Political Archives - Page 3 of 66

Hilton, Minnesota hotel apologize for email canceling immigration agents’ rooms

January 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – In this June 28, 2019, file photo the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal is seen during a news conference in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) A Minnesota hotel that wouldn’t allow federal immigration agents to stay there this month is apologizing and saying the refusal violated its own policies. The Department of Homeland Security had accused the…

Gov. Walz says he will not run for a third term as Minnesota governor

January 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in St. Paul, denounces President Donald Trump for calling Minnesota’s Somali community “garbage” and dismissing the state as a “hellhole.” ST PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democrats’ 2024 candidate for vice president, is ending his bid for a third term as governor amid…

Investigators say Minnesota childcare centers featured in viral video are operating normally

January 5, 2026

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families(DCYF) has found that nine childcare centers featured in a viral video claiming fraud are operating normally. Investigators said they conducted on-site compliance checks at nine child care centers referenced in a recently circulated video by YouTuber Nick Shirley. The video accuses several Somali-run centers of…

Man who broke windows at Vance’s Ohio home is detained, the Secret Service says

January 5, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) A man who broke windows at Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio home and caused other property damage was detained early Monday, the U.S. Secret Service said. The man was detained shortly after midnight by Secret Service agents assigned to Vance’s home, east of downtown Cincinnati, agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. He has not…

Minnesota must provide documents to US government in child care fraud probe by Jan. 9

January 4, 2026

The Associated Press,

People gather for a news conference at the state capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Giovanna Dell’Orto) Minnesota officials have until the end of this week to hand over information on providers and parents who receive federal child care funds that the Trump administration contends have been used fraudulently or risk losing federal funding. State…

Wisconsin judge convicted of obstructing arrest of immigrant resigns as GOP threatens impeachment

January 4, 2026

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: AP Embattled Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted of obstruction last month for helping an immigrant evade federal officers, has sent her resignation letter to the governor. The letter was sent Saturday. Republicans had been making plans to impeach her ever since her Dec. 19 conviction. A spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, said his office received…

Maduro’s case will revive a legal debate over immunity for foreign leaders tested in Noriega trial

January 4, 2026

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: Associated Press MIAMI (AP) — When deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro makes his first appearance in a New York courtroom Monday to face U.S. drug charges, he will likely follow the path taken by another Latin American strongman toppled by U.S. forces: Panama’s Manuel Noriega. Maduro was captured Saturday, 36 years to the day after Noriega was removed by…

Zohran Mamdani begins his term as NYC mayor with an historic swearing in

January 1, 2026

The Associated Press,

New York Attorney General Letitia James, left, administers the oath of office to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, center, as his wife Rama Duwaji looks on, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of the country’s…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa explains what’s next after signing cannabis compact with Minnesota

December 31, 2025

Matt McConico,

Shane Drift DULUTH, Min. & NETT LAKE, Min. – The day after making it official and signing a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota, we’re learning more about what is next for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and cannabis. The agreement signed on December 30, 2025 provides a blueprint for a shared goal of safeguarding the health of Minnesotans regarding…

Trump administration says it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemes

December 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

Jim O’Neill WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Tuesday that it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota after a series of fraud schemes in recent years. Acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jim O’Neill announced on the social platform X that the step is in response to “blatant fraud that appears to be…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa signs cannabis compact with Minnesota

December 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

Bois Forte Band Of Chippewa Seal ST. PAUL, Min. – The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has signed a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota. In a news release Secretary/Treasurer of the Bois Forte Band Tara Geshick said, “The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has done great things – one is entering the cannabis market… Unlocking opportunities and seeking strategic alliances will…

Group Of Children Hold Hands In Line On Texture

Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers

December 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A surge of federal officers in Minnesota follows new allegations of fraud by day care centers run by Somali residents. President Donald Trump has previously linked his administration’s immigration crackdown against Minnesota’s large Somali community to a series of fraud cases involving government programs in which most of the defendants have roots in the east African country. Surge in federal officers Department of Homeland Security…

DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish release of Epstein files despite Dec. 19 deadline

December 24, 2025

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Wednesday that finishing the release of all of the Jeffrey Epstein files could take a “few more weeks,” further delaying compliance with a Dec. 19 deadline set by Congress. The department said the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, as well as the FBI, found more than a million…

Staff Safety Concerns Closed Two Duluth Library Branches Friday, Saturday

Staff safety concerns forced temporary closure of two Duluth library branches

December 22, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 has learned safety concerns by Duluth public library staff forced the closure of the downtown and West Duluth branches Friday and Saturday. On Monday, the city placed a Duluth police officer at the downtown branch out of an “abundance of caution,” according to a city spokesperson. The concerns focused around a man who was outside…

Chum holds annual homeless memorial vigil

December 22, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — A solemn tradition continued for the Chum drop-in center in Duluth as the organization held its annual Homeless Memorial Vigil. Many attendees marched from Chum’s building on W 2nd St, to the steps of Duluth city hall in order to pay their respects for the dozens of community members who have experienced homelessness that passed away within…

Office of Inspector General Coordinating Council established to combat fraud

December 22, 2025

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is putting more resources toward preventing fraud across state, instead of being reactive. In September, the Office of Inspector General Council was formed by an Executive order from Governor Tim Walz. The announcement comes during a time the federal government is sounding the alarm on fraud they believe is roughly $9 billion…

Minnesota Power Terminates Partnership With Ntec

Minnesota Power terminates partnership with proposed NTEC in Superior

December 21, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power has officially terminated its partnership with the proposed natural gas power plant in Superior known as NTEC. Minnesota Power said “permitting and litigation delays” around the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) project are factors in the decision. This means, Minnesota Power customers will not receive energy from the plant — if it becomes a reality,…

Rep. Pete Stauber (R) Minnesota's 8th Congressional District

Pete Stauber expresses concerns over newly proposed Canadian border crossing rules

December 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Senator Kevin Cramer (ND), and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) on Friday, December 19, 2026 sent a letter to the Canadian government inquiring about new border crossing rules that were just announced. Canada Border Services Agency announced that the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program will end on September 14, 2026. Rep. Stauber said…

Duluth Public Schools Superintendent releases statement in response to ICE being in Twin Ports-area

December 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

John Magas DULUTH, Min,. – Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas sent a message to parents in the district titled, “Our Commitment to Student Safety and Belonging.” The statement said in part, “We understand that many in our community are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement. While we cannot control the actions of outside agencies, we want to…

Canada Border Services changing remote border crossing procedures

December 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

Flag Of Canada DULUTH, Min & OTTAWA – The Canada Border Services Agency is introducing new telephone reporting border crossings for remotes areas of US – Canadian border crossing. Effective September 14, 2026 the old Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program will end. That program allowed permit holders to cross ports of entry into Canada without physically present themselves at…

About half of Medicaid’s $18B in claims paid to Minnesota programs may be fraudulent, official says

December 18, 2025

Matt McConico,

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson describes a sprawling fraud investigation involving state-run programs in Minnesota at a news conference Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell’Orto) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — About half or more of the roughly $18 billion in claims paid out by Medicaid to Minnesota-run programs may have been fraudulent, and at least 14 programs were…

Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

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. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s handpicked board voted Thursday to rename Washington’s leading performing arts center as the Trump-Kennedy Center, the White House said. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the…

Prosecutor says 14 Minnesota programs are targeted for fraud and the state is swamped with crime

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson describes a sprawling fraud investigation involving state-run programs in Minnesota at a news conference Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell’Orto) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — At least 14 state-run programs in Minnesota have been flagged for fraud, a prosecutor said Thursday as he announced new charges in several schemes. First Assistant U.S….

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 moves to cut off transgender care for children

December 18, 2025

The Associated Press,

President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Washington, as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz listen. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday unveiled a series…

Two Harbors resident, Rich Tru announces campaign for Minnesota House District 3B

December 18, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

Rich Tru TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Two Harbors Resident Rich Tru has announced he is running for a seat in Minnesota House District 3 B. The campaign soft-launched in November, with the official announcement on Thursday. Tru is running on the idea that Minnesota’s economy should be built around the success of local businesses and the innovation of entrepreneurs, not…

Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video

December 17, 2025

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate gave final passage to an annual military policy bill Wednesday that will authorize $901 billion in defense programs while pressuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide lawmakers with video of strikes on alleged drug boats in international water near Venezuela. The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which raises troop pay by 3.8%, gained bipartisan backing as it moved…

Mayor Roger Reinert responds to 2026 tax levy changes

December 16, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

DULUTH , Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert has responded to the passing of Duluth’s 2026 budget. Monday, the Duluth City Council approved the 2026 property tax levy and budget. During the meeting, the City Council increased the levy to 3.5%. In September, Mayor Reinert had requested an ‘inflation-only’ max tax levy of 2.7% SEE PREVIOUS: Mayor Reinert Proposes ‘Inflation-Only’…

Trial set to begin for Wisconsin judge accused of helping immigrant evade federal authorities

December 14, 2025

Matt McConico,

Hannah Dugan MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Federal prosecutors were set to start presenting their case Monday against a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal authorities. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s trial on obstruction and concealment charges was scheduled to begin with opening statements from prosecutors and defense attorneys followed by testimony from the government’s first witnesses. The…

Rob Reiner and his wife found dead in Los Angeles home, AP source says

December 14, 2025

Matt McConico,

FILE – Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner arrive on the red carpet at the State Department for the Kennedy Center Honors gala dinner, Dec. 2, 2023, in Washington. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Director-actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were the two people found dead Sunday at a Los Angeles home owned by Reiner, according to a law enforcement official briefed on…

Community Action Duluth now under ‘Enhanced Monitoring’ by the state

December 12, 2025

Matt McConico,

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families is now doing what they are calling “enhanced monitoring” of Community Action Duluth (CAD). Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) tells FOX21, “DCYF observes board meetings as part of the standard grant monitoring and program oversight processes. Staff are conducting enhanced monitoring in response…

Treasury rachets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud

December 12, 2025

Matt McConico,

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during an event on “Trump Accounts” for kids in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department is targeting businesses that people use to wire money to family members abroad as the Trump administration rachets up investigations into fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community, Treasury Secretary…

Wisconsin congressional candidate tours Northland

December 11, 2025

Xavier Walt,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin congressional candidate Paul Wassgren visited Superior as the Republican continues on a tour through Wisconsin’s 7th district. The tour first hit Merrill, WI, on Dec. 10, before stopping in Chippewa Falls and Ace’s on 29th in Superior, with the final stop happening Dec. 12 in Balsam Lake, where he’ll once again speak on how he plans…

Governor Walz to announce new anti-fraud chief

December 11, 2025

Matt McConico,

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz DULUTH, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce a new Director of Program Integrity for Minnesota on Friday, December 12, 2025. The director’s goal is to address and prevent fraud. The governor is also expected to announce the hiring of outside experts to create a statewide fraud prevention program. Fraud in government programs have…

Homeland Security Secretary testifies to House of Representatives

December 11, 2025

Matt McConico,

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was interrupted by protesters holding anti-ICE signs during her testimony before the House on threats to national security WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNN & AP) – Secretary of Homeland Security Kirsti Noem was interrupted by protesters as she began her testimony at the start of the hearing on Thursday, December 11, 2025. House Democratic identified members of…

MyPillow founder and Trump supporter Mike Lindell says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026

December 11, 2025

The Associated Press,

Mike Lindell SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the “MyPillow Guy,” officially entered the race for Minnesota governor Thursday in hopes of winning the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. “I’ll leave no town unturned in Minnesota,” Lindell told The Associated Press in an interview ahead…

Governor Walz sends letter to Kristi Noem after ICE actions in Minnesota

December 10, 2025

Matt McConico,

Activists confronted a group of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the largely Somali neighborhood of Cedar-Riverside in Minneapolis, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. DULUTH, Min & MINNEAPOLIS — Federal agents have used pepper spray to disperse a crowd in a heavily Somali neighborhood in Minneapolis. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, speaks during a press conference Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in…

CAD Staff: We’d rather have Community Action Duluth fail than see Classie Dudley succeed

December 5, 2025

Matt McConico,

Classie Dudley DULUTH, Min. – FOX21 has obtained a 2022 document from the Minnesota Department of Human Services where staff members at Community Action Duluth (CAD) allegedly said they wanted to see Classie Dudley fail as the organization’s Executive Director. It described CAD in late 2022 as a “chaotic organization.” The report says, ” company time to gather staff, write…

US vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth

December 5, 2025

Matt McConico,

Robert W. Malone NEW YORK (AP) — A federal vaccine advisory committee voted on Friday to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. A loud chorus of medical and public health leaders decried the actions of the panel, whose current members were all appointed by U.S. Health Secretary…

At least 4 countries pull out of 2026 Eurovision contest as Israel’s participation sows discord

December 4, 2025

Matt McConico,

Eurovision 2026 Vienna Logo GENEVA (AP) — Public broadcasters from at least four countries — including Spain and the Netherlands — on Thursday pulled out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after organizers decided to allow Israel to compete. The developments expose how political discord has taken center stage over a usually joyful celebrating harmony through music. The pullouts, which…

Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide whether local jails can hold immigrants for ICE

December 3, 2025

Matt McConico,

FILE – The entrance to the Wisconsin Supreme Court chambers is seen in the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., March 14, 2024. MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A divided Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to take a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of an immigrant rights group arguing that it is illegal for local jails to hold…