(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…
(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….
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, 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…
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…
(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…
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…
(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…
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…
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….
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….
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. – Another candidate or Minnesota governor has thrown his hat into the ring for the DFL. Paul Thissen is a former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who also served as a DFL Minority Leader. He made a stop through Duluth on Sunday to talk about his bid to become the next Minnesota governor. “I’ve been in…
WISCONSIN – Fifteen Democrats have announced their plans to run for Governor of Wisconsin in 2018 against Republican Incumbent Scott Walker. One of the Democratic candidates, Dana Wachs, stopped at Fox 21 on Saturday. Wachs has represented the Eau Claire area in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2013. He says his campaign is focusing on affordable healthcare, expanding the middle…
Democratic lawmakers were joined by so-called ‘Dreamers’ as they spoke to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol. (Jan. 10)WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of bipartisan senators has reached a deal on legislation to protect younger immigrants brought to the country illegally, a spokesman for Sen. Jeff Flake said Thursday. The group including the Arizona Republican, top Senate Democrat Dick Durbin and…
DULUTH, Minn.- Leah Phifer is a candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District and took a visit to the Northland on Wednesday. Phifer is running against Rick Nolan, in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. She previously worked for the FBI and homeland security for 10 years. On Wednesday she spoke with locals at Perk Place in Duluth explaining the importance of national security,…
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…
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…
(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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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…
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. …
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…
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…
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…
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….
(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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
(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…
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….
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…
(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…
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…
