Political

Evers Promises To Veto GOP Local Aid Increase Plan

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers promised Thursday to veto a wide-ranging Republican plan to bolster aid to local governments, saying the measure moving rapidly through the GOP-controlled Legislature doesn’t give enough unrestricted money to communities struggling to pay for police, fire and other services. Republican authors of the bill said at a hearing Thursday they remained open to making…

Congressional Hearing on Minerals on Iron Range

Republican lawmakers advocate for permitting reform

The mineral deposits in Northeastern Minnesota brought congressional lawmakers to the area Tuesday. Representative Pete Stauber brought members of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to Mountain Iron for a hearing. Stauber said it was a chance for members to hear directly from the community. Congressman Rob Wittman of the state of Virginia said the entire country had an…

Duluth Mayoral Race: Reinert No On Party Endorsements; Larson Says ‘Show Up’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth mayoral candidate Roger Reinert, who has been endorsed by the DFL party in previous political elections, is bypassing any political party endorsements for his run for mayor. Reinert made the announcement Monday through a video release. He said the office of mayor should be non-partisan and open to all political views. Reinert said he’s had nearly…

Duluth Celebrates The Life Of Judge Sally Tarnowski

A day of fond memories, professional achievements, and deep friendships

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth born-and-raised attorney and judge was remembered by friends, family and colleagues Thursday during a memorial at the DECC. Judge Sally Tarnowski died unexpectedly in March when she was struck by a vehicle while jogging on vacation in Florida. Tarnowski was 63 years old. Thursday’s reflections included her Duluth public school roots, her going to law…

MN House, Senate Pass ‘Northern Lights Express’ Funding In Transportation Bills

DULUTH, Minn. — For the first time ever, the Northern Lights Express project now has financial backing from the Minnesota House and the Senate. The Senate has approved $50 million toward the passenger rail service between the Twin Ports and Minneapolis. This comes after the House Transportation Committee set aside full funding for NLX in its omnibus bill and was…

Washington, Minnesota Become Trans Refuges, Shield Abortions

SEATTLE (AP) — Democratic governors in Washington state and Minnesota on Thursday signed into law legal protections for people who travel to those states seeking reproductive and gender-affirming procedures and treatment. They are the latest blue states to enact safeguards against bans or limits on transgender and abortion healthcare in Republican states. In Seattle, Gov. Jay Inslee wore a pink tie…

House Republicans Pass US Debt Bill, Push Biden On Spending

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans passed sweeping legislation Wednesday that would raise the government’s legal debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion in exchange for steep spending restrictions, a tactical victory for Speaker Kevin McCarthy as he challenges President Joe Biden to negotiate and prevent a catastrophic federal default this summer. The bill passed by a razor-thin 217-215 margin. Biden has threatened to veto the Republican package, which…

Biden Announces 2024 Reelection Bid: ‘Let’s Finish This Job’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday formally announced that he is running for reelection in 2024, asking voters to give him more time to “finish this job” and extend the run of America’s oldest president for another four years. Biden, who would be 86 at the end of a second term, is betting his first-term legislative achievements and more than 50 years of experience in Washington…

Therese Wisocki Joins List Of Candidates For Duluth City Council

DULUTH, Minn. – Another candidate has announced her run for the Duluth City Council. Therese Wisocki told FOX 21 on Sunday that she’s a retired telecommunications professional who has never run for political office before. Wisocki said she’s hoping to focus on improving public safety downtown and bringing new development there. Rising property taxes and low wages are also on…

Wisconsin GOP Lawmakers Working On Medical Pot Legalization

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — After years of opposition to any form of marijuana legalization in Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers are now working privately to build support for a medical cannabis program that could win bipartisan backing and be enacted into law later this year, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told The Associated Press on Thursday. For now, the group of lawmakers — whom Vos…

Mayor Again Asks Duluth Council To Avoid Budget Cuts, Use ‘Rescue Plan’ Funds

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson is speaking up — through an email to councilors — about this year’s $383,000 in city wide budget cuts. She’s urging them to avoid the cuts by using American Rescue Plan funds. The $383,000 handles the one-percent levy cut the council made last December in Larson’s proposed property tax levy increase, which she said…

Minnesota Gov. Walz Draws Sharp Contrasts With Red States

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz drew stark contrasts between Minnesota and Republican-led states Wednesday night, using his State of the State speech to highlight how he and his fellow Democrats have used their new control over state government to push through an ambitious liberal agenda. Walz, now three months into his second term, told lawmakers and other…

Fox, Dominion Reach $787M Settlement Over Election Claims

Attorney Justin Nelson, representing Dominion Voting Systems, speaks at a news conference outside New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, Del., after the defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News was settled just as the jury trial was set to begin, Tuesday, April 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Fox News agreed Tuesday to pay Dominion…

Speaker McCarthy Vows To Pass Debt Bill — With A Big ‘If’

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pledged on Monday to pass legislation to raise the nation’s debt ceiling — but only on condition of capping future federal spending increases at 1% — as he lashed out at President Joe Biden for refusing to engage in budget-cutting negotiations to prevent a debt crisis. In a high-profile speech at the New York Stock…

Dept. By Dept. Breakdown Of 2023 Duluth Budget Cuts, City’s Reason Why

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has gathered new details involving city wide budget cuts in Duluth worth $383,000. City administration says the cuts involve this year’s status-quo budget. The Duluth Police Department, which has the largest portion of the city’s budget, is being asked to cut $98,402. The Duluth Fire Department holds the city’s second-largest portion of the yearly budget….

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin Launches Run For 3rd Term

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who spearheaded legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages last year, announced on Wednesday that she is seeking a third term in battleground Wisconsin. Baldwin, 60, said in a statement that she intends to continue fighting for the working class and families struggling with inflation, as well as opposing Wisconsin’s abortion ban. No…

Two Harbors Voters Choose Their Next Mayor

TWO HARBORS, Wis. — The people of Two Harbors headed to the polls Tuesday to vote for their next mayor. This comes after now-former embattled mayor Chris Swanson was recalled by more than 1,000 votes last august. The unofficial results Tuesday evening from the Clerk’s Office showed Lew Conner as the city’s next mayor. Conner is a retired educator who…

Biden Ends COVID National Emergency After Congress Acts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. national emergency to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic ended Monday as President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan congressional resolution to bring it to a close after three years — weeks before it was set to expire alongside a separate public health emergency. The national emergency allowed the government to take sweeping steps to respond to the virus…

Trump’s Response To Criminal Charges Revives Election Lies

NEW YORK (AP) — Legally, the most important words former President Donald Trump said after he was charged with 34 felonies by the Manhattan District Attorney last week were “not guilty.” But, politically, the most significant may be “election interference.” Trump’s repetition of those words, which have been taken up by other top Republicans, show how he is trying to turn his…

Duluth Fire Union: Budget Cuts Will Compromise Safety, Services

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Firefighters Local 101 is speaking out against budget cuts they say are being ordered by Mayor Emily Larson. Union V.P. Pete Johnson said the cuts will “have a negative impact on our firefighters’ safety and their ability to provide the level of service that the citizens of Duluth deserve.” The department is being asked to cut…

Two More Candidates Announce Run For Duluth City Council

DULUTH, Minn. — Two more people have announced they’re running for Duluth City Council seats. Wendy Durrwachter is running for Dist. 1. She says she will “focus on doing the work to ensure Duluth stays a great place to call home.” Durrwachter was a single mother of two who supported her family mostly as a restaurant server. She’s now a…

GOP Lawmakers To Vote On Expelling Democrats In Gun Protest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Thousands flocked to the Tennessee Capitol on Thursday to support the three Democratic lawmakers facing possible expulsion for their role in a gun control demonstration, cheering and chanting outside the House chamber so loud that it drowned out proceedings. The GOP-dominated House is set to vote on whether to oust Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin…

Democrats’ Choice Wins Key Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Associated Press MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Democratic-backed Milwaukee judge won the high stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court race Tuesday, ensuring liberals will take over majority control of the court for the first time in 15 years with the fate of the state’s abortion ban on the line. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz, 60, defeated former Justice Dan Kelly, who previously worked for…

Reports: Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty To 34 Felony Charges

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, according to several news reports. He entered the plea Tuesday during a brief arraignment in a lower Manhattan courtroom as prosecutors unsealed a grand jury indictment. The charges stem from a hush money payment to a porn actor during Trump’s…

Trump Arrives At New York Courthouse Ahead Of Arraignment

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump arrived Tuesday at a Manhattan courthouse ahead of his arraignment on criminal charges stemming from a hush money payment to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign. Trump pumped his fist as he exited Trump Tower minutes earlier, then traveled in an eight-car motorcade down a highway along the East River to the downtown courthouse, where’s…

Several Wisconsin OB/GYNs Support Janet Protasiewicz for Supreme Court

WISCONSIN — Monday morning, supporters of Judge Janet Protasiewicz held a virtual press conference to discuss why they are endorsing her for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Those in attendance included several Wisconsin OB/GYNs and medical students advocating for a woman’s right to abortion. They say current laws on abortion are outdated and put unnecessary burdens, stress, and risks on both…

Protest Over Duluth Apartment Building’s Partial Hotel Changes While Management Gives New Insight

DULUTH, Minn. – People protested Monday outside a one-year-old housing development in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The protesters said they don’t want to see one floor of the building converted into boutique hotel units. Lincoln Park Flats on West Superior Street is owned by P&R Properties. Company officials told FOX 21 Monday that turning the second floor into 24 short-term…

Biden To Push Clean Energy, Economic Agenda In Minneapolis

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to tour a clean energy technology manufacturer in suburban Minneapolis on Monday as part of his effort to highlight his investment agenda ahead of an expected reelection campaign. Biden plans to highlight job growth and investments nationwide while pushing clean energy and manufacturing in the U.S. during his visit to engine maker Cummins…

WI Congressman Tom Tiffany Hosts Listening Session In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany stopped in Superior Friday as part of a series of listening sessions taking place in Douglas County. Tiffany’s listening session was hosted with newly elected State Rep. Angie Sapik. Those who attended expressed concerns about the economy, the railroad, schools, and freedom of speech. Tiffany says he tries to conduct listening sessions quarterly,…

Trump To Be Arraigned Tuesday To Face Hush Money Indictment

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump will be arraigned Tuesday after his indictment in Manhattan, his formal surrender and arrest presenting the historic, shocking scene of a former U.S. commander in chief forced to stand before a judge. Court officials confirmed the timing on Friday. When Trump turns himself in, he’ll be booked mostly like anyone else facing charges, mugshot…

Lawyer: Trump Indicted; 1st Ex-President Charged With Crime

(AP) — A lawyer for Donald Trump said Thursday he’s been told that the former president has been indicted in New York on charges involving payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. It becomes the first ever criminal case against a former U.S. president and a jolt to Trump’s bid to retake…

Biden Won’t Veto Republican-Led Bill Ending COVID Emergency

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden won’t veto a Republican-led measure to end the national COVID emergency, despite having expressed strong objections against it earlier this year, ensuring the bill is on an easy path to becoming law. It marks the second time in the new Congress that the Biden administration has signaled opposition to a Republican measure, rallying most Democrats in Congress…

President Biden Plans Visit To Minnesota Next Week

(FOX 9) – White House officials announced Wednesday that President Joe Biden is headed to Minnesota next week to tout his economic agenda. “The President will discuss how his economic agenda has led to the strongest job growth in history, over $435 billion in major private sector investments nationwide, stronger supply chains here at home, and a Made in America manufacturing and clean energy boom,”…

Congress Approves Measure To Toss Biden’s Water Protections

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Wednesday approved a resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s protections for the nation’s waterways that Republicans have criticized as a burden on business, advancing a measure that President Joe Biden has promised to veto. Republicans have targeted the Biden administration’s protections for thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways, labeling it an environmental overreach that harms…

House GOP Passes Parents’ Rights Bill In Clash Over Schools

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans on Friday narrowly passed legislation to press a midterm campaign promise to give parents greater say in what’s taught in public schools even as critics complained the “parents’ rights” bill would fuel a far-right movement that’s resulted in book bans, restrictions aimed at transgender students and raucous school board meetings across the country. Speaker Kevin…

Duluth Mayoral Candidate Reinert Addresses Larson’s ‘State Of The City’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s leading opponent in the mayoral race is Roger Reinert.  On Thursday evening, one day after Larson’s State of the City Address, Reinert held a formal press event at Clyde Iron Works to respond to that address. About 100 people were on hand to hear Reinert’s thoughts on where the city is and where…

Full Transcript: Mayor Emily Larson’s State Of The City Address

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held her State of the City Address Wednesday evening at The West Theatre.  Click here for the complete transcript from that speech. The mayor covered a broad range of topics which she believes need to be addressed. Larson has served as Duluth’s mayor for the past seven years. She’s running for another term,…

Roger Reinert, Duluth Mayoral Candidate Hosts Coffee And Conversations

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert is one of the candidates running for the Duluth mayoral election coming up this fall. Reinert is hosting a total of 6 “Coffee and Conversations” meet-ups with the public, and one of them happened Wednesday. He says it’s an open invitation for anyone to join him for small group conversations on issues they’re concerned about…

Evers Pushes To Repeal Abortion Ban Ahead Of Court Election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and his fellow Democrats worked Tuesday to keep the spotlight on abortion ahead of next month’s state Supreme Court election, resurrecting a bill that would repeal the state’s 1849 ban on the practice. Democrats introduced the bill in June days before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973…

Trump Waits Out Grand Jury As New York Braces For Protests

NEW YORK (AP) — Facing the possibility of criminal charges, Donald Trump waited it out in Florida on Tuesday as New York braced for disruptions that could follow an indictment. Republican contenders in the 2024 race sized up the impact a prosecution could have on a campaign in which the former president is a leading contender. Trump over the weekend claimed without evidence that…

Minnesota Moving To Fortify State Status As Abortion Refuge

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is moving to fortify its status as a refuge for patients from restrictive states who travel to the state to seek abortions — and to protect providers who serve them. The state House on Monday passed a bill by a 68-62 vote to prohibit enforcement in Minnesota of laws, subpoenas, judgements or extradition requests from other states…

Biden Issues First Veto, Taking On New Republican Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden issued the first veto of his presidency Monday in an early sign of shifting White House relations with the new Congress since Republicans took control in January. He’s seeking to kill a Republican measure that bans the government from considering environmental impacts or potential lawsuits when making investment decisions for Americans’ retirement plans. It’s just the…

Trump’s Call For Protests Gets Muted Reaction By Supporters

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s calls for protests ahead of his anticipated indictment in New York have generated mostly muted reactions from supporters, with even some of his most ardent loyalists dismissing the idea as a waste of time or a law enforcement trap. The ambivalence raises questions about whether Trump, though a leading Republican contender in the 2024 presidential race who…

Biden Says He’s Focused ‘Intensely’ On Lowering Drug Costs

LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said his administration was focused “intensely” on lowering health care costs and took aim at “MAGA” Republicans who he said are intent on dialing back Medicare coverage for millions of Americans. Biden used a speech in Las Vegas where he was wrapping a three-day Western swing to make the case there…

The Science, Changing Weather Challenges Behind Duluth’s Snow Plowing Operations

DULUTH, Minn. — Winter isn’t giving up just yet with impressive snow totals over the weekend. And for Duluth plow crews, that’s meant 16-hour shifts since Saturday working through thousands of intersections, and thousands of miles of roadways.  All of this, as a potential second storm in a week is eying the Northland in just days. It’s no secret, frustrations…