Political

The Latest: Walz Wins 3-way Primary for Minnesota Governor

Democratic Rep. Tim Walz has won a three-way primary for Minnesota governor.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic Rep. Tim Walz has won a three-way primary for Minnesota governor. Walz leveraged his rural Minnesota connections and a geographically balanced ticket to defeat state Rep. Erin Murphy and Attorney General Lori Swanson in Tuesday’s primary. Walz is leaving Congress after six terms representing southwestern Minnesota. Walz’s outstate appeal and pedigree as a former teacher and…

Congressional Candidate Stauber Ready for Strong Primary Showing

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Minnesota Republican Congressional candidate Pete Stauber is eyeing a victory tonight in the Eighth District Republican primary. On the Republican side, Stauber is facing off against former Duluth School Board member Harry Welty. Stauber is a former police officer and current St. Louis County Commissioner. On the Democrat’s side, voters are making a choice between North Branch Mayor Kirsten…

Former Sen. Norm Coleman Says Cancer has Returned

Coleman is now a Lobbyist in Washington

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman says he is being treated for lung cancer. The 68-year-old Republican announced his condition Tuesday in a posting on Facebook. It comes about two and a half years after he was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer. Coleman underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation after his initial diagnosis. He had eventually been pronounced…

What to Know before the Primary Election

More information on poll locations and times.

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s primary election Tuesday, as candidates in many big races will be finalized for the general election in November. With several major statewide races in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, voter turnout is expected to be higher than a typical primary election. Along with the highly contested races a high number of young voters could help push turnout up. This…

Ellison Denies Abuse Allegations From Ex-Girlfriend

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An ex-girlfriend of U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison has accused the Minnesota Democrat of emotional and physical abuse. Ellison says it never happened. The allegations surfaced Saturday night from Karen Monahan after her son alleged in a Facebook post that he had seen messages from Ellison threatening her and video of the congressman screaming obscenities at her as…

Minnesota’s Swanson Accused of Pushing Staff to aid Ambition

Swanson is Vying in Tuesday's Primary

photo: loriswanson.comST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Democrat Lori Swanson’s campaign for Minnesota governor is being hit by late accusations that she pressured staffers in her office to perform political work. D’Andre Norman, a former staffer in Swanson’s attorney general office, told The Intercept he spent years rounding up office staffers to volunteer for Swanson. Norman was a dispute resolution mediator…

Duluth’s Fire Chief, Deputy Chief Officially Censured By Union

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire Chief Dennis Edwards and his deputy chief, Shawn Krizaj, have been formally censured by the Duluth Firefighters Local 101. The vote was made by 1,800 delegates Wednesday at the International Association of Firefighters Convention. The union believes Edwards and Krizaj have violated the collective bargaining agreement and created a divisive work environment by their actions,…

Trump Going Ahead With Taxes on $16B in Chinese Imports

The new Tariffs are in Addition to Existing Tariffs

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it will go ahead with imposing 25 percent tariffs on an additional $16 billion in Chinese imports. Customs officials will begin collecting the border tax Aug. 23, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said. The list is heavy on industrial products such as steam turbines…

Vice President Pence to Speak at Industrial Weldors & Machinists, Inc. Wednesday

Pence Will Arrive at 11:00 a.m.

(Bethany Baker/The Billings Gazette via AP) DULUTH, Minn. – Vice President Mike Pence is visiting the Northland tomorrow to participate in a Pete Stauber for Congress event, and has added a second event to his Duluth schedule. According to White House officials, on Wednesday afternoon Vice President Pence will visit Industrial Weldors & Machinists, Inc. to discuss positive impacts of…

California Appeals Ruling to let Border Wall Proceed

Trump Needs $25 Billion Over 10 Years for the Border Wall

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — A federal appeals court will hear arguments Tuesday by the state of California and advocacy groups who contend the Trump administration overreached by waiving environmental reviews to speed construction of the president’s prized border wall with Mexico. California is appealing a decision by U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel of San Diego, who sided with…

Vice President Mike Pence to Stop in Duluth Next Week

The Stop Will be at a Private Home in Duluth

(AP) DULUTH, Minn. – Vice President Mike Pence will be making a stop in Duluth on August 8. The private event is a fundraiser for the Stauber Victory Fund. At the event attendees can purchase a photo opportunity with the Vice President for a reported $2,700 per person, and a private reception attended by Pence will follow the fundraiser costing…

Walz Calls for gas tax Increase, Opens Door to Other Hikes

Walz Says he Couln't Rule out Other tax Increases

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Rep. Tim Walz says he’d push to raise the state’s gasoline tax if elected governor to pay for infrastructure improvements. The Democratic congressman included that measure as part of a broader policy package he released with mayors and leaders from across Minnesota on Thursday. Walz called Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s failed push for a hike…

Supreme Court Says School Segregation Lawsuit can Proceed

The State Argued Issue Should be Left to Legislature

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court says a lawsuit that claims school segregation denies some students the right to an adequate education can move forward in the courts. Wednesday’s ruling comes in a class-action lawsuit filed by parents of children who attend Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools. The parents claimed that schools segregated by racial and economic factors…

Farmers Prefer Trump do Trade Deals Than Hand Them Cash

Farmers Feel This is a Short Term Solution

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Many farmers remain critical of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the damage done to commodity prices and markets but were appreciative Tuesday that he offered to provide some cash to help offset their losses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $12 billion three-part plan that would borrow money from the U.S. Treasury to pay…

Trump Says it’s ‘sad’ Cohen Recorded him

Trump Suggests the Tape was "cut off"

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump is firing back at his longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen after the release of a recording Cohen secretly made of a conversation between the two men. “What kind of lawyer would tape a client? So sad!” the president says Wednesday on Twitter. The tape, made two months before the 2016 presidential election, captures…

Lori Swanson Stands by Running Mate Rick Nolan

Nolan Apologizes to the Women

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lori Swanson is standing by her running mate, Rick Nolan, despite pressure from liberal groups to dump him over his handling of a top aide accused of sexual harassment. Lori Swanson’s statement reads: “Sexual harassment has no place in the workplace or society.  Congressman Nolan has apologized to the women who were harassed by…

Minnesota Congressman Faces Questions Over Dismissed Staffer

Swiderski has Been Accused of Sexual Harassment

TwitterDULUTH, Minn. (AP) – A former legislative director of Congressman Rick Nolan has been accused of sexual harassment by three women. The women were former employees of Nolan’s congressional office and accuse Jim Swiderski of alleged groping, inappropriate touching, inappropriate messages, and demeaning comments. Nolan is now facing questions about his handling of the former staffer, Swiderski, accused of harassing…

Montgomery Announces Retirement

Longtime Chief Administration Officer Bids Adieu

Duluth, Minn- A big change is coming to the Mayor’s office in Duluth. After nearly ten years in his position, Chief Administration Officer Dave Montgomery is retiring. Montgomery is the longest serving Chief Administrative Officer in Duluth for 30 years. The farewell crowd at City Hall included former Mayor Don Ness, members of the Fire Department, and various other city…

Trump Says he Misspoke on Russia Meddling

Trump Says he Meant to say "Wouldn't"

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he meant the opposite when he said in Helsinki that he doesn’t see why Russia would have interfered in the 2016 U.S. elections. Back at the White House on Tuesday, the president told reporters that he said he meant he doesn’t see why Russia “wouldn’t” be responsible. He also said he accepts the…

Arik Forsman Chosen as New Duluth City Councilor

Forsman beat out Jeff Anderson and Janet Kennedy for the seat

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new Duluth city councilor. Arik Forsman will begin serving in August when the council comes back from break. Forsman, who has never held public office before, will be the new councilor-at-large on the Duluth City Council. He will take the seat of Councilor Elissa Hansen, who announced her resignation in June so she could take…

Minnesota Candidate Arrested on Suspicion of Revenge Porn

The Mayor or St. Paul has Called for him to Resign

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A City Council candidate in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been arrested on suspicion of violating the state’s revenge porn law after a topless picture of his estranged wife was posted to his campaign website. Police say David Martinez was arrested at his office Monday, two days after a post on his website that included the…

Trump: Summit With Putin off to a ‘Very, Very Good Start’

The Scheduled 90 Minute Meeting Lasted Over two Hours

(Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP)HELSINKI (AP) — President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin opened their long-awaited summit Monday with a wink and slouch, respectively, then talked one on one behind closed doors for two-plus hours before the American leader declared their meeting was off to a “very, very good start for everybody.” Neither leader revealed what was discussed. But in…

Senator Sanders Visits Duluth

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders visits Duluth showing support for Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds attended a campaign rally in that featured Senator Bernie Sanders rallying support for state Attorney General candidate Keith Ellison. Ellison is running in a contested DFL primary against four other candidates, three Republicans are also running for the position. “We elect an attorney general that has the history and the courage to stand up to powerful special…

Trump Replaces High Court’s Swing Vote With Conservative

Kavanaugh is a Former law Clerk for Retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh, a solidly conservative, politically connected judge, for the Supreme Court, setting up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats as he seeks to shift the nation’s highest court ever further to the right. A favorite of the Republican legal establishment in Washington, Kavanaugh, 53, is a former law clerk…

Duluth City Council Votes to Repeal Ordinances Banning Panhandling, Sleeping in Cars

Council voted 8-0 to repeal both ordinances

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to repeal two ordinances. One made it illegal for people to sleep in their cars, the other banned panhandling in the city. It will now be legal to panhandle and sleep in cars in the city of Duluth. The council voted 8-0 to repeal both ordinances with Councilor Jay Fosle not…

Scandal-Plagued EPA Administrator Pruitt Resigns

Deputy Administrator Andrew Wheeler Will Step in

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has accepted the resignation of scandal-plagued Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt. Pruitt had become a constant source of embarrassment to a president who had entered Washington promising to “Drain the Swamp.” Pruitt has faced an array of ethical questions about his travel spending, security costs, dealings with industry…

Justice Kennedy retiring; Trump gets 2nd Supreme Court pick

Kennedy has Serves More Than 30 Years on the Court

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement Wednesday, giving President Donald Trump the chance to cement conservative control of the high court. The 81-year-old Kennedy said in a statement he is stepping down after more than 30 years on the court. A Republican appointee, he has held the key vote on…

Political Newcomer Ocasio-Cortez Upsets Incumbent

She Faces Republican Anthony Pappas in Midterms

NEW YORK (AP) – The 28-year-old political newcomer who upset U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley in New York’s Democrat primary says she brings an “urgency” to the fight for working families. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a former organizer for Bernie Sanders, spoke Wednesday on the MSNBC “Morning Joe” show. Ocasio-Cortez says her father died when she was a teenager and her mother cleaned…

Supreme Court Deals big Setback to Labor Unions

The Court Ruled the Laws Violate the First Amendment

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that government workers can’t be forced to contribute to labor unions that represent them in collective bargaining, dealing a serious financial blow to organized labor. The justices are scrapping a 41-year-old decision that had allowed states to require that public employees pay some fees to unions that represent…

17 States sue Trump Administration Over Family Separations

A Seattle-Based Immigrant Rights Group Sued Monday

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) SEATTLE (AP) — Seventeen states, including Washington, New York and California, sued President Donald Trump’s administration Tuesday in an effort to force officials to reunite migrant families who have been separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. The states, all of which are led by Democratic attorneys general, joined Washington, D.C., in filing the lawsuit in U.S. District Court…

Supreme Court Upholds Trump Travel ban

The 5-4 Decision was Made on Tuesday

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has upheld President Donald Trump’s ban on travel from several mostly Muslim countries, rejecting a challenge that it discriminated against Muslims or exceeded his authority. The 5-4 decision Tuesday is the court’s first substantive ruling on a Trump administration policy. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by his…

Ryan, Walker React to Harley Moving Production

Gov. Scott Walker is Echoing Comments

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin’s top Republican leaders are not criticizing President Donald Trump’s trade policy or Harley-Davidson’s decision to shift the production of motorcycles headed for Europe from the U.S. to factories overseas. The Milwaukee-based company said Monday it’s making the move because of a spike in European Union tariffs on its motorcycles exported from the U.S. A spokeswoman for…

Democratic Milwaukee Businessman Andy Gronik Drops out

The Announcement Came Thursday

photo: andygronik.comMADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik is ending his campaign for governor. Gronik announced Thursday he was dropping out of the race. That leaves nine Democrats in the field looking to take on Republican Gov. Scott Walker. Gronik got into the race nearly a year ago, in July 2017. A political newcomer, he was not able…

Milwaukee on Short List for Democratic National Convention

The Convention Will be Held July 13-16

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Milwaukee is on the short list to host the Democratic National Convention in 2020. Wisconsin’s largest city was among four cities to make the cut Wednesday by the DNC site selection committee. But the Denver Post is reporting that city, which also made the cut, is planning to withdraw its application. The two other cities are Houston…

Trump Supporters Praise Steel Tariff at Roundtable Discussion

The people attending this roundtable were all big Trump supports.

DULUTH, Minn.-President Trump made his first stop in Duluth for what the White House is calling a roundtable discussion. “We’re very proud of what we’ve done, we’re very proud of Minnesota, and the people of this state, they’re incredible people,” President Trump said. “The people that you see in this room right now and the people you see up here…

Local Leaders Speak at Duluth Trump Rally

Congressional candidate Pete Stauber and Congressman Sean Duffy were among the speakers

DULUTH, Minn. – Local leaders spoke at President Trump’s rally in Duluth. Congressman Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) was among the elected officials who took the podium before the president. “Donald Trump is jacked to be in Duluth, Minnesota. And I’ve got to be honest with you guys, I told him the best thing about Duluth is you can see Wisconsin from…

President Trump Speaks in Duluth

The president addressed a lot of issues to a capacity crowd at Amsoil Arena

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic day in Duluth as the city had its first presidential visit since 2004. President Trump covered a lot of ground at his rally at a full Amsoil Arena. Thousands of people were there to hear President Trump speak about a lot of issues including his meeting with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un earlier this…

Homeland Security Drafts Plan to end Family Separation

it is Unclear if the President Will Sign it

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)WASHINGTON (AP) – Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is drafting an executive action for President Donald Trump that would direct DHS to keep families apprehended at the border together during detention. That’s according to two people familiar with her thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the effort before its official announcement. It’s unclear whether…

Security Details Outlined for Trump Rally

Long Lines Expected at Trump Rally

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)DULUTH, Minn. – Large crowds and long lines are expected for the Trump Rally at the Amsoil Arena on Wednesday. To help things go a little smoother for attendees DECC officials have released a list of security details for the event: SCHEDULE: Doors open at 3:30pm. Rally begins at 6:30. President Trump will speak for approximately one hour….

Swanson Joins AGs in Demanding end to Border Separations

Swanson has Joined with 20 Other Democrats

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has joined with 20 other Democratic attorneys general nationwide in demanding that the Trump administration end a “zero tolerance” policy that has resulted in children being separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. The state prosecutors say in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security…

Group Prepares for President Trump’s Visit to Duluth

Forward Coalition is helping Duluth organizations plan peaceful demonstrations

DULUTH, Minn. – To prepare for President Trump’s visit, a group of Duluthians are helping organizations plan peaceful demonstrations in reaction to his presence. They call themselves “Forward Coalition” and are making banners tonight to promote what they call “Duluth Values.” They do not support the president’s actions. “As a coalition what we’re interested in is not protesting Trump and…

Judge Jails ex-Trump Campaign Chair Manafort Ahead of Trial

Paul Manafort is Going to Jail

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman is going to jail. Paul Manafort was ordered into custody Friday after a federal judge revoked his house arrest, citing newly filed obstruction of justice charges. The move by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson came after prosecutors accused Manafort and a longtime associate of witnesses tampering. Prosecutors say…

China Announces Equal Penalties to Retaliate for US Tariffs

China Said it Will Impose Penalties of “Equal Strength” on U.S.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)BEIJING (AP) — China’s government responded quickly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff hike on Chinese goods by announcing Friday it will immediately impose penalties of “equal strength” on U.S. products. The Commerce Ministry said it also was scrapping deals to buy more American farm goods and other exports as part of efforts to defuse a sprawling dispute…

“Fox & Friends” To Broadcast Live From Uncle Loui’s Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fox News Channel’s top–rated morning show “Fox & Friends” will be broadcasting live from Duluth next Thursday — the day after President Donald Trump holds his first rally at the DECC since the summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The location for the broadcast is Uncle Loui’s Café on East 4th Street. The owner of Uncle Loui’s says having this exposure is an opportunity…

Watchdog Report Faults Comey as ‘Insubordinate’

The Report Criticized Comey

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice Department has issued a stinging rebuke to the FBI for its handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. The report released Thursday calls former FBI Director James Comey “insubordinate” and says his actions were “extraordinary.” But the report, by the department’s watchdog, does not find evidence that Comey was motivated by political bias or preference…

Supreme Court Strikes Down Minnesota’s Voter Clothing law

Ruling Found the law Violates the First Amendement

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has struck down a Minnesota law that restricted what voters can wear to polls. The justices ruled Thursday that the law violates the First Amendment. Still, the justices’ 7-2 ruling suggested that some restrictions on what people can wear to vote are permissible. Most states have laws restricting what voters can wear to cast…