Political Archives - Page 27 of 62

Congressman Stauber Honors K9 Luna on the House Floor

March 2, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Facebook/Congressman Pete Stauber) WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congressman Pete Stauber spoke on the House Floor to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen Duluth K9 Luna. K9 Luna was killed in the line of duty last week while responding to reports of a domestic violence situation. Congressman Stauber said during his speech, “K9 Luna was a guardian of…

Wisconsin Bills Seek to Ban Transgender Athletes

March 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Transgender athletes would be banned from participating in girls’ and women’s sports in Wisconsin from kindergarten through college under bills introduced by Republican lawmakers. The proposals unveiled Tuesday come as more than a dozen other states consider similar measures. The Wisconsin proposal faces an almost certain veto from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers should it pass the…

Minnesota Officer Deadly Force Working Group Gives One-Year Progress Report

They group was key in the bi-partisan passing of the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020.

February 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- A working group looking at ways to reduce deadly force encounters between police and citizens in Minnesota says many of their recommendations are being implemented — but there is still work to be done. The group was organized last year by Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, before the killing of George Floyd under the…

US Bombs Facilities In Syria Used By Iran-Backed Militia

February 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against facilities in eastern Syria that the Pentagon said were used by Iran-backed militia groups, in response to recent attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq. The airstrikes were announced by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who said the action was authorized by President Joe Biden. Kirby said the U.S. attacks destroyed multiple facilities…

Security Officials to Answer for Jan. 6 Failures at Capitol

February 23, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is set to hear from former security officials about what went wrong at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. That’s when a violent mob laid siege to the Capitol and interrupted the counting of electoral votes. Three of the four testifying Tuesday resigned under pressure immediately after the attack, including the former head of the Capitol…

Minnesota Senator to Lead Bipartisan Hearing on Capitol Hill

The hope is to continue to allow public access to the Capitol in the future.

February 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

WASHINGTON D.C. – Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is helping lead a bipartisan hearing on security issues surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot, along with the Department of Homeland Security. The hearing includes first-time testimonies from the former Capitol Police Chief and the current head of the Metropolitan Police Department. Senator Klobuchar says, the constructive hearing will focus on three areas…

Governor Walz Announces 2021 Local Jobs and Projects Plan

February 22, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Governor Tim Walz announced his 2021 Local Jobs and Projects Plan. According to the governor’s office, the plan invests $518.086 million in infrastructure projects across the state to maintain existing buildings, invest in communities, and ensure that the state can leverage available federal funds. Nearly half of the plan will support asset preservation projects…

Supreme Court Won’t Halt Turnover of Trump’s Tax Records

February 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant defeat for former President Donald Trump, the Supreme Court has declined to step in to halt the turnover of his tax records to a New York state prosecutor. The court’s action Monday is the apparent culmination of a lengthy legal battle that had already reached the high court once before. Trump’s tax records are…

Biden to See Pfizer Plant as Weather Delays Shipping Vaccine

February 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Extreme winter weather is dealing the first major setback to the Biden administration’s planned swift rollout of coronavirus vaccines just as the national vaccination campaign was hitting its stride. The disruptions caused by frigid temperatures, snow, and ice left the White House scrambling to work with states to make up “lost ground.” White House coronavirus adviser Andy…

Biden to Lay Out His Foreign Policy at G-7, Munich Summit

February 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden is making his first big appearance on the global stage as president Friday. He’ll offer Group of Seven world leaders and others a glimpse into his plans to dramatically reshape U.S. foreign policy even as he deals with a number of international crises coming to a head at the start of his presidency. Biden is…

Republican Doug Wardlow Runs for Minnesota Attorney General

February 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Dave Schwartz/The St. Cloud Times va AP File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Republican Doug Wardlow is running again for Minnesota attorney general. Wardlow lost the 2018 race to Democrat Keith Ellison by just under 4 percentage points. Wardlow is general counsel for MyPillow. Founder Mike Lindell has spent months spreading misinformation backing former President Donald Trump’s false claims of victory in…

Wisconsin 2021 Spring Primary Election Results

February 17, 2021

Site Staff,

Below is the up to date results of the key races in Tuesday’s Wisconsin Spring Primary Election State Schools Superintendent – One Advances Jill Underly – 88,716 votes | 27% Deborah Kerr – 86,095 votes | 27% Steve Krull – 20,525 votes | 6% Shandowlyon Shawn Hendricks-Williams – 36,837 votes | 11% Troy Gunderson – 27,423 votes | 8% Joe…

WI State Superintendent Primary: Underly And Kerr Advance To General Election

February 16, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WISCONSIN — The field of seven candidates for Wisconsin’s Superintendent of Public Instruction race has been narrowed down to two. With 95% of precincts reporting at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the AP has called the race for Jill Underly and Deborah Kerr. At this hour, Underly has 88,074 votes, or 27.4% of the vote, with Kerr trailing close behind with…

Evers to Tout Wisconsin Budget Proposal as Bounce Back Plan

February 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers plans to call on the Republican-controlled Legislature to join him in passing a two-year budget he is presenting as a “bounce back” plan to help the state recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Evers released excerpts from his speech before he was to deliver it in a pre-recorded message to the Legislature…

Polls Are Open for Wisconsin’s 2021 Spring Primary Election

February 16, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Polls are open this morning in Wisconsin for the 2021 Wisconsin Spring Primary Election. Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 8:00 p.m. The key race across the state for the spring primary is the race for the state school superintendent. Seven candidates are on the ballot for the superintendent position, previously held by…

Biden Extends Pandemic Help for Homeowners, Renters Wait

February 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is extending a ban on housing foreclosures to June 30 to help homeowners struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. The moratorium on foreclosures of federally guaranteed mortgages had been set to expire on March 31. On his first day in office, Biden had extended the moratorium from Jan. 31. Census Bureau figures show that almost…

Pelosi Says Independent Commission Will Examine Capitol Riot

February 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will establish an independent, Sept. 11-style commission to look into the deadly insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol. Pelosi says the commission will “investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to the January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex and relating to…

Former President Trump Acquitted of Inciting Violent Jan 6th Attack on Capitol

The Senate voted 57-43 that Trump is “not guilty” of incitement. Two thirds of the Senate, or 67 votes, was needed for conviction.

February 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has acquitted Donald Trump of inciting the horrific Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, bringing his trial to a close and giving the former president a historic second victory in the court of impeachment. Trump is the first president to be impeached twice, and he is also now twice acquitted as the majority of…

Senators to Hear Opening Arguments as Trump Fumes Over Trial

February 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Opening arguments are set to begin in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. An emotional first day ended Tuesday with the Senate voting to hear the case for convicting the former president of inciting the riot at the U.S. Capitol. On Wednesday, House Democrats prosecuting the case, and the former president’s attorneys will lay out their opposing arguments before…

Biden to Visit Wisconsin Next Week in First Official Trip

February 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden will visit Wisconsin next week for his first official trip as president beyond his home state of Delaware. Biden is set to visit Milwaukee next Tuesday, according to the White House. While the Biden administration did not share further details of the trip, the president has been focused heavily on addressing the coronavirus pandemic…

Trump Impeachment Trial to Open With Sense of Urgency, Speed

February 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment trial is opening this week with a sense of urgency. Democrats want to hold the former president accountable for the violent U.S. Capitol siege. And Republicans want it over as fast as possible. It’s scheduled to begin Tuesday, just over a month since the deadly Jan. 6 riot. Senate leaders are still…

Gov. Walz Deploys Guard For Chauvin Trial Security

February 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to deploy in preparation for potential civil unrest during the upcoming trials of four ex-Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd last summer. The Democratic governor’s executive order authorizes the deployment of an unspecified number of troops in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They would serve…

Evers Vetoes Republican-Backed COVID-19 Bill

February 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed the first bill passed by the Legislature to address the coronavirus pandemic in 10 months, a Republican-backed measure that Democrats say would do nothing to combat the virus or help reopen the state. Evers vetoed the bill shortly after the Senate voted along party lines Friday sending it to him. Evers…

Senate OKs Fast-Track of COVID Aid, Harris Casts Tie-Breaker

February 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Senate TV via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a measure that would let Democrats push through President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without Republican support. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first. Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m….

Wisconsin Governor Issues New Mask Mandate After GOP Repeal

February 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued a new statewide mask order an hour after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal his previous mandate. The Democrat Evers said in a video message Thursday that his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask was the most basic way to do that. “If the Legislature keeps…

Plan to Strip Walz of Power to Close Schools Passes 1st Test

February 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican proposal to strip Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of the emergency powers he used to close schools as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Minnesota has passed its first test in the state Senate. Sen. Carla Nelson, of Rochester, says her bill would put the decision-making back with local school boards….

Wisconsin Assembly Sends Mask Order Repeal Back to Senate

February 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly plans to send the question of whether the state’s mask mandate should be repealed back to the state Senate, which voted last week to end the requirement. The Assembly delayed a vote last week amid concerns that repealing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ emergency order tied to the pandemic would result in Wisconsin losing…

Superior Council Wants State’s Ethical Opinion Involving Mayor Paine’s Marriage To Councilor

February 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland proposed a formal request through the council Tuesday night to have City Attorney Frog Prell seek an advisory opinion from the Wisconsin Ethics Commission involving possible ethical concerns around Mayor Jim Paine’s recent marriage to 2nd District Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Mayor Paine did not want a discussion on the topic at…

Many People Are Still Hesitant To Take Vaccine

February 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More COVID-19 vaccines are going into the arms of people across the country, but there are still some folks feeling hesitant about getting the shot. Experts say many people may be skeptical about its effectiveness due to how quickly it was created. The hesitation may also be because the vaccine is highly politicized and the continuous sharing…

Walz Raises $1.7 Million for Likely 2022 Re-Election Bid

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has raised $1.7 million for his likely 2022 reelection bid since he took office two years ago and finished 2020 with $1.3 million in the bank. While Walz has not formally announced that he’ll seek a second term, his campaign also said Tuesday that he…

Biden to Meet Republicans Proposing $618 Billion Virus Aid

February 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to meet Monday with a group of 10 Republican senators who have proposed $618 billion in coronavirus aid, about a third of what he’s seeking. The Republicans propose slimmer benefits, including $1,000 in direct payments to individuals earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. White House press secretary Jen…

Duluthian Uses Big Instagram Following to Teach Government Studies And Give Back

January 31, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth woman is using her background as a former U.S. government studies teacher to not only educate her large Instagram following, but to do some good as well. Sharon McMahon spent years teaching U.S. government studies in different corners of the country and now runs a photography business in Duluth. This past fall, her passion for…

Evers: Repealing Mask Mandate Like Eliminating Speed Limits

January 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has admonished rival Republicans for trying to repeal his statewide mask mandate, saying killing the order would be akin to abolishing speed limits. Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to end Evers’ health emergency declaration, which would end the mask mandate. Assembly Republicans were poised to follow suit on Thursday but delayed a vote…

Democrats to ‘Act Big’ on $1.9T Aid; GOP Wants Plan Split

January 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are rejecting a Republican pitch to split President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue plan into smaller chunks. Democrats and the White House appear ready to leave their GOP opponents behind and push the sweeping economic and virus aid forward on their own. Despite Biden’s calls for unity, Democrats say the stubbornly high unemployment numbers and…

Wisconsin Assembly Cancels Vote on Repeal of Mask Mandate

January 28, 2021

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly has backed off on voting to repeal Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate. The retreat Thursday came in the face of broad criticism from the state’s health, school and business leaders and out concern the move would jeopardize more than $49 million in federal…

Judge Orders City To Secure Fire-Damaged Kozy; Demolition, Restoration Still On Table

January 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The condemned Kozy building in downtown Duluth is saved again from demolition by the city — at least for now. St. Louis County Judge Eric Hylden has ordered the city of Duluth and the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) to immediately install braces against the walls of the building damaged by fire last November. After that, the…

148th Fighter Wing Returns Following Deployment to U.S. Capitol for Biden Inauguration

A total of 110 volunteers were deployed from the 148th, about 10% of their total force.

January 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn,- Members of the 148th Fighter Wing have returned to the Twin Ports following their deployment to the Capitol. — part of the 25,000 National Guard troops sent there for President Joe Biden’s Inauguration, to watch out for threats following the violent Pro-Trump riot. “It was quite crazy to be honest with you,” said Master Sergeant Chris Simonson, Food…

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Repeal Wisconsin Mask Mandate

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted Tuesday to repeal Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, despite warnings from virtually every sector of the health care community that doing so would impair efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Both legislative chambers have to pass the resolution in order to undo the mask requirement. The Assembly, controlled 58-30 by…

A Tiger At The Wildcat Sanctuary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SANDSTONE, Minn.- A rescue tiger living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone tested positive for COVID-19, but has since recovered. A tiger named Sabrina is a rescue from Texas and upon her arrival showed signs of having possible respiratory issues. Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus. It is believed Sabrina contracted the virus…

GOP Largely Votes Against Holding Trump Impeachment Trial

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans have voted overwhelmingly against moving forward with Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. The Senate on Tuesday rejected a Republican attempt to dismiss the trial, allowing the case on “incitement of insurrection” to move forward. Yet the support of 45 Republicans for declaring the trial invalid indicates that there are long odds for Trump’s conviction. The…

Wisconsin Lawmakers to Vote on Repealing Mask Mandate

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate plans to vote on repealing Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, while it remains unclear whether the Assembly would follow suit as required to undo the order. A joint resolution co-sponsored by 29 Republicans in the Legislature was up for approval in the Senate on Tuesday. Assembly Republican leaders have not yet said…

Walz to Emphasize COVID-19 Recovery in Next 2-Year Budget

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz will today propose a two-year budget with a heavy focus on helping Minnesota recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The budget Walz is planning to announce at 12:00 p.m. is expected to top $50 million. It will emphasize assistance to small businesses, help for working families affected by the disease itself or…

My Pillow CEO Banned from Twitter

It was not immediately clear which posts by Lindell on Twitter triggered the suspension of his account.

January 26, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

(AP) – Twitter has permanently banned My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell’s account after he continually perpetuated the baseless claim that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S. presidential election. A Twitter spokesperson said in a statement that it decided to ban Lindell, who founded bedding company My Pillow, due to “repeated violations” of its civic integrity policy. The policy was implemented…

Biden to Drop Trump’s Military Transgender Ban

January 25, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order to reverse a Pentagon policy that largely bars transgender individuals from joining the military. Doing so would dump a ban ordered by his predecessor, Donald Trump, in a tweet during his first year in office. A person briefed on the decision tells The Associated Press that the…

House Sending Trump Impeachment to Senate, GOP Opposes Trial

January 25, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is set to bring the impeachment article against Donald Trump for the Senate trial. But a growing number of Republican senators say they oppose the proceedings against the former president. That’s a sign of the dimming chances that Trump will be convicted on the charge that he incited a siege of the U.S. Capitol. House…

Trump Impeachment to Go to Senate Monday, Triggering Trial

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will send the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate on Monday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made the announcement on Friday. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell wants to postpone the impeachment trial until February to give the former president time to prepare his case. The House impeached Trump on a…

McConnell Seeks to Push Trump Impeachment Trial to February

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell wants to postpone Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. McConnell on Thursday proposed delaying the trial until February to give the former president time to prepare and review his case. The idea could appeal to some Senate Democrats, who are eager to spend time confirming President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees. The House impeached Trump…

Biden Halts Border Wall Building After Trump’s Final Surge

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Joe Biden has ordered a “pause” on all border wall construction, one of 17 executive orders issued his first day in office. The move leaves billions of dollars in unfinished work under contract after his predecessor, Donald Trump, worked feverishly to successfully build 450 miles. A Senate aide tells The Associated Press that the government…

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin Will Move into Next Wave of Vaccinations Next Week

January 21, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

MADISON, Wis.– In Wisconsin, the state gave out over 22,000 shots in the last 24 hours, their single largest day so far as the state continues their vaccination efforts. Wisconsin has now administered over 285,000 COVID-19 vaccines over the last month in phase 1-A. Now, they’re looking to take the next step. Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin will move…

Biden to Sign Virus Measures, Requires Mask Use to Travel

January 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is putting into play his national COVID-19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and increase the use of masks — including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. He’ll sign 10 virus-related executive orders on Thursday as the nation is deep in the deadliest wave…