Political Archives - Page 51 of 63

Governor Mark Dayton Visits the Iron Range

Community Leaders Discussed Important Regional Projects with the Governor

January 10, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid, funding various bonding projects, and moving the Polymet project forward were some of the important issues discussed with Governor Dayton. The Range Association for Municipalities and Schools, or RAMS, held…

Bannon to Exit Breitbart News Network after Break with Trump

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is stepping down as chairman of Breitbart News Network after a public break with President Donald Trump. Breitbart announced Tuesday that Bannon would step down as executive chairman of the conservative news site, less than a week after Bannon’s explosive criticisms of Trump and his family were published in a…

Trump Suggests 2-Phase Immigration Deal for ‘Dreamers’

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking a bipartisan compromise to avoid a government shutdown, President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that an immigration deal could be reached in two phases — first by addressing young immigrants and border security with what he called a “bill of love,” then by making comprehensive changes that have long eluded Congress. Trump held a…

Walz, Coleman Release Fundraising Totals in Governor’s Race

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The rush for cash is on in the crowded race for Minnesota governor. Democratic candidate and Rep. Tim Walz said Monday his campaign had raised more than $1.1 million in 2017. Fellow Democrat and former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said he’d raised more than $800,000. It highlights the expensive race for the open governor’s…

Duluth City Councilors Sworn In

Newcomer is Renee Van Nett, the First Female Native American Councilor

January 8, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilors were sworn in Monday at a ceremony at City Hall. Renee Van Nett is the one newcomer to the council. She was elected to represent the fourth district, which includes the Lincoln Park neighborhood and mall area. Van Nett is the first female Native American elected to the council. “Because our culture’s holistic, it’s…

Oprah Speech has Democrats Buzzing about Possible 2020 Run

January 8, 2018

The Associated Press,

Paul Drinkwater NBC via AP DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Oprah Winfrey’s impassioned call for “a brighter morning even in our darkest nights” at the Golden Globes has Democratic Party activists buzzing about the media superstar and the 2020 presidential race — even if it’s only a fantasy. Even so, for Democrats in early voting states, and perhaps for a…

End of Protection for Salvadorans Fills Families with Dread

January 8, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s decision to end special protections for nearly 200,0000 Salvadoran immigrants filled many Salvadoran families with anxiety dread Monday, raising the possibility that they will be forced to abandon their roots in the U.S. and return to a violent homeland they have not known for years, even decades. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen gave Salvadorans…

Osmek Says His Governor Campaign is Over

January 8, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican David Osmek says he’s ending his campaign for governor. Osmek, a state senator from Mound, says he decided to drop out after discussing prospects with family and supporters over the holidays. Osmek finished fifth of seven candidates in a straw poll at the party’s State Central Committee meeting in December. He said he’ll support…

Senator Tina Smith Visits the Northland

Senator Tina Smith made her first public appearance since being sworn in.

January 5, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday night Senator Tina Smith made her first big public appearance, meeting Northlanders in Duluth. Senator Smith spoke with Northlanders at Hoops Brewery, on what she hopes to tackle while in Washington. “I wanted to come to Duluth and the north country right away because I love this part of the state so much,” Sen. Tina Smith said. …

Sen. Tina Smith To Speak In Duluth Friday

January 4, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Minnesota lieutenant governor and now U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is coming to Duluth Friday to meet the public. The reception is being hosted by Mayor Emily Larson at Hoops Brewing in Canal Park from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. It’s a free event. This will be Sen. Smith’s first public gathering in Minnesota since taking over…

Sessions Terminates US Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish

January 4, 2018

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration threw the burgeoning movement to legalize marijuana into uncertainty Thursday as it lifted an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will now leave it up to federal prosecutors to decide what to do when state rules…

GOP’s Fischbach Assumes Lt. Gov. Role, Rejects Higher Pay

January 3, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s new Republican lieutenant governor says she’ll reject the job’s higher salary as she plans to maintain her seat in the state Senate. GOP Sen. Michele Fischbach was in line to join Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration after Tina Smith resigned the job to join the U.S. Senate. Fischbach confirmed in a Wednesday statement she…

GOP’s Bachmann Mulling Bid for Franken’s Seat

January 2, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ One-time Republican presidential contender and former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann says she’s considering a run for Sen. Al Franken’s seat. Franken resigned Tuesday after a cloud of sexual misconduct allegations starting in November. His replacement, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, will be sworn in Wednesday and plans to run for the seat in a November election….

New Laws Take Effect Today for 2018

January 1, 2018

The Associated Press,

(KMSP) – There are five new laws going into effect Jan. 1, including one that honors fallen officers. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the new law allows for special license plates that honor fallen officers. Drivers can purchase a memorial plate for $10 and donate $25 to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. The law is sponsored by…

As Smith heads to DC, questions linger over her replacement

January 1, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – After a crazy year in Minnesota politics, 2018 will start with Democrats and Republicans squabbling over the next lieutenant governor and what it means for control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn into the U.S. Senate this week. But Fischbach plans…

Franken to Formally Thank Supporters Before Leaving Senate

December 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sen. Al Franken is meeting with supporters and friends in Minnesota before he officially resigns. The Democrat planned to attend an event Thursday night in Minneapolis to thank supporters and friends after his eight years in the Senate. Media outlets were expected to be allowed to attend part of the event. Franken announced his plans to resign…

$1.5 Trillion Tax Package Signed into Law

First Tax Overhaul Since 1986

December 22, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump has signed into law a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul package. Trump touted the size of the tax cut, declaring to reporters in the Oval Office before he signed it Friday that “the numbers will speak.” The president said he was going to wait to sign it until after Jan. 1 but changed his mind. The legislation provides…

House Backs Temporary Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown

December 21, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led House narrowly passed a temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown Thursday, doing the bare minimum in a sprint toward the holidays and punting disputes on immigration, health care and national security to next year. The vote was 231-188 with Democrats criticizing Republicans’ inability to complete the dozen spending bills for the current fiscal…

UN Denounces US Recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli Capital

The nonbinding resolution declaring U.S. action on Jerusalem “null and void” was approved 128-9

December 21, 2017

The Associated Press,

U.S. Ambassador to the United States Nikki Haley speaks at the UN General Assembly, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at UN headquarters. (AP) UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Thursday to denounce President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, largely ignoring Trump’s threats to cut off aid to any country that went against him. The…

Sen. Franken Will Officially Resign Jan. 2

December 20, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

WASHINGTON – Senator Al Franken’s last day in the U.S. Senate will be January 2, 2018, according to his office. Senator Designate Tina Smith will be sworn in the following day on, Jan. 3. Franken made the announcement of his resignation on Dec. 7 after multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Congress Wraps Up Massive Tax Package, Headed to Trump

December 20, 2017

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Republicans delivered an epic overhaul of U.S. tax laws to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, bringing generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans while providing smaller cuts for middle- and low-income families. In a re-vote due to a last-minute hiccup, the House passed the massive $1.5 trillion tax package that affects…

1st Republican Enters Race to Complete Franken’s Senate Term

December 19, 2017

The Associated Press,

Sen. Karin Housley (MN Senate) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The first Republican candidate has announced a bid for Democratic Sen. Al Franken’s seat in 2018. State Sen. Karin Housley launched her campaign Tuesday for the special election to complete Franken’s term, which ends in 2020. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s pick to hold the seat until the special election, Lt….

Latest: House Forced to Revote on GOP Tax Bill Wednesday

December 19, 2017

The Associated Press,

4:50 p.m. Democrats say three provisions in the Republican $1.5 trillion tax bill violate Senate rules and will likely be removed before that chamber votes on the measure. The House approved the legislation Tuesday. But this means the House will have to vote again on the legislation once it’s been amended and approved by the Senate. Senate passage was expected…

US Judge Steps Down After Accusations of Sexual Misconduct

December 18, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Fox News) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A prominent U.S. appeals court judge announced his retirement Monday days after women alleged he subjected them to inappropriate sexual conduct or comments. Judge Alex Kozinski of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in a statement that a battle over the accusations would not be good for the judiciary. He said he’ll…

What is Net Neutrality and Why Does it Matter?

December 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — “Net neutrality” regulations, designed to prevent internet service providers like Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and Charter from favoring some sites and apps over others, are on the chopping block. On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission plans to vote on a proposal that would not only undo the Obama-era rules that have been in place since 2015, but…

As ‘Net Neutrality’ Vote Nears, Some Brace for a Long Fight

December 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — As the federal government prepares to unravel sweeping net-neutrality rules that guaranteed equal access to the internet, advocates of the regulations are bracing for a long fight. The Thursday vote scheduled at the Federal Communications Commission could usher in big changes in how Americans use the internet, a radical departure from more than a decade of…

GOP Says It’s Got A Deal on Taxes; Cuts Coming for Next Year

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, ANDREW TAYLOR, & MARCY GORDON - AP

December 13, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Confident congressional Republicans forged an agreement Wednesday on a major overhaul of the nation’s tax laws that would provide generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans — Donald Trump among them — and deliver the first major legislative accomplishment to the GOP president. Middle- and low-income families would get smaller tax cuts, though Trump and…

Omarosa Resigns from Trump Administration Job

December 13, 2017

KQDS Staff,

WASHINGTON (Fox News) – “Apprentice” star turned White House official Omarosa Manigault Newman will leave the Trump administration next month, according to the White House. “Omarosa Manigault Newman resigned yesterday to pursue other opportunities,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. “Her departure will not be effective until January 2018. We wish her the best in future…

Gov. Mark Dayton Appoints Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Serve as US Senator

December 13, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

Courtesy of Minnesota Governor’s Office ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton announced Wednesday during a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol, that he will appoint Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to serve as United States Senator for Minnesota. Smith will be appointed to serve a one-year term in the Senate, concluding in January 2019. Minnesotans will chose a U.S….

Democrat Jones Wins Stunning Red-State Alabama Senate Upset

First Democratic Senate Victory in Alabama in 25 Years

December 13, 2017

The Associated Press,

From WikipediaMONTGOMERY, Ala.-Democrat Doug Jones has won a stunning victory in Alabama’s Senate election, beating back history, an embattled Republican opponent and President Donald Trump. It was the first Democratic Senate victory in a quarter-century in Alabama, one of the reddest of red states, and proved anew that party loyalty is anything but certain in the age of Trump. The…

Trump Signs $700 Billion Military Budget into Law

December 12, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes a $700 billion budget for the military, including additional spending on missile defense programs to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear weapons threat. But there’s a catch. The $700 billion budget won’t become reality until lawmakers agree to roll back a 2011 law…

Trump Says Accusations of Sexual Misconduct ‘Fabricated’

December 12, 2017

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump, pushing back against women accusing him of sexual misconduct, insisted Tuesday he’s the target of “false accusations and fabricated stories of women who I don’t know and/or have never met.” Trump lashed out on Twitter a day after three women who previously accused him of sexual harassment shared their stories on…

Dayton to Announce Franken’s Replacement Wednesday

December 12, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton will announce his appointment to fill resigning U.S. Senator Al Franken’s seat at 10 a.m. Wednesday during a press conference at the state capitol. On Thursday, Dec. 7, Franken announced he would be resigning from the U.S. Senate following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The senator has currently been accused by eight women….

Trump Wants to Send Man Back to Moon, on to Mars

December 11, 2017

The Associated Press,

President Donald Trump holds up a policy directive to send American astronauts back to the moon, and eventually Mars, in the Roosevelt Room of th eWhite House, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump wants to send man back to the moon — and on to Mars. Trump signed a policy directive Monday instructing the National…

Bill Would Create State-Certified Wisconsin Beer Label

December 11, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bill circulating in the Legislature would create a new state-certified Wisconsin beer label. To get the special designation, the beer would have to include a certain percentage of hops grown in Wisconsin. The measure comes from Republican Rep. Scott Krug, of Nekoosa. He says in a memo seeking co-sponsors that the bill is in recognition…

Partisan Divide Deepens Over Walker Investigation

December 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The deep partisan divide over the secret investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s recall has reignited in the face of an investigatory report released this week. The report from Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel recommends that those behind seizing personal emails from scores of Republicans across the state and not keeping them secure be held in contempt….

Pawlenty Considering Running for Franken Seat

December 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he’s considering running for Sen. Al Franken’s U.S. Senate seat. The Republican governor and one-time presidential candidate insisted Friday that he’s still “politically retired.” But Pawlenty would be a prized recruit in 2018 for Republicans hoping to captialize on Franken’s resignation amid a cloud of sexual misconduct allegations. Pawlenty…

Trump Signs 2-Week Spending Bill to Avoid Shutdown

December 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown and keep the federal government running through Dec. 22. The president signed the two-week spending bill at the White House after the House and Senate acted to prevent a government shutdown this weekend. The White House and congressional leaders are negotiating a longer-term agreement….

Congressional Candidate Pete Stauber Has New Campaign Headquarters

Headquarters are Located in Hermantown

December 7, 2017

Site Staff,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Congressional candidate Pete Stauber has some new digs in Hermantown. The republican, who’s trying to unseat Rep. Rick Nolan, had a grand opening for his campaign headquarters today at 4690 Miller Trunk Highway in Suite 700. The candidate told Fox 21 that he wants his campaign to focus on the issues, rather than what’s been going on in Washington…

Sen. Al Franken Announces His Resignation Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

December 7, 2017

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON – Senator Al Franken has announced his resignation from the United States Senate. During a scheduled speech on the senate floor, Senator Al Franken announced he will be leaving the United States Senate in the coming weeks amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Gov. Mark Dayton must now appoint someone to take Franken’s seat during the Nov. 2018 election….

Franken Faces New Allegations, Weighing Future

Franken Announcement Coming at 10:45 a.m.

December 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON-Minnesota Democrat Al Franken, facing fresh allegations of sexual misconduct and vanishing support from fellow Democrats, appears to be on the brink of resigning from the Senate. Franken scheduled an announcement for Thursday at 10:45 a.m. which will be aired on Fox 21 and live streamed on our Facebook page. His office did tweet Wednesday evening that he had not…

Trump Says Government Shutdown Possible, Blames Democrats

December 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that a government shutdown was possible this weekend because Democrats were demanding to have “illegal immigrants pouring into our country,” tossing incendiary rhetoric onto a partisan showdown that had been showing signs of easing. Trump’s comments risked roiling a White House meeting with congressional leaders of both parties planned…

Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel Capital, Smashing US Policy

December 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

Palestinians burn a poser of President Donald Trump during a protest in Bethlehem, West Bank, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2017. President Trump forged ahead Tuesday with plans to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim, and European opposition to ma move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests. (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) —…

Democratic Women in Senate Call on Franken to Resign

FOX 9 KMSP

December 6, 2017

Site Staff,

UPDATE: Amid calls for resignation from fellow Democrats, Franken will be making an announcement tomorrow, according to his office. (KMSP) – At least seven Democratic women in the U.S. Senate are calling on Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign after the latest allegation of sexual misconduct was published Wednesday morning. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Sen. Mazie Hirono‏ of…

Sen. Franken Denies Allegation He Forcibly Tried to Kiss Woman

Sen. Franken Has Been Accused of Harassing Multiple Women

December 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

UPDATE: Several female Democratic senators unite in calling for Sen. Al Franken to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations. In Facebook posts and Tweets, the women said the two-term senator should step aside after a fresh allegation that he forcibly tried to kiss a woman in 2006. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote on Facebook that while Franken is entitled to have the Ethics…

Duluth City Council Passes Mayor’s Budget Proposal

Budget Includes $2 Million in Cuts to City Spending

December 5, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has passed Mayor Emily Larson’s controversial 2018 budget proposal. The budget includes a $1 million increase to the street maintenance fund, a slight property tax increase, and about $2 million in cuts to city spending. City Council President Joel Sipress tells us the cuts mean a “significant” reduction to city staff, including the…

Minnesota Budget Forecast Swings from $1.65 Billion Surplus to $188 Million Deficit

FOX 9 KMSP

December 5, 2017

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota is facing a $188 million deficit, according to the latest projection from the state budget office. Last year at this time, Minnesota Management and Budget officials had a projected budget surplus of a $1.4 billion – a surplus that grew to $1.65 billion in the March projection. The deficit is expected to grow to $586 million in the next…

Sen. Schoen Submits Official Resignation Letter

ROSE HEAPHY - FOX 9

December 4, 2017

Site Staff,

Sen. Dan SchoenST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – State Senator Daniel Schoen submitted his official resignation to Governor Mark Dayton Monday afternoon after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Accusations of misconduct were first reported by MinnPost last month. Rep. Erin Maye Quade also told Fox 9 she received a series of inappropriate text messages from Schoen. About two weeks ago, Schoen’s attorney confirmed he would resign from his…

Walker Moving Ahead with Plan to Drug Test Food Stamp Users

December 4, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is moving ahead with his plans to require able-bodied adults who receive food stamps to be screened for illegal drugs, even through questions remain over whether it’s allowed under federal law. The plan was approved by Republican-controlled Legislation more than two years ago, but it languished because it conflicts with federal rules….

Trump Offers Full Support for Embattled Republican Roy Moore

December 4, 2017

The Associated Press,

Roy Moore (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump endorsed embattled Republican Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race on Monday, looking past sexual misconduct allegations against the GOP candidate to argue that his vote is needed in Congress. Trump tweeted early Monday that “Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican…