Political

Final Round of Mediation Scheduled Between Teamsters, St. Louis County

Two sides will return to negotiations next Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A final round of mediation has been scheduled between the Teamsters Local 320 Union representing plow operators and St. Louis County, by the state of Minnesota. According to a document from the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, the mediation will begin next Friday January 10th at 10:00 am at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. After the…

Warren, Klobuchar End 2019 Lagging Top Rivals in Fundraising

WASHINGTON (AP) – Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has announced raising $21.2 million for her presidential campaign in the final three months of last year. The total trails the amounts collected by the Democratic presidential primary’s three other front-runners: former Vice President Joe Biden with $22.7 million, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders with $34.5 million and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete…

Trump Plan to Curb Teen Vaping Exempts Some Flavors

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers. But the plan from the Trump administration includes major exceptions that benefit companies that make and sell e-cigarettes and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday the policy won’t affect menthol or tobacco flavors. The policy also won’t affect…

Democrat Julián Castro Drops Out of 2020 Presidential Race

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Former Obama housing secretary Julián Castro is ending his run for president. Castro’s announcement Thursday comes after he failed to garner enough support or donations to make the recent Democratic presidential debates. The former San Antonio mayor languished around 1% in polls and lagged behind his 2020 rivals in fundraising. Castro was the only Latino candidate…

Existing Contract Ends for St. Louis County Public Works Employees, No Word on Bargaining Yet

The two sides will continue working under the same contract until a new one is reached, or until the Union decides to strike.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is the final day of the existing contract the St. Louis County Public Works employees have with the county. According to St. Louis County Officials, they haven’t received notice of the Teamsters Local 320 Union’s intent to strike, or any interest to return to the bargaining table. Both sides will continue working under the terms of the…

Trump to Counter Iowa Democratic Debate With Wisconsin Rally

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Wisconsin next month, countering a Democratic presidential debate set for the same night in Iowa. Trump’s campaign says the rally will be Jan. 14 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. It’s the same night that CNN and The Des Moines Register are sponsoring the first Democratic debate of 2020…

Dozens Turn Out to Celebrate Hanukkah at Miller Hill Mall

Chabad of Duluth lighting menorah for the second year in a row.

DULUTH, Minn.- For hundreds of years the miracle and sacrifices of the Macabees as they fought for their independence from the Greeks–is remembered across the world, and right at Miller Hill Mall, during Hanukah. A large crowd gathered, reciting prayers and songs as Rabbi Mendy Ross lights the giant menorah. A show of unity, after a tough year for the…

President Donald Trump Impeached by U.S. House on Two Charges

House impeaches President Trump on two charges, forcing Senate trial on whether to convict and remove him from office

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday night, becoming only the third American chief executive to be formally charged under the Constitution’s ultimate remedy for high crimes and misdemeanors. The historic vote split along party lines, much the way it has divided the nation, over the charges that the 45th president abused…

Watch Live: House Starts Historic Session to Impeach Trump; GOP Stalls

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has gaveled in for a historic session to impeach President Donald Trump. He faces charges he abused his power and obstructed Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Democratic lawmakers to gather for what she calls a “solemn” session Wednesday. As soon as it opened, Republicans tried to halt the proceedings with a procedural vote. It was…

Protestors Rally in Duluth to Support Trump Impeachment

Protestors voiced disappointment with Republican Congressman Pete Stauber.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the House of Representatives is set to vote on President Trump’s impeachment Wednesday, some in Duluth voiced their support for his ouster. The “No One is Above the Law” Rally was one of the more than 500 protests planned in all fifty states Tuesday. According to organizers, they want to ensure Congress holds President Trump accountable for…

Rally Calls for Council Support to Pass Ban on Conversion Therapy

Council voted 8-0 with Councilor Jay Fosle opposed.

DULUTH, Minn.- Activists, city leaders, and other members of the LGBTQ Community gathered on the ground floor of City Hall for a rally asking the City Council to vote yes on a ban on Conversion Therapy. The council passed the ban 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosle absent. “Will encourage our state legislature to pass a statewide ban in 2020,” said…

House Panel Approves 2 Trump Impeachment Charges

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) WASHINGTON (AP) – The House Judiciary Committee has approved two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The charges now go to the full House for an expected vote next week. The abuse of power charge stems from Trump’s July phone call with the Ukraine president pressuring him to announce an investigation of Democrats as he…

Democrats Unveil Trump Impeachment Charges

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrats have announced two articles of impeachment charging President Donald Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The charges announced Tuesday stem from Trump’s pressure on Ukraine to announce investigations of his political rivals as he withheld aid to the country. Earlier Tuesday, Trump tweeted that he did “NOTHING” wrong and that impeaching a president…

Duluth Council Approves $235 Thousand to Spirit Mountain

Councilors voice disappointment that resort is in this state.

DULUTH, Minn.- The fate of Spirit Mountain rested in the hands of the Duluth City Council, who voted to grant $235,000 to the resort, to make up for losses after a Thanksgiving blizzard cancelled this past Amsoil Snocross. While the council approved the resolution 8-1 with Jay Fosle opposed, it was not without a tone of disappointment that the resort…

Duluth Youth Strike for Climate Change

Students strike with youth around the world to demand action on Climate Change.

DULUTH, Minn.- Young people in Duluth rallied with youth around the world holding a strike to raise awareness of Climate Change. Students with Duluth Youth Climate Strike posted up in front of City Hall to demand legislative action, and draw attention to the issue. They said it’s important that youth continue to stand up, as climate scientists have said there…

House Will Draft Trump Impeachment Articles, Pelosi Says

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the House is moving forward to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Pelosi delivered the historic announcement Thursday from the speaker’s offices at the Capitol. Trump, meanwhile, tweeted that if Democrats are going to impeach him, he wants them to “do it now, fast”‘ so he can get on…

President Trump Makes Surprise Thanksgiving Visit to U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (AP) – President Donald Trump paid a surprise Thanksgiving visit to Afghanistan, where he announced the U.S. and Taliban have been engaged in ongoing peace talks and said he believes the Taliban want a cease-fire. In his first trip to the site of America’s longest war, Trump arrived at Bagram Air Field shortly after 8:30 p.m….

Duluth Council Passes Plastic Bag Fee, Two Councilors Opposed

City has until April to decide enforcement.

DULUTH, Minn.- After discussing the issue of plastic bags for almost four years and  debating the Five Cent Bag Fee ordinance for two months, Duluth City Council has passed the ordinance 6-2, with Councilors Forsman and Van Nett opposed. As per usual with the meetings over the past couple months, many members of the public spoke out on the issue,…

Rep. Loeffler Remembered as Fierce Advocate for Constituents

Loeffler Was First Elected to the House in 2004

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s House speaker says Rep. Diane Loeffler has died after battling cancer. Speaker Melissa Hortman says Loeffler died Saturday at age 66. Hortman calls Loeffler a “powerhouse” whose absence will be a huge loss for the Legislature. Loeffler is a DFLer who was first elected to the House in 2004. She was a lifelong resident…

Watch Live: US Diplomat Arrives for Impeachment Hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) 10:20 a.m. – Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch says she was told last April by a State Department official to return to the United States “on the next plane” because of concerns “up the street” – a phrase she understood to mean the White House. Yovanovitch said she received the call at 1 a.m. from an…

WATCH LIVE: Trump Impeachment Hearings

WASHINGTON (AP) 3 p.m. – The two veteran diplomats testifying in the House impeachment hearing are denying President Donald Trump’s accusation that they adamantly oppose him. Shortly before Wednesday’s House Intelligence Committee hearing began, Trump tweeted, “NEVER TRUMPERS!” He mentioned no evidence. California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell asked both men if Trump’s claim was true. State Department official George Kent…

Study Presented to Superior City Council Recommending Part-Time Mayor, Full-Time Administrator

Study also recommends major software investment and some staffing changes

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A study was presented to the Superior City Council about how the city can become more efficient and effective. The study focused on things like staffing, workflow, and management structure. One recommendation calls for the mayor’s position to be reduced to part-time while hiring a full-time city administrator. According to RW Management Group who conducted the study,…

Duffy Takes Job as Lobbyist After Resigning From Congress

Duffy Resigned in September

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Sean Duffy has taken a job for a Washington lobbying firm after resigning from Congress two months ago, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and newborn who has a heart defect and Down syndrome. BGR Group announced Tuesday that the Republican Duffy would be working for the firm as a senior counsel…

Study Recommends Part-Time Mayor, Full-Time Administrator For City of Superior

Mayor Jim Paine: Recommendation Holds No Weight, More Pressing Issues To Focus On Like Software Investments

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A new study has been released about the city of Superior’s operations at city hall and how it can improve to be more efficient and effective. The study was initiated by Mayor Jim Paine and the city council, and conducted by RW Management Group, Inc. The consultant group assessed things like current staffing, workflow, workloads and management…

Evers Promotes Deputy After Senate Fires Agriculture Leader

(photo: DATCP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has promoted the deputy agriculture secretary after the Wisconsin Senate fired the head of the agency earlier this week. Evers’ spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff on Thursday said that Randy Romanski will take over as interim secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Romanski has worked for a variety of…

Wisconsin Assembly to Attempt First Overrides in 11 Years

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Assembly plans to attempt the first veto overrides in 11 years, targeting three partial budget vetoes by Gov. Tony Evers. The Republican-controlled Assembly plans to vote on the veto overrides on Thursday. Republicans don’t have enough votes to pass them without Democratic support. Democratic Minority Leader Gordon Hintz says no Democrats will support the…

Northland General Election Results

Below are the up to date results to the key races in Tuesday’s Northland General Elections Duluth Mayor Emily Larson (I) – 13,340  63.3% David Nolle – 7,509  35.8% Duluth Council Member at Large (Elect 2) Arik Forsman (I) – 8,972  25.8% Noah Hobbs (I) – 8,717  25.0% Mike Mayou – 7,869 22.6% Derek Medved – 9,068  26.2% Duluth Council…

Medved, Forsman Elected Duluth Councilors-At-Large

The two beat out Hobbs and Mayou.

DULUTH, Minn.- In a close race, newcomer Derek Medved and incumbent Arik Forsman have been elected Duluth Councilors At Large. Medved clinched the vote at 9,068 votes, and Forsman at 8,972 votes. They beat out Noah Hobbs at 8,717 votes, and Mike Mayou at 7,869. 24-year-old Medved owns the Gary Milkhouse and Korner Store convenience stores. It is his first…

Anderson, Randorf, Kennedy Elected to Duluth City Council

Districts 3 & 5 get new councilors, District 1 gets incumbent Anderson.

DULUTH, Minn.- On election night, Gary Anderson was voted First District City Councilor, while Roz Randorf was voted Third District, and Janet Kennedy voted Fifth District Councilors. Anderson won 3,630 votes to Becky Hall’s 2,349. Randorf won 1,637 to Theresa O’Halloran Johnson’s 1,356. Kennedy won 2,125 to Jeanne Koneczny’s 1,930 votes. Anderson has been Councilor for the First District for…

Oswald, Kirby, Sandholm Elected Duluth School Board Members

Alanna Oswald, and David Kirby were re-elected while newcomer Paul Sandholm picked up Election night wins

DULUTH, Minn.- Alanna Oswald and David Kirby have been re-elected on the Duluth School Board, while Paul Sandholm also was victorious Tuesday night. In the At-Large race, Oswald received 10,528 votes or 54.4% defeated challenger John Schwetman who picked up 8,667 votes or 44.8%. Over in District 2, David Kirby was re-elected after knocking off Harry Welty. Kirby would receive…

Wisconsin Senate Fires Agriculture Secretary

Senate Voted 19-14 to Reject Pfaff's Confirmation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has voted to fire the state agriculture secretary, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Evers watched the vote Tuesday from the floor of the Senate, a highly unusual appearance by the governor during legislative debate. The move to oust Brad Pfaff is the latest skirmish in a series of battles between…

Sanders Attempts to Recapture 2016 Political Energy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sen. Bernie Sanders attempted to recapture the political energy at a Minneapolis rally that led to his runaway victory in the Minnesota DFL presidential caucus four years ago. He appeared Sunday at the University of Minnesota with Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has endorsed the 78-year-old Vermont senator and who broke from the rest of the state’s Democratic…

Democrat Beto O’Rourke Has Announced He’s Dropping His 2020 Presidential Bid

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrat Beto O’Rourke has announced he’s dropping his 2020 presidential bid. O’Rourke tweeted Friday that his campaign “has always been about seeing clearly, speaking honestly, and acting decisively.” He writes, “In that spirit: I am announcing that my service to the country will not be as a candidate or as the nominee.” O’Rourke had been struggling to…

Trump Only Republican on Presidential Primary Ballot in MN

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump isn’t the only Republican candidate running in the presidential primary, but he’ll be the only choice on the ballot in Minnesota. The Republican Party of Minnesota has informed the state Secretary of State that Trump will be the only name listed on the 2020 Republican primary ballot. The Star Tribune reports three other Republican…

House Approve Rules for Trump Impeachment Probe

Thursday's Roll Call was 232-196

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) – A sharply divided House has approved the rules for its impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Thursday’s near party-line 232-196 roll call was the chamber’s first formal vote on a process that’s likely to take months, possibly stretching into the early weeks of the 2020 election year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says a vote…

Trump Says Turkey Calls Cease-Fire ‘Permanent’

Trump Says Nearly All U.S. Troops Will be Leaving Syria

(AP PHOTO) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says Turkey has informed the U.S. it will make “permanent” a five-day cease-fire in Syria. In response, he says he’s directing the lifting of economic sanctions on Turkey. Claiming success at the U.S.-brokered effort, Trump said Wednesday, “this was an outcome created by us.” The cease-fire required Kurdish forces formerly allied with…

Pence Making 2 Wisconsin Stops to Tout Trade Deal

(Bethany Baker/The Billings Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence is making a pair of stops in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin to tout a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. The Pence stops Wednesday in Marinette and Pleasant Prairie come after he traveled to Pennsylvania, another battleground state, on Monday. Pence was scheduled…

Wisconsin Special Election for Congress Will be May 12

The Primary Will be February 18

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers is setting May 12 as the date of a special election for northern Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District to replace former Republican Rep. Sean Duffy. The primary will be Feb. 18. Evers opted against setting the general election on April 7, the same day as a state Supreme Court election. Democrats feared holding the…

Klobuchar Raised $1.1M for Presidential Campaign Post-Debate

Wednesday was the Campaigns Best Day of Online Fundraising

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she raised $1.1 million for her 2020 presidential campaign in the 24 hours following this week’s Democratic debate. The moderate Democratic Minnesota senator was among the top critics of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday, criticizing Warren’s health care plan as a “pipe dream.” She also ripped President Donald Trump. Campaign manager Justin…

US Rep. Elijah Cummings Has Died

Cummings Was 68

BALTIMORE (AP) – Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings died early Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital due to complications from longstanding health challenges, his congressional office said. He was 68. A sharecropper’s son, Cummings became the powerful chairman of a U.S. House committee that investigated President Donald Trump, and was a formidable orator who passionately advocated for the poor in his…

Pence Cancels Wisconsin Visit to Lead Turkey Delegation

Pence Was Scheduled to Visit Uline on Thursday

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has canceled his visit to Wisconsin because he’s been dispatched to Turkey to try and reach a ceasefire deal. Pence was scheduled to visit Uline in Pleasant Prairie on Thursday to advocate for passing President Donald Trump’s trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. Instead, Pence will lead a delegation to Turkey…

Democratic Rep. Pocan Says Impeachment Vote Coming Soon

Pocan Has Been Outspoken in Support of Impeachment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan says he expects the House to vote on articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump by the end of the calendar year. Pocan said Monday he believes Trump has committed an impeachable offense, but he can’t commit on whether he would vote to impeach until he sees the actual article of…

Wausau School Board President Running for Congress

Zunker is Running for the 7th Congressional District Seat

(Photo: Tricia Zunker campaign) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The president of the Wausau School Board who is also a justice on the Ho-Chunk Nation Supreme Court is running for Congress as a Democrat. Tricia Zunker is launching her campaign Monday. She would become the first Native American member of Congress from Wisconsin should she win. Zunker tells Wisconsin Public Radio…

Prince Estate Slams Trump Use of ‘Purple Rain’

They say the Campaign Confirmed a Year Ago it Would not use Prince's Music

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The estate of musical legend Prince is objecting to President Donald Trump’s use of a Prince song before a campaign rally in Minneapolis Thursday night. The Trump campaign played Prince’s “Purple Rain” as the audience at the rally waited for the president to begin speaking. Prince’s estate released a statement after the rally…

Third Candidate Enters 8th Congressional District Race

HIBBING, Minn. – Another Democratic candidate has entered the race for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Iron Range native Marjorie (Marje) Holmstrom-Sabo announced on Tuesday that she is running to challenge GOP Rep. Pete Stauber. According to a recent press release her background includes careers in software engineering and education. Diabetes activist Quinn Nystrom, 33, entered the congresstional race on Thursday…

 Trump Campaign Says Minneapolis Rally is Set

The Company Says it was Prepared to Sue

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign says his Minneapolis rally will go ahead as scheduled Thursday after a brief dispute over security costs. The campaign says the city of Minneapolis presented the operator of Target Center a $530,000 bill for security costs, and the arena operator had sought help from the campaign. The campaign says it was prepared…

Wisconsin’s Growing Hemp Industry to Get Boost Under Bill

The Measure is up for Approval Tuesday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s hemp industry would remain under state control as it enters its second year under a bill up for a vote in the Legislature. The bipartisan measure up for Senate approval Tuesday is designed to help farmers, hemp processors, retailers and consumers as the industry in Wisconsin explodes. It makes a variety of changes to align…

Trump Campaign Threatens to Sue Minneapolis Over Security Costs

Trump's Campaign Says the City is Trying to Force it to Pay $530,000

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump’s campaign has threatened to sue Minneapolis for trying to force it to pay $530,000 in security costs for this week’s rally in the city. Trump’s campaign, in a statement late Monday night, said Mayor Jacob Frey is abusing the power of his office by “conjuring a phony and outlandish bill for security” at Thursday’s…