Political

Judge Says Michael Cohen Must Appear at Hearing

Prosecutors say Cohen Barely Practiced law so Most of the Documents Aren’t off Limits

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) NEW YORK (AP) – A federal judge is ordering President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer to appear next week for arguments over the government’s raid on the lawyer’s New York City home and office. At a hearing on Friday, U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood told an attorney for Michael Cohen that his client needed to be there…

Kremlin Spokesman Warns Against Syria Strike

President Trump Tweeted Thursday That it may Come "Very Soon or not so Soon at all!"

(AP Photo | Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Kremlin spokesman is warning the U.S. and its allies against any steps that could destabilize the situation in Syria. Asked about possible U.S. strikes on Syria, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that “it’s necessary to avoid any steps that may fuel tensions in Syria.” He added that it…

Another top Official Leaves National Security Council

Waddell's Departure Date has not yet Been Determined

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – Another top National Security Council staffer is leaving the White House as new National Security Adviser John Bolton makes his mark. Deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell will be exiting the administration, said two administration officials with knowledge of the decision who were not authorized to speak publicly. Waddell’s departure date has not yet…

Trump Pick for Number Two job at EPA Clears Hurdle

Andrew Wheeler is a Former Coal Industry Lobbyist

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans have cleared a procedural hurdle to confirm a former coal industry lobbyist as the No. 2 official at the Environmental Protection Agency. If confirmed as deputy administrator, Andrew Wheeler would be next in line to lead if embattled administrator Scott Pruitt is forced out or resigns. The Senate voted 53-45 Thursday to limit debate on Wheeler’s…

Trump Says ‘Missiles Coming’ Against Syria, ‘new and smart’

Trump did not Detail What a Strike Would Look Like, or Whether These Would be U.S. Missiles

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – After Russia warned the United States against military strikes in Syria, President Donald Trump says missiles “will be coming.” Trump says on Twitter Wednesday: “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’” Russian lawmakers have warned that Moscow…

House Speaker Ryan Won’t run for Re-Election

Ryan Will Serve out his Term and Retire in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan will not run for re-election, his office announced Wednesday, injecting another layer of uncertainty as Republicans face worries over losing their majority in the fall. Ryan’s plans have been the source of much speculation and will set off a scramble among his lieutenants to take the helm. A self-styled budget guru, Ryan…

Superior Receives First State of the City Address in Years

Mayor Jim Paine informed the community of his achievements and future plans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  For the first time since 2010 Superior receives State of the City Address. On Tuesday, Mayor Paine presented to the community his achievements over the past year and his future plans. Paine says it’s an honor to serve as Mayor and feels the public should be informed. Afterward, the packed crowd responded with applause. Mayor Paine says next…

Trump Nominates State Judge as US Attorney for Minnesota

The Nomination Must Still be Confirmed by the U.S. Senate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump has formally nominated a Minnesota judge to be the state’s next U.S. Attorney. Erica MacDonald has been a judge in Dakota County since 2009. Before that, she was an assistant U.S. attorney in Minnesota for eight years, focusing on cases dealing with violent crimes, drugs, human trafficking and child pornography. MacDonald’s nomination to the…

Day After Bolton Takes Over, Homeland Security Aide is out

His Exit is the Latest in a Wave of Departures in Recent Months

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s homeland security adviser is resigning in the latest White House departure. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Tuesday that Thomas Bossert would be leaving his post. She said that Trump was “grateful for Tom’s commitment to the safety and security of our great country.” Bossert was…

Federal Agents Seize Documents From Trump Lawyer

Cohen is Trump's Longtime Personal Lawyer

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal agents carrying court-authorized search warrants have seized documents from President Donald Trump’s personal attorney Michael Cohen. That’s according to a statement from Cohen’s attorney, Stephen Ryan. He says the search warrants were executed by the office of the U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York but they are “in part” related…

Trump Condemns ‘Heinous’ gas Attack in Syria

Trump Vows to Find who is Responsible for the Attack

(AP)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has condemned the “heinous” suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said he’ll make a decision on the U.S. response within 24 to 48 hours. Speaking in the White House Cabinet Room Monday, Trump vowed to find out who is responsible for the attack that reportedly killed at least 40 people. Trump said during…

China Vows ‘Counterattack’ on Trump Tariffs

Trump has Instructed the U.S. Trade Representative to Consider an Additional $100 Billion in Tariffs on Chinese Goods.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)WASHINGTON (AP) – China’s government says it will “counterattack with great strength” if President Donald Trump goes ahead with plans to raise U.S. tariffs on an additional $100 billion worth of Chinese goods. A Commerce Ministry spokesman said Friday that negotiations were impossible after Trump responded to Beijing’s protests about his earlier plan to raise duties on $50…

10 Commandments Plaque Relocated To Commissioner’s Office in Hibbing Courthouse

Although the plaque is in a less-visible location, the Freedom From Religion Foundation remains in opposition.

HIBBING, Minn.- A plaque of the 10 Commandments hung in the County Courthouse for 60 years, but a month ago it was taken down. This happened after a local resident reported it to an advocacy group — Freedom From Religion Foundation — that threatened to sue the county for a violation of church and state if it was not taken…

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

Trump Gave his First Estimate on Guard Levels.

(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.

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

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.

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.

(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.

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.

(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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

(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

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.

(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.

(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

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

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

(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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

(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.

(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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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…