Previously Served as AG From 1991-1993

She Kicked off her Candidacy Sunday

Current first district councilor announces he'll run for second term

UMD College Democrats Watch and Critique

Rarick tops DFL candidate Stu Lourey

Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual.

Russia Denies Violating the Treaty

Ordinance Will Take Effect In 120 Days

The House and Senate Still Must Pass

Stone was Arrested Friday

The Senate Rejected 2 Proposals Thursday

Republicans Holds a two Seat Edge in Senate

Cases Will Continue to Move Through Lower Courts

Harris is a Former California Attorney General

Dapper Jack's Treating Unpaid Workers Affected by Shutdown

Burrell is President of the National Black State Troopers Coalition

Operations are not affected by shutdown.

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