Political Archives - Page 59 of 61

Lieutenant Governor Visits Duluth to Celebrate Local Businesses

Highlights Many Different Local Businesses

February 17, 2017

Matt Suoja,

DULUTH, Minn.-Lt. Gov. Tina Smith visited Duluth today highlighting Minnesota’s innovative economy. The event followed the recent launch of the Innovative Minnesota Campaign. It’s meant to celebrate emerging discoveries in technology throughout the state. “Innovation is embedded in our Minnesota identity,” she said. “Our state annually ranks among the top five in new patents and is home to many leading…

Senate Confirms Scott Pruitt as Head of EPA

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Scott Pruitt was approved on Friday by a vote of 52-46. Pruitt served six years as Oklahoma’s attorney general and was closely aligned with oil and gas companies in his home state, whose executives backed his political campaigns. He filed 14 lawsuits as…

White House Denies National Guard Immigration Roundup Report

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The Trump administration considered a proposal to mobilize as many as 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants, including millions living nowhere near the Mexico border, according to a draft memo obtained by The Associated Press. Staffers in the Department of Homeland Security said the proposal had been discussed as recently as last Friday. The 11-page document…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Ditch Plans to End Daylight Saving Time

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Two Republican lawmakers have scrapped a bill to end daylight saving time in Wisconsin amid a backlash on social media and now want to make the sunshine-extending time change permanent year-round in the state. Representatives Samantha Kerkman and Michael Schraa introduced a bill last week that would have eliminated daylight saving time in Wisconsin. The change would…

Rep. Kind Not Ruling Out Run for Governor Against Walker

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Democratic U.S. Representative Ron Kind says he is not ruling out a run for governor in 2018 against Republican Governor Scott Walker. The western Wisconsin congressman from La Crosse has frequently been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor, but he’s never run. But Kind tells Wisconsin Public Radio, on Thursday, that the state needs new leadership…

Trump Weighs Mobilizing National Guard for Immigration Roundups

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

UPDATE: http://www.fox21online.com/2017/02/17/white-house-denies-national-guard-immigration-roundup-report/ (AP) – A draft memo obtained by The Associated Press outlines a Trump administration proposal under consideration to mobilize as many as 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants. Millions of those who would be affected in 11 states live nowhere near the Mexico border. The 11-page document calls for the unprecedented militarization of immigration enforcement as…

Superior Mayoral Candidates Meet with Young Professionals

Members had the opportunity to talk one–on–one with candidates about issues important to them

February 16, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In less than a week, Superior residents will vote on which two candidates they’d like to see on the ballot for mayor. Tonight, the Superior Young Professionals hosted a meet and greet with the four mayoral candidates. Members had the opportunity to talk one–on–one with each candidate about issues that are important to them. “I think the…

Walker Signs Pro-Cheese Bill, First to Pass this Year

February 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker has signed into law the first bill to pass the Legislature this session, a measure to help Wisconsin’s cheese industry. Walker on Thursday, signed the bill making it possible for tax incentives to be extended to help finance construction of a $30 million cheese packaging and distributing plant in the village of Oostburg near…

UW-Madison Students Demand Free Tuition for Black Students

February 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s student government is demanding free tuition for black students. The Associated Students of Madison adopted a resolution Wednesday saying blacks were legally barred from education during slavery and that the flagship school remains out of reach for students of color. The resolution demands free access, tuition, and housing for all black people, including…

Rep. Duffy Not Running for Senate

Clears Way for Other Republicans to Get in Race

February 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP)-Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy says he won’t challenge Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin in 2018, clearing the way for other Republicans who had been waiting for his decision to get in the race. Duffy announced Thursday that he decided against challenging Baldwin, who will be up for re-election for the first time next year. Duffy is in…

Local Political Expert Reacts to Trump’s First Month

Some of President's Policies Have Been Controversial, But Professor Believes They Fall in Line with Campaign Promises

February 15, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Donald Trump has been president for almost a month now, and there has been a lot of analysis about how his presidency has gone so far. Political experts, like UMD Political Science Professor Cindy Rugeley, have followed the President’s first month closely. She points out that even though many of President Trump’s policies have been controversial, they…

Minnesota Democrats Work to Pass Wage Theft Prevention Protections

February 15, 2017

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lt. Governor Tina Smith was joined by Minnesota workers and legislators at the State Capitol today, to rally and urge the Legislature to hold employees that commit wage theft accountable for their failure to pay for work already performed. Wage theft occurs when employers don’t pay workers what is owed to them for work performed. The…

New Group Supports Nolan for Governor

Nolan Hasn't Officially Announced He's Running for Governor

February 15, 2017

Matt Suoja,

MINNESOTA-The Coalition to Draft Democratic Congressman Rick Nolan for Minnesota governor was announced yesterday. The group distributed a letter signed by more than 100 political, business, and civic leaders. It’s expected in the coming weeks, that the organization will try to gather even more support for Nolan. The Congressman has not officially announced yet, whether he’s running for governor. …

Redistricting Attorneys Could be Paid More than $275,000

February 15, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature have signed contracts to pay attorneys representing them in a redistricting lawsuit a flat fee that could reach $275,000. Documents released Wednesday show that one contract calls for paying attorneys with the law firm Kirkland and Ellis up to that amount for the filing of five briefs in the case that…

Mediation Program Helps Struggling Minnesota Farmers

February 15, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Low commodity prices are causing financial pain on Minnesota farms, but bankruptcies are rare thanks in part to a state mediation program. Minnesota Public Radio reports the farmer-lender program requires lenders to offer struggling farmers the chance to renegotiate debt terms with the help of a mediator before repossessing any property. The program began during the…

Walker Supports Eliminating Treasurer if Voters Approve

February 15, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker says he supports eliminating Wisconsin’s all-but powerless state treasurer’s office if voters approve. Republicans who control the Legislature have slowly eliminated the treasurer’s duties over the years, shifting them to other agencies. The position’s only remaining responsibility is serving on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. Eliminating the office would take an amendment…

Duluth City Council Tackles Housing, Rentals, and Police Overtime

The city approved rezoning of an area to create more housing and overtime for police officers to work with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

February 14, 2017

Zach Richie,

DULUTH, Minn. – From housing to overtime for police officers, the Duluth City CouFrom housing to overtime for police officers…the duluth city council addressed some of the community’s most pressing needs. The council approved rezoning an area near Spirit Mountain. The move allows for a mixed use development of land on the lower side of Grand Avenue. The current plan…

Group Sues Feds for Delaying Bumblebee’s Endangered Listing

February 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

This 2012 photo provided by The Xerces Society shows a rusty patched bumblebee in Minnesota. Federal officials said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, that the rusty patched bumblebee has become the first bee species in the continental U.S. to be declared endangered after suffering a dramatic population decline over the past 20 years. (Sarina Jepsen/The Xerces Society via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich….

Walker Says He has No Problem with ‘Safe’ Refugees

February 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he has no problem with refugees coming into the state as long as they are “safe.” Walker was asked Tuesday by reporters about the ongoing legal fight over President Donald Trump’s travel ban affecting seven predominately Muslim counties, which has been put on hold by a federal appeals court in California. Numerous…

Divided Wisconsin Supreme Court OKs Toxicology Report

February 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – A divided Wisconsin Supreme Court has resolved a question over whether results of certain toxicology reports can be admitted at trial without having the author of the report testify in court. The court ruled 5-2 on Tuesday, that toxicology reports that are part of a routine autopsy to determine the cause of death can be admitted as…

National Security Adviser Resigns, Dems Now Asking What Did Trump Know and When

February 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

FILE- In this Feb. 13, 2017, file photo, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn in the east Room of the White House in Washington for a joint news conference with President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Flynn resigned as Trump’s national security adviser Monday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — The resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn…

Duluth ESST Task Force Ready for Next Step

Task Force to Hold Informational Meetings Over the Next Two Months

February 13, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Task Force is ready for the next step towards its goal of a city ordinance requiring business to provide paid time off for employees. Eight public engagement meetings are scheduled between Feb. 17 and Apr. 19, so members can get feedback from the community. A little less than half of…

Minnesota AG: Travel ban could devastate rural health care

Many Foreign-Born Doctors Serve Rural Minnesota Communities

February 11, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says she is worried about will happen to small-town hospitals and clinics if President Donald Trump’s immigration restrictions prevail. Foreign-born doctors have helped ease the shortage of physicians in rural Minnesota. Swanson says in Minnesota, one out of five doctors was born in another country, and many of them are serving…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Ending Daylight Savings

February 10, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Republican lawmakers are looking to make the summer sun set earlier. Representatives Samantha Kerkman and Michael Schraa introduced a bill Friday, that would eliminate daylight saving time in Wisconsin. The move would mean state residents would no longer have to move their clocks ahead an hour in the spring. That would mean the sun would appear to…

U.S. Appeals Court Refuses to Reinstate Trump’s Travel Ban

February 9, 2017

The Associated Press,

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. The panel of three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. An appeal to the U.S….

Appeals Court: Decision on Trump Travel Ban Coming Thursday

February 9, 2017

The Associated Press,

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A federal appeals court in San Francisco is set to issue its ruling in the legal fight over whether to reinstate President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven predominately Muslim nations. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced that it will release its decision before the end of the business day Thursday in California….

Amendment Introduced for Recreational Use of Pot in Minnesota

Still Has a Long Ways to Go

February 9, 2017

Matt Suoja,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A Minnesota state representative from Virginia introduced a proposed amendment today to legalize recreational marijuana Democrat Jason Metsa is hoping the amendment can reach a general election ballot in 2018. If passed, it would allow those older than 21 to buy or produce the drug. Metsa does include terms for how sales would be taxed. The measure still…

Governor Walker Gives State of State Address

Plans to Cut Millions in Taxes

February 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker delivered his budget address today at the Capital. The Republican focused on boosting money for schools, along with large tuition cuts for college students. The governor is also looking at cutting about $600 million in taxes and fees, including $200 million in income tax cuts. “This budget includes historic investments in our priorities,” Walker said….

Republicans Push for Carbon Tax to Fight Climate Change

February 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – A push by a group of senior Republican statesmen for a tax on carbon to help combat the effects of climate change is already meeting entrenched opposition from their own party. Former Secretary of State Jim Baker with to the White House today, looking for Trump administration support for the plan. It would place a new tax…

Wisconsin Senate Passes Marijuana Extract Bill

Passed 31-1 Wednesday, headed to the Assembly next

February 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – The state Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would make it legal to use a marijuana extract to treat seizures. The measure legalizes possession of cannabidiol oil with a doctor’s certification. The chapter adopted the bill on a 31-1 vote Wednesday. Republican Senator Duey Stroebel was the only senator to vote against it. Parents of children…

Dayton Says Prostate Surgery Won’t Slow Him Down

February 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Photo: Newsfile)ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton says he’s confident his upcoming prostate cancer surgery won’t hinder his remaining two years in office. The Democratic governor is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove his prostate on March 2. Dayton revealed his diagnosis late last month, a day after collapsing during his State of the State address. Dayton said Wednesday…

Local Hospitals React to Immigration Ban

Local hospitals say that they're taking a wait and see approach to how the ban will affect them.

February 7, 2017

Zach Richie,

DULUTH, Minn. – Area hospitals are taking a wait and see approach to the temporary immigration ban and they vow to help their patients and staff in whatever ways they can. St. Luke’s said that they’re looking at the ban three different ways: how it affects their patients; their staff; and students in the area who are their future workforce….

Proctor Athletic Facilities Referendum Passed

Property taxes over the next 20 years will help pay for the nearly $12 million facility

February 7, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor residents have voted to pass a referendum to pay for a new hockey arena and multi–functional turf field. The referendum was approved with 1159 votes in favor and 909 votes against. Property taxes over the next 20 years will help pay for the nearly $12 million facility. The amount taxes will go up is dependent on…

Governor Dayton to Have Surgery on Prostate

Governor Avoiding Radiation

February 7, 2017

Matt Suoja,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton announced today he plans to undergo surgery in early March to treat his prostate cancer. He revealed the diagnosis late last month after collapsing during his State of the State address. His doctors have said the cancer was caught early and is treatable through surgery or radiation. It has not spread…

Trump Says He Would Have Won Minnesota With 1 More Visit

February 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

Evan Vucci/APWASHINGTON (AP) – The 2016 election is never far from President Donald Trump’s mind. When Trump met Tuesday with a group of sheriffs from around the country, he saw not just lawmen but battleground states. Trump talked about his victories with officials from Pennsylvania and North Carolina. And when a sheriff from Minnesota introduced himself, Trump said if he…

Army to Allow Completion of Dakota Access Oil Pipeline

February 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Army has notified Congress that it will allow the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota, completing the four-state project to move North Dakota oil to Illinois. The Justice Department filed court documents Tuesday including letters to members of Congress from Deputy Assistant Army Secretary Paul Cramer….

Walker’s Budget Looks to Cut UW Tuition by 5-Percent

February 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker wants to cut the University of Wisconsin System tuition by 5 percent, letting students opt out of paying some fees and grant the system’s request for additional state aid. The governor made the announcement at UW- La Crosse on Tuesday. He says the budget he will release on Wednesday will cut resident undergraduate tuition…

Minnesota Bill Banning Cellphone Use While Driving Proposed

February 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Several state lawmakers are proposing legislation that bans cellphone use while driving, with the exception of hands-free devices. Democrat Representative Frank Hornstein says more and more accidents are the result of distracted driving. He says this law would save lives and prevent injuries. The St. Paul Pioneer Press says Hornstein is co-authoring the bill with Republican…

Senate confirms Betsy DeVos for Education Department

February 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed school choice activist Betsy DeVos as Education secretary, with Vice President Mike Pence breaking a 50-50 tie. The Senate historian says it was the first time a vice president had to break a tie on a Cabinet nomination. Two Republicans joined Democrats Tuesday to vote to derail DeVos’ nomination. Democrats cited her lack…

Proctor Referendum Vote Coming Soon

The referendum would pay for a new hockey arena and a multi-functional artificial turf field.

February 6, 2017

Zach Richie,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Rails hockey teams currently play in an arena that is forty-five years old and in need of repair. However, they could play in a new arena next year if a referendum passes. If Proctor voters pass the referendum on February 7th, the funding would go towards building a new hockey arena and a multi-functional artificial…

GOP’s Rise Powers Move to Block Local Sick Leave, Wage Hikes

February 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota Republicans are moving to block cities from implementing their own sick leave policies and minimum wage hikes. The effort comes amid mandatory sick leave requirements that are set to take effect this summer in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Both cities are also home to long-brewing efforts to raise wages to as much as $15 hourly….

Two Harbors Civic Leader Passes Away

Served 18 Years in Minnesota House

February 3, 2017

Matt Suoja,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-Two Harbors civic leader Dave Battaglia, 86, died on Wednesday at St. Luke’s Hospital. He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 18 years, while serving multiple terms as Two Harbors mayor starting in 1957. His political career ended in 2004 when he retired from the Two Harbors City Council. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News,…

Protesters Oppose Mining in National Forest

Crowd Gathered Outside Congressman Nolan's Office Following Recent Announcement

February 2, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of protesters gathered in front of U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s downtown Duluth office Thursday. Earlier in the week, Rep. Nolan coming out in favor of reversing the Obama Administration decision which blocked mining in more than 234,000 acres of the Superior National Forest. These acres are close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which has…

Minnesota Attorney General Joins Immigration Lawsuit

February 2, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota’s attorney general has joined a lawsuit over President Donald Trump’s recent immigration order. The lawsuit alleges the order is unconstitutional and should not be enforced. Lori Swanson’s office announced Wednesday night, that the state will join the complaint filed by tthe attorney general in teh state of Washington. The lawsuit seeks an expedited hearing within…

Governor Dayton Visits Mayo Clinic Regarding Cancer Diagnosis

Dayton announced his diagnosis after collapsing during his State of the State address

February 2, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Governor Mark Dayton visited the Mayo Clinic for his scheduled appointments regarding his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. “Governor Mark Dayton’s prostate cancer was caught early and is localized, treatable, and curable,” Mayo Clinic spokesperson, Karl Oestreich stated. “His Mayo Clinic physicians have discussed several treatment options with the Governor…

Gov. Walker: White House Interested in Wisconsin Union Law

February 1, 2017

The Associated Press,

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence about how the White House can implement pieces of the Republican governor’s contentious policy that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers. Union membership in Wisconsin has declined nearly 40-percent since the law’s passage in 2011. Just 8-percent of the state’s workforce is…

Students Stage Protest at UMD

Demonstrations Against Immigration Policies Bring Students, Staff Together

February 1, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth students stood united Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policy. “America was founded on the dream of a better future,” said said Azrin Awal, a United States citizen who immigrated from Bengladesh when she was three years old. “The fact that a wall is going up, the fact that there’s a ban now,…

National Security Adviser Puts Iran “On Notice”

February 1, 2017

The Associated Press,

National security adviser General Michael Flynn delivers a statement daily briefing at the White House in Washington U.S., February 1, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos BarriaWASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s national security adviser says the administration is putting Iran “on notice” after it tested a ballistic missile. Michael Flynn told reporters Wednesday, that the Trump administration “condemns such actions by Iran that…

Senators Spar at Hearing as Democrats Fume Over Trump Picks

February 1, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Partisan tensions flared in the decorous Senate Judiciary Committee. It’s a sign of simmering anger as Democrats have tried unsuccessfully to block President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks. Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota and Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas had words with each other just before the panel approved attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions on Wednesday….

Walker to Unveil Rural Schools Funding Plan

The proposal is part of his 2017 budget plan

February 1, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker is set to announce a plan that he says will “dramatically” help rural Wisconsin schools. Walker has three planned stops on Wednesday, in Wauzeka, Hilbert, and Crandon, to unveil a proposal that will be part of his state budget. The budget is set to be released next week. Walker is expected to target sparsity…