Political

Government funding vote fails again in Senate as hopes fade for quick end to shutdown

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Hopes for a quick end to the government shutdown faded Friday as Democrats refused to budge in a Senate vote and President Donald Trump readied plans to unleash layoffs and cuts across the federal government. On the third day of the shutdown, a Senate vote to advance a Republican bill that would reopen the government failed…

Northland lawmakers react to Social Security breach

SUPERIOR, Wis. — In the wake of the accidental release of thousands of social security numbers by the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office, two Wisconsin lawmakers have responded. SEE PREVIOUS: Superior resident receives thousands of Social Security Numbers from Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office Wisconsin representative Angela Stroud of the state’s 73rd district released the following statement to FOX21: “We…

Trump administration says Minnesota violates Title IX by allowing trans athletes in girls sports

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before signing an executive order regarding childhood cancer and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that the state of Minnesota and its governing body for high school sports are violating a key federal law against sex discrimination…

Trump administration targets Minnesota in latest sanctuary policy lawsuit

Attorney General Pam Bondi MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the state of Minnesota, its two largest cities and a county over so-called sanctuary policies that the agency says interfere with the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration policies. The lawsuit filed Monday targets the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis. The…

Trump and Hegseth declare an end to ‘politically correct’ leadership in the US military

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va. QUANTICO, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the armed forces and joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday in declaring an end to “woke” culture before…

Trump says China’s Xi has approved of proposed deal putting TikTok under US ownership

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that he says will allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States in a way that meets national security concerns laid out by the law. President Joe Biden signed legislation last year calling for China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok’s assets to an American company by early this year…

Minnesota Board of Pardons commutes sentence from 1998 Aitkin County murder

SAINT PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute the sentence of Brian Pippitt, who spent over two decades in prison following a conviction of first-degree murder in 2001. The Board voted to commute Pippitt’s sentence based on good behavior in prison and the length of time Pippitt served in prison compared to his codefendants. In 2024 there…

Candidate declares for now open Wisconsin 7th Congressional District

Jessi Ebben STANLEY, Wis. – The day after Congressman Tom Tiffany announced his run for Wisconsin Governor, someone has announced they will be running for his Congressional seat. Jessi Ebben, a self described “Trump Conservative”, announced her candidacy in a news release on September 24, 2025. Ebben said in the news release, “Now more than ever, Wisconsin needs people willing to…

UW-Superior’s “Young Americans for Freedom” Hosts Kirk Vigil

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Members of the UW-Superior student body and surrounding community came together to mourn the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The event was hosted by the college’s “Young Americans for Freedom” student organization and despite being held on the college’s campus the night of prayer was meant to heal not just students, but anyone in the Twin Ports in…

Congressman Tiffany’s run for governor to leave open seat in Congressional race

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Congressman Tom Tiffany has announced his run for Wisconsin Governor to replace Tony Evers. That means there will now be an open race to replace Tiffany in Congress. His Gubernatorial campaign says the Congressman will not be hedging his bets. Tom Tiffany Tiffany will not be having a Congressional campaign. Tiffany has cruised to victory in the…

Congressman Tom Tiffany launches campaign for Governor of Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A fierce loyalist of President Donald Trump who represents a broad swath of Wisconsin’s rural north woods in Congress entered the governor’s race in the battleground state on Tuesday, shaking up the Republican primary. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany becomes the front-runner over the two other announced Republican candidates who have less name recognition and support from…

Ex-Lawmaker Nicole Mitchell sentenced for burglary

Nicole Mitchell DULUTH, Min. & DETROIT LAKES, Min. – Former Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell has been sentenced to 5-years probation, plus 180-days in jail with work release. She was convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house. Mitchell said during her sentencing, “Your Honor, I, I deserve to be here today. The things said and the harm I…

What we know about autism’s causes

WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House announcement about autism is expected Monday afternoon after President Donald Trump’s weekend comment that “I think we found an answer” to the developmental disorder. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised earlier this year to determine the cause of autism by September. That baffled brain experts who say there is no single cause and that the rhetoric appears…

Trump administration suggests Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism, a link experts say is unproven

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy may contribute to rising autism rates in the U.S., a potential link experts have studied and say is unproven. Speaking Monday from the White House, the president said women should not take acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, “during the entire pregnancy.” He…

The White House says it blocked US Steel’s decision to stop processing steel at Illinois plant

US Steel Corporation Logo HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) —  The White House said Monday that it intervened under the terms of a three-month-old national security agreement with Japan-based Nippon Steel to block a decision to stop processing raw steel at U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works plant in Illinois. In a statement, the White House said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick delivered the message…

Jimmy Kimmel to be reinstated after suspension following Charlie Kirk comments

NEW YORK (AP) — ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, officials with the network said Monday. “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” said…

Kamala Harris: Tim Walz wasn’t her first choice for Vice President

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, with running mate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at the Democratic National Convention DULUTH, Min. – In a sneak peak at Kalama Harris’ new book, it is revealed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was not Kamala Harris’ first choice for Vice President. The Atlantic Magazine has obtained excerpts of Harris’ new book title…

ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night following comments made about Charlie Kirk’s killing

Jimmy Kimmel Live NEW YORK (AP) — ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely following comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s killing. The network’s decision Wednesday came as Nexstar announced its ABC affiliates would pre-empt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely over his comments. “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time…

Democrat wins Minnesota House special election to replace assassinated leader

XP Lee MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota House will soon return to full strength under an unusual power-sharing agreement that forces both parties to work together, following a special election to fill the seat left vacant when the chamber’s top Democrat was assassinated. Democrat Xp Lee won Tuesday’s special election with 61% of the vote, according to unofficial results. After…

Federal Reserve cuts key rate by a quarter-point and signals two more cuts by year end

Federal Reserve Seal WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%,…

UW-Superior Hosts ‘Skills for Conversations about Public Policy and Race’ Workshop

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior hosted a workshop today in order to help people of differing political views connect. The workshop, hosted by the school’s Link Center, was an event for students and the local community to help build the skills that it takes to have productive conversations with people of other political beliefs. The event was a partnership with Braver…

Duluth Mayor Defends Removal Of Long-Standing Group Council Email

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is defending his administration’s decision to remove a long-standing city email that reached all city councilors at once and was copied to media outlets to allow journalists a better understanding of what issues residents were addressing to the council. In an email Friday to the media, the city’s public information officer said the…

Strike Over: Teamsters, U of M Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – A strike at the University of Minnesota campuses ended over the weekend involving 1,400 employees with Teamsters Local 320. At UMD, 185 employees were on strike. The union represents employees in custodial, maintenance and food service. While the university said they gave their “last, best and final offer” on Sept. 5, a new offer has been made…

Vigil Held In Cloquet For Murdered Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

CLOQUET, Minn. — People from around the Northland gathered in Cloquet Friday evening to mourn the life of Charlie Kirk who was shot to death while speaking on a campus in Utah. The vigil, hosted at Veteran’s Park in Cloquet, saw dozens of people come together to honor the life and legacy of the political commentator. At the vigil, people…

Wife of alleged Melissa Hortman assassin files for divorce

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office DULUTH, Min. & GAYLORD, Min. – The wife of Vance Bolter has filed for divorce from him. Paperwork filed in Sibley County on September 2, 2025 shows Jenny Boelter is starting the divorce process. Vance Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, was indicted in Federal Court on July 15 on six counts of murder, stalking…

Minnesota DFL name new House Leader

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota House DFL has announced a new House Leader following the June assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. Representative Zack Stephenson of  Coon Rapids has been elected for the position. SEE PREVIOUS: Accused assassin of Melissa Hortman and her husband pleas not guilty. “Representative Stephenson will provide steady leadership for our caucus as House…

Duluth City Council Approves Transportation Commission

DULUTH, Minn. — After much waiting, the Duluth City Council has officially established its 34th commission. The Council voted unanimously on Sep. 8. to establish the Duluth Transportation Commission. The ordinance for the commission was first read back on Jun. 16, before being tabled until September. Members off the commission will be appointed by the mayor with approval from the…

UMD Releases Statement Amid Possible Strike By Teamsters 320

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD responded Sunday evening to a possible strike by its service workers with Teamsters Local 320, which involves those in custodial, maintenance and food service. This update comes after the union voted down the university’s “last, best and final offer” on Friday. “While we respect our employees’ rights to collective bargaining, our priority remains ensuring that vital…

MN Republicans Release School Safety Agenda

Representative Cal Warwas ST. PAUL, Minn. — House Republicans released their proposed school safety agenda yesterday. The proposal outlines how they plan to protect students in the classroom. They intend to get more school resource officers in school and look at security systems in place and upgrading them as needed through the SHIELD Act. “When you have security at schools,…

Minnesota State Auditor announces she is not running for re-election

State Auditor Julie Blaha SAINT PAUL, Minn. — State Auditor Julie Blaha has announced she will not seek re-election. In her announcement news release she said, “I’ve had the honor of serving as Minnesota’s State Auditor. My goals were to rebuild an office that was under attack and protect Minnesotans’ rights to make decisions in their local communities. I am proud to…

Source: Duluth Mayor To Propose Inflation-Only Property Tax Levy Increase

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert will be proposing a property tax levy increase of 4.1% for the city’s portion of the 2026 levy, a credible source inside city hall told FOX 21 Wednesday. But because there’s been new growth within the city, the 4.1% would actually end up being an inflation-only increase of 2.7% to property owners, according…

St. Louis County Board Backs 12.4% Maximum Property Tax Levy Increase For 2026

St. Louis County DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board has approved a 12.4 percent maximum property tax levy for 2026.  A final vote will happen at the next board meeting Sept. 9 before a state-required deadline of the end of the month.  The full budget will be voted on by the  middle of December.   Below is the full…

Gov. Walz To Call Special Session On Gun Laws After Minneapolis School Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz plans to call a special legislative session to consider tougher gun laws following a shooting last week at a Catholic school in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 21 people injured. The Democrat told reporters Tuesday, after welcoming children back to a public school in the Minneapolis suburb of Eagan, that he’ll…

Governor Tim Walz Addresses Labor Day at Bayfront Picnic

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluthians and politicians gathered Monday at Bayfront Festival Park to represent all things labor and union. Hotdogs, sides and fixings were dished out by volunteers and several union reps. Numerous musical groups accompanied the event, while everyone shared a meal. The crowd got to hear from several speakers, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Tim Walz. Both of…

A conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice won’t run again, creating an open seat

Justice Rebecca Bradley MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A conservative justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said Friday that she will not seek reelection, creating an open race for a seat on the court that’s controlled 4-3 by liberals. ’s decision not to run for a second full term comes after conservative candidates for the highest court in the battleground state…

Minnesota Nurses Association agrees to terms with Essentia for nurses at downtown Duluth clinics and Superior

DULUTH, Min. – Nurses with the  The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) at Essentia Health’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Street Clinic locations in Duluth, as well as Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic, voted to ratify tentative agreements on their first contracts. The union says the vote was cast by more than 200 nurses on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The agreements…

President Trump revokes Secret Service protection for former Vice President Harris after Biden had extended it

Kamala Harris Vice Presidential Portrait WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, a senior White House official said on Friday. Former vice presidents typically get federal government protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents do so for life. But then-President Joe Biden quietly signed a directive that had…

Latest: Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Kills 2 Kids, Injures 17 Others

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A shooter opened fire with a rifle Wednesday through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis and struck some of the nearly 200 children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 people in an act of violence the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible.” Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol,…

Millions in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects across the Northland

ST. PAUL, Min. –The Minnesota Public Facility Authority (MPFA) announced more than $236.4 million in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The announcement made on August 26, 2025 is to hep cities replace aging infrastructure and make system improvements to protect public health and improve water quality. “The MPFA provides crucial financing and technical assistance to communities who might…

Essentia Health & MNA reach tentative agreements for clinic nurses in Duluth and Superior

DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health has announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at he Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st, 2nd and 3rd street buildings and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic. The nurses are first contracts covering ambulatory care nurses. The tentative agreements will last through March 31, 2027. Upon making the announcement Essentia…

Canada dropping retaliatory tariffs against US

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney TORONTO (AP) — Canada is dropping retaliatory tariffs to match U.S. tariff exemptions for goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday. Carney said Canada will include the carve-out that the U.S. has on Canadian goods under the 2020 free trade deal that shields the vast majority of goods…

Lakeland PBS, Only TV Station In North-Central MN, Facing $1M In Federal Cuts

With upcoming cuts to PBS, there could be big changes how our neighbors to the west are getting their news and information. Lakeland PBS is the only television station directly serving north-central Minnesota in the Bemidji and Brainerd-area. They expect to lose more than $1 million due to federal cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Our signature service is…

MN Attorney General Ellison Sues TikTok Over Predatory Features

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing TikTok for preying on young people with addictive algorithms and exploitative features. The lawsuit, filed August 19th, claims that TikTok has violated Minnesota Consumer Protection laws. It further explains how TikTok gets time, data, and money out of users by using predatory features like analyzing user data to serve…

Roof Nears Competition Over Leif Erickson Viking Ship In Knife River

Courtesy: Neill Atkins KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — A protective roof — 40 years in the making — is almost complete over the Leif Erickson replica Viking Ship in Knife River. Courtesy: Neill Atkins Organizer Neill Atkins took a few snapshots of the new structure. The Save Our Ship non-profit is behind the project.  They’ve raising a few hundred thousand dollars…

August 12th Primary Election Results

DULUTH, Minn. & TWO HARBORS, Minn. — August 13ths primaries narrowed the pools of candidates for seats on City Councils and School boards. For the Duluth Council Member At Large (Elect 2): Terese Tomanek had the most votes at 3,192 (34.25%) Jordon Johnson came next with 2,468 (26.48%) Derek Medved fell a fairly close third with 2,129 (22.84%) Asher Estrin-Haire…