Political

Remembering Senator Paul Wellstone 22 Years Later

EVELETH, Minn.– Nearly 2 dozen people gathered Friday from Duluth, the Iron Range, and even the Twin Cities, reminisced and connect with one another about one senator who touched the lives of many, as well as the loved ones who died alongside him. “I just thought he was an amazing lawmaker with great energy. He stood for progressive values. Which…

DECC $1M Line Of Credit Untouched, Not Extended; Board Celebrates New Revenue

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been exactly one year since Duluth city councilors said they were blindsided by a $1 million emergency line of credit request from the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). But on Tuesday, the DECC board publicly celebrated that not a dime of the line of credit had been touched, and new revenue is up. Board President Peter…

Early Voting Begins in Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Early voting has begun in Superior exactly two weeks before Election Day. This year, there are now three different places to cast votes in Superior. You can find them at the Bong Musuem, fire department headquarters and the Government Center. Voting is taking place Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. At a press event today,…

Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan Dies at 80

The DFL Rep. is remembered for his spread-out, but impactful, political tenure

DULUTH, Minn. – A figure known for his dedication to the state and district he represented, Former Minnesota Rep. Rick Nolan has died at the age of 80. Nolan’s first stint in politics lasted from 1969 to 1985, during which he served in the Minnesota and U.S. House of Representatives. His political career wouldn’t resume until several decades later when…

Former Minnesota Rep. Rick Nolan Dies

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Minnesota Representative Rick Nolan has passed away. The Minnesota DFL announcing the news Friday morning. Nolan was 80 years old. Nolan served as the U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 8th congressional district from 2013 to 2019. He previously served Minnesota’s 6th congressional district from 1975 to 1981. There is no word on the cause of death. A…

Duluth CAO: Outside Atty To Review Mayor’s Girlfriend’s Involvement In City Business

The city of Duluth’s chief administrative officer, David Montgomery, provided an update Monday night on the internal investigation involving Mayor Roger Reinert’s girlfriend and former campaign manager directly handling city business since he took office in January. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Montgomery said the internal review by the City Attorney’s Office has been completed. But for full transparency purposes,…

Sen. Bernie Sanders Campaigns for Harris and Walz in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — People packed the auditorium at Superior High School as U.S Senator and former Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders took to the stage. The Senator is campaigning for the Democratic party’s presidential ticket in battleground states. Sanders encouraged Wisconsin voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in the upcoming election. In his speech, Sanders…

UMD Hosts “VoterPalooza” to Encourage Student Voter Registration

DULUTH, Minn.– With every presidential election, there is always a push to get as many registered as possible. And this is especially true with college students. Students packed the halls today at UMD for the VoterPalooza. The goal is to help get students informed and ready for the upcoming election. As well as get them registered to vote right on…

Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening To ‘Shoot Up’ Minneapolis Synagogue

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota man was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a Minneapolis synagogue, officials announced on Saturday. Staff at Temple Israel reported to the Minneapolis Police Department on Sept. 11 that they had received several phone calls from a person threatening to “shoot up” the synagogue. Then on Thursday, a special police detail assigned provide extra…

Walz And Vance Will Meet In Their First And Possibly Only Vice Presidential Debate

Fox 21 News will air this 90-minute debate tonight starting at 8 p.m. Our newscast will begin at 9:30 p.m. because of this.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet for their first and possibly only vice presidential debate Tuesday, in what could be the last debate for both campaigns to argue their case before the election. The debate in New York hosted by CBS News will give Vance, a Republican freshman senator from Ohio, and Walz, a two-term Democratic governor of Minnesota, the chance…

Duluth Mayor Comm. Team Mum On Internal Review Process; 3 Of 9 Councilors Respond

DULUTH, Minn. — There were still unanswered questions Monday from Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert’s communication team and most city councilors about an internal review involving the mayor’s girlfriend and former campaign manager directly handling city business since he took office in January. On Thursday, Sept. 26, FOX 21 asked multiple questions following up on the mayor’s announcement Wednesday in a…

Senator Takes Issue of Rural EMS to D.C.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers in Washington last week, drew attention to improving Emergency Medical Services across the state. Meeting with White House officials and congressional delegations, a task force of state politicians worked to get federal funding to address lapses in the state’s EMS. For one member of the group, Minnesota’s 3rd District State Senator Grant Hauschild, representing a…

Mayor Issues Statement About Girlfriend’s Duluth City Hall Involvement; Internal Review Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert responded Wednesday to recent media reports that accuse his girlfriend and former campaign manager of directly handling city business since he took office in January. “I want to assure you that this administration is committed to serving the people of Duluth in an ethical and transparent manner, and yes, Amber is my partner,”…

State Labor Federation Convenes at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota AFL-CIO hosted their biennial state convention at the DECC. Since Sunday delegates have been gathering to discuss issue resolutions, approve political candidate endorsements, learn recent trends in union organizing, and more. They have also invited speakers and political candidates to share their platforms. “Well, labor has a strong history in the 8th district. It was…

Early Voting Begins for Minnesotans

Minnesota has some of the earliest absentee voting in the country

DULUTH, Minn. – Voters across Minnesota can begin casting their absentee ballots for president, today. That’s right, with 46 days until the presidential election, Minnesota and South Dakota allow their residents to vote earlier than in any other state. Early voting became increasingly popular during the 2020 General Elections, that occurred in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic. With lockdowns…

Gov. Evers Visits UWS

Gov. Evers continues tour of public universities

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Another governor made a stop in the northland today. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visited the University of Wisconsin Superior as part of his state-wide tour of public universities. Evers met with students, toured the school’s nearly complete stadium, and discussed his plans to address funding shortfalls within the UW school system. According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum,…

Gov. Walz Brings Dems’ 2024 Campaign Through Northland

Govenor tries to go "from Midwest nice to Midwest vice"

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Minnesota Governor, and vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz brings the 2024 Democratic presidential campaign through the northland. Hundreds of supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz’s journey to the White House, filed into the University of Wisconsin Superior’s Marcovich Wellness Center, yesterday. State and local political figures like Superior’s Mayor Jim Paine, and Wisconsin Secretary…

Presidential Debate Watch Party

Douglas County Democrats host watch party for Presidential Debate

DULUTH, Minn. – New stage, new hosts, and one new candidate. It was the second Presidential Debate tonight, but the first between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Haris. To watch their party’s new nominee, members of Douglas County Democrats held a watch party at their headquarters in Superior. Despite the change in candidates since the previous debate,…

How To Watch The Presidential Debate Between Trump And Harris

WASHINGTON (AP) — The second general election debate of the 2024 campaign season is here, but it’s the first matchup for the current nominees. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are taking part in Tuesday night’s debate in Philadelphia. After a disastrous performance in the first general election debate of this cycle in June, President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid, upending the campaign in…

Mayor Reinert Directs Internal Review Post Fish Kill In Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said on Sunday that he has directed internal leadership to review all procedures and training to figure out how 1.7 million gallons of treated drinking water got into Tischer Creek in August, ending with the killing of more than 1,000 fish. Reinert took to social media Sunday to say the city’s drinking water…

Public Hearing Mon., Sept. 9 On SWL&P’s Proposed Rate Increases

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in Superior are invited to a public hearing Monday involving rate increases proposed by Superior Water Light and Power (SWL&P). The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is hosting the public hearing at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Government Center in Superior, room 270.  The overall proposed increase is 5.9%, or about $7.3 million. This…

Sharp Divisions Persist Over Walz’s Response To Riots After George Floyd’s Murder

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz faced the biggest crisis of his political career when Minnesota’s two largest cities erupted in protests and riots after a white Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd. The Black man’s murder in 2020 sparked a nationwide reckoning over racial discrimination and police misconduct. His death, and its complicated aftermath, tested Walz’s leadership at one…

Press Conference Highlights Small Business Plans for Harris & Walz

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A press conference highlighting the importance of small business communities took place in Superior today. Earlier this week, the Harris and Walz campaign announced a ten-fold increase proposal in the small business tax deduction for startup costs. They hope this plan will be a game changer for entrepreneurs with dreams of starting up a business of their own….

Sixth Judicial District Candidates Announced

DULUTH, Minn. — Recommendations for the Sixth Judicial District judge seat have been announced. The Commission on Judicial Selection making the announcement Tuesday. There are 3 candidates up for consideration. Jeffrey Boucher: Jeffrey Boucher is the chief deputy attorney of the Carlton County Attorney’s Office, where he manages adult criminal prosecutions, complex violent felonies, and financial crimes. He serves as…

Council Discusses Encampments

A much quieter council meeting this week, as long-term homeless response is still a hope.

DULUTH, Minn.– Earlier this month the homeless encampment outside Duluth City Hall was shut down, making for a packed City Council meeting with strong voices on all sides of the issue. Monday’s City Council meeting on encampment response, however, was much quieter, with much of the speaking done by Duluth Fire Department and Union Gospel Mission officials. The two, along…

George Santos Due In Court, Expected To Plead Guilty In Fraud Case, AP Source Says

(AP) — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos is due in court Monday afternoon, and a person familiar with the matter has said the New York Republican is expected to plead guilty to multiple counts in his federal fraud case. The person could not publicly discuss details of the plea and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Santos and his attorneys…

Thousands Of Activists Expected In Chicago For DNC

(AP) CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, progressive activists maintain their mission remains the same….

Wisconsin Voters Reject GOP-Written Ballot Measures, US Senate Race Set With Hovde’s Primary Win

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin voters on Tuesday rejected Republican-authored ballot questions that would have limited the governor’s power to spend federal money that comes to the state for such things as disaster relief, a big win for Democrats who mobilized against them. In Wisconsin’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, Republican businessman Eric Hovde, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, easily won the…

Minnesota Primary Election Results

Below are the results of the 2024 Minnesota Primary Election. These are coming from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. United States Senator race: Republican Party: Loner Blue- 733 votes, 1.67% Royce White- 15,732 votes, 35.89% Alycia R. Gruenhagen- 4,446 votes, 10.14% John Berman- 3,566 votes, 8.13% Joe Fraser- 11,309 votes, 25.8% Patrick D. Munro- 2,134 votes, 4.87% Christopher Seymore…

Wisconsin Primary Election Results

Below are the results of the 2024 Wisconsin Primary Election. Results are coming from the Douglas County Wisconsin’s website. United States Senator race: Republican Party: Charles Barman- 40,986 votes, 7.4% Eric Hovde- 476,857 votes, 86.3% Rejani Raveendran- 34,587 votes, 6.3% Democratic Party: Tammy Baldwin (Incumbent) United States Representative District 7: Republican Party: Tom Tiffany (Incumbent) Democratic Party: Kyle Kilbourn- 32,920…

Minnesota Primary Election Preview

Tuesday’s primary elections have some key seats up for grabs in Minnesota, such as United States Senator along with a 6th District Judge spot. United States Senator race: Republican Party: Loner Blue Royce White                 Alycia R. Gruenhagen John Berman                 Joe Fraser Patrick D. Munro…

Wisconsin Primary Election Preview

Tuesday’s primary elections have some key seats up for grabs in Wisconsin, such as United States Senator and Wisconsin State Assembly District’s spots. United States Senator race: Republican Party: Charles Barman Eric Hovde Rejani Raveendran Democratic Party: Tammy Baldwin (Incumbent) United States Representative District 7: Republican Party: Tom Tiffany (Incumbent) Democratic Party: Kyle Kilbourn Elsa Duranceau        …

Wisconsin Capitol Police Decline To Investigate Leak Of State Supreme Court Abortion Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Capitol Police have declined to investigate the leak of a state Supreme Court abortion order in June citing a conflict of interest, but the court’s chief justice told The Associated Press she is pursuing other options. Chief Justice Annette Ziegler told AP via email on Thursday that she continues “to pursue other means in an…

Walz ‘Misspoke’ In 2018 Reference To ‘Weapons of War, That I Carried In War,’ Harris Campaign Says

PHOENIX (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic candidate for vice president, “misspoke” in a 2018 video about “weapons of war that I carried in war,” a Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson said Saturday. Republicans, including the vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, began questioning Walz’s military record after Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for president, named the…

Harris, Trump Agree To Presidential Debate Sept. 10

Courtesy: AP PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump recommitted to debating Vice President Kamala Harris after recently backing out, holding a lengthy news conference Thursday in which he taunted his new rival, boasted of his crowd on Jan. 6, 2021, and lashed out at questions about the enthusiasm her campaign has been generating. As the Republican presidential nominee addressed…

UMD Political Professor Discusses Gov. Walz As Harris’ V.P. Pick

MINNESOTA — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was selected to Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris’ Vice President pick on Tuesday. In light of Gov. Walz becoming Harris’ running-mate, the political spotlight turned to Minnesota as many outside the Midwest look into Walz’s record. Since taking office in 2019, Gov. Walz has voted to protect reproductive freedom for woman and gender-affirming care for…

Harris Picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz As Her Running Mate, AP Sources Say

(AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, looking to strengthen the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states, AP sources say. She will introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. Harris was the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other candidate qualified by a deadline last week. She officially claimed the nomination Monday night when…

Wis. Farming Family’s Dog Killed By Wolves; Congressmen Tiffany, Stauber Talk Wolf Hunt

MASON, Wis. – Living up north means living with some of America’s most beautiful creatures, like gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list. But for a farming family in Mason, Wis., they say the growing wolf population has become a serious problem for their livestock and even their beloved pets, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. Growing up…

Temporary Plan Unveiled To Battle Overheating At DECC Arena

DULUTH, Minn. — After two recent weekends of unbearable heat inside the DECC Arena, Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman says he’s made the “tough decision” to rent a temporary AC unit until $2.8 million in state bonding money can be used to install a modern-day AC system for that side of the DECC. Hartman said the project could take up to…

Tuesday At 9 P.M.: Wis. Farming Family Speaks Out After Wolves Kill Family Dog

MASON, Wis. – Coming up Tuesday night on FOX 21 Local News at 9, a special report from Mason, Wisconsin, involving a recent wolf attack. You’ll hear from life-long residents of northern Wisconsin who say the wolf population is out of control, killing livestock and even and 11-year-old Labrador just feet from its house. “I know that wolves, they’re a…

Trump Agrees To Be Interviewed As Part Of An Investigation Into His Assassination Attempt, FBI Says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed by the FBI as part of an investigation into his attempted assassination in Pennsylvania earlier this month, a special agent said on Monday in disclosing how the gunman prior to the shooting had researched mass attacks and explosive devices. The expected interview with the 2024 Republican presidential nominee is part…

Biden Unveils A Proposal To Establish Term Limits For The Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has unveiled a long-awaited proposal for changes at the U.S. Supreme Court, calling on Congress to establish term limits and an enforceable ethics code for the court’s nine justices. He’s also pressing lawmakers to ratify a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity. The White House on Monday detailed the contours of Biden’s court proposal, one that appears to…

Biden Delivers Solemn Call To Defend Democracy As He Lays Out Reasons For Quitting Race

Courtesy: AP WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden…

DECC Arena Struggles To Stay Cool During Recent Harbor Monsters Games

DECC calls recent arena heat level "simply unacceptable"

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been a hot, steamy and humid summer the past few weekends, which has been nice for beachgoers, but not so nice for the Harbor Monsters and their fans after the air in the DECC arena rose to uncomfortable levels. The DECC told FOX 21 on Tuesday that the level of heat during the past two weekend…

President Joe Biden Drops Out Of 2024 Race

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which…

Out-of-State Officers Shot and Killed a Man Wielding Two Knives Blocks Away From the RNC, Police Say

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Ohio police officers in Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention shot and killed a man who was wielding two knives near the convention, Milwaukee’s police chief said Tuesday. Five members of the Columbus, Ohio, police department fired on the man, who had a knife in each hand, refused police commands and charged at an unarmed man before police fired,…

Strong Opinions On Proposed Public Safety Plan; Duluth Mayor, Chiefs Encourage More

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after a standing-room only council meeting, the city of Duluth’s top public safety leaders are reacting to 3.5 hours of public comments and dialogue about Mayor Roger Reinert’s proposed ordinance changes to get tougher on non-violent crime. Property damage, graffiti, illegal dumping and camping on public property are among the non-violent crimes that would become…

Council Discusses Public Safety Plan Amid Packed Chamber Room

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s City Council got their first chance Monday evening to discuss 10 proposed ordinance amendments to curb non-violent crimes in the city. It would make actions such as camping on city property, graffiti, and unlawful possession or firing of an airgun misdemeanors. An overflow crowd gathered in and near the council chamber’s room for a chance to…

Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice Stops in Twin Ports

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice made a stop in Superior on Monday. The caravan is traveling around the country, starting in San Diego at the beginning of April. Members of the caravan want to celebrate local disability rights movements, educate communities of disability history, and — most of all — encourage people to vote. “A…