Political

20th Annual State of Cities Luncheon

PROCTOR, Minn. — Over 100 people attended the 20th Annual State of Cities luncheon, hosted by the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce. Business leaders got the chance to hear from the mayors Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake. In total, they represent 18 thousand residents. There were discussions surrounding what’s new, exciting, and what’s in store for the season’s legislative session….

Duluth Witnesses Federal Funding Challenges; Mayor Remains “Cautiously Optimistic”

DULUTH, Minn. — “It really is what we’re expecting to be a tough budget year,” said Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert. “We had already planned for the city of Duluth to have a challenging budget ahead of us, normally we start that process in June, we’re starting it this week.” This year is what Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is calling a…

GOP State Senator Arrested by Bloomington PD for Allegedly Soliciting a Child for Sex

Detectives say they communicated with Eichorn, while posing as a 17-year-old girl

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – A GOP State Senator for Minnesota’s 6th District was arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution, Bloomington Police say. Tuesday, Bloomington Police announced they had arrested Justin David Eichorn, the Republican state Senator from Grand Rapids who represents District 6, for pending charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution. A press release by the department said…

Early Voting Starts in Wisconsin

  SUPERIOR, Wis — Early Voting is starting for the spring Election in Wisconsin. The City of Superior has two contested races for District Representatives. Those Districts are 2 and 6. Districts 4, 8, and 10 are running uncontested. There is also a race for State Supreme court and State Superintendent. Those who live in the city can early vote…

Democrat Wins MN House Special Election, Restoring A 67-67 Power Split

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Voters in a Minnesota House district at the center of a post-election drama to control the chamber chose Democrat David Gottfried on Tuesday in a race that will leave control of the House tied and end a short-lived Republican majority. The Democratic victory will force the two parties to work together to…

‘Tequila Town’ Owner Changes Sign After Controversy In Esko

ESKO, Minn. — A Mexican restaurant in Esko has made some changes to its sign after the town board raised issue with alcoholic words in the sign being too close to Esko Schools. The original sign recently installed read: “Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar.” But over the weekend, Owner Rafael Mata posted a photo of the sign edited…

Video: Tuesday’s Anti-Trump Admin. Rally In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Hours before President Trump gave his first address to Congress Tuesday, dozens of protesters filled all four corners of Superior Street and Lake Avenue in downtown Duluth to make their voices heard against the president and his administration. Some of the signs on display read, “Democrats, yes. Dictator, no” and “Deport Musk.” Click the video above for…

Trump delivers first address to Congress while 50501 protests continue

DULUTH, Minn. — In his first joint address to Congress since returning to power, President Donald Trump spoke at length last night, covering a wide range of issues. From domestic policy to foreign affairs, he highlighted what he calls major wins for the White House. Meanwhile, in Duluth, anti-Trump administration protestors gathered on all four corners of Lake Ave. and…

Hear From Candidates in the Race for Superior’s 6th District

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – There are only two contested races in this year’s Superior City Council elections. FOX 21 interviewed District 2 incumbent Jenny Van Sickle, and her challenger Sarah Anderson last week; but this week the focus shifted to the other contested race in District 6. Tylor Elm has held District 6 since 2017 and now faces contention from first-time…

Duluth City Councilors Share Mixed Opinions Regarding Pledge of Allegiance

DULUTH, Minn.– The opinions of two Duluth city councilors are coming into light, and it involves whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be part of city council meetings. The topic began after a member of the public spoke at a recent council meeting. The gentleman who stayed seated during the Pledge of Allegiance said removing the pledge from the council…

Gov. Evers Discusses Budget Plans in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. –Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers made a visit to Superior Monday, discussing his plans to lower costs for Wisconsinites and working families. In a roundtable discussion at Thirsty Pagan, Evers highlighted his new efforts to lower every day, out-of-pocket costs, including providing nearly $2 billion in tax relief. Superior officials and other community members met with the governor to…

Hear From Candidates in the Race for Superior’s 2nd District

*Click the video above to hear from both candidates* SUPERIOR, Wis. – A challenger has emerged in the race for Superior’s 2nd District. In the usually quite political environment of Superior, challengers have appeared in some of the 2025 municipal elections. Councilor Jenny Van Sickle has represented Superior’s 2nd District since 2017 and now faces a challenge from first-time candidate…

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan planning to run for U.S. Senate

MINN. — Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan says she plans to run for U.S. Senate, and will make a formal announcement later this month. In a statement on social media, Flanagan said she is talking with community, family and friends before making the formal announcement. She also commented on Senator Smith’s decision to not see re-election. “Smith has paved the…

Nearly 15-Year Saga Ends With Demolition Of Former Kozy Building

DULUTH, Minn. —  Demolition began Tuesday on the burnt-out former Kozy building and apartments in downtown Duluth. The tear-down is part of a roughly $2 million settlement agreement between the city of Duluth, the building’s former owner, Dr. Eric Ringsred, and Respect Starts Here, which is a group of preservationists. $1.4 million is partially being used for the demolition across…

‘ARPA’ Powered St. Louis County Through COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning St. Louis County board members reflected on the impact that the American Rescue Plan Act or ‘ARPA’ brought to the community. At the height of the COVID pandemic, the U.S. Federal Government allocated 5.5 million dollars to the St. Louis County. The large sum of money went towards responding to the public health emergency and addressing…

Superior Council Debates How To Fund Lead Pipe Replacements

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior City Council had quite the lengthy discussion Tuesday night on whether to support a change to state statute that would allow federal dollars into the city to help replace lead water pipes. The discussion went on so long that a vote will happen at the next council meeting Feb. 18. The change in state statute…

Minn House Reaches Agreement to End Historical Standoff

ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the first time this legislative session, the Minnesota House of Representatives saw chairs fill up on both sides of the aisle. The historic standoff between the DFL and Republican caucuses came to an end, after party leaders reached a power sharing agreement earlier today. When the session began three weeks ago, a vacancy in the…

Trump and Trudeau speak and plan to do so again before tariffs start on Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports President Trump admits Americans will be impacted by tariffs. Financial markets, businesses and consumers are trying to prepare for the possibility of the new tariffs. Stock market indices opened with a modest selloff, suggesting some hope that the import taxes that could push up inflation and disrupt global trade and growth would be…

Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Mexico, but import taxes still in place for Canada and China

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that after a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump that the planned tariffs are on hold for a month, a statement confirmed by the White House. “Mexico will reinforce the northern border with 10,000 members of the National Guard immediately, to stop drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, in…

49 Days Later, Essentia Deer River Workers End Strike with Essentia Health

  DULUTH, Minn.  — A 49-day strike ended Sunday between Essentia Health and 70 employees at its Deer River Hospital. On Sunday evening, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents the Deer River workers, said Essentia “significantly” improved its latest offer compared to the original offer before the strike began. SEIU said the agreement includes a 12 percent raise…

MN High Court Sides With DFL In Struggle With Republicans Over Control Of State House

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court sided with Democrats on Friday in a power struggle with Republicans in the state House of Representatives but left it up to lawmakers to figure out a way to work together. The justices unanimously agreed with House Democratic leaders who argued that a quorum in the House was 68 members under the state…

Legislators Reintroduce Act to Support Families of Fallen Firefighters

Two Midwestern legislators hope to reintroduce and pass an act that would expand benefit access for the families of firefighters and first responders. Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act looks to give federal support to current and former first responder families who have had someone pass away or been permanently disabled from service-related cancers. The Act is being reintroduced by Senator…

MN Supreme Court Considers Whether It Should Intervene In Partisan Legislative Power Struggle

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday on how deeply it should intervene in a power struggle between Democrats and Republicans over who should control the state House of Representatives. Democratic representatives have stayed away from the state Capitol since the 2025 legislative session opened Jan. 14 in an effort to prevent the House from…

Settlement Agreement: Burnt-Out Kozy Building Will Be Demolished

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 15 years after fire gutted the former Kozy Bar and Apartments in downtown Duluth, the burnt-out structure will finally be torn down. That tear-down decision is part of a settlement agreement between the city of Duluth, the building’s former owner Dr. Eric Ringsred, and Respect Starts Here, which is a preservationist group. In a joint statement…

Police: Man Accused of Starting Fire At Wis. Congressman’s Office Motivated By TikTok Ban

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — A man accused of setting fire to a strip mall in Wisconsin where a congressman’s office is located told authorities he was motivated by the federal ban on the popular TikTok video-sharing platform. Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman had voted last April for a bill that mandated TikTok’s China-based parent company sell its U.S. operation…

Minnesota Political Round-Up

Tonight, a Minnesota Supreme Court order canceling the Jan 28th special election

DULUTH, Minn. – As the sun sets on week one of the 2025 Minnesota Legislature, a partisan conflict is leading the House further into uncharted waters. Friday afternoon, the Minnesota Supreme Court released an order canceling the January 28, 2025, special election for District 40B. The vacancy was created when the winning candidate, DFLer Curtis Johnson, was ruled ineligible for…

Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok if it’s not sold by its Chinese parent company

The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning Sunday unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company, holding that the risk to national security posed by its ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States. A sale does not appear imminent and, although…

State Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Special Election Lawsuit

STATE CAPITOL – The Minnesota Supreme Court will decide whether Governor Tim Walz acted in accordance with state statute when he called for a special election to fill the vacancy in District 40B. State Supreme Court Justices were full of questions for both the GOP attorneys for the Minnesota Voters Alliance and attorneys representing Governor Tim Walz and Secretary of…

Ad Wars Begin In Closely Watched Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel speaks during his inauguration ceremony at the Capitol in Madison, Wis., Jan. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Ad wars in the hotly contested race for control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court are beginning. Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel is launching a $1.1 million television ad buy statewide on Tuesday, marking the first…

DFL Reps Sworn in Early, Threaten to Withhold Quorum

Another twist in the road to the 2025 Legislative Session

DFL State Representatives early swearing-in ceremony at the Minnesota History Center, on January 12, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (DFL House Caucus). DFL Representatives are sworn in early, as they plan not to show up to the Capitol until they secure a power sharing agreement with House Republicans. With control over the Minnesota House of Representatives still uncertain, and negotiations…

Duluth Mayor’s Girlfriend Speaks Out After Being Cleared Of Any Political Wrongdoing

DULUTH, Minn. — An outside investigation has concluded Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and his girlfriend, Amber Gurske, acted legally and ethically with city business during Reinert’s first four months in office.  And for the first time, Gurske spoke to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Thursday to talk about it all. (Video of the full interview at the bottom of this story)…

Mid Range Honor Guard Honors Former President Jimmy Carter

HIBBING, Minn.– City of Hibbing first responders and veterans gathered today in remembrance of Former President Jimmy Carter. The Mid-Range Honor Guard gave military honors for Jimmy Carter. The remembrance took place at the Hibbing City Hall. Hibbing Fire and Police, as well as citizens attended the ceremony. The guard gave the 21-gun salute, and taps was played as well….

Tensions Between AFSCME, City Of Duluth Still Strong After Tentative Contract Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. — The potential for a historic strike by hundreds of key Duluth city workers, including the all-important plow driver, has been averted.  A tentative deal between AFSMCE Local 66 and the Mayor Roger Reinert’s administration was reached late Monday night.  And now, a vote by union members will happen next week. But on Tuesday, one day after reaching the…

Annie Harala Becomes First Woman To Chair St. Louis County Board In 20 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Commissioner Annie Harala has become the first woman in 20 years to serve as the county’s board chair. Harala was appointed by the board Tuesday for 2025. Harala joined the county board in 2023. Commissioner Mike Jugovich will serve as vice chair through the end of the year. Annie Harala Below is the…

Duluth’s Largest Employee Union Reaches Tentative Deal With City

The vote comes after tense negotiations that lasted months.

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 66, reached a tentative agreement Monday night with the city of Duluth that includes “no major concessions,” according to the union. The union announced the news to its nearly 500 members at 9 p.m. after 12 hours of “long, hard negotiations.” The tentative agreement came after historic tensions…

Former President Jimmy Carter Dead at 100

ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in…

Death of Longtime Local Lawmaker Mary Murphy

DULUTH, Minn. – After suffering complications from a stroke, Former State Representative Mary Murphy, died while in Hospice on Christmas. The local lawmaker began her career in 1977, and held the same seat until 2022, when she lost to current Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, by only 33 votes. During her 45 years in office, Murphy served on various committees, focusing on…

Former Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy Dies Christmas Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Minnesota Representative Mary Murphy died on Christmas morning. Mary Murphy recently suffered a stroke, which led to several complications. She was preparing to enter hospice care. Murphy was a longtime DFL member and made history as Minnesota’s longest-serving female lawmaker and the second-longest serving lawmaker overall. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar shared her thoughts on Twitter last…

Former MN Rep. Mary Murphy Moving To Hospice Care After Stroke

Former Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy, the state’s longest-serving female lawmaker, will soon be placed in hospice care after suffering a stroke last week, according to Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman. Hortman shared the news Monday evening on social media. She said Murphy’s family felt hospice was the best path forward after the stroke left Murphy with a series of…

Court Ruling Could Tip Majority To Republicans In Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota House Republicans could start the 2025 legislative session in the majority after a judge ruled Friday that a Democratic candidate didn’t meet the residency requirements for his suburban district. Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro ruled that Curtis Johnson didn’t live in the Roseville-area district for the required six months ahead of the election and…

DECC Dir.: Managing Bayfront Again Ensures Non-Competing Events Among All DECC Venues

DULUTH, Minn. – DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman is pleased management at Bayfront Festival Park is coming back under the DECC’s control in a new five-year contract agreement beginning in January 2025. The council approved the RFP process Monday night lead by city staff who chose the DECC as Bayfront’s next manager. The contract is worth around $443,000 over five…

Mayor’s First Budget Goes to Council for Vote

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

CITY HALL – Mayor Roger Reinert’s first budget is up for a vote at the last city council meeting of the year. Mayor Reinert making an appearance at the final city council meeting of 2024, as the council considers his budget proposal. The 2025 budget is the first budget the mayor’s created since assuming office. Before Monday’s meeting, Mayor Reinert…

Mayor Wants ‘Visit Duluth’ Back In Control Of Tourism Marketing After Arizona Firm

DULUTH, Minn. – As the city of Duluth gets ready to welcome in its new tourism marketing agency, Madden Media of Arizona, for the next two years, Mayor Roger Reinert told FOX 21 Monday that the goal during this new contract is to build Visit Duluth back up to a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that will once again handle all…

Sen. Hauschild Asks President To Rescind Clemency Of Former Duluth Headshop Owner Jim Carlson

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) is calling on President Joe Biden to rescind his clemency ruling for former Last Place On Earth owner Jim Carlson. Carlson is among roughly 1,500 people whose sentences have been commuted by Biden — people who were “serving sentences in home confinement during the pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their…

Management Of Bayfront Festival Park Set To Return To DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Management of Duluth’s premier entertainment venue, Bayfront Festival Park, is headed back to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for the next five years if the council signs off on Monday. For the last year, Winterfell Management has handled all promotions, productions and management of Bayfront with a one-year agreement with the city. Newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert…

AFSCME Local 66 Takes Duluth Mayor To Task Over Contract Offer

DULUTH, Minn.– Following a vote Tuesday, AFSCME Local 66 overwhelmingly authorized a strike as early as mid-January if the city of Duluth does not come back with an offer that they feel is fair and equitable. Union members held a press conference Wednesday to voice their frustrations, calling the city’s latest offer “insulting, inadequate, and unacceptable.” “We are being asked…

City Of Duluth’s Largest Employee Union Authorizes Strike Mid-January If Needed

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 66, voted Tuesday to authorize a strike, demanded “fair wages and dignity” and called on Mayor Roger Reinert to fix it. AFSCME called the city’s next contract offer “insulting, inadequate and unacceptable,” according to a news release. The union said the police and fire departments got 8% market…