Political Archives - Page 36 of 63

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

July 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

July 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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

July 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

July 8, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

July 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

July 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

July 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

June 26, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

June 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

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

June 22, 2020

Site Staff,

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

June 18, 2020

Dan Hanger,

(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

June 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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

June 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

June 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

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.”

June 9, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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…

City of Virginia Calls Back Furloughed Employees Amid COVID-19

June 9, 2020

Dan Hanger,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The city of Virginia is bringing back all 14 furloughed employees related to the effects of COVID-19. Mayor Larry Cuffee said the projected 30 to 50 percent reduction in property tax revenues because of the virus did not end up happening. Cuffee says 90 percent of revenue from county property taxes still came through. So on Monday,…

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

June 9, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

June 2, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

June 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

June 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

May 29, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

May 29, 2020

Kelly Tekler,

(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

May 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

May 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

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…

Erbert & Gerbert’s Owner: MN Restaurants Can Open Safely With Distancing

May 21, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – There is growing frustration from Minnesota bar and restaurant owners, including right here in Duluth, who still can’t open to customers for inside dining even though Gov. Tim Walz is allowing businesses like salons to open up inside at a limited capacity come June 1. “I just look at it as, if you can open a salon…

Mayor Larson, Councilors To Take Pay Cuts Amid Budget Crisis

May 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

May 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

May 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

May 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

May 15, 2020

Site Staff,

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…

Former Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader Quits Legislature

May 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former state Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling resigned from the Legislature on Friday, hinting that she has an employment opportunity that conflicts with state government work. Shilling, a Democrat, sent Senate President Roger Roth a letter Friday morning saying she would resign at the end of the day. Shilling announced in early April she wouldn’t seek…

Proposed Minnesota Bonding Bill Includes Funding for Northland Projects

May 13, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bonding bill has made it through committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and a lot of Northland projects are included in the proposal. The $2.5 billion bonding bill would provide $13.5 million in funding for Duluth’s seawall restoration project. It would also fund an $8 million renovation project at the Duluth Depot, and a…

St. Louis County Projects Budget Shortfall, No Layoffs So Far

The County is also waiving late fees for property owners who apply for an extension to July.

May 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has dealt a financial blow to St. Louis County in the form of a projected budget shortall. According to County Auditor Nancy Nilsen, the budget shortfall is expected to be at least $6 million. She said her office is not looking at layoffs or furloughs, but instead plan to save money with a hiring freeze leaving about…

Republican Tom Tiffany Wins Former Rep. Sean Duffy’s Congressional Seat

May 12, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

(District 7 – Tom Tiffany (R))WISCONSIN- Wisconsin Republican state senator Tom Tiffany has won former Representative Sean Duffy’s seat in the 7th district special election. With 99% of precincts reporting, Tiffany won 57.26% of the vote, with 108,570 ballots cast in his favor compared to his Democratic challenger, Tricia Zunker, who took home 42.74% of the votes with 81,026 ballots…

Trump Says Americans Could see a Second Round of Stimulus Payments

May 12, 2020

Site Staff,

FOX NEWS – President Trump said Monday his administration is considering a second round of coronavirus stimulus payments. “We’re talking about that,” Trump said when asked about a Democratic proposal to send another round of relief checks. “We’re talking about that with a number of different people. We’re talking about a payroll tax,” the president said. “I want to see various things, but…

Fauci Warns of ‘Serious Problems’ if States Reopen too Soon

May 12, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says states that ignore the national guidelines for reopening the economy run the risk of spikes in coronavirus cases that may turn into new outbreaks. “The consequences could be really serious,” Fauci tells the Senate Health, Labor and Pensions committee. Problems will escalate if states do not have the…

Polls Open for Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Special Election

May 12, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Tuesday’s special election will help measure the enthusiasm of Republicans in a deeply conservative part of Wisconsin just over a month after a liberal-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate won a statewide race over a Trump-backed candidate. The winner in Wisconsin’s deeply conservative 7th District will replace Republican Sean Duffy who held the seat since 2011 and…

Ashley Grimm Lands DFL Endorsement For St. Louis County Board

May 10, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Ashley Grimm DULUTH, Minn. – Ashley Grimm has landed the DFL endorsement for St. Louis County Commissioner Dist. 3, which represents the western portion of Duluth. Grimm received more than 69 percent of the votes cast by convention delegates at the first-ever electronic virtual convention. This came after a 2-week balloting period. DFL competitor Noah Hobbs received the remaining votes….

Conservative Justices Bash Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

May 5, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservative justices who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court raised doubts Tuesday about whether Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order is legal, asserting that the Legislature never intended to give the executive branch so much power. Justice Rebecca Bradley suggested during oral arguments over the order that state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm’s decision to…

Canada Bans Assault-Style Weapons After Shooting Rampage

May 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an immediate ban Friday on the sale and use of assault-style weapons in Canada, two weeks after a gunman killed 22 people in Nova Scotia. “Canadians need more than thoughts and prayers,” he said, rejecting the reaction of many politicians after mass shootings. Trudeau cited numerous mass shootings in the country, including…

Duluth City Council May Take Applications To Fill Vacant Seat

April 30, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will take up resolution at the next council meeting May 11 to decide how to fill a council seat vacated by Barb Russ who recently announced she was resigning for health reason. The vote will be whether to call for applications from the public, which has been traditionally done in the past. The…

52 Positive COVID-19 Cases Tied to Wisconsin Election

April 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 50 people who voted in person or worked the polls during Wisconsin’s election earlier this month have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. The state Department of Health Services reported the latest figures on Tuesday, three weeks after the April 7 presidential primary and spring election that drew widespread concern because of voters waiting…

Pence Comes Under Fire for Going Maskless at Mayo Clinic

April 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence chose not to wear a face mask while touring the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. It’s an apparent violation of the world-renowned medical center’s policy requiring them. Video feeds show he didn’t wear a mask when he met with a Mayo employee who has recovered from COVID-19. He was also maskless when he…

Trump to Sign Order Keeping Meat Processing Plants Open

April 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday meant to stave off a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on American supermarket shelves because of the coronavirus. The order will use the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as a critical infrastructure to keep production plants open. The order comes after industry leaders warned that consumers…

Pence to Visit Mayo Clinic Tuesday

April 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence has an appointment today at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic to learn about a new coronavirus testing “moonshot” that has the famed clinic partnering with the state and its flagship university to quickly boost the state’s capacity to 20,000 tests a day. It’s an approach that leverages a health care infrastructure not all states can…

City of Virginia Set to Furlough Up to 28 Employees Beginning in May

"It makes me sick to my stomach," said Mayor Larry Cuffe.

April 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The City of Virginia is set to furlough up to 28 employees beginning May 4th due to projected revenue losses. Mayor Larry Cuffe said a majority of the 28 employees are expected to come from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Golf Course staff. While they’re avoiding cutting any staff from public safety departments right now, the Mayor…

Duluth Council, Mayor’s Administration Discuss Budget Shortfall, Layoffs

City Council shared their thoughts and questions while the Mayor and her team outlined plans.

April 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Mayor Emily Larson made a rare appearance at Duluth’s virtual City Council meeting to give councilors a detailed outline, and uncertain look towards a grim future after she announced the city’s budget shortfall–which was unveiled to now be about $20.7-$38.2 million. According to city officials, due to the city’s “strong mayor system,” Larson can make any decisions she…

Superior Councilor Keith Kern Running for 73rd Assembly District

April 24, 2020

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Keith Kern, member of the Superior City Council and small business owner, announced his candidacy to represent the 73rd Assembly District on Friday afternoon. “Growing up in Superior, my parents taught me the value of community and hard,” said Kern “those values have served me well as a small business owner and member of the city council,…

Trump Signs $484 Billion Measure to Aid Employers, Hospitals

April 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has signed a nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package into law, the latest federal government effort to stimulate a reeling economy and overwhelmed hospitals. The legislation is the fourth coronavirus relief bill passed by Congress. All told, Congress has delivered at least $2.4 trillion for business relief, testing and treatment, and direct payments to individuals…

Wisconsin Democrats Pick Janet Bewley as Senate Minority Leader

April 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: wisconsin.gov) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrats in the Wisconsin state Senate chose Janet Bewley as their new leader Friday as they gear up to try to recapture control of the chamber in November. Bewley replaces Jennifer Shilling, who announced earlier this month that she won’t seek re-election this fall. Shilling said Tuesday she would step down as minority leader,…