Political

GOP US Senate Candidate Jason Lewis Rushed Into Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis has been rushed into emergency surgery for a severe internal hernia. The Lewis campaign said in a statement Monday that the condition is life-threatening if not treated quickly. Campaign manager Tom Szymanski said in the statement that Lewis experienced severe abdominal pain early Monday morning and was taken to an…

Pence Tests Negative for Coronavirus Ahead of Hibbing Rally

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to maintain an aggressive campaign schedule this week despite an apparent outbreak of the coronavirus among his senior aides, the White House says. Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, and “a couple of key staff surrounding the vice president” have tested positive for the virus, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows…

Organizer: Not Enough Signatures for Evers Recall Effort

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An effort to recall Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers over his response to racial injustice protests and the coronavirus has failed, the recall’s organizer told supporters on Monday. Misty Polewczynski, of Burlington, posted on the “Recall Evers Petition” Facebook page on Monday that not enough signatures were collected. She did not say how close the group…

US to Get 9th Justice With Dems Powerless to Block Barrett

WASHINGTON (AP) — A deeply torn Senate is set to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Republicans are overpowering unified Democratic opposition to vote Monday on President Donald Trump’s nominee a week before Election Day. Democratic leaders want Vice President Mike Pence to stay away after his aides tested positive for COVID-19. Pence’s tie-breaking vote is not expected…

WATCH LIVE: Trump, Biden Heading Into Final Debate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — It’s debate night for President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. They will square off in Nashville in their final face-to-face confrontation before the election. It’s one of the last high-profile opportunities for the trailing president to change the trajectory of an increasingly contentious campaign. Some Trump advisers are urging him to trade his aggressive…

Gop-Led Senate Panel Advances Barrett Despite Dems’ Boycott

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate. Republicans powered past a Democratic boycott of the session Thursday to keep confirmation of President Donald Trump’s pick on track before Election Day. Democratic senators refused to show up in protest of the GOP’s rush to install Trump’s nominee to…

US Officials Call Out Iran, Russia For Election Interference

BOSTON (AP) — Iran is responsible for emails meant to intimidate American voters and sow unrest in multiple states, U.S. officials said Wednesday night in calling out both Tehran and Russia for activities meant to interfere in the upcoming presidential election. The announcement at a rare news conference just two weeks before the election underscored the concern within the U.S….

In Tennessee, Final Presidential Debate Puts Surging Virus in Spotlight

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — When President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden arrive in Nashville for their final debate, they’ll be greeted by a city with rising coronavirus case counts. Tennessee is also embroiled in a debate about mask-wearing. Thursday’s in-person presidential debate is at Belmont University, which also hosted the 2008 debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican…

More Than 75,000 People Voted in-Person in Wisconsin

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 75,000 people cast their ballots in-person on Tuesday, the first day that was available in battleground Wisconsin, the state elections commission reported. Mail-in absentee voting has been available since September and more than 1 million people have already returned their ballots that way. Taken together with the 75,518 who voted…

New Black-Owned Beauty Salon in Central Hillside Aims to Serve Diverse Hair Types

"Without our hair being valued the way it is significant to us then it's almost like who are we?" the owner said. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new black-owned salon in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood is hoping to bring a new style and hair care catered to a more diverse part of the community. Natural Braiding and Beauty on East 4th Street opened this past week. While barbers work on all types of hair, owner Denisa Ford-Washington braids and cares for the African American…

In-Person Early Voting Begins In Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As election day inches closer, the opening of polling locations in Wisconsin for in-person early voting is part of ensuring the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. The polling site at the government center in superior typically sees a strong turn out for elections, but this year is different. So far, the Superior City Clerks office…

Cough Keeps Melania Trump off Campaign Trail

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump’s return to the campaign trail will have to wait. Her chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, said Tuesday that Mrs. Trump continues to feel better every day following her recent recovery from COVID-19 but has a lingering cough. Grisham says the first lady has decided not to accompany President Donald Trump to a campaign rally Tuesday…

Trump Plans to Debate Biden Despite Rule Changes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump plans to attend Thursday’s debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden despite rule changes — opposed by his campaign — that are meant to foster more ordered discussions. Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien says Trump “is committed to debating Joe Biden regardless of last-minute rule changes from the biased commission in their latest attempt to…

Wisconsin Judge Reimposes Gov. Evers’ 25 Percent Capacity Limit for Indoor Places

While some business owners in Superior weren't happy with the order, "I think it's a good idea," said the owner of Thirsty Pagan Brewing.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Once again a 25 percent capacity restriction on indoor public places in Wisconsin is back in effect Monday, reimposed by a Wisconsin judge. Governor Tony Evers issued the order on Oct. 6th, amid a surge of coronavirus cases across the state. More action must be done, he said, to avoid overwhelming Wisconsin’s healthcare systems. About a week later…

Minnesota Senate Passes $1.9 Billion Bonding Bill

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Senate sent a $1.9 billion package of construction projects, tax breaks, and spending to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk, ending a six-month stalemate in the Legislature. The vote was 64-3, getting overwhelming support from both parties. All three votes against came from Republicans: Bruce Anderson of Buffalo, Michelle Benson of Ham Lake,…

Minnesota House Passes Public Works Infrastructure Bill, on to Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has finally passed a $1.37 billion public works construction borrowing package after months of gridlock. Twenty-five Republicans crossed over Wednesday night to give the Democrats the 60% supermajority the legislations needed to pass. The vote was 100-34. The bill now goes to the Republican-led Senate, which was scheduled to reconvene Thursday. The bonding…

Harris Suspends Travel After Staffer Tests COVID-19 Positive

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden’s presidential campaign said Thursday that vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris will suspend in-person events until Monday after two people associated with the campaign tested positive for coronavirus. The campaign said Biden had no exposure, though he and Harris spent several hours campaigning together in Arizona on Oct. 8. Harris was scheduled to travel Thursday…

Minnesota House to Reconvene for Vote on $1.4B Bonding Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House reconvenes Wednesday for what could be its last chance to pass a $1.37 billion public works construction borrowing package, but it requires at least six Republican votes. The legislation, known as a bonding bill, requires a 60% supermajority to pass. And the Democratic-controlled House must approve it before the Republican-controlled Senate can…

Watch Live: Barrett Says She Can Set Aside Catholic Beliefs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she will be able to put aside her Catholic beliefs when ruling if she’s confirmed as a justice on the nation’s highest court. Barrett told Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Tuesday she “can” set aside her Catholic beliefs and has “done that” since her confirmation as an…

MDH Links COVID-19 Cases to Trump, Pence, and Biden campaign visits

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting that there are multiple COVID-19 cases linked to recent presidential campaign visits in Minnesota. A representative with the MDH said that there are three cases linked to the President Trump rally that happened on Sept. 30th in Duluth. Two of those people live in the same home, so the department…

Barrett Vows to Interpret Laws ‘as They Are Written’

WASHINGTON (AP) — At her confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has declared that Americans deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution and laws “as they are written.” That statement encapsulates her conservative approach that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day….

Watch: Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing Opens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing has begun as the Republican-led Senate is charging ahead to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with President Donald Trump’s pick before Election Day. Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm the 48-year-old conservative appellate judge to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court….

Minnesota Legislature to Convene for 5th Special Session

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House and Senate convene Monday for their fifth special session of 2020 and what’s likely their last chance to pass a public works construction package known as a bonding bill this year. A Senate committee met Monday morning to walk through a package that would borrow $1.36 billion in general…

Federal Judge Upholds Minnesota’s Extended Ballot Counting

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has upheld a Minnesota state court agreement that allows counting of absentee ballots received up to seven days after Election Day as long as they are postmarked by Election Day. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ruled late Sunday night that the plaintiffs in the case don’t have standing and denied their motion for a…

Pro-Trump Mining Rally Held in Virginia as Presidential Election Approaches

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Minnesota has become a state both presidential candidates have spent a lot of time campaigning in ahead of November’s election. More specifically, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden have been hoping to appeal to voters on Minnesota’s Iron Range as a key area in the state. Trump voters gathered in Virginia on Friday to give a…

The Second Presidential Debate Is Officially Off

The decision comes one day after it was announced the debate would be held virtually.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is officially being scrapped. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Friday the October 15 faceoff is no longer happening. This decision comes one day after the commission announced the debate would take place virtually due to President Trump’s diagnoses with the Coronavirus. Trump resisted…

Trump Supporters Protest Mayor Larson at City Hall

DULUTH, Minn.– Last week, a group of Trump supporters drove down the street of Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s home after her remarks calling President Trump a ‘white supremacist.’ This time, they are voicing their frustrations at City Hall. A group of people gathered at Duluth City Hall Friday to protest Mayor Larson’s statement regarding the line of cars that drove…

The Latest: Trump Plans to Hold in-Person Event on Saturday

WASHINGTON (AP) – On Saturday, President Donald Trump is planning to hold his first in-person event since testing positive for the coronavirus. Two weeks after the Rose Garden event that is now considered a “superspreader,” Trump is planning to convene another large crowd outside the White House for an event on “law and order.” That’s despite the ongoing White House…

Pence to Visit Waukesha as Wisconsin Coronavirus Cases Soar

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to make a campaign stop Tuesday at a manufacturing company in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, the Trump campaign announced Thursday. Pence will speak at Weldall Manufacturing, which does large-scale fabrication work. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tuesday for the noon event. While President Donald Trump remains sidelined as he recovers from COVID-19,…

Trump Vows Not to Participate in Virtual Debate With Biden

According to the Commission on Presidential Debates, the decision was made to protect the health and safety of all involved.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he won’t participate in next week’s debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden if it’s virtual. Debate organizers announced Thursday that the debate would be virtual because of Trump’s diagnosis of COVID-19. The Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement a week before Trump and Biden were scheduled to face off in Miami. It…

Watch Live: Vice Presidential Debate

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic challenger, California Sen. Kamala Harris, are facing off in a debate that will highlight conflicting visions for a nation in crisis. The candidates will be separated by plexiglass barriers in an auditorium where any guest who refuses to wear a face mask will be removed, an extraordinary backdrop for…

Scene for VP Debate: Red, White and Blue — and Plexiglass

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Patriotic flair and plexiglass dominate the stage for Wednesday’s vice presidential debate between Republican Mike Pence and Democrat Kamala Harris. Each candidate will have a clear partition on the side of their desk that faces the other, and they will be spaced more than 12 feet apart. There’s no partition between the candidates and the…

Tune in Tonight: Pence-Harris Debate to Unfold as Trump Recovers From Virus

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence and his Democratic challenger, California Sen. Kamala Harris, are set to face off in a debate that’ll offer starkly different visions for a country confronting escalating crises. The debate Wednesday night in Salt Lake City is the most highly anticipated vice presidential debate in recent memory. It will unfold while President…

In About-Face, Trump Seeks to Salvage Parts of Virus Aid

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is trying to salvage its favored proposals for coronavirus aid now that President Donald Trump has ended negotiation with Democrats. Trump has used a flurry of tweets to press for Congress to approve $1,200 stimulus checks and new aid for airlines and other businesses hard hit by the pandemic. It’s an…

Gov. Evers Limits Indoor Capacity in Wisconsin, Set to Use $100 Million to Help Small Businesses

No more than 25% the total capacity of an indoor public space is allowed beginning Thursday until November 6th. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Tuesday he is dialing back the opening of the state, issuing his third emergency order to limit indoor building capacity to 25%, effective Thursday. While ramping up restrictions the Governor also announced $100 million in additional funding to support the state’s small businesses. No more than 25% the total capacity of an indoor…

Tuesday Marks One Month Until Presidential Election

About 4,500 ballots have already been accepted.

DULUTH, Minn – We are just about a month away from the presidential election. City officials say they are seeing a very high turnout for early voting and absentee ballots So far, 4,500 ballots have already been accepted and about 20,000 have been requested by residents in the City of Duluth. As time is winding down for the presidential election,…

White House Press Secretary Tests Positive for COVID-19

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany Will Begin Quarantine Immediately

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany says she has tested positive for COVID-19. This comes days after President Donald Trump tested positive for the cornorvirus. McEnany says in a statement that she tested positive Monday morning and is experiencing no symptoms at this time. She spoke briefly with reporters Sunday evening, but says that no members of…

148th Fighter Wing Taking Off for Night Flying Missions

They fly these missions in the dark to stay ready to defend the homeland.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 148th Fighter Wing has been flying high over the Northland this month at night as part of a special training mission. They fly these missions in the dark to stay ready to defend the homeland. Fox 21 got a look behind the scenes of what it takes to fly one of these missions. For nearly two…

President Donald Trump’s Health is “Improving” But The Next 48 Hours Maybe “Critical” As He Fights Off COVID-19

"He is receiving outstanding, multi-disciplinary care for the state of the science for Coronavirus infection.," said Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley

BETHESDA, Md. (AP)- The next two days may be “critical” for President Donald Trump as he undergoes treatment for the Coronavirus at a military hospital. His chief of staff revealed on Saturday the President went through a “very concerning” period Friday evening. “We’re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery,” said Mark Meadows, the President’s chief…

Former NJ Governor Chris Christie Hospitalized With Mild “Flu-like” Symptoms

NEW JERSEY (AP) – Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently tweeted he has checked himself into a hospital after testing positive for coronavirus. Christie said he has been experiencing mild symptoms. After consulting with his doctors and due to his asthma, he decided it was best to be hospitalized as a precautionary measure. He is among several other politicians…

Trump’s Campaign Manager Catches The Coronavirus

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Trump’s Campaign Manager Bill Stepien has also tested positive for COVID-19. A campaign spokesperson confirmed the news and stated Stepien was experiencing mild “flu-like” symptoms. Stepien joined Trump at Tuesday’s presidential debate. He is now in quarantine until he recovers Stepien is one of the numerous others who have contracted the virus including former White House…

Former WH Advisor Kellyanne Conway and Others Test Positive For Coronavirus

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON (AP) – Former White House Advisor Kellynne Conway announced Friday evening she tested positive for COVID-19. This diagnosis comes just days after she attended a White House Rose Garden event on Saturday with others, who also have contracted the virus. Conway later tweeted she has a “light cough” and is feeling “fine.” Some of the…

Duluth City Council Pres. ‘Stands Firmly’ with Mayor Larson for Calling Pres. Trump a ‘White Supremacist’

"We have people of color in our community who are affected by the words and actions of the President,” said Anderson. “And for that reason I stand with Mayor Larson."

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth City Council President Gary Anderson is weighing in after comments by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson earlier this week calling President Trump a white supremacist sparked backlash from Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved. Critics of the President say he did not directly condemn hate groups like The Proud Boys in Tuesday night’s presidential debate, which caused Duluth Mayor…

Trump Has COVID-19, Going to Military Hospital

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Donald Trump will spend a “few days” at a military hospital after contracting COVID-19. Trump departed the White House by helicopter late Friday for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a White House official said. The official said the visit was precautionary and that Trump would work from the hospital’s presidential suite,…

Update: Congressman Stauber Says COVID-19 Test Negative

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) reported Friday afternoon that his COVID-19 test came back negative. Earlier in the day, Stauber released a statement upon learning that the President and First Lady tested positive for COVID-19: “Before embarking to Duluth on Air Force One two days ago, I tested negative for COVID-19. After learning about the President’s diagnosis earlier…

Trump Campaign: All Events Featuring President Postponed After COVID-19 Diagnosis

(Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump campaign announced on Friday that all events featuring the president and the president’s family will be postponed or moved to a virtual event following his COVID-19 diagnosis. Vice President Mike Pence will continue his regularly scheduled campaign events. Statement from the Trump campaign: “All previously announced campaign events involving the…

Joe Biden and Wife Jill Test Negative for Coronavirus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden has tested negative for the coronavirus, his primary care doctor confirmed on Friday. The Democratic presidential nominee and his wife were tested earlier in the day after news of President Donald Trump’s infection was announced. Dr. Kevin O’Connor released the negative results in a statement issued by the Biden campaign. Biden was on the debate…

Trump Says He Has ‘Mild Symptoms’ After Testing Positive for COVID-19

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says he and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus, and a White House official says the president is experiencing “mild symptoms” of COVID-19. Trump’s positive test comes just hours after the White House announced that senior aide Hope Hicks came down with the virus after…

Timeline of Trump’s Activities in Week Coronavirus Hit Home

WASHINGTON (AP) — With just a month to go until the election, President Donald Trump had a busy schedule during the week the coronavirus hit home with him. Trump tweeted early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus. MONDAY — Trump surveys a truck produced by Lordstown Motors on the White House South…