Political

Gov. Tim Walz Delivers State Of The State Speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has called on Minnesota to write a new story about how a government divided between Democrats and Republicans puts aside ideology and comes together for the good of the people. The Democratic governor used his first State of the State speech Wednesday night to say the state of the state is “strong.” And…

House Judiciary Panel Approves Subpoenas for Mueller Report

The Committee Voted 24-17

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Judiciary Committee approved subpoenas Wednesday for special counsel Robert Mueller’s full Russia report as Democrats pressure the Justice Department to release the document without redactions. The committee voted 24-17 to give Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., permission to issue subpoenas to the Justice Department for the final report, its exhibits and any…

All Incumbent City Councilors Reelected in Superior

Jim Paine also reelected after running unopposed for his first full term

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s a win for every Superior City Councilor up for reelection, including in three contested seats. Five Superior City Councilors have been elected to two year terms. Two of those councilors, Tylor Elm and Esther Dalbec, ran unopposed, but three incumbent councilors were reelected after facing challenges from others in the community. 2nd District Councilor Jenny Van…

Voters Turnout in Superior for Election Day

Local and Supreme Court elections bring out community.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Multiple seats are up for grabs in Superior and across Wisconsin on Election Day. Three different council seats are being contested in Superior, and Mayor Jim Paine is running unopposed. Attendants at the polling station at WITC, say they didn’t see huge lines of voters, but the people voting are driven by the local elections, and one particular statewide race….

St. Louis County Board Approves Anti-Nepotism Policy

Board votes unanimously.

DULUTH, Minn.- An Anti-Nepotism Policy has been unanimously approved by the St. Louis County Board. This comes after the board received backlash when longtime County Attorney Mark Rubin hired his son Tony as a prosecutor back in January. The board met about the introduction of a Nepotism Policy last month, after constituents complained the hiring was unfair or a conflict…

Theresa O’Halloran-Johnson Running for Duluth City Council

Johnson announcing she's running for the 3rd District.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth resident and activist Theresa O’Halloran-Johnson announced she’s running for Duluth City Council, in the third district. A resident of more than 10 years, Johnson said she knows the neighborhood and its issues, and will try to be as accessible as she can be to residents. “I wanted to make sure that we had a strong voice for…

Hundreds Ruck for Veterans in Nearly Naked Ruck March

March held as fundraiser for Veterans with PTSD.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday hundreds got out their walking shoes, pulled on their rucks, and took off their pants for the 23rd Veteran 4th Annual Nearly Naked Ruck March. Community members, active duty military and veterans rucked 10 laps around Enger Tower in nothing but hats, gloves, boots, and long underwear to support veterans. “It’s cold, and motivating. But we try…

Endorsement Controversy Involving Superior Mayor Jim Paine, Council Candidates

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There are growing concerns among some Superior city leaders — inside and outside the council chambers — involving Mayor Jim Paine’s decision to publicly endorse three council candidates in a political ad that’s running on both television and social media before Tuesday’s election. As FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports, one of those endorsed candidates is an incumbent…

After Proposing Cuts, Trump Now Ready to Fund Great Lakes Restoration

The President backtracks on some proposed cuts to EPA.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the third year in a row the President proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, which included a 90 percent cut to funding for Great Lakes restoration. But that proposal now seems to be saved by the President himself. Last night at a rally in Michigan, the President declared his support for the Great Lakes. “I support…

Superior City Council Candidates Participate in Forum

Councilors Jack Sweeney and Craig Sutherland, and council candidate Tom Wondolkowski attended

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Explore Superior held a public forum tonight at the Superior Public Library involving three contested candidates for Superior City Council seats. Two current councilors, Jack Sweeney and Craig Sutherland, and one prospective councilor, Tom Woldolkowski, participated in the forum. The 4th Council District is much of Superior’s East End. Jack Sweeney has represented that area since 2013….

Counselor Pleads Not Guilty To Juvenile Sex Crimes

Mark Painter DULUTH, Minn. – A youth counselor has pleaded not guilty to all five counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct against him involving juvenile boys at a Duluth residential treatment facility. Mark Painter, 29, of Hermantown is accused of sexually assaulting five boys under his watch at The Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth. Court documents in St….

House Fails to Override Trump Veto of his Border Emergency

A two-Thirds Majority was Needed

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON – An effort by House Democrats to override President Donald Trump’s first veto has failed. That hands him a victory because his declaration of a national emergency at the Southwest border will remain in effect. The Democratic-controlled chamber has voted 248-181 in favor of overriding Trump’s veto. That fell 38 votes short of the 286 needed…

Gov. Walz Talks Healthcare Reform in Duluth

Roundtable held at Snooty Fox Tea Shop.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over a month after releasing a new budget proposal, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared more about a feature of that proposal, his OneCare health care reform. At a roundtable discussion at Snooty Fox Tea Shop, the governor promised to “cut out the middleman” by not paying insurance companies hoping they lower costs. Instead he plans to provide direct subsidies…

Superior Residents Meet City Council Candidates

Meet and greet at the Elks Lodge hosted by Superior Young Professionals

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior residents had a chance to meet city council candidates at the Elks Lodge. Current city councilors Craig Sutherland, Tylor Elm, Brent Fennessy, Ruth Ludwig, and Jack Sweeney were at the event. Plus, candidate Tom Woldolkowski and a representative from candidate Laura Gapske attended. The meet and greet was hosted by the Superior Young Professionals. “It’s a…

Bitter Health Insurance Debate Erupts in Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bitter, partisan debate erupted on the Minnesota House floor when Republicans tried to bring up a health care reinsurance bill that House Democrats oppose as a giveaway to the insurance industry. Republicans passed a $549 million reinsurance plan to hold down individual marketplace premiums when they controlled the Legislature in 2017. A bill the Senate…

Convenience Stores Find Loophole to Sell Flavored Tobacco

Korner Store in Gary New Duluth opening up smoke shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- At least two convenience stores in Duluth have found a way around a year-old city ordinance that bans the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products. Derek Medved, owner of the Korner Store in Gary New Duluth, is creating a separate retail establishment as a smoke shop within his convenience store. The 10 foot by 10 foot section…

House Lawmakers Pass Hands-Free Driving Bill, on to Senate

State Highway Patrol in favor of law.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota House has approved a bill requiring drivers to use hands–free devices when talking on the phone. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. Sponsors of the bill say the measure will help cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. Today the Minnesota State Highway Patrol told us that they’re…

Trump Issues First Veto After Rebuke of Border Order

It is Unlikely Congress Will have Majority Required to Override the Veto

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency on Friday, overruling Congress to protect his emergency declaration for border wall funding. Flanked by law enforcement officials as well as the parents of children killed by people in the country illegally, Trump maintained that he is not through fighting for his signature campaign…

Senate Rejects Trump Border Emergency as Republicans Defect

WASHINGTON – In a stunning rebuke, the Republican-controlled Senate has voted to terminate President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Senate voted 59-41 for a resolution to halt Trump’s emergency order. Trump has promised to veto it, and it is unlikely that Congress will have the votes to override him. Yet the vote represents…

Democrat Beto O’Rourke announces 2020 White House bid

O'Rourke Officially Announced his 2020 Democratic Primary bid Thursday

AUSTIN, Texas – Former congressman Beto O’Rourke is running for president. The 46-year-old officially announced his 2020 Democratic primary bid Thursday with an online post. After months of teasing a bid, he’s finally, formally hoping to turn buzz from a close loss in Texas’ 2018 Senate race into a White House try. O’Rourke nearly upset Sen. Ted Cruz. Since then,…

Dems Select Milwaukee for 2020 National Convention

The Convention is Scheduled for July 13-16, 2020

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Democrats selected Milwaukee to host their 2020 national convention Monday, setting up the party’s 2020 standard-bearer to accept the presidential nomination in the heart of the old industrial belt that delivered Donald Trump to the White House. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez chose Milwaukee over Houston and Miami after deliberations lingered longer than party leaders or…

Rep. Pete Stauber Visits IPS Cranes

He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and refurbishes locomotive cranes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber stopped in Duluth this weekend to visit a local manufacturing facility. Representative Stauber says Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District has every form of transportation from rail to air. Stauber got a chance to meet some transportation workers this weekend. He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and…

Gov. Tim Walz Visits Duluth

The Gov. and Lt. Gov. are on a statewide education tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and the state’s education commissioner stopped in the Northland today as part of their statewide education tour. The Governor read to kindergarteners at Myers Wilkins Elementary in Duluth. He then met with teachers and administrators, getting feedback about what they need. Walz is also using the tour to promote full service community…

Hillary Clinton Rules out 2020 Rematch With Donald Trump

Clinton Made the Announcement During an Interview Posted Monday

WASHINGTON – Hillary Clinton says she won’t run for president in 2020, but vows she’s “not going anywhere.” The former secretary of state, senator and first lady ruled out another campaign during an interview posted Monday by New York TV station News12 . Clinton, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump, says, “I’m going to keep on working…

Walz Sets Goal: 100 Percent Carbon-Free Electricity by 2050

(video courtesy: Facebook/Governor Tim Walz) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has set an ambitious goal for Minnesota to get 100 percent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050. Walz said at a news conference Monday that his clean energy proposals would put Minnesota at the forefront of addressing climate change. The Democratic governor says his proposals build…

Trump, Kim Summit Collapses Over Sanctions Impasse

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — President Donald Trump has departed Vietnam after failing to reach an agreement during his second nuclear summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. The U.S. leader said he “walked away” from talks with Kim after it was clear the two sides remained at odds in talks over ending the North’s nuclear program. Trump says the North…

Duluth Council OKs $88K For External Review Of Police Dept.

DULUTH, Minn.- City councilors have unanimously approved Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s request to purchase an external evaluation of his department at a cost of roughly $88,000. The funds would come from the department’s already-approved operational budget for 2019. The assessment would be performed by a third party, and police say it would help them better allocate their limited resources…

Kal Randa Enters Race for St. Louis County Board

22-year-old University of Minnesota student joins three other candidates in race

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A fourth candidate has entered the race for the open seat on the St. Louis County Board. Kal Randa is a 22-year-old college student from Hermantown. He’s expecting to graduate soon from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a major in political science. He is president of the group, Minnesota Students for Liberty. Randa joins candidates Keith…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

One-On-One: Gov. Walz Talks Legalizing Marijuana, Mining & Infrastructure

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Republican tax Plan

Evers Will Unveil his Income tax Plans Next Week

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed an income tax cut bill in an early showdown with legislative Republicans who had moved to weaken the Democrat’s powers just weeks before he took office. Evers’ veto Wednesday came on a bill that his party had called a stunt by Republicans. The GOP doesn’t have enough votes to override the…

Minnesota Joins Lawsuit to Block Trump’s National Emergency

The Lawsuit was Filed by California's Attorney General

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota has joined with 15 other states in suing to block President Donald Trump’s declaration of an emergency to fund his proposed wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. Attorney General Keith Ellison says the plan to divert funds is illegal and unconstitutional. He says federal money designated for the Minnesota National Guard would be at…

Sen. Bernie Sanders Running for President in 2020

The Announcement Came Tuesday Morning

WASHINGTON – Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says he’s running for president in 2020. The 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist challenged Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary in 2016 and said on Tuesday that he planned to again seek the nomination. Sanders has reshaped Democratic politics and earned a loyal following with his passionate defense of liberal proposals including free college…

Trump declares national emergency to build border wall

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says he expects legal challenges to his decision to declare a national emergency to erect barriers between the U.S. and Mexico but says he’ll be vindicated. Trump announced Friday that he has signed the appropriate paperwork to declare an emergency on the border so he can build a wall. In a sing-songy tone of voice,…

Senate Passes Border Security Plan

The House Will Take a Vote Thursday Night

WASHINGTON – The Senate has passed a bipartisan border security plan that would finance 55 additional miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, significantly less than President Donald Trump wanted. The vote came shortly after the White House announced he’ll sign the measure — and immediately announce he’ll use emergency powers to build additional miles without approval from Congress. The…

Senate Confirms William Barr as Attorney General

Barr Previously Served as AG From 1991-1993

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – The Senate has confirmed William Barr as attorney general, placing the veteran government official and lawyer atop the Justice Department as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates Russian interference in the 2016 election. The Senate voted 54-45 to confirm Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993. Barr will succeed Jeff Sessions, who was…

Klobuchar Raises $1M Within 48 Hours of Launching 2020 bid

She Kicked off her Candidacy Sunday

WASHINGTON — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s campaign says the Democrat raised more than $1 million in the 48 hours after launching her presidential bid. Klobuchar kicked off her candidacy Sunday during a snowy rally in Minneapolis. Her campaign says the money was raised from “online and grassroots supporters.” She is one of the few Democrats running for the presidency who…

Amy Klobuchar Launches Presidential Bid During Snowy Minneapolis Rally

MINNEAPOLIS — (FOX 9) – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar launched her presidential campaign Sunday afternoon during a snowy rally near downtown Minneapolis, joining a crowded field of Democrats seeking to challenge President Donald Trump. A light but steady snow fell during the event at Boom Island Park, partially obscuring the Minneapolis skyline behind the stage. Some supporters trekked to the…

Gary Anderson To Run for Second Term on Council

Current first district councilor announces he'll run for second term

DULUTH, Minn.- To cheers from his supporters at Vanilla Bean in Duluth, First District City Councilor Gary Anderson announced he will be running for council for a second 4-year-term. Anderson is currently the Vice President of the council. During his term has helped craft and vote on the Earn Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and changing the age to buy…

College Students on State of the Union

UMD College Democrats Watch and Critique

DULUTH, Minn.- Lots of people in the Northland had interest in President Trump’s State of the Union Speech, including some younger eyes. Students at a few of the political clubs in twin port colleges tell us they had private viewing parties to watch the big speech. According to one UMD College Democrat, President Trump should focus on topics he feels…

Republican Jason Rarick Wins MN 11th District State Senate Race

Rarick tops DFL candidate Stu Lourey

FINLAYSON, Minn. – Republican candidate, Jason Rarick, won the special election to represent Minnesota’s 11th District in the State Senate. When the final results were counted on Tuesday night, Rarick had 8,127 votes compared to DFL candidate Stu Lourey’s 7,171. Rarick is a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives where he has served since 2015. He and his supporters…

Narrow Divide in Senate Raises Stakes in Special Election

Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Voters in northern Minnesota take part in a special Senate election Tuesday with a little more at stake than usual. Republicans had just a one-seat majority in the Senate before newly elected Gov. Tim Walz appointed Democrat Tony Lourey to his cabinet. Now the GOP is hoping to flip the seat Lourey vacated to give themselves a bit…

Elements Begin To Emerge of Walz Agenda For Rural Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New Gov. Tim Walz won’t release his first budget until Feb. 19 but some elements of his agenda for rural Minnesota are already emerging. Walz is Minnesota’s first governor from greater Minnesota since Rudy Perpich left office in 1991. The Democratic former congressman from Mankato has provided some glimpses recently about his plans for the…