Political Archives - Page 48 of 62

Trump Wants to Send up to 4,000 Troops to Border

Trump Gave his First Estimate on Guard Levels.

April 5, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)PHOENIX (AP) – President Donald Trump has said that he wants to send between 2,000 and 4,000 National Guard members to the US-Mexico border. Speaking on Air Force One Thursday, Trump gave his first estimate on guard levels. Asked about the cost, he said the administration was looking at it. Trump says he plans to keep the guard…

Pawlenty Seeks Return to Governor’s Mansion

Pawlenty announces his candidacy in a video release.

April 5, 2018

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tim Pawlenty has formally announced that he is entering the race for his old job. The two-term governor announced Thursday afternoon that he is entering the race after months of speculation. Pawlenty announced his candidacy in a video release on timpawlenty.com. Pawlenty says his “top priority will be putting those in the middle — who are…

St Luke’s Comes Out Against ‘Earned Sick and Safe Time’ Ordinance

April 4, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s — one of Duluth’s largest employers — sent a detailed letter to city councilors Wednesday with their disapproval of the proposed Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance. This comes after more than 20 restaurants in Duluth came together to oppose ESST. April 3, 2018 Dear City Councilors: Despite the robust process around the proposed Earned…

Trump to Sign Order Sending Guardsmen to Border

President Donald Trump Will Sign the Proclamation Later in the day.

April 4, 2018

The Associated Press,

AP Photo/Evan Vucci/newsfileWASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will be signing a proclamation directing the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to work together with governors to deploy the National Guard to the southwest border. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen made the announcement at the White House on Wednesday. She says he’ll sign the proclamation later in the day. Nielsen…

Escalating US-China Trade Dispute Heightens Global Concerns

China's Proposed Tariff on Soybeans Would be Devastating to U.S. Farmers.

April 4, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)WASHINGTON (AP) – The American Soybean Association, a lobbying group that says it represents 21,000 U.S. soybean producers, says China’s proposed 25-percent tariff on soybeans would be “devastating” to U.S. farmers. China is the largest consumer of U.S. soybeans, buying about one-third of all U.S. soybean production each year, the group says. Association President John Heisdorffer, an Iowa…

Walker Warns of ‘Blue Wave’ in Wisconsin

Walker is up Re-Election to a Third Term in November.

April 4, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says the win by a liberal candidate for state Supreme Court deals a “serious blow” to the conservative movement. Walker is issuing the warning in a fundraising email following a torrent of tweets the Republican incumbent sent Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Liberal Milwaukee judge Rebecca Dallet trounced conservative opponent Michael Screnock…

DHS Finds Suspected Phone Spying in Washington

The Agency Does not Know who Might Have Been Operating Them.

April 3, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)(AP) – For the first time, the U.S. government is publicly acknowledging the existence in Washington of what appear to be rogue devices that foreign spies and criminals could be using to track individual cellphones and intercept calls and messages. The eavesdropping devices are known as cellphone-site simulators. Their suspected use by foreign powers has long been…

Polls Open in Wisconsin for Supreme Court Race

Both candidates argue the other can't be trusted to serve as an independent voice on the state's highest court.

April 3, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Polls are open in the Wisconsin race for the state Supreme Court. Voters are casting their ballots Tuesday in the race between Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet and Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock for a 10-year term on the high court. Dallet drew the support of national Democrats, including former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and…

China Raises Tariffs on US pork, Fruit in Trade Dispute

The government of President Xi Jinping said Monday it was responding to a U.S. tariff hike on steel and aluminum.

April 2, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)BEIJING (AP) – China has raised import duties on a $3 billion list of U.S. pork, apples and other products in an escalating dispute with Washington over trade and industrial policy. The government of President Xi Jinping said Monday it was responding to a U.S. tariff hike on steel and aluminum. But that is just one facet of…

8th District Congressional Candidate Michelle Lee Announces Large Endorsement

Michelle is one of seven candidates running for Minnesota's 8th Congressional District seat.

March 30, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s 8th District Congressional Candidate Michelle Lee received a big endorsement from former Lieutenant Governor Yyonne Prettner Solon. Lee says Yyonne Prettner Solon never lost sight of the needs of the people and is proud to have Solon’s endorsement. During the campaign Solon will be serving as Lee’s senior political adviser. “I have promised Solon, just as I…

GOP Bill Toughening Protest Penalties Moves to House Floor

The House bill will now head for a full floor vote.

March 29, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Protest organizers could be financially and criminally liable if their event leads to property damage in Minnesota under a proposed bill. The House Public Safety committee advanced the Republican-backed bill Wednesday over objections from Democrats and civil rights groups. Republicans argue the bill would help prevent damages to public infrastructure and hold groups who encourage…

Walker Toughens Penalties for ‘Straw’ gun Purchases

This was one of the 41 bills he signed.

March 29, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law a bill strengthening the penalties for legally buying a firearm with the intent to provide the weapon to someone barred from having a gun. Walker on Wednesday signed the bill increasing penalties from a misdemeanor to a felony for “straw” purchases. It was one of 41 bills he signed….

Trump Fires Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin

Trump says Robert Wilkie will serve as acting VA secretary until Jackson is confirmed.

March 28, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, file)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is firing Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin and replacing him with the White House doctor in the wake of a bruising ethics scandal and a mounting rebellion within the VA. Trump tweets that he intends to nominate “highly respected Admiral Ronny L. Jackson, MD, as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs.”…

Gov. Dayton Asking to Extend Pre-K Funding for Years to Come

Republicans Believe a Funding Decision Should Wait Until a New Governor is Elected

March 28, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton wants to ensure that the state keeps providing preschool programs after he leaves office, but republicans are pushing back. Last year, he got lawmakers to boost up founding to voluntary pre-school by $50 million, but that money will lapse in 2019. Now Dayton is asking legislators to extend that funding for years to…

Trump Floats Using Military Budget to pay for Border Wall

Departments have limited authority to reprogram funds without congressional approval.

March 27, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is floating the idea of using the military’s budget to pay for his long-promised border wall with Mexico. Trump raised the idea with House Speaker Paul Ryan at a meeting last week, according to a person familiar with the discussion who spoke on condition of anonymity. And he’s tweeted that building “a…

Trump to end Deportation Protection for Liberians

Liberians have been eligible for Deferred Enforcement Departure since 1999.

March 27, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is ending a program that allows citizens of Liberia living in the U.S. to avoid deportation. But it’s allowing a one-year “wind-down” period to ease their return. Liberians have been eligible for Deferred Enforcement Departure since 1999. The program allows them to live and work in the U.S. A memorandum issued by…

Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance Debate Continues

Business Leaders Share Opinions and Counselors Consider Amendments

March 26, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Discussion continues about the proposed Duluth earned sick and safe time ordinance that would mandate businesses to provide earned time off to employees. After hearing people speak for about two hours, the Duluth City Council discussed possible amendments to the ordinance. One amendment included rollover of safe and sick time from one calendar year to another, how…

8th Congressional District Candidates Share the Stage

The College of St. Scholastica Hosted the Fourm Featuring All Seven Candidates

March 25, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time, all seven candidates for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional seat hit the stage for a public forum. The event was held at the College of St. Scholastica and by the student senate there. The forum consisted of pre-written questions followed by questions from the audience. “Often times, you never know what a candidate really stands…

Trump’s Plan to Remove McMaster Wasn’t True – Until it was

Bolton replacing McMaster as Trump national security adviser

March 23, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says he will replace national security adviser H.R. McMaster with the former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, a foreign policy hawk entering a White House facing key decisions on Iran and North Korea. “Just spoke to @POTUS and Gen. H.R. McMaster — contrary to reports they have a good working relationship and there…

Duluth Depot Seeking Bond for Building Upkeep

The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill.

March 22, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis county is hoping to preserve the Duluth Depot with help from the state. The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill. Officials say citizens won’t visibly notice improvements. The projects in place will prevent noticeable damage before they occur. Officials say the proposal for preventable maintenance will keep the building running…

Pawlenty Files Campaign Committee for Expected Governor run

It would be a return to politics for Pawlenty, who left office in 2011 and ran a short-lived 2012 presidential campaign.

March 19, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has formed a campaign committee to run for his old job. The two-term governor announced Monday he created a campaign committee for the 2018 election. It’s not official yet, as Pawlenty still needs to formally file for the office. But it’s the surest sign yet that Pawlenty plans to enter…

Governor Dayton Gives Final State of the State

Gov. Dayton addresses health care, education, and encourages diversity.

March 14, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Mark Dayton gave his last State of the State Address highlighting education, taxes, and healthcare. Gov. Dayton announced nearly 80,000 students are now attending all day kindergarten. The University of Minnesota will not be increasing tuition, due to an extra $10 million of state funding. Gov. Dayton said law makers have a decision to make, stating they can…

Pennsylvania Congressional Contest Considered Preview for November Midterms

Due to new congressional boundaries, the winner will have to start campaigning for re-elecetion in November.

March 13, 2018

KQDS Staff,

(Photo Courtesy: AP)MT. LEBANON, Pa. (AP) — Voters across western Pennsylvania weighed in Tuesday on a surprisingly tight congressional contest that pitted the strength of President Donald Trump’s grasp on blue-collar America against the energy and anger of the political left. The fight between Republican state Rep. Rick Saccone and Democrat Conor Lamb has drawn national attention as a bellwether…

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…