Political Archives - Page 48 of 61

President Donald Trump Pays Visit to Wall Prototypes

He said he preferred a fully concrete wall because it was the hardest to climb, but he noted that it needed to be see-through.

March 13, 2018

The Associated Press,

SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday got his chance to inspect prototypes for the “big beautiful border wall” he wants to build to separate the U.S. from Mexico, saying strengthening the border would help stop “99 percent” of illegal immigration — or, he allowed, “maybe more than that.” The president, making his first trip to California as…

Upcoming Topics at Capitol Days

Capitol days starts on Tuesday, March 13th.

March 12, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is Capitol Days as Duluth and St. Louis County will head to St. Paul discussing local issues. Over 500 community members and local officials are bringing a voice for the Northland to St. Paul. The city will be asking for $10 million towards rehabilitation of the sea wall. Officials are also seeking approval for the half percent sales…

Twin Ports Area Receives “C” on Infrastructure Report Card

Aviation and Bridges Receive "B-"; Drinking Water Gets "D"

March 12, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports area infrastructure has gotten a “mediocre” rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The group released their infrastructure report card for the region Monday. The Twin Ports Area earned a “C” GPA on their infrastructure report card. That’s better than the “D+” national average, but local leaders want to see improvements made. “We all…

Northland Mines Expect Positive Impact from Tariffs

Officials say the tariffs will create a level playing field for mines in Minnesota.

March 9, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump’s decision about steel and aluminum tariffs is bringing a lot of mixed reaction from the Northland. Mines in the Northland are expecting the steel and aluminum tariffs to have a positive affect in Minnesota. Officials say Minnesota produces %85 of the domestic iron For the united state the tariffs could possibly bring more jobs to mines in…

President Trump Plans to Meet Kim Jong Un for Nuke Talks

The planned meeting is set for May.

March 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump plan to meet in May for nuclear disarmament talks, a whiplash development that would put two leaders who’ve repeatedly insulted, threatened and dismissed each other in the same room, possibly in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It would have been an unthinkable…

Watchdog: Trump Adviser Kellyanne Conway Violated Hatch Act

The White House disputed the independent agency’s findings.

March 6, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal watchdog says White House counselor Kellyanne Conway violated the federal law prohibiting government officials from using their positions to influence political campaigns. The Office of Special Counsel, which is unrelated to Robert Mueller’s office, says Conway violated the Hatch Act twice last year when she spoke out in support of Republican Roy…

City of Superior hosts listening session with business community

Local business leaders took part in a discussion about ways to improve the city's economy

March 5, 2018

Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The City of Superior held another in a series of listening sessions on Monday. The city has been hosting listening sessions with different demographic groups to get a feel for what the community likes about Superior, as well as address areas in which the city could improve. ” is already a great place to work, play and live,”…

Governor Dayton Urges Passage of MinnesotaCare Buy-In

WillgGive Minnesotans Another, More Affordable Choice for Health Insurance

March 1, 2018

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today urged state legislators to support and pass a “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” option this session. The proposal would allow all Minnesotans the choice to purchase their health insurance through MinnesotaCare – a state program that for 26 years has provided some eligible working Minnesota families a more affordable choice to purchase their health care….

Local Gun Stores to Keep Selling Modern Sporting Rifles

Other Local Groups Focused on Regulating Unlicensed Gun Sellers

February 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dicks’ Sporting Goods decision to stop selling what they’re calling “assault style rifles” is getting a lot of attention, including from other stores in our area that do sell those types of guns. One store in Superior tell us they won’t be following in Dicks’ footsteps, it’s a choice they feel strongly about. Superior Shooter’s Supply carries…

Sen. Tom Bakk Invites Delta Air Lines to Minnesota Amid Gun Debate

Bakk to Delta Air Lines: You can always come home

February 27, 2018

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus Leader Tom Bakk is encouraging Delta Air Lines to move its corporate headquarters to Minnesota. Delta absorbed Minnesota grown airline Northwest in 2008 and consolidated operations in Atlanta, Georgia. This invitation comes on the heals of a threat Georgia lawmakers made to Delta to vote down a $50 million sales tax exemption…

Governor Dayton Signs Legislative Budget

“I am glad to put this matter behind us." - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton

February 26, 2018

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton today signed Chapter 100, HF 399 into law. This bill provides budget funding for the Minnesota Senate and House, and reimburses funding to the Legislative Coordinating Commission. In a statement to the press, Dayton said, “I am glad to put this matter behind us, so that we may turn our attention to the…

8th Congressional District Green Party Candidate Makes Campaign Stop

This is not the first time Sandman has entered the race for this seat.

February 23, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Green Party candidate making a run for the 8th Congressional District seat spent the day fundraising in Duluth. Ray “Skip” Sandman hosted a fry bread taco sale to raise money for his campaign. This is not the first time Sandman has entered the race for this seat. Sandman says now people are ready for something else that’s…

Legislative Budget Heads for Dayton’s Signature

Dayton Vetoed $130 Million in Funding for House and Senate Last Year

February 23, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A bill to restore the Legislature’s operating budget is heading to Gov. Mark Dayton. Dayton vetoed the $130 million in funding for the House and Senate last year, triggering months of court cases and forcing the Legislature to hobble into session running on emergency funds. Dayton wanted to rework costly tax breaks and other measures last year but…

Special Interest Groups Book Trump Properties

Book Trump? Interest groups press their agenda at his hotels and resorts.

February 22, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Payday lenders got regulators to rethink rules on how closely to vet borrowers. E-cigarette makers got a delay in federal oversight of many vaping products. Candy makers praised a decision to hold off on more stringent labeling standards. And title insurers declared “victory” for getting changes that benefited them in the tax overhaul. What do all these…

Shooting Survivors Demand Change at Florida Capitol

Florida Legislature debates the public health risk of pornography instead.

February 21, 2018

The Associated Press,

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Thousands of chanting students, including survivors of the Florida school shooting, rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday, demanding changes to gun laws and threatening to remove Republicans who refuse to address new gun-control measures. A week after the massacre that killed 17 people, the students took their message into the gun-friendly halls of power in…

Russia Troll Farm Even Zanier than Indictment Says

The indictment glosses over some of the wackier aspects of Russian trolling stunts

February 20, 2018

The Associated Press,

MOSCOW (AP) – A Clinton-Obama sex tape using body doubles. A Facebook page promoting Texas independence riddled with grammatical mistakes. The U.S. indictment centered on a Russian internet “troll farm” only scratches the surface of the agency that allegedly produced content to sway the presidential election – and glosses over how unconvincing some of its stunts could be. Although it…

Attorney Admits he Lied to Mueller’s Federal Agents

Alex van der Zwaan says he lied about his interactions with Rick Gates and Paul Manafort.

February 20, 2018

The Associated Press,

Alex van der Zwaan, second from left, arrives at Federal District Court in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. Van der Zwaan has been accused of lying to investigators about his interactions with Rick Gates, who was indicted last year along with Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s campaign chairman, on charges of conspiracy to launder money and acting as an unregistered…

North Branch Mayor Joins Race For 8th Congressional District

Kennedy is a single mother of five and has a masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

February 19, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The list of candidates vying for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 8th Congressional District seat is getting longer. North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy is among those seeking the DFL nomination. After speaking to her family, Kennedy says this is the right time to run. When asked how can she represent people that live so far away from her North…

U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Polling Place Attire

A Minnesota ban on political attire could be overturned by the Supreme Court later this month.

February 19, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Like a number of states, Minnesota bars voters from wearing political items to the polls to reduce the potential for confrontations or voter intimidation. But that could change. The Supreme Court will consider a challenge to the state’s law on Feb. 28. This case could affect other states, too. Wen Fa, a lawyer with the Pacific Legal…

Lawmakers Gear Up For the Upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session

The legislative session lasts for three months.

February 19, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 20. is the first day of the Minnesota’s 2018 Legislative Session in St. Paul and area lawmakers are ready to address everything from housing, healthcare to gun control. A lot is at stake for Minnesota’s 90th Legislative Session. Gov. Mark Dayton’s $1.5 billion proposal is among topics to be discussed. Proposed bonding projects in the Northland include…

Key Players Shape Minnesota Legislative Agenda

Priorities clash between Gov. Dayton and top Repulicans while DFL members buck Fischbach's dualing roles

February 19, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – All 201 legislators will soon return to the Minnesota Capitol, but three men and one woman will play a big role in setting the Legislature’s course. The Legislature reconvenes Tuesday for a three-month session with plenty of work to do. Gov. Mark Dayton has set the tone entering session with his own priorities like curbing…

Michelle Lee Kicks Officially Announces Campaign for 8th Congressional District

Congressman Rick Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013.

February 18, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news anchor Michelle Lee officially made her campaign announcement for the 8th Congressional District. Lee and some of her supporters were at Fon du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet. She says her 30 years of covering the news will help her focus on the issues like gun control, mining and education. “I will go to…

Organizations Concerned for Future of Great Lakes Funding

The White House's proposed budget plan would cut $30 million to $300 million dollars in GLRI funding.

February 15, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Local organizations are concerned on how the Great Lakes will be kept clean and for the future of job for the workers involved in the various projects for many years. The White House’s proposed budget plan cuts funding From the Great Lakes Restoration Innitiative. The GLRI It helps fund universities, state, and federal agencies. The GLRI launched in 2010 with…

Bannon Interviewed in Mueller’s Russia Investigation

Bannon interrogated for 20 hours over two days

February 15, 2018

The Associated Press,

Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, arrives for questioning by the House Intelligence Committee as part of its ongoing investigation into meddling in the U.S. elections by Russia, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, the combative former chief strategist for President Donald Trump, was interrogated for…

Governor Dayton Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Opioid Abuse

Opioid overdose deaths increased 66% between 2010 and 2016 - noticeable spike in St. Louis County.

February 14, 2018

KQDS Staff,

Opioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically in recent years – increasing 66 percent between 2010 and 2016. Prescription opioids continue to be the most common cause of opioid overdose deaths. In 2016, there were 194 prescription opioid overdose deaths. Heroin-involved overdose death and synthetic opioids deaths also have seen a significant increase. There were 150 heroin involved deaths in 2016,…

Duluth City Council Passes Flavored Tobacco Ban

Ban Affects Convenience Stores, Not Smoke Shops

February 12, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth city council voted 7–2 Monday night in favor of banning the sale of flavored tobacco products in convenience stores, including gas stations. Councilors Noah Hobbs and Jay Fosle were the only two councilors who voted against the ban. The chamber was packed for the controversial vote. One side says flavored tobacco is a public health issue,…

Margaret Engebretson Announces Run for Congress in Wisconsin’s 7th District

The Democrat Will Challenge Incumbent GOP Congressman Sean Duffy

February 12, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Democrat Margaret Engebretson announced her candidacy to represent Wisconsin’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Engebretson is the first Democrat to officially enter the race against Republican Congressman Sean Duffy. The Navy veteran is a UW-Superior graduate and now works as an attorney in Balsam Lake. She says she’s running for Congress to represent the…

Rep. Nolan Retirement Announcement Surprises Northland

Many Candidates Have Announced Running for the 8th District Congressional Seat

February 9, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s 8th District Congressional Representative Rick Nolan announced he’s retiring at the end of his term and will not be a candidate for re-election. Rep. Rick Nolan has spent 16 years in elective office devoting a lot of time to Minnesota. In a statement released Friday Nolan says there’s a time and a purpose for everything and now is the…

Congressman Rick Nolan to Retire After Current Term

Nolan Announced Retirement Friday Morning

February 9, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan has announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. Rep. Nolan made the announcement through a letter to the press Friday morning. Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013. Previously, he represented Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District from 1975-1981. Rep. Nolan’s letter: “To the great people of Minnesota’s 8th District…

Trump signs budget deal, government reopens

February 8, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $400 billion budget deal that sharply boosts spending and swells the federal deficit, ending a brief federal government shutdown that happened while most Americans were sleeping and most government offices were closed, anyway. The House and Senate approved a bill to keep the government funded through March…

Big Budget Deal in Senate Hailed as “Genuine Breakthrough”

White House praises Senate budget deal

February 7, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House is praising a Senate budget agreement, saying it meets the administration’s priorities on defense spending and providing a two-year budget plan. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the deal will provide “certainty” for the next two years and achieves a “much needed” increase in funding for the national defense….

Northlanders come out to caucus

Duluthians engage in local democracy

February 6, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local party leaders and political participants made their way out to their respective party’s caucusing locations. Officials say caucuses are the first step toward the 2018 elections. “It’s a good way to meet your neighbors and just discuss the things that are currently important to you,” DFL East High School building captain Debra Taylor said. “It’s a…

Duluth Collects Record Tourism Tax Total, But Falls Short of Goal

Tax Is Collected From Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels to Improve City Tourism

February 6, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth brought in more money than ever through the tourism tax last year, but it was less than expected. $11.62 million was collected from the tax in 2017, an increase from the previous year but about $100,000 short of the city’s goal. Because of the shortfall, the city has budgeted for no growth to…

Minnesota’s Precinct Caucuses Set to Begin

The Independence Party has both in-person caucus locations and online caucusing.

February 5, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. -Precinct caucuses will be held across the state of Minnesota on Tuesday, Feb.6. Caucuses are meetings held as a way to engage local community members with their chosen political parties. People show support for their preferred candidates through an endorsement process that leads up to the state party conventions. Around here, the governor’s race and 8th district congressional…

Trump Will Clear Way for Publication of Classified Memo

Democrats say the memeo was "cherry-picked" and lacks context

February 1, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will clear the way for the publication of a controversial Republican-authored memo, White House officials said, despite objections from the FBI. The memo, prepared by Republicans on the House intelligence committee, is said to allege FBI misconduct in its investigation of potential ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign. Trump’s own Justice Department…

AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s claims in his State of Union address

The Associated Press offers a fact check to Trump's State of the Union Speech.

January 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The AP is fact-checking prepared remarks from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech. Here’s a look at some of the claims we’ve examined: ISLAMIC STATE TRUMP: “Last year I pledged that we would work with our allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the earth. One year later, I’m proud to report that the…

Trump Puts Twitter Aside as He Prepares for Big Speech

Democrats are looking to make their mark in other ways.

January 30, 2018

The Associated Press,

(Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool Image via AP, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will herald a robust economy and push for bipartisan congressional action on immigration in Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, as he seeks to rally a deeply divided nation and boost his own sagging standing with Americans. The speech marks the ceremonial kickoff of Trump’s second…

Larson Endorses Chris Coleman for Minnesota Governor

Coleman is one of more than a dozen candidates already in the race.

January 29, 2018

KQDS Staff,

Duluth, Minn. – Duluth mayor Emily Larson has officially announced her endorsement for DFL candidate Chris Coleman in the Minnesota gubernatorial race. Coleman is the former mayor of St. Paul. Coleman and Larson met with media today on Superior Street where the long awaited street reconstruction is set to begin this summer after securing funding in the bonding bill. Coleman…

What is the Real State of the Union?

The Associated Press offers a look at the stats prior to Trump's State of the Union Speech.

January 29, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — A by-the-numbers look at President Donald Trump’s first year in office reveals areas of both progress and peril. The stock market is soaring, smashing record after record. The unemployment rate has ticked downward. Some categories of violent crime are down, too. But more U.S. troops are stationed in war zones. More people are dying of drug overdoses….

Rep. Jen Schultz kicks off re-election campaign

Schultz is seeking a third term as the Representative for State House District 7A

January 28, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – DFL Rep. Jen Schultz has announced her candidacy for a third term for State House District 7A. Schultz kicked off her campaign on Sunday at Blacklist Artisan Ales in Duluth. Schultz is looking to address issues with Minnesota healthcare, tax reform, and affordable education. “I’ve built really good relationships on both sides if the isle,” Schultz said….

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Visits Superior

Gov. Walker addressed health care and sales tax rebate.

January 27, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Governor walker traveled to the Northland Saturday meeting with the Republican Party of Douglas County. The Republican Party of Douglas County held its annual Lincoln Day dinner in Superior. Governor Walker spoke to on-goers addressing issues, including what he hopes for the future of healthcare. “Affirms that preexisting conditions will be covered in the State of Wisconsin,” Gov….

Trump Immigration Plan Offers Citizenship Path to 1.8 Million

Opponents say the plan lacks details and sabotages bipartisan talks

January 25, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Donald Trump is proposing to provide a path to citizenship for 1.8 million so-called “Dreamers,” younger immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The plan is likely to get a mixed reaction on Capitol Hill. Senior White House officials are offering a preview of Trump’s immigration framework, casting it as a compromise that…

Gov. Walker Delivers State of the State Address

Gov. Scott Walker touts 2017 as an "amazing'' and "historic'' year.

January 24, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker laid out his priorities for the coming year at his eighth state of the state address Wednesday. He also looked back on 2017 as “amazing” and “historic.” Republican legislative leaders are embracing Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to give families a $100 payment for every child living at home under age 18. Both Republican…

Bill Passes House to Reopen Government

Government operations funded through February 8th

January 22, 2018

The Associated Press,

AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteWASHINGTON (AP) – Congress has approved a bipartisan agreement to re-open the federal government after a three-day partial shutdown. The House approved the bill, 266-150, hours after the Senate backed it, 81-18. President Donald Trump is expected to quickly sign the measure to fund government operations through Feb. 8. The votes set the stage for hundreds of…

Government Shutdown to End Soon

Senate Has Advanced Bill to Reopen Federal Agencies Through Feb. 8

January 22, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON, D.C.-It looks like the government shutdown will end soon. The Senate has advanced a bill reopening federal agencies through Feb. 8 after Democrats relented and lifted their blockade against the legislation. The shutdown began Saturday after Democrats derailed a Republican measure that would have kept government open until Feb. 16. Democrats wanted to pressure the GOP to cut a…

Candidates for Minnesota Governor Discuss Issues at UMD

Seven Gubernatorial Candidates Answered Questions from Students and the Community in Duluth

January 19, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven candidates for Minnesota Governor stopped by the University of Minnesota-Duluth today to meet with students and other voters in the northern part of the state. Several organizations at UMD brought in the candidates to get students more involved in the election process and give them more knowledge about the campaigns and important statewide issues. The panel…

House Passes Bill to Keep Government Open

The bill faces gloomy prospects in the Senate

January 18, 2018

The Associated Press,

AP Photo/Andrew HarnikWashington (AP) – A divided House voted to prevent a government shutdown after an eleventh-hour deal brought conservatives aboard. But the GOP-written measure faces gloomy prospects in the Senate, and it remains unclear whether lawmakers will be able to find a way to keep federal offices open past a Friday night deadline. The House voted by a near…

Opponents Blast Walker’s Welfare Proposals

Food Stamp Recipients Would Be Required to Take Drug Tests Under New Plan

January 18, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis.-Opponents say Gov. Scott Walker’s welfare overhaul proposal is a politically tone deaf effort that will do more harm than good. Walker on Thursday called on the Legislature to approve a variety of measures that include tougher work requirements, additional drug testing and a new photo identification requirement for food stamp recipients. Bobby Peterson is director of ABC for…

Twin Ports Women’s March to Fill Duluth Street this Weekend

Feminist Action Collective Advocates for Women's Rights

January 17, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, millions of women marched around the country advocating for women’s rights. This effort was also present in Duluth. This weekend, that sight will be seen again as men and women fill the street for the cause. The Feminist Action Collective is hosting the 2nd Annual Twin Ports Women’s March on Saturday, January 20. The day…

Gov. Dayton Releases Bonding Bill Proposal

Multiple Northland Projects Are on The List, While Others Are Not in the Bill for Now

January 16, 2018

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A new public works bonding proposal has been issued by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. The bill calls for $1.5 billion to be spent on a variety of projects throughout the state, creating an estimated 23,000 jobs. Much of the funding would go toward higher education, along with repairing infrastructure, and other state buildings. More than $542 million would…