Political Archives - Page 2 of 63

Two people detained at El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill in Hibbing, Minnesota (10/29/2025)

What we know about the Northern Minnesota immigration raids

October 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

Two people detained at El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill in Hibbing, Minnesota (10/29/2025) DULUTH, Min.- There were at least three likely immigration-related actions around Northern Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Here is what we know about them at this point. El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill, 2520 E Beltline, Hibbing: A FOX21 photographer happened to be getting lunch…

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers hosts healthcare roundtable discussion in Superior

October 29, 2025

Paige Hansen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers stopped by Superior on Wednesday to host a roundtable discussion. Governor Evers, alongside Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson listened to community feedback about healthcare and the shutdown. The discussion focused on extending the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible in Wisconsin. The event…

SNAP Text scams showing up in Minnesota

October 29, 2025

Matt McConico,

COOK COUNTY, Min. – The Cook County Public Health department says there are SNAP text message scams going around. They say the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families has been alerted of the scam. This scam claims that all Minnesota residents qualify for emergency food relief. The text asks recipients to click a link to claim funds. Cook County…

Screengrab from Pete Hegseth's X account of a boat explosion from 10/27/2025

Hegseth says US carried out 3 strikes on alleged drug-running boats in eastern Pacific, killing 14

October 28, 2025

Matt McConico,

Screengrab from Pete Hegseth’s X account of a boat explosion from 10/27/2025 WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the waters of the Eastern Pacific against boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor. The announcement made on social media Tuesday, marks a continued escalation in…

Wisconsin Planned Parenthood resumes offering abortions after a nearly monthlong pause

October 27, 2025

Matt McConico,

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, in Madison MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed scheduling abortions on Monday after a nearly monthlong pause due to federal Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill that took effect at the beginning of October. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it was able to resume scheduling abortions as of noon on Monday because…

Minnesota cigarette sales tax to jump more than 6%

October 27, 2025

Matt McConico,

Smoking Cigarette DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – Starting in 2026 the sales tax on a 20-pack of cigarettes will go up more than 6%. In 2025 the tax on a 20-pack of cigarettes is 78.6 Cents. Starting January 1, 2026 the sale tax will rise to 84 Cents per pack. There will still be a 15.2 cent per cigarette…

Governor Walz to announce $4m in one-time funding for Minnesota food shelves

October 26, 2025

Matt McConico,

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expresses frustration with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans over the federal government shutdown during a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce $4 million in emergency one-time funding for Minnesota and Tribal nations…

Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

October 26, 2025

Matt McConico,

USDA Logo (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on. The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits…

Former Rep. Angie Sapik Announces State Senate Run

October 22, 2025

Jadie Jones,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Former Wisconsin Representative Angie Sapik announced her campaign for District 25 in the Wisconsin State Senate. Some of her platform includes funding public education and mental health, expanding insurance to cover 3-D mammograms, providing better protections for correction officers, and expanding oversight on the DNR. She also stated her beliefs as being prolife and being against boys…

Minnesota Supreme Court sends transgender powerlifter’s legal challenge back to lower court

October 22, 2025

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday sent the case of a transgender athlete who wants to compete in the women’s division at weightlifting events back to a lower court to determine whether USA Powerlifting has a “legitimate business purpose” for excluding her. The state’s highest court ruled that the group’s policy that bars JayCee Cooper from competing…

Man charged with stalking, accused of sending Wisconsin’s chief justice intimidating emails

October 21, 2025

Matt McConico,

Jill Karofsky MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a Wisconsin man with stalking after he allegedly sent liberal state Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsky a series of intimidating emails. Ryan Thornton, 37, of Racine was charged Monday with one felony count of stalking. He faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted. His attorney, listed in court…

Minnesota Attorney General to run for re-election

October 21, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

Keith Ellison ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Attorney General has announced that he plans to run for re-election. Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Tuesday that he plans on running for a third term. “I’m running for re-election to keep Minnesota a fair place, where rule of law prevails over power and privilege,” said Ellison. “Since Minnesota elected me seven years…

Thousands Attend ‘No Kings’ Protests in Duluth, Cities Across Northland

October 19, 2025

Dan Hanger, The Associated Press,

NORTHLAND — Thousands of protesters gathered at rallies in the Northland Saturday for the “No Kings” demonstrations against what they see as the government turning into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. In Duluth, thousands filled the courtyard outside City Hall, the St. Louis County Courthouse and the Federal Building. Click the video above to see an drone’s view. Click the…

Trump says he has commuted sentence of former US Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case

October 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

George Santos WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges. The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of…

New District Court Judge named for Duluth

October 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

Nathan Lacoursiere DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. In making the announcement Gov. Walz said, “Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge… What makes him so…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Talks NDAs, Public Comments, Commissioner’s Words on Minneapolis’ FOX 9

October 16, 2025

Dan Hanger,

St. Louis County Commissioner Chair Annie Harala responded to concerns Thursday over elected officials signing non-disclosure agreements regarding a proposed data center project in Hermantown. She also addressed a video that shows a confrontation between Commissioner Keith Nelson and the Duluth Monitor’s Publisher, John Ramos, who pressed the commissioner on the topic during Tuesday’s board meeting. Click the video above…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Annie Harala Talks Process Of Non-Disclosure Agreements

October 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala was one of three commissioners to sign a non-disclosure agreement involving a proposed data center in Hermantown. Some members of the public have voiced frustration over what they call a lack of transparency involving the proposed project. Commissioner Ashley Grimm responded to those concerns by calling for a ban on…

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce head weighs in on Non-Disclosure Agreements

October 14, 2025

Matt McConico,

Matthew Baumgartner DULUTH, Minn. – Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) discussions have been making headlines in the St. Louis County Commission and Hermantown City Council. Matt Baumgartner, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, released a statement saying NDAs are a common and needed thing in business. Baumgartner wrote NDAs, “simply provides the space to explore the facts—costs,…

Minnesota Nurses Association members created “hostile environment” at DECC

October 13, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) says Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members created a “hostile environment” in the facility where security had to be called. A statement from the DECC says an incident happened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, around noon at its Harbor Side Convention facility. The DECC statement says, “Reports from DECC staff and…

State Senator Grant Hauschild says he will not run for the 8th Congressional District

October 8, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

HERMANTOWN, Minn — Minnesota State Senator Grant Hauschild announced Wednesday that he will not run for the 8th Congressional District. Hauschild currently represents Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District. After months of encouragement from people around him to run for the seat, Hauschaild says he wants to keep his focus on serving his senate district and his family. “I’ve been grateful…

UW-Superior Hosts “Freedom of Speech” Event

October 7, 2025

Xavier Walt,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior invited the community in once again for a discussion on politics. The “Freedom of Speech” event, which featured a guest from the “Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression”, was part of the UW-Superior Link Center’s ongoing “Superior Dialogues” series. The 2nd year series is designed to help maintain healthy conversations and relationships for people with differing…

2026 Budget Proposal Heads To Superior City Council

October 7, 2025

Xavier Walt,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine released his 2026 budget proposal, which is heavily focused on infrastructure and public safety. In addition, Paine says the budget will decrease the city’s property tax levy by 1.55%, while maintaining Superior’s spending levels for all city services. “This budget lowers the tax levy. We are one of the only municipalities, probably the only…

Josh Kaul won’t run for Wisconsin governor will seek reelection instead

October 7, 2025

Matt McConico,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor, opting instead to seek a third term as the state’s top law enforcement official. The governor’s race is wide open after Democratic incumbent Tony Evers, 73, announced this summer that he won’t seek reelection. The race will be the highest-profile contest on the…

Gold futures rise above $4,000 per ounce for the first time

October 7, 2025

Matt McConico,

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold futures rose above $4,000 per ounce for the first time on Tuesday, as many investors seek a “safe haven” for to park their money as the U.S. government shutdown continues. Gold futures in New York briefly jumped above the $4,000 mark just after 9 a.m. ET, marking a new record. The going price for New…

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

October 3, 2025

The Associated Press,

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…

Kwik Trip announces new penny rounding policy

October 2, 2025

Matt McConico,

Kwik Trip Logo DULUTH, Min. & LA CROSSE, Wis. – Kwik Trip has announced a new cash transaction policy in response to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s decision to end production of the penny. Cash purchases at Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations will be rounded down to the nearest five cents if the store is out of pennies. Kwik Trip…

Northland lawmakers react to Social Security breach

October 2, 2025

Xavier Walt, Jason VanHorn,

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

September 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 25, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 24, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 24, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 23, 2025

Xavier Walt,

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…

PBS North to conclude Almanac North

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – PBS North announced in a news release the final broadcast of Almanac North will take place October 2, 2025. The news release continued to read, “With shifts in available funding and a need to focus resources where PBS North can provide the greatest community impact, PBS North has determined that now is the right time to bring…

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

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

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…

Trump Administration Suggests Tylenol During Pregnancy Causes Autism, A Link Experts Say Is Unproven

What we know about autism’s causes

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

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…

President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz

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

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

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

September 15, 2025

Xavier Walt,

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

September 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

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

September 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

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

September 12, 2025

Xavier Walt,

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…