Political

Congressman Pete Stauber Speaks on Legislative Session While Attending Trump Visit

DULUTH, Minn. – Eighth district Congressman Pete Stauber was also in attendance… for the signing of the Pledge to America’s Workers at Duluth Pack. Congress is back in legislative session this week after closing for the weekend. As some of the C.A.R.E.S. Act funding is set to expire, Congressman Stauber says they are taking on a variety of issues. “There’s…

Ivanka Trump Visits Duluth

Nearly 500 companies have signed the Pledge to Americas Workers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump and U.S. Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt made a visit to Duluth on Monday. They toured the local manufacturing company Duluth Pack. A big part of the visit was company leaders signing what’s being called the Pledge to America’s Workers, a Trump administration initiative designed to provide more workforce opportunities….

Trump Calls off Florida Segment of GOP National Convention

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled segments of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Florida next month, citing a “flare-up” of the coronavirus. Convention events will still be held in North Carolina. “To have a big convention is not the right time,” Trump said of Jacksonville. Trump moved parts of the GOP convention to…

Minnesota Governor to Sign Police Accountability Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign a police accountability bill into law Thursday that includes a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis. The bill, passed by the Legislature earlier this week, also bans chokeholds and so-called warrior-style training, which critics say promotes excessive force….

Gov. Walz Says Mask Mandate Will Help Keep Businesses Open, Infection Rate Down

As of Saturday masks will be required in all indoor public spaces.

MINNESOTA- On Wednesday, Minnesota joined over two dozen other states in requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public places statewide. That new Executive Order by Governor Tim Walz goes into effect Saturday morning. You can find the full executive order here. “This is a small sacrifice for a potentially big gain,” Gov. Walz said. “The upside of the…

Minnesota Governor Prepares to Announce Masking Decision

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce a statewide face mask mandate on Wednesday to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The governor has scheduled a news conference with health officials and business owners to announce his “next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19.” His spokesman said it will be an announcement…

Mayor Larson Responds to Criticism Over Ordinance to Remove ‘Chief’ From CAO Title

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson responded Tuesday after Duluth city councilors voiced their frustrations at Monday night’s council meeting involving an ordinance to remove the word “chief” from the Chief Administrative Officer title that failed to pass.  If passed, the new title would have been City Administrator. “I really think the title should have been changed. And you know,…

Cloquet City Council Passes Mask Mandate; Votes to Take Effect August 1st

While some councilors supported the language of the ordinance, others thought enforcement would be an issue.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A mask mandate for indoor public places was passed by the Cloquet City Council Monday evening, taking effect August 1st. Unlike Duluth, the vote was not unanimous — the council, it seems, as divided as they said the community is on the issue. The Council passed the ordinance 5-2, the only change being making it effective August 1st….

Wisconsin Lawmakers Launch “Vote Safe” Initiative

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Lawmakers gathered to raise awareness about voting safely in state for the upcoming presidential election. Both the current, and former attorney general of Wisconsin were on the virtual call Tuesday morning. Although they did not disclose how they would go about making in-person voting safe, the goal of the initiative is to bring a better understanding…

Duluth City Councilors Point Fingers As Vote To Remove ‘Chief’ From Job Title Fails

  DULUTH, Minn. –  Built-up emotions and frustrations poured out from city councilors during Monday night’s council meeting involving an ordinance that called for the removal of the word “chief” from the Chief Administrative Officer title. The ordinance was pushed publicly by Mayor Emily Larson in June who said the word “chief” is offensive to the Indigenous community and removing…

Minnesota Senate GOP Leader Says Deal Near on Policing Bill

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The top Republican in the Minnesota Senate says legislative leaders have a tentative agreement on the outlines of a police accountability bill. But chances appear dimmer for a $1.9 billion public construction projects package that has yet to win the necessary GOP support in the Democratic-controlled House. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says the…

Minnesota House GOP: No Deal on Bonding or Policing Bills

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota House Republican leaders said Monday they won’t provide the votes needed to pass a $1.9 billion public construction projects bill, and that they won’t back a package of police accountability measures either. House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, of Crown, made the comments at a news conference as lawmakers returned to the Capitol to…

Some Cloquet Business Owners Ready for Mask Mandate Ahead of Council Vote Tuesday

While city officials' views on the ordinance are divided, these business owners say it's a good idea.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coming up Tuesday two Northland cities, Cloquet and Superior, will vote on a mask mandate for indoor public places. In Cloquet, some business owners say it’s a good idea if it means continuing their operations as safely as possible. “I think it’s good for the community overall, just to keep the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Cindy Peterson,…

Justice Ginsburg Says Cancer has Returned, but Won’t Retire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said Friday she is receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court. The 87-year-old Ginsburg, who has had four earlier bouts with cancer, said her treatment so far has succeeded in reducing lesions on her liver and she will continue chemotherapy sessions every two…

Pence Returning to Wisconsin for Stops in Ripon, Onalaska

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence planned to speak at Ripon College on Friday before touring a dairy farm near La Crosse. President Donald Trump’s campaign announced the planned visit on Wednesday. Pence was last in Wisconsin in June for a school choice round table and a faith-based event, both in Waukesha County. Ripon touts itself as the birthplace of…

Trump Administration Rescinds Rule on Foreign Students

BOSTON (AP) — The Trump administration has rescinded a rule that would have required international students to transfer schools or leave the country if their colleges hold classes entirely online this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the decision as a court hearing was getting underway on a challenge to the rule by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute…

Mayor Larson Drops ‘Chief’ From CFO Title, Renames Position To Be Less Offensive

Chief Administrative Officer title can't be changed without unanimous council vote because it's in the city charter.

DULUTH — Mayor Emily Larson has dropped the word “chief” from one of the city’s top positions — calling that word “offensive” to the indigenous community. The “Chief Financial Officer” title is now known as the “Finance Director.” Mayor Larson was able to make that change on her own because the position is not listed in the city’s charter, which…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

Duluth City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance Requiring Masks Indoors Citywide

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has unanimously passed a resolution requiring masks in indoor public places in the city, effective immediately, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, at restaurants and bars when not eating or drinking, and in apartment building common areas such…

MN Senate GOP Leader Says Deal Close on Bonding, tax Bills

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Legislative leaders have agreed on most details of a public construction package and a tax bill, the Minnesota Senate’s top Republican said Monday, while discussions are continuing on whether a compromise is possible on police accountability in response to the death of George Floyd. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said at a news conference that his chamber…

Sen. Simonson Previews Upcoming Special Legislative Session

Bonding bill among proposals state lawmakers could vote on

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers will return for another special legislative session starting on Monday, June 13. Sen. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) tells us one likely focus of the session will be on a state bonding bill. The proposed bill includes millions of dollars in funding for Duluth seawall reconstruction, renovations at the Duluth Depot, and many other projects across the…

Supreme Court Rules Manhattan DA Can Obtain Trump Taxes

(AP PHOTO) UPDATE: WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has issued a mixed verdict on demands for President Donald Trump’s financial records. The decisions will keep his tax returns, banking, and other documents out of the public eye for the time being. The court kept a hold on President Donald Trump’s financial records that Congress has been seeking for more…

As COVID-19 Cases Rise in Douglas County, Superior Mayor Moves Toward Mask Mandate

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There is growing concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, and Superior Mayor Jim Paine is speaking out about it and making plans on how to help stop the spread of the virus. “We are in a crisis in Douglas County. This is very much an emergency and this virus is spreading through our…

Trump Says he Will Pressure States to Reopen Schools in Fall

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP) – President Donald Trump says he will pressure governors to reopen schools and colleges this fall, arguing that some want to keep schools closed for political reasons against the will of families. Trump said he is “very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools.” Trump did not immediately explain…

US Notifies UN of Withdrawal From World Health Organization Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change. The withdrawal notification makes good on President Donald Trump’s vow in late May to terminate U.S. participation in…

Minnesota Headed for Another Special Session Next Week

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is prepared to call Minnesota lawmakers into a special session that would begin Monday. The session is triggered by an extension of the peacetime authority that Walz has used to manage the coronavirus in Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The first special session this summer came soon after the…

Appeals Court: Trump Wrongly Diverted $2.5B for Border Wall

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, file) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal appeals court on Friday ruled against the Trump administration in its transfer of $2.5 billion from military construction projects to build sections of the U.S. border wall with Mexico, ruling it illegally sidestepped Congress, which gets to decide how to use the funds. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of…

Duluth City Council Halts Measure to Remove Chief Title

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth City Council tabled a resolution Monday night that halts Mayor Emily Larson’s push to remove the word “chief” from employee titles after she and her administration said it is offensive to Indigenous people. The vote specifically involved changing the title of Chief Administrative Officer to City Administrator. A unanimous vote by the council is required because…

Morning Update 6-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News – Latest News, Political

Sen. Klobuchar withdraws from VP consideration, tells Biden to choose woman of color for running mate

(KMSP-TV) Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says she has told presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to choose a woman of color as his running mate, effectively withdrawing her name from consideration. Since ending her own bid and endorsing Biden for president, Klobuchar has been viewed as a favorite to join the ticket with Biden, who vowed to choose a female running…

Terese Tomanek Sworn in to Duluth City Council

Tomanek replaces Barb Russ, who recently resigned for medical reasons

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth officially has a new city councilor. Terese Tomanek was sworn into the council Thursday. She’s replacing Barb Russ, who recently resigned for medical reasons. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Prior to that, Tomanek was a chiropractor for 27 years and served as a campus minister at…

Justices Reject end to Protections for Young Immigrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants. For now, those immigrants retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States. The outcome seems certain to elevate the issue in Trump’s campaign, given the anti-immigrant rhetoric of his first presidential run in…

Trump Signs Executive Order on Police Reform

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on policing following weeks of national protests after the death of George Floyd. The order is aimed at encouraging best practices and tracking officers with excessive use of force complaints. In the Rose Garden, Trump stressed the need for higher standards and commiserated with mourning families, even as he…

St. Louis Co. Commissioner Nelson Exited Moment of Silence For George Floyd Because He Felt Sick, He Says

Vice Chair Beth Olson: “He had other chances to speak to this issue and to express his support and express his respect for Mr. Floyd's life. He did not take those opportunities.”

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Gov. Tm Walz issued a proclamation for George Floyd Tuesday morning calling on Minnesotans to observe a moment of silence at the start of Floyd’s funeral for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, which is the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer was filmed with his knee to Floyd’s neck before he died. One example of this…

Terese Tomanek To Serve Remainder Of Barb Russ’ Duluth City Council Seat

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted Monday on who will serve the remainder of Barb Russ’ at-large council seat after she recently resigned for health reasons. In a unanimous vote, councilors chose Terese Tomanek. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Some of Tomanek’s top priorities include a focus on…

US Cities Erupt in More Violence Amid Threats From Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — American cities erupted in violence and destruction in a seventh straight night of unrest, with several police officers shot or run over, amid boasts and threats from President Donald Trump to send in troops to “dominate the streets.” In New York, nonviolent protests Monday night were punctuated by people smashing shop windows near Rockefeller Center and breaching…

Amid Protests, President Trump Talks of War — and Re-election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Embracing the language of confrontation and war, President Donald Trump on Monday declared himself the “president of law and order” and signaled he would stake his reelection on convincing voters his forceful approach, including deploying U.S. troops to U.S. cities, was warranted in a time of national tumult and racial unrest. Trump made his Rose Garden declaration…

Key Wisconsin Races for November Coming Into Focus

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Key races in Wisconsin came into clearer focus Monday, the deadline for candidates to file nomination papers to get on the November ballot. Republicans are looking to maintain their majorities in both the state Senate and Assembly heading into 2021 when the Legislature will be charged with the once-a-decade job of redistricting. Because of how the…

US Cuts World Health Organization Ties Over Virus Response

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. will be terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization, saying it had failed to adequately respond to the coronavirus because China has “total control” over the global organization. He said Chinese officials “ignored” their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the WHO to mislead…

Twitter Adds ‘Glorifying Violence’ Warning to Trump Tweet

(Twitter via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — Twitter has added a warning to one of President Donald Trump’s tweets about protests in Minneapolis. The company says the tweet violated the platform’s rules about glorifying violence. Trump has been at war with Twitter since earlier this week when it applied fact checks to two of his tweets about mail-in ballots. The third…

Trump Escalates War on Twitter, Social Media Protections

(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump escalated his war on social media companies, signing an executive order Thursday challenging the liability protections that have served as a bedrock for unfettered speech on the internet. Trump said the fact checks were “editorial decisions” by Twitter and amounted to political activism. He said it should cost those companies…

President Trump Lays Memorial Day Wreath at Arlington Cemetery

Mr. Trump Will Continue to Honor Memorial Day with a Series of Events Amid the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump has laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery as he commemorates Memorial Day in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and his defense secretary. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier overlooking rolling hills dotted with white tombstones. First lady Melania…

Mayor Larson, Councilors To Take Pay Cuts Amid Budget Crisis

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors are taking a 10 percent voluntary pay cut through the end of the year. Larson makes roughly $97,000 a year.  Councilors make close to $14,000. While the savings won’t be significant to the overall budget shortfall of a projected $38 million on the high end this year, Council President Gary…

Minnesota’s Catholic, some Lutheran churches to reopen this month in defiance of Walz restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota’s Catholic church and some Lutheran churches will allow services to resume later this month, choosing to defy Gov. Tim Walz’s latest regulations on public gatherings. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will allow churches to resume Mass on May 26. The Minnesota North and South Districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod set…

Spirit Mountain Could Stay Closed Through Summer; More Cash Needed To Reopen In Winter

DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…

$2 Billion Bonding Bill Fails in Minnesota House of Representatives

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A $2 billion bonding measure failed in the DFL-controlled Minnesota House after Republicans said the bill was too massive to pass while the state is dealing with money woes due to the coronavirus. The long-mired public construction borrowing bill needed to meet a three-fifths margin required to pass bonding legislation that authorizes long-term debt. Saturday’s…

BWCA to Reopen for Day and Overnight Use

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a Friday press release, the Superior National Forest will reopen the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for both day and overnight use starting May 18. “We are happy to be fully allowing visitors into the BWCAW,” says Connie Cummins, Forest Supervisor. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state, and federal guidelines on…