MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The man charged with killing the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband, and wounding a state senator and his wife, pleaded not guilty Thursday in federal court. Melissa Hortman Vance Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, was indicted July 15 on six counts of murder, stalking and firearms violations. The murder charges could carry…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Investigator suing the Superior Police Department in Federal Court, Mikayla LeRette, has also filed a union grievance. It was filed by Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) Local #27 Grievance and Discipline Committee. The filing was submitted on June 30, 2025. That was about five months after her federal lawsuit was filed. The grievance was submitted to Chief…
Carl Crawford DULUTH, Minn. — A former Human Rights Officer for Duluth has been appointed to the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Governer Walz appointed Carl Crawford on Aug. 1st. Crawford currently serves as the Senior Accessibility & Engagement Coordinator for St. Louis County. The Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday helps plan celebrations…
Great Seal Of The State Of Minnesota DULUTH, Minn. – Many new laws are going into effect in Minnesota on August 1, 2025. Housing protections for service dog trainers: Minnesotans who train service dogs will now receive the same housing rights as people who rely on trained service animals. This means homeowners associations and landlords are not allowed to deny…
Honorable Eric L. Hylden DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the retirement of the Honorable Eric L. Hylden. He’s a judge in the Sixth Judicial District seated in Duluth. Governor Walz is now asking for application for the vacancy. A news release from the Governor’s Office says applications for the position are due by 4:00 pm on August…
DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re having trouble finding somewhere to live in Duluth, you’re not alone. And a recent study confirms the problem. The local vacancy rate for rentals is only at 1.8 percent, and only around 58 percent of people living in Duluth actually own the roof over their head, according to Maxfield Research and Consulting, who was hired by the…
DULUTH, Minn. — A pay increase is being recommended for Duluth city councilors, which would be the first increase since 2018. The City Charter Commission is proposing councilors be paid $1,425 a month, up from $1,150 per month, bringing a councilor’s annual pay to $17,100. For all nine councilors, the increase would add up to $29,700 out of the $108…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A naked man with apparent mental health issues was found in the Minnesota State Capitol late at night, officials said Saturday, raising questions about security after the top Democrat in the state House was killed in what authorities have called a political assassination. The discovery just six weeks after the fatal shooting of Democratic former House Speaker…
WISCONSIN — Governer Evers granted 204 pardons today, July 25th, bringing his total pardons during his tenure to 1,640. The pardons are described as an act of forgiveness. Individuals pardoned have completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges. Most of those pardoned did the crime in their late teens and 20s, and these…
DULUTH, Minn.–Earlier today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not be running for a third time for his seat as Governor. With this announcement, Evers released what he called his ‘love letter’ to Wisconsin, to reminisce on his time as Governor. “I cherish every moment, every tour, every visit high five, question and selfie. It’s the honor of…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years. It will be Wisconsin’s highest profile race next year, as Democrats also angle to take control of the Legislature thanks to redrawn election maps that…
ST. PAUL, Min. – Governor Tim Walz is asking Canadians to visit Minnesota. In a news release he said, “We value that connection and the many ways our cultures overlap — from hockey to fishing, and from buffalo plaid to a bold winter spirit. We want our Canadian neighbors know they’re not just welcome here — they’re encouraged to visit…
DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools on Tuesday said its assistant superintendent, Anthony Bonds, was arrested overnight for drunken driving. In a statement, a district spokesperson said this is a first-time DWI offense for Bonds. Bonds started with ISD-709 in 2020. The district said it is “committed to transparency that is consistent with the law to ensure the community is…
WASHINGTON, D.C. & SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded more than $800,000 in a grant to help the Superior Shipyards. A grant of $817,146.23 will go to Fraser Shipyards, LLC of Superior to help purchase a Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic Boom Rough Terrain Crane. MARAD is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state senator convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house plans to resign by early August, her lawyer said Monday. Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell has faced calls from fellow Minnesota lawmakers for her immediate resignation since her conviction on Friday. The jury deliberated for three hours before finding her guilty…
DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth City council is voting to amend the seasonal closures of Skyline Parkway. The vote is slated for July 21, 2025. Currently, portions of Skyline are closed from December 1st to April 15th. Skyline Closure The proposal being voted on would extend the closure until May 15th. Bad weather delayed the opening for 4 out of…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — For nearly 20 years, Maria would call her sister — a nurse in Mexico — for advice on how to manage her asthma and control her husband’s diabetes instead of going to the doctor in California. She didn’t have legal status, so she couldn’t get health insurance and skipped routine exams, relying instead on home remedies…
Nicole Mitchell BECKER COUNTY, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state senator has been convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home. The jury on Friday found Nicole Mitchell guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Bodycam video shows the 51-year-old Democrat telling police when they arrested her in April 2024, “Clearly, I’m not good at this.”…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) blasted Essentia Health Wednesday by saying the healthcare provider is intimidating and retaliating against some of the union’s Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who have chosen to leave the group’s strike and go back to work. The strong words from the MNA came after Essentia Health sent out the following release to the…
Senator Tina Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. & DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is in the hospital. Senator Smith’s staff posted on her X account, “While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well. She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital. Out of an abundance of…
DULUTH, Minn. – In May of 2024 ALLETE, the company that runs Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin along with other energy related companies announced it reached an agreement to be acquired. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) offered to pay $6.2 billion for the company. But before the deal…
UPDATE: The City of Rice Lake says in a news release they still consider Suzanne Herstad to be Mayor until her resignation letter is presented at their Monday, July 14 city council meeting. The news release says if the letter is accepted which it “most likely” will be, then Jayme Heim would officially become Acting Mayor. Heim was selected to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Chad McKenna has announced he will be running for Congress. Chad McKenna McKenna says he’ll be running for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District – the seat currently held by Pete Stauber. In a news release McKenna said. “I’m running for Congress because Pete Stauber has stopped working for us – his constituents… He seems more focused on appeasing…
RICE LAKE, Minn. – Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad has resigned. In a news release, Mayor Herstad’s resignation letter was quoted saying, “Serving this remarkable community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together during my time in office, and I leave hopeful in a future of…
DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has voted to temporarily waive the fees associated with land use and septic permits for those trying to Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. rebuild after the 2025 spring wildfires. They are waiving permit fees through January 4, 2026. It’s specifically for replacement of structures and…
(AP) – For the first time in almost 20 years, travelers may no longer have to take off their shoes during security screenings at certain U.S. airports. The Transportation Security Administration is looking to abandon the requirement, according to media reports. If implemented, it would put an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago,…
WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Pete Stauber (MN-08) along with other members of Congress sent a letter to Canada’s Ambassador. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R) Wisconsin It urged stronger forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risk after consecutive years of heavy smoke blowing south from Canada to Minnesota and Wisconsin. It read in part, “We know a key…
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 1. H.R. 1 is also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “In November, the American people elected President Trump and gave him the majorities in both the House and Senate with a clear mandate: to restore safety and unleash prosperity across our nation. Today,…
Tom Tiffany (R) Wisconsin 7th Congressional District WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 1. H.R. 1 is also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “The top priorities going into this election were clear: secure the border and deliver relief to hardworking families. This bill keeps those promises by providing tax…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has announced it has come to tentative agreements with Twin Cities-area hospitals. In their announcement they said, “Duluth prepares for action”. MNA agreed to the tentative terms with Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners and North Memorial Health. The MNA is still working to get deals with Aspirus St. Luke’s…
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis county leaders put out a warning to residents Wednesday to say President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” – if passed — would cost the county at least $16 million. As written now, the federal bill would shift Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs from the federal government to the states, according to the county. For…
DULUTH, Minn. – Miller-Dwan Foundation and Essentia Health announced they will be temporarily pausing care at Solvay Hospice House beginning July 8. The announcement was made in response to the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) plan to begin an open-ended strike at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Solvay is owned by Miller-Dwan Foundation and care within Solvay is provided by…
DULUTH, Minn. – Signs are now up recognizing the “Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway”. The expressway is Highway 169 between Itasca County Road 69 in Marble and St. Louis County Road 7 in Mountain Iron. In 2024 the Minnesota State Legislature passed bills to designate the highway sections for the areas Tomassoni served. He was elected to…
Mike McCoshen (left) and his wife Julie McCoshen (middle) as he was officially sworn in as 12th Administrator of the Great Lake St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation by USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Keith Washington (right) WASHINGTON & SUPERIOR, Wisc. – J.M. (Mike) McCoshen has been sworn in as the twelfth Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great Lakes St….
MINNESOTA — Tuesday morning governor Tim Walz announced Melissa and Mark Hortman will Lie in State Friday, in Saint Paul. They will be joined by their golden retriever, Gilbert. They were assassinated in their home two weekends ago. Hortman will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to Lie in State in the capitol. The rotunda…
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday on social media that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours. The U.S. president said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would bring an “Official END” to the war, a major change in the hostilities that follows a U.S. strike over…
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran says missile barrage on Qatar was same number as bombs used by US on nuclear sites, signaling desire to de-escalate. Iran launched a missile attack Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites. Witnesses reported seeing missiles in the skies, followed by explosions, but…
BEAVER BAY, Minn. – The city of Beaver Bay is slated to have a new mayor effective July 7, 2025. Marcus Huss was selected to be the new mayor at the June 17 city council meeting. Previous mayor Tom Gmach is resigning due to a process issue with his election. The issue goes back to 2022. That’s when city leaders…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cannabis Taxes in Minnesota are on the rise. They’re sitting at 10-percent now, but will go up to 15-percent on July 1, 2025. The 10-percent rate was from July 1. 2023 to June 30. 2025. All sales and purchases of taxable cannabis products are subject to the new tax rate. RELATED: Minnesota issues first cannabis…
Issued for Herb-Quest LLC ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued the first cannabis business license in the state of Minnesota. It is going to Herb-Quest, LLC. Herb-Quest is a microbusiness located in Brook Park in Pine County. Its initial primary business activity will be outdoor cultivation of cannabis plants. OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel…
CALGARY, Alberta & DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump would have unique influence over the operations of U.S. Steel under the terms of the investment being made by Nippon Steel. Administration officials over the past few days provided additional insight into the so-called golden share arrangement that the federal government made as a condition for supporting the partnership. US Steel…
Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office ST. PAUL, Minn. – The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another will be facing federal charges. The Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston and BCA Superintendent Andrew Evans will be holding a news conference at in the late morning of Monday, June 16 to…
Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another has been taken into custody, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge. Vance Boelter was arrested Sunday evening. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed…
Gov. Tim Walz released the following statement Sunday night on the arrest of Vance Boelter following the “assassination” of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the “attempted assassination” of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, according to the governor’s office: “After a two-day manhunt in which hundreds of law enforcement officials left their families to run…
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Shootings at the residences of two Minnesota lawmakers turn the homes into crime scenes. The homes of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park and Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin were turned into crime scenes after what authorities are calling targeted political shootings early Friday morning. Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives,…
Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. (Minnesota Legislature via AP)Note: This is a developing news story. We will update as new information becomes available. BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A man posing as a police officer shot and killed…
Melissa Hortman (from her MN Legislature webpage)DULUTH, Minn: – A number of Northland elected officials, Minnesota government leaders, and various organizations have been releasing statements following the shooting death of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. This shooting is currently under investigation, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife,…
CITY HALL – Duluth Tenants Union deliver signatures in support of their “Right to Repair” ballot initiative to the City Clerk. Nearly 6,000 signatures in support of the Duluth “Right to Repair” ballot initiative, were presented to the City Clerk’s office Thursday afternoon. The signatures were delivered by members of the Duluth Tenants Union, a group comprised of renters and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Mike Mayou has announced he will step down from the Duluth City Council at the end of June 2025. The resignation is pending the successful closing of his family’s home sale and purchase of a new home. Mayou previously announced that he would not be running for re-election in November. In his announcement Mayou…
