Political Archives - Page 21 of 61

Mayor Not Lighting Duluth Lift Bridge For Ukraine Adds To List Of Other Rejections

Mayor Emily Larson stopped taking community requests to light the Lift Bridge colors for causes after installing a $150,000 LED colored lighting system on bridge.

February 27, 2022

Natalie Noury, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — From London to Milwaukee, to Minneapolis — structures are being lit blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. But in Duluth, its most iconic structure, the Aerial Lift Bridge, is not. Mayor Emily Larson is instead sticking with the usual lighting of the less-visible Enger Tower, which went blue and yellow over the weekend after community requests…

Duluthian Born And Raised In Russia: ‘I Am Ashamed And Outraged’

February 27, 2022

Dan Hanger,

Irina Haller DULUTH, Minn. – As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, we’re getting a unique perspective from a Duluth woman, Irina Haller, who was born and raised in Russia and moved to Duluth in 1995 at the age of 29. In a statement to FOX 21, Haller says: “I am shocked, crushed and in disbelief. I have no words, but…

Minnesota House Democrats Propose Summertime Gas Tax Holiday

February 27, 2022

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Several Democrats in the Minnesota House have proposed a gasoline tax holiday from Memorial Day until Labor Day to help lessen the burden of rising gas prices on motorists. Rep. Stephenson, of Coon Rapids, said the proposal is an effort to combat rising inflation. GOP Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, of Winona, said the proposal is an…

Duluth Mayor To Light Enger Tower For Ukraine After Community Requests; Superior Mayor Releases Statement

Larson has no plans to light the iconic Lift Bridge blue and yellow.

February 26, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after Mayor Emily Larson said she had no plans to light any buildings in support of Ukraine like other cities and states were doing across the country, Larson announced on Twitter Saturday that Enger Tower will be lit blue and yellow for the remainder of the weekend. Chicago City Hall building lit yellow and blue…

Minnesota Senate GOP Unveils Massive $8.5B Tax Cut Proposal

February 25, 2022

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Senate Republicans on Thursday announced a tax cut proposal that would cost more than $8.5 billion over the next three years. Republican lawmakers say the proposal is the largest tax cut in the state’s history. It would reduce the lowest-tier income tax rate from 5.35% to 2.8% and eliminate taxes on all Social Security…

AP Sources: Biden Taps Ketanji Brown Jackson for High Court

February 25, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden will nominate federal appeals court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. That word comes from people familiar with the matter. In selecting Jackson, Biden delivers on a campaign promise, moving to further diversify a court that was made up entirely of white men…

Duluth Council Names Top 3 Candidates For Medved’s Vacant Seat

February 24, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council interviewed 26 candidates Thursday evening who are vying to fill Derek Medved’s seat who recently stepped down to focus on his growing business. The interviews were virtual. Each candidate got 10 minutes to answer questions from councilors to find out their interests, passion for the city and why they’d be good for the…

Local Veteran Weighs In on Possible Military Response in Ukraine

February 24, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As military action continues to escalate in Ukraine, could the United States and NATO nations soon get involved in direct conflict with Russia? The commander of Superior’s American Legion Post 435 believes it can happen, but it may not be in Ukraine. Eual Moore, who served two tours during the Vietnam War, has spent time in Lithuania and…

CDC to Significantly Ease Pandemic Mask Guidelines Friday

February 24, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses…

Russia Attacks Ukraine; Peace in Europe ‘Shattered’

February 24, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Russian troops have launched a broad assault on Ukraine from three sides. The attack began before dawn and brought explosions to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and other cities. Ukraine’s leadership said Thursday at least 40 people have been killed so far in what is called a “full-scale war” targeting the country from the east,…

Russia Evacuating Embassy in Ukraine as Crisis Escalates

February 23, 2022

The Associated Press,

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Russia began evacuating its embassy in Kyiv, and Ukraine urged its citizens to leave Russia. Those moves come as the region braced for further confrontation Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin received authorization to use military force outside his country. Hopes for a diplomatic way out of a new, potentially devastating war appeared all but sunk as…

Duluth City Hall, Public Libraries Closed Tuesday

February 21, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth City Hall, Duluth public libraries and the CareerForce building will be closed Tuesday because of the ongoing snow storm. Meanwhile, the city will not decide on whether to issue a snow emergency until Tuesday. More information is below in this press release from the city: Due to current and incoming inclement weather, the City of Duluth…

Putin Orders Forces to ‘Maintain Peace’ in Eastern Ukraine

February 21, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin is ordering forces to maintain peace in eastern Ukraine. But it is not immediately clear whether or when troops would enter the country. The announcement follows a day of fast-moving developments in which Putin announced the recognition of separatist regions in Ukraine….

Sen. David Tomassoni Not Seeking Re-election, Announces Retirement After 2022

Last year, Tomassoni announced he was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

February 19, 2022

Arman Rahman,

CHISHOLM, Minn.-—Senator David Tomassoni announced in a press release Saturday that he will not seek re-election to another term in the Minnesota Senate and will retire at the end of 2022. Tomassoni has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2001 and was previously a member of the Minnesota House from 1993 to 2001. His hometown is Chisholm in Northeastern Minnesota…

Biden Is ‘Convinced’ Putin Has Decided To Invade Ukraine

February 18, 2022

The Associated Press,

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – U.S. President Joe Biden says he’s “convinced” that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to launch a further invasion of Ukraine, saying Friday he has “reason to believe” it will occur in the “coming days” and will include an assault on its capital, Kyiv. Tensions are spiking along the militarized border with attacks that the West…

One Billion Invested Into Cleaning and Restoring Areas of The Great Lakes

February 17, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Earlier Thursday, President Biden visited Lorain, Ohio, touting a major investment to pump one billion dollars into a great lakes restoration program impacting communities from Duluth to parts of New York. This announcement from the president and the EPA means that we will see a significant portion of that money fund rehabilitating Lake Superior. This investment is…

Senator Smith Introduces Bill to Increase Rural Broadband Access

February 16, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is continuing her push to make high speed internet access available to everyone. She joined three other Senators in introducing a bipartisan bill this month that would focus Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program funds to communities in greatest need to establish broadband services. “The federal government is investing billions of dollars in expanding broadband,”…

8th Congressional District Now Includes All Native Reservations North Of Twin Cities

The 8th District shifted further west, now it including all of Minnesota's Native American reservations north of the Twin Cities.

February 15, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District now encompasses more of the Northern part of the state after the map was re-drawn. The 8th District shifted further west, now it including all of Minnesota’s Native American reservations north of the Twin Cities. They’re now included with Iron Range mining and Duluth’s urban economies, among others, according to Dr. Cynthia Rugeley, Associate…

Minnesota Courts Release New Political District Maps

February 15, 2022

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota panel of five judges released newly drawn congressional and legislative district maps on Tuesday. Minnesota’s 2nd District in Congress, represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, got smaller and less rural due to increases in suburban population growth over the last decade in the northern part of the district. Despite the shifts in…

Local Flower Shops Busy with Last Minute Valentine’s Day Shoppers

For "Artistic Florals by Leslie" on Tower Avenue, this is the busiest day of the season, with plenty coming in for last-minute flowers.

February 14, 2022

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Even though Valentine’s Day is today some flower shops are still busy helping people get the perfect bouquet for their “boos.” For “Artistic Florals by Leslie” on Tower Avenue, this is the busiest day of the season, with plenty coming in for last-minute flowers. Owner Leslie Hietana said she’s seen supply chain issues impact some of the containers…

Downtown Duluth Library Worker Assaulted, Highlights Years-Long Safety Concerns By Staff

Mayor Emily Larson's administration is expediting plans to create two "Library Safety Specialist" positions to tackle the problem better.

February 10, 2022

Dan Hanger, Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Duluth’s downtown main library tell FOX 21’s Dan Hanger safety and security concerns are at a boiling point after a second employee was recently assaulted on the job. This time, a punch to the face after the worker asked a patron to put on his mask. While physical violence at the downtown library has never…

City of Duluth Looking to Fill 25 Openings on Boards, Commissions

February 8, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is looking for a couple dozen people to fill open positions on city-run boards, commissions, and authorities. There are currently 25 openings, some of them carried over from the year before, but a majority are due to staffing changes after the New Year. Vacancies include one on the Indigenous Commission, one on the Parks…

Wisconsin GOP Looks to Block Abortions if Heartbeat Detected

February 8, 2022

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Republicans have introduced a bill that would prohibit abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected. The bill is modeled after a Texas law that passed last year. The legislation would prohibit anyone from performing or attempting to perform an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is present unless the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or…

Mayor’s Office, Reception Room Renovated, More Secure

February 6, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 got a first look inside the newly renovated Mayor’s Reception Room and Mayor’s Office at Duluth City Hall. For decades, the Reception Room was dark and very outdated from the 60s or 70s, according to Mayor Emily Larson. But now, it’s looking brighter with improved lighting and sound for press events, a fresh coat of…

Veterans Among Duluth Rally for Peace in Russia-Ukraine Tensions

February 5, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — In downtown Duluth, a group gathered to rally for a peaceful resolution to the standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Fears of a Russian invasion have been growing as the Kremlin continues to build up more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s Northern and Eastern borders. Representatives from the twin ports democratic socialists, veterans for peace, and grandmothers for…

Evers Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed Teens to Work Late

February 4, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Friday vetoed a bill opposed by labor unions that would have allowed teenagers to work longer hours during the busy summer tourism months. The measure Evers vetoed had the support of Republicans and the state’s hotel, restaurant, and grocery industries. Democrats and the Wisconsin AFL-CIO…

Sen. Smith Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Hearing Benefits

February 2, 2022

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D) is trying her hardest to make sure veterans have quick, easy access to obtaining care for hearing loss. Smith recently introduced legislation to reduce the red tape many vets face when trying to get care for hearing loss as a result of their service. Right now, if veterans wish to receive benefits…

Biden Sending More Troops to Europe Amid Ukraine Tension

February 2, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP) BRUSSELS (AP) – President Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Poland and Germany this week and sending part of an infantry Stryker squadron of roughly 1,000 troops based in Germany to Romania. That’s from a senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity. Biden has…

Wisconsin Senate’s Top Democrat Won’t Seek Reelection

February 1, 2022

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate’s top Democrat said Tuesday that she won’t seek reelection this fall. Minority Leader Janet Bewley said she wants to spend more time with her recently retired husband and grandchildren. She said it’s time for her to make room for a new generation of “progressive and pragmatic leaders.” “Serving the people of Northern…

Omar Seeks Third Term Representing Minnesota’s 5th District

February 1, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar has announced her intention to seek a third term representing Minnesota’s Fifth District. Omar was first elected to the House in 2019 and was the first Somali American in Congress. She said in a news release Monday that she chose to run to help build a better world by addressing a host of…

Evers Proposes $150 Checks Under Plan To Spend Surplus

January 27, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers unveiled an election-year plan Thursday that would send $150 refund checks to every Wisconsin resident, bolster funding for K-12 schools and help defray child care costs. But don’t go spending those refund checks just yet. Evers’ plan would have to be approved by the Republican-controlled…

Twin Metals Mineral Leases Near BWCA Canceled by Dept. Of Interior

January 26, 2022

Site Staff, KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) – The mineral leases for Twin Metals Minnesota in northeast Minnesota have been canceled, the Department of the Interior announced Wednesday. The Department says the leases held by Twin Metals were “improperly renewed” in 2019. “The Department of the Interior takes seriously our obligations to steward public lands and waters on behalf of all Americans. We…

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer To Retire

January 26, 2022

Site Staff,

(courtesy: CNN) (CNN) – Justice Stephen Breyer, a consistent liberal vote on the Supreme Court with an unflappable belief in the US system of government and a pragmatic view of the law, plans to retire after serving for more than two decades on the high court, according to a well-placed source familiar with the matter. Breyer’s retirement gives Biden a…

City Of Duluth Sets 2022 Legislative Priorities

January 25, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and the city council have unanimously agreed on the priorities they would like to see the Minnesota state legislature fund during budget talks in St. Paul this year. The three main priorities include continuing to receive the money the state sends to support local governments, which Duluth uses to fund up to 35…

Gov. Walz Proposes $5.1 Billion in Additional Education, Social Program Spending

January 25, 2022

KQDS Staff,

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is proposing $5.1 billion over the next three years in additional spending on education and social programs. Walz released the proposals during a visit to an Inver Grove Heights elementary school. The plans go to the divided state Legislature to consider during the session that starts Monday. “The naysayers will tell us…

Only Citizens Could Vote in Wisconsin Under Amendment

January 25, 2022

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has passed a constitutional amendment that says only citizens can vote in elections. The Republican-authored amendment approved Tuesday must also pass the Assembly this year and both houses of the Legislature next session before it would go to voters to decide. The governor has no power to veto constitutional amendments. The Wisconsin Constitution…

Duluth Council Approves Application Process To Fill Derek Medved’s Seat

Applications will be accepted only through 4:30 p.m. February 14th, Medved's last council meeting.

January 24, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday the City of Duluth will begin accepting applications to fill the At-Large Council seat soon to be left open by Derek Medved, who announced his resignation last week. Medved abstained from the vote at the council meeting Monday, making it 7 to 0. He announced he’s leaving the council to focus on his KornerStore business. The…

US Puts 8,500 Troops on Heightened Alert Amid Russia Tension

January 24, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Pentagon says that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has put about 8,500 troops on heightened alert, so they will be prepared to deploy if needed to reassure NATO allies in the face of ongoing Russian aggression on the border of Ukraine. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Monday no final decisions have been made…

VP Harris Touts Replacing Lead Lines During Milwaukee Stop

January 24, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Kamala Harris says during a stop in Milwaukee that removing and replacing lead pipes is a moral imperative and must be one of the nation’s highest priorities. She noted the environmental and health risks lead exposure presents from children to the elderly. Harris said Monday that the country is…

Council To Vote Monday On Procedure To Fill Medved’s At-Large Seat

January 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will decided how to move forward with Derek Medved’s at-large seat after he announced he’s leaving the council Feb. 14 to focus on his KornerStore business. The proposal is calling for an application process through the city’s website, which will close at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, which is Medved’s final council meeting. The…

Minnesota Lawmakers Face $7.7B Surplus In 2022 Session

January 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature will confront a $7.7 billion surplus when it convenes Monday, Jan. 31. And that’s bound to set up clashes in this election year over whether to spend the money on unmet needs or give it back to taxpayers. The main job for lawmakers in even-numbered years traditionally is a public works…

Duluth Councilor Derek Medved Steps Down Early in Term, Council to Begin Interviewing Candidates to Fill Seat

According to Council President Forsman, Medved was a Councilor-At-Large, so anyone in the city can apply through the city clerk’s office.

January 21, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At-Large Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved has decided he will be leaving his term two years early to focus on his growing business. “It’s great to see a young entrepreneur continue to succeed locally so that’s really great. On the council front, it’s sad to see him go,” newly-appointed Council President Arik Forsman said. In a statement only…

Derek Medved Leaving Duluth City Council In February

January 21, 2022

Dan Hanger,

Derek Medved at his first city council meeting in 2020 DULUTH, Minn. – At-Large Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved has decided he will be leaving his term two years early to focus on his growing business, FOX 21 has learned. “I have things on the horizon I need to focus on for business,” Medved said in a statement to FOX…

Duluth ‘Law Enforcement Accountability Network’ Marks One Year, Calls For More Feedback

January 20, 2022

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A data-driven police accountability group in Duluth is calling on more people from all communities to share experiences they’ve had with police — good or bad — as the group recognizes its one-year mark. The Law Enforcement Accountability Network, or LEAN Duluth, says it has no political agenda. The goal is to produce hard research through all…

Sen. Smith Promotes Bipartisan Idea To Keep Public Health And Social Service Workers Incentivized To Stay

January 20, 2022

Alexandra Burnley,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Tina Smith is teaming up with another Democrat and two Republicans to push legislation that would encourage more people to stay in the public health industry. The lawmakers say that more people are leaving certain sectors of the field, causing a shortage of much-needed employees. The director of the CDC says America is short about 80,000…

Gov. Walz’s Budget Would Send $175 Checks to Minnesotans From Surplus

January 20, 2022

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Governor Tim Walz is proposing $700 million in direct payments to Minnesotans from the state’s $7.7 billion surplus as part of his budget plan. According to the governor, the budget, if approved, would include sending checks of $175 to single tax filers earning up to $164,400 while couples earning up to $273,470 would get…

New City Council President Arik Forsman Outlines 2022 Priorities

January 19, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth city council’s new president, Arik Forsman, spoke to FOX 21 about some of his priorities for the year ahead. Having served in the council for three and a half years, this presidency allows Forsman to serve another full year from the front of the helm. Forsman said he’s been a long-time Duluth resident and has…

Spirit Mountain, Depot, Northern Lights Express Included in Gov. Walz’s Bonding Recommendations

Roughly $50 million is proposed to go to different entities in Northeastern Minnesota.

January 18, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s bonding recommendations for 2022 amounts to $2.7 billion. The largest in the state’s history includes much-needed funding for Duluth and the surrounding area. “They’re very geo-balanced across the state of Minnesota and these are projects that local folks requested. But there are projects in there that enhance our quality of life,” Gov. Walz said…

Walz Asks Lawmakers to Back Record $2.7 Billion Bonding Bill

January 18, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz asked the Legislature on Tuesday to back a $2.7 billion “local jobs and projects” plan that’s considerably larger than the record package that lawmakers passed two years ago. The Democratic governor unveiled his wish list at a news conference outside the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, which is getting a major rebuild…

Spirit Mountain, St. Louis County Depot Among Northland Entities in Gov. Walz’s 2022 Bonding Recommendations

According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge was included in a write-up for the Governor's recommended $200 million for the Bridge Replacement Program.

January 18, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released his bonding recommendation of $2.7 billion, which highlights several Northland and regional entities including Spirit Mountain and the St. Louis County Depot in Duluth. For Spirit Mountain, the Governor recommended $12 million in general fund cash to the City of Duluth “to renew, replace, and improve aged infrastructure.” The total cost…