Political Archives - Page 29 of 61

Treasury, IRS Begin Delivering Second Round of Economic Impact Payments

December 30, 2020

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department announced in a press release on their website that they had started delivering the second round of economic impact payments. Direct deposit payments started Tuesday night for some people and will continue through next week. Paper checks will be mailed out starting today, December 30. According to…

Wisconsin Democrats Threaten to Skip Assembly Inauguration

December 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis., (AP) – Wisconsin Assembly Democrats might skip the inauguration next week because Republicans aren’t requiring masks in the chamber. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Minority Leader Gordon Hintz says he’s afraid the lack of masks could spread the coronavirus. He says having Democrats skip Monday’s ceremony is “a real possibility.” Gov. Tony Evers swore in all 38…

Trump’s $2,000 Checks Stall in Senate as GOP Blocks Vote

December 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks has stalled out in the Republican-led Senate. With Republican senators deeply split over new spending, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats. The GOP leader signaled an alternative approach that links Trump’s demand for aid with restrictions the president wants on…

Senate GOP Blocks Democratic Push for Trump’s $2k Checks

December 29, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has blocked Democrats’ push to immediately bring President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks up for a vote. The GOP leader said the Senate would “begin a process” to address the issue. But the next steps are highly uncertain. Trump has been pushing to more than triple the $600…

Fate of Trump’s $2,000 Checks Now Rests With GOP-Led Senate

December 29, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Whether most Americans will receive $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks is now in the hands of the Senate. President Donald Trump has been pushing to more than triple the $600 payments approved by Congress, reluctantly signing into law the massive relief bill that authorized the smaller checks. On Monday the House voted overwhelmingly to meet the president’s demand,…

Republicans Shoot Down Trump’s Demand For $2,000 Stimulus Checks

A partial government shutdown could happen next week.

December 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans have shot down a Democratic bid to pass President Donald Trump’s longshot demand for $2,000 direct payments to most Americans. The made-for-TV clash came as the Democratic-controlled chamber convened its session on Thursday. It was scheduled in anticipation of a smooth Washington landing for of unrelated, but bipartisan bills. If Trump were to follow through…

Trump Threatens To Torpedo COVID Relief With New Demands

December 22, 2020

Dan Hanger,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is threatening to torpedo Congress’ massive pandemic relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty. He’s suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed, like a huge jump in the $600 payments planned for most Americans. “I’m asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to…

Evers Sets Spring Election to Fill Fitzgerald’s Seat

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has scheduled a special election this spring to fill outgoing Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s seat. Evers issued an executive order Tuesday scheduling the election for April 6 in southeastern Wisconsin’s 13th Senate District. The election will coincide with the state’s spring election. A primary for Fitzgerald’s seat will be held on Feb….

Biden to Address COVID Bill, Holiday Pandemic Precautions

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden will speak Tuesday as the nation deals with a COVID-19 surge that’s casting a shadow over the Christmas holiday this week. Biden will deliver remarks in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, where he’s expected to speak on the $900 billion coronavirus aid bill passed by Congress on Monday. It’s a package he supports…

Walz to Provide Update on Vaccine Distribution in Minnesota

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and Department of Health officials are planning to provide an update Tuesday on how COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed in Minnesota. Minnesota began giving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to healthcare workers last week after it received emergency approval earlier this month. The state’s initial shipment last week…

Biden Gets COVID-19 Vaccine, Says ‘Nothing to Worry About’

December 21, 2020

Site Staff,

(Via Fox 9/Photo by ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images) NEWARK, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe. The president-elect took a dose of Pfizer vaccine on Monday at a hospital not far from his Delaware…

Congress Seals Agreement on $900 Billion COVID Relief Bill

December 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new COVID-19 relief bill shaping up in Congress includes individual payments reaching $600 for most Americans and an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits. Votes on the bill in the House and Senate are expected Monday. The COVID bill would pump $900 billion into relief efforts. Among those getting help are hard-hit businesses, schools, health…

Congress Seals Agreement on COVID Relief, Government Funding

December 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Top negotiators in Congress have sealed a deal on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Lawmakers announced the agreement Sunday after days of negotiations, and passage by Congress is expected Monday. The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefits and $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans, along with a fresh…

Longtime Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Abrahamson Dies

December 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Shirley Abrahamson, the longest-serving Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in state history and the first woman to serve on the high court, has died. She was 87. Abrahamson’s son Dan told The Associated Press that his mom died Saturday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Long recognized as a top legal scholar nationally and a leader among…

Minnesota State Lawmaker Dies of Coronavirus Complications

December 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A state senator from St. Cloud has died of complications related to COVID-19. The Star Tribune reports 76-year-old Jerry Relph was the first Minnesota lawmaker to succumb to the virus. Relph was among a number of Republican legislators who contracted COVID-19 after contact with colleagues in mid-November. At the time, Rachel Aplikowski, the Senate GOP spokeswoman, said…

Vice President Pence Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

It's Still Unclear When President Trump Will Receive the Shot

December 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has received the coronavirus vaccine during a White House event aimed at convincing skeptical Americans that the vaccines are safe. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also got the vaccine on Friday during the event that was televised. In remarks after his shot, Pence called the speed with which the vaccine…

Minnesota Legislature Passes Virus Aid for Businesses, Workers

The Bill Now Moves to the Governor's Desk for Final Approval

December 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted to pass a package of coronavirus relief measures aimed at businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz last month. The Senate voted 62-4 to approve the bill and send it to the House, which was passed it 117-13 late Monday night and…

Duluth Council Amends Mayor Larson’s 2021 Tourism Tax Revenue Distribution

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At their second to last meeting of the year Duluth City Council voted on, among other things, next year’s distribution of a smaller pot of Tourism Tax Revenue due to the effects of the pandemic. Last year, about $12 million in Tourism Tax — or Hotel, Motel, Food and Beverage Tax — Revenue was collected for Duluth tourism-related…

Trump Says Barr Resigning, Will Leave Before Christmas

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General William Barr, one of President Donald Trump’s staunchest allies, is resigning amid lingering tension with the president over the president’s baseless claims of election fraud and the investigation into President-elect Joe Biden’s son. Barr went to the White House on Monday, where Trump said he submitted his letter of resignation. Trump has publicly expressed his…

Biden Clears 270-Vote Mark as Electors Affirm His Victory

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Facebook/Biden) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Electoral College has formally validated Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Biden cleared the 270-vote threshold on Monday after California’s electors cast their votes for the Democrat. When all of the states finish voting, Biden is expected to lead President Donald Trump 306-232. The Electoral College vote is normally a procedural step…

Minnesota Formally Casts Its 10 Electoral Votes for Biden

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s electors on Monday formally cast the state’s 10 electoral votes for Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. It took under 25 minutes for the 10 electors to affirm Biden’s victory in Minnesota and just 40 minutes to complete all the paperwork and adjourn without incident. The 10 electors, all wearing masks, gathered at the Capitol in St. Paul…

Electors Meeting to Formally Choose Biden as Next President

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidential electors are meeting across the United States to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation’s next president. Today is the day set by law for the meeting of the Electoral College. In reality, electors meet in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to cast their ballots. Wisconsin’s electors meet at noon Monday. The results…

Electors Meeting to Formally Choose Biden as Next President

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidential electors are meeting across the United States to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation’s next president. Monday is the day set by law for the meeting of the Electoral College. In reality, electors meet in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to cast their ballots. The results will be sent to Washington and…

Duluth, St. Louis Co. Leaders ‘Dismayed’ by Rep. Stauber’s Backing of Lawsuit to Overturn Biden Win

December 13, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Elected leaders in Duluth and St. Louis County are calling out Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th District, for his backing of a recent lawsuit to invalidate President-Elect Joe Biden’s wins in Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Letter to Congressman Stauber The lawsuit was thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court Friday. Duluth Mayor Emily…

Supreme Court Rejects Republican Attack on Biden Victory

The Electoral College meets Monday to formally elect Biden as the next president.

December 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, ending a desperate attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation’s highest court. Trump had called the lawsuit filed by Texas against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin “the big…

Emmer, Stauber, Hagedorn Ask High Court to Void Biden Win

December 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Republican U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, and Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota have signed on to a last-gasp bid to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the presidential election. The three are among more than 100 House Republicans who joined an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Emmer’s name…

Wisconsin State Court Judge Rules Against Trump Lawsuit

December 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) –A judge in Wisconsin has ruled against President Donald Trump’s lawsuit seeking to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the state, another in a string of defeats in the president’s extraordinary attempts to undo his loss. Reserve Judge Stephen Simanek ruled following a virtual hearing on Friday. Trump’s federal lawsuit remains alive. Trump has been urging lower…

Judges Reject Suits Over Trump Losses in Arizona, Wisconsin

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to decertify Democrat President-elect Joe Biden’s win over Republican President Donald Trump in Arizona. Judge Diane Humetewa said the lawsuit’s allegations “are sorely wanting of relevant or reliable evidence” and that granting the relief it sought would disenfranchise millions of voters. The challenge alleged the state’s election systems have…

Biden Picks Former Obama Chief of Staff Mcdonough for VA

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is nominating Denis McDonough, who was President Barack Obama’s White House chief of staff, as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The sprawling agency has presented organizational challenges for both parties over the years. Biden is continuing to stockpile his incoming administration with prominent members of Obama’s team. Biden plans to make the…

Gov. Walz Calls Special Session to Pass COVID-19 Relief

December 9, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that he will convene a special session of the Minnesota Legislature on Monday in order to provide COVID-19 relief in the state. Additionally, Gov. Walz says he intends to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by another 30 days. “Minnesota’s small businesses and workers are bearing a large burden of the…

Trump Lawyer Rudy Giuliani Tests Positive for COVID

December 6, 2020

The Associated Press, ,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Sunday his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the latest in Trump’s inner circle to contract the disease that is now surging across the U.S. The 76-year-old former New York mayor has traveled extensively to battleground states in recent days and weeks in an effort to help…

Duluthian Selected to Help Deck the White House Halls for the Holidays

Kynze Lundeen was one of 125 volunteers from across the country selected to help decorate.

December 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders are probably busy decking the halls, getting last minute decorations on the tree and stringing lights outside. But can you imagine getting picked to help decorate the White House for the Holidays? One Duluthian did. Kynze Lundeen applied for the opportunity a few months ago while waiting at an airport in Texas. Weeks after applying, she…

Proctor Holds ‘Mayor For A Day’ Essay Contest For Students

December 4, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Ever wondered what it would be like if kids ran local city governments? The City of Proctor is giving fourth through sixth graders a chance to compete in an essay contest to be mayor for a day. The idea is inspired by a similar contest held annually by the League of Minnesota Cities. Proctor students can write…

Top Legislative Leaders Express Optimism for Virus Aid Plan

December 4, 2020

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The top four leaders in the Minnesota Legislature have expressed optimism that lawmakers can agree on a new coronavirus relief package in time for a Dec. 14 special session. But negotiations on what should go into the aid package are continuing. There appears to be general agreement helping businesses hit by the four-week partial closure ordered by…

The Latest: Fauci Says ‘Yes Right on the Spot’ to Biden

December 4, 2020

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WASHINGTON (AP) – Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s chief infectious disease expert, says there was never a question that he would accept President-elect Joe Biden’s offer to serve as his chief medical officer and adviser on the coronavirus pandemic. Fauci told NBC’s “Today” show on Friday, “I said yes right on the spot” after Biden asked him to serve during…

Wisconsin High Court Declines to Hear Trump Election Lawsuit

December 3, 2020

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(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has refused to hear President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the battleground state. The court on Thursday said the case must first wind its way through lower courts. Trump said in his filing with the Wisconsin Supreme Court that there would…

Wisconsin Senate Not Coming Back This Month for Virus Relief

December 2, 2020

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The incoming leader of Wisconsin Senate Republicans says the Senate will not take up any COVID-19 relief measures before January. Assembly Republicans have said they would vote on bills this month and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has urged swift action before federal money runs out. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu told The Associated Press in…

Wisconsin Governor Calls Trump Lawsuit an ‘Assault’

December 2, 2020

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Attorneys for Wisconsin’s governor are calling President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the state’s election results an “assault on democracy.” Democratic Gov. Tony Evers filed a response to Trump’s lawsuit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court late Tuesday. The state’s highest court is weighing Trump’s request to disqualify more than 221,000 ballots in Wisconsin’s two heaviest Democratic…

Barr: No Evidence of Fraud That’d Change Election Outcome

December 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that the Justice Department has not uncovered evidence of widespread voter fraud and has seen nothing that would change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. In an interview with The Associated Press, Barr said U.S. attorneys and FBI agents have been working diligently to follow up on specific complaints and…

Trump Files Lawsuit Challenging Wisconsin Election Results

December 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin seeking to disqualify hundreds of thousands of ballots in a longshot attempt to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the battleground state he lost by nearly 20,700 votes. Trump filed the suit with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday. It came a day after Democratic Gov. Tony…

Deficit Gone: Minnesota Projects $641m Budget Surplus Through June

December 1, 2020

Site Staff,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – So much for a giant deficit. Minnesota budget officials said Tuesday they expect a $641 million surplus between now and June, reversing their earlier prediction of a $2.4 billion shortfall from the May report. A $1.3 billion shortfall is likely for the two-year period that starts July 1, budget officials said. But that number is…

Caution Again Advised for Christmas; Vaccine on Horizon for Public in 2021 Gov. Walz Says

After a surge in cases over Thanksgiving, the Governor said guidance will likely remain for Christmas, and public access to the vaccine in 2021.

November 30, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and State Health leaders spoke out in a COVID-19 briefing Monday after a Thanksgiving weekend like no other. They stressed continued mitigation efforts by Minnesotans, with the horizon of a vaccine in the distance — in 2021. “Minnesotans did a pretty good job staying home, but there’s some data on movement especially the airport…

Arizona Certifies Biden’s Victory Over Trump

November 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Arizona officials have certified Joe Biden’s narrow victory over President Donald Trump in the state. Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and Republican Gov. Doug Ducey stood up for the integrity of the election even as lawyers for Trump were across town Monday arguing without evidence to nine Republican lawmakers that the election was marred by fraud….

Congress Returns With Virus Aid, Federal Funding Unresolved

November 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is returning to Washington for one last attempt at deal-making this year. The only absolute must-do is preventing a government shutdown on Dec. 11. But lawmakers are also debating whether to deliver another round of coronavirus relief before President Donald Trump leaves office. A virus bill would provide funding for vaccines and testing, for reopening schools,…

Casperson, ‘Titan’ of the Upper Peninsula, Dies at Age 61

November 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Michigan Republicans) ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Tom Casperson, a former state lawmaker from the Upper Peninsula who cast a key vote to expand Medicaid and built alliances with labor unions, has died at age 61. Casperson, a Republican from Escanaba, died Sunday. He had been stricken with cancer. Fellow Republicans in the Senate called Casperson a “titan of the…

Completed Wisconsin Recount Confirms Biden’s Win Over Trump

November 29, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin finished a recount of its presidential results on Sunday, confirming Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump in the key battleground state. Trump vowed to challenge the outcome in court even before the recount concluded. Dane County was the second and last county to finish its recount, reporting a 45-vote gain for Trump. Milwaukee…

Appeals Court Rejects Trump Challenge of Pennsylvania Race

November 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal appeals court in Philadelphia has rejected President Donald Trump’s latest effort to challenge the election results in a case expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court if Trump appeals. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals echoed a string of other courts in finding his campaign offered no evidence of any election fraud. Instead, the…

Trump Says He’ll Leave if Electoral College Seats Biden

November 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalizes President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory even as he insisted such a decision would be a “mistake.” Trump spent his Thanksgiving renewing claims that “massive fraud” and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election defeat even though there is no evidence…

Trump Pardons Flynn, Taking Direct Aim at Russia Probe

November 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

National security adviser General Michael Flynn delivers a statement daily briefing at the White House in Washington U.S., February 1, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, taking direct aim in the final days of his administration at a Russia investigation that he has long insisted was motivated by political…

State Board Certifies Joe Biden as Winner in Minnesota

November 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Facebook/Biden) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s state canvassing board has unanimously certified the state’s election results. It’s an ordinarily routine task that drew closer attention due to President Donald Trump’s efforts to delay it in key states. The board agreed 5-0 that Joe Biden defeated Trump in Minnesota by just over 233,000 votes or about 7 percentage points. Biden therefore…