Political Archives - Page 6 of 66

Minnesota Nurses Association agrees to terms with Essentia for nurses at downtown Duluth clinics and Superior

August 29, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – Nurses with the The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) at Essentia Health’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Street Clinic locations in Duluth, as well as Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic, voted to ratify tentative agreements on their first contracts. The union says the vote was cast by more than 200 nurses on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The agreements…

Kamala Harris Vice Presidential Portrait

President Trump revokes Secret Service protection for former Vice President Harris after Biden had extended it

August 29, 2025

Matt McConico,

Kamala Harris Vice Presidential Portrait WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, a senior White House official said on Friday. Former vice presidents typically get federal government protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents do so for life. But then-President Joe Biden quietly signed a directive that had…

Latest: Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Kills 2 Kids, Injures 17 Others

August 27, 2025

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A shooter opened fire with a rifle Wednesday through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis and struck some of the nearly 200 children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 people in an act of violence the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible.” Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol,…

Millions in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects across the Northland

August 26, 2025

Matt McConico,

ST. PAUL, Min. –The Minnesota Public Facility Authority (MPFA) announced more than $236.4 million in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The announcement made on August 26, 2025 is to hep cities replace aging infrastructure and make system improvements to protect public health and improve water quality. “The MPFA provides crucial financing and technical assistance to communities who might…

Essentia Health & MNA reach tentative agreements for clinic nurses in Duluth and Superior

August 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health has announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at he Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st, 2nd and 3rd street buildings and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic. The nurses are first contracts covering ambulatory care nurses. The tentative agreements will last through March 31, 2027. Upon making the announcement Essentia…

Canada dropping retaliatory tariffs against US

August 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney TORONTO (AP) — Canada is dropping retaliatory tariffs to match U.S. tariff exemptions for goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday. Carney said Canada will include the carve-out that the U.S. has on Canadian goods under the 2020 free trade deal that shields the vast majority of goods…

Lakeland PBS, Only TV Station In North-Central MN, Facing $1M In Federal Cuts

August 21, 2025

KQDS Staff,

With upcoming cuts to PBS, there could be big changes how our neighbors to the west are getting their news and information. Lakeland PBS is the only television station directly serving north-central Minnesota in the Bemidji and Brainerd-area. They expect to lose more than $1 million due to federal cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Our signature service is…

MN Attorney General Ellison Sues TikTok Over Predatory Features

August 19, 2025

Jadie Jones,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing TikTok for preying on young people with addictive algorithms and exploitative features. The lawsuit, filed August 19th, claims that TikTok has violated Minnesota Consumer Protection laws. It further explains how TikTok gets time, data, and money out of users by using predatory features like analyzing user data to serve…

Roof Nears Competition Over Leif Erickson Viking Ship In Knife River

August 17, 2025

Dan Hanger,

Courtesy: Neill Atkins KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — A protective roof — 40 years in the making — is almost complete over the Leif Erickson replica Viking Ship in Knife River. Courtesy: Neill Atkins Organizer Neill Atkins took a few snapshots of the new structure. The Save Our Ship non-profit is behind the project. They’ve raising a few hundred thousand dollars…

August 12th Primary Election Results

August 13, 2025

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. & TWO HARBORS, Minn. — August 13ths primaries narrowed the pools of candidates for seats on City Councils and School boards. For the Duluth Council Member At Large (Elect 2): Terese Tomanek had the most votes at 3,192 (34.25%) Jordon Johnson came next with 2,468 (26.48%) Derek Medved fell a fairly close third with 2,129 (22.84%) Asher Estrin-Haire…

Duluth Council, School Board Primary Election Results

August 12, 2025

Dan Hanger,

Click the links below for the latest primary election results for Duluth City Council and Duluth School Board. Duluth City Council Duluth School Board Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Duluth School Board Primary Election Results

August 12, 2025

Dan Hanger

Duluth City Council Primary Election Results

August 12, 2025

Dan Hanger

Accused assassin of Melissa Hortman and her husband pleas not guilty

August 7, 2025

Matt McConico,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The man charged with killing the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband, and wounding a state senator and his wife, pleaded not guilty Thursday in federal court. Melissa Hortman Vance Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, was indicted July 15 on six counts of murder, stalking and firearms violations. The murder charges could carry…

Police Investigator suing City of Superior has also filed union grievance

August 4, 2025

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Investigator suing the Superior Police Department in Federal Court, Mikayla LeRette, has also filed a union grievance. It was filed by Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) Local #27 Grievance and Discipline Committee. The filing was submitted on June 30, 2025. That was about five months after her federal lawsuit was filed. The grievance was submitted to Chief…

Carl Crawford Appointed to Governers Council on MLK Jr. Holiday

August 4, 2025

Jadie Jones,

Carl Crawford DULUTH, Minn. — A former Human Rights Officer for Duluth has been appointed to the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Governer Walz appointed Carl Crawford on Aug. 1st. Crawford currently serves as the Senior Accessibility & Engagement Coordinator for St. Louis County. The Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday helps plan celebrations…

From DWI to Service Dogs: New laws go into effect in Minnesota

August 1, 2025

Matt McConico,

Great Seal Of The State Of Minnesota DULUTH, Minn. – Many new laws are going into effect in Minnesota on August 1, 2025. Housing protections for service dog trainers: Minnesotans who train service dogs will now receive the same housing rights as people who rely on trained service animals. This means homeowners associations and landlords are not allowed to deny…

Duluth Judge Eric L. Hylden to retire

July 31, 2025

Matt McConico,

Honorable Eric L. Hylden DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the retirement of the Honorable Eric L. Hylden. He’s a judge in the Sixth Judicial District seated in Duluth. Governor Walz is now asking for application for the vacancy. A news release from the Governor’s Office says applications for the position are due by 4:00 pm on August…

Duluth City Council Passes Renters Rights Proposal

New Housing Data Shows Duluth Has Much More Work To Do

July 29, 2025

Violette VueHansen,

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re having trouble finding somewhere to live in Duluth, you’re not alone. And a recent study confirms the problem. The local vacancy rate for rentals is only at 1.8 percent, and only around 58 percent of people living in Duluth actually own the roof over their head, according to Maxfield Research and Consulting, who was hired by the…

City Charter Commission Recommends Duluth Council Pay Increase

July 27, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A pay increase is being recommended for Duluth city councilors, which would be the first increase since 2018. The City Charter Commission is proposing councilors be paid $1,425 a month, up from $1,150 per month, bringing a councilor’s annual pay to $17,100. For all nine councilors, the increase would add up to $29,700 out of the $108…

Man With Mental Health Issues Found Naked in MN Capitol, Raising New Security Cncerns

July 27, 2025

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A naked man with apparent mental health issues was found in the Minnesota State Capitol late at night, officials said Saturday, raising questions about security after the top Democrat in the state House was killed in what authorities have called a political assassination. The discovery just six weeks after the fatal shooting of Democratic former House Speaker…

Gov. Evers Grants 204 Pardons, for a total of more than 1,600 Pardons as Governer

July 25, 2025

Jadie Jones,

WISCONSIN — Governer Evers granted 204 pardons today, July 25th, bringing his total pardons during his tenure to 1,640. The pardons are described as an act of forgiveness. Individuals pardoned have completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges. Most of those pardoned did the crime in their late teens and 20s, and these…

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin Addresses Retirement in ‘Love Letter’ Video

July 24, 2025

Emily Halling, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn.–Earlier today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not be running for a third time for his seat as Governor. With this announcement, Evers released what he called his ‘love letter’ to Wisconsin, to reminisce on his time as Governor. “I cherish every moment, every tour, every visit high five, question and selfie. It’s the honor of…

Governor Tony Evers announces he will not run for re-election

July 24, 2025

Matt McConico,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years. It will be Wisconsin’s highest profile race next year, as Democrats also angle to take control of the Legislature thanks to redrawn election maps that…

Governor Walz: Canadians should visit Minnesota

July 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

ST. PAUL, Min. – Governor Tim Walz is asking Canadians to visit Minnesota. In a news release he said, “We value that connection and the many ways our cultures overlap — from hockey to fishing, and from buffalo plaid to a bold winter spirit. We want our Canadian neighbors know they’re not just welcome here — they’re encouraged to visit…

Duluth Schools Asst. Supt. Arrested For DWI

July 22, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools on Tuesday said its assistant superintendent, Anthony Bonds, was arrested overnight for drunken driving. In a statement, a district spokesperson said this is a first-time DWI offense for Bonds. Bonds started with ISD-709 in 2020. The district said it is “committed to transparency that is consistent with the law to ensure the community is…

Grant money for shipyards heading to Twin Ports

July 21, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON, D.C. & SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded more than $800,000 in a grant to help the Superior Shipyards. A grant of $817,146.23 will go to Fraser Shipyards, LLC of Superior to help purchase a Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic Boom Rough Terrain Crane. MARAD is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic…

State Senator convicted of two felonies plans to resign

July 21, 2025

Matt McConico,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state senator convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house plans to resign by early August, her lawyer said Monday. Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell has faced calls from fellow Minnesota lawmakers for her immediate resignation since her conviction on Friday. The jury deliberated for three hours before finding her guilty…

Duluth City Council Voting to Amend Seasonal Closures of Skyline Parkway

July 21, 2025

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth City council is voting to amend the seasonal closures of Skyline Parkway. The vote is slated for July 21, 2025. Currently, portions of Skyline are closed from December 1st to April 15th. Skyline Closure The proposal being voted on would extend the closure until May 15th. Bad weather delayed the opening for 4 out of…

MN Among 3 Democrat-led States To Roll Back Medicaid Access For People Lacking Permanent Legal Status

July 20, 2025

The Associated Press,

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — For nearly 20 years, Maria would call her sister — a nurse in Mexico — for advice on how to manage her asthma and control her husband’s diabetes instead of going to the doctor in California. She didn’t have legal status, so she couldn’t get health insurance and skipped routine exams, relying instead on home remedies…

Minnesota State Senator guilty of first-degree burglary

July 18, 2025

Matt McConico,

Nicole Mitchell BECKER COUNTY, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state senator has been convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home. The jury on Friday found Nicole Mitchell guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Bodycam video shows the 51-year-old Democrat telling police when they arrested her in April 2024, “Clearly, I’m not good at this.”…

Mna Claims Aspirus St. Luke's Walked Away From Negotiations

MNA Accuses Essentia of ‘Intimidation’ and ‘Retaliation’ Amid Strike

July 16, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) blasted Essentia Health Wednesday by saying the healthcare provider is intimidating and retaliating against some of the union’s Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who have chosen to leave the group’s strike and go back to work. The strong words from the MNA came after Essentia Health sent out the following release to the…

Senator Tina Smith hospitalized

July 16, 2025

Matt McConico,

Senator Tina Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. & DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is in the hospital. Senator Smith’s staff posted on her X account, “While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well. She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital. Out of an abundance of…

ALLETE sale now just one step away

July 11, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – In May of 2024 ALLETE, the company that runs Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin along with other energy related companies announced it reached an agreement to be acquired. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) offered to pay $6.2 billion for the company. But before the deal…

Rice Lake expected to name Acting Mayor

July 11, 2025

Matt McConico,

UPDATE: The City of Rice Lake says in a news release they still consider Suzanne Herstad to be Mayor until her resignation letter is presented at their Monday, July 14 city council meeting. The news release says if the letter is accepted which it “most likely” will be, then Jayme Heim would officially become Acting Mayor. Heim was selected to…

MNA Labor Relations Field Manager to run for Congress

July 10, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Chad McKenna has announced he will be running for Congress. Chad McKenna McKenna says he’ll be running for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District – the seat currently held by Pete Stauber. In a news release McKenna said. “I’m running for Congress because Pete Stauber has stopped working for us – his constituents… He seems more focused on appeasing…

Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad Resigns

July 8, 2025

KQDS Staff,

RICE LAKE, Minn. – Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad has resigned. In a news release, Mayor Herstad’s resignation letter was quoted saying, “Serving this remarkable community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together during my time in office, and I leave hopeful in a future of…

St. Louis County waiving permit fees for wildfire rebuilding

July 8, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has voted to temporarily waive the fees associated with land use and septic permits for those trying to Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. rebuild after the 2025 spring wildfires. They are waiving permit fees through January 4, 2026. It’s specifically for replacement of structures and…

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Seal

Travelers may no longer be required to remove shoes before boarding a plane

July 8, 2025

Matt McConico,

(AP) – For the first time in almost 20 years, travelers may no longer have to take off their shoes during security screenings at certain U.S. airports. The Transportation Security Administration is looking to abandon the requirement, according to media reports. If implemented, it would put an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago,…

Tiffany, Stauber, and other members of Congress send letter to Canadian Ambassador about wildfire concerns

July 7, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Pete Stauber (MN-08) along with other members of Congress sent a letter to Canada’s Ambassador. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R) Wisconsin It urged stronger forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risk after consecutive years of heavy smoke blowing south from Canada to Minnesota and Wisconsin. It read in part, “We know a key…

Rep. Pete Stauber (R) Minnesota's 8th Congressional District

Rep. Pete Stauber statement on One Big Beautiful Bill Act

July 3, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 1. H.R. 1 is also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “In November, the American people elected President Trump and gave him the majorities in both the House and Senate with a clear mandate: to restore safety and unleash prosperity across our nation. Today,…

Rep. Tom Tiffany statement on One Big Beautiful Bill Act

July 3, 2025

Matt McConico,

Tom Tiffany (R) Wisconsin 7th Congressional District WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 1. H.R. 1 is also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “The top priorities going into this election were clear: secure the border and deliver relief to hardworking families. This bill keeps those promises by providing tax…

Minnesota Nurses Association comes to agreement with Twin Cities hospitals; Duluth strike still imminent

July 3, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has announced it has come to tentative agreements with Twin Cities-area hospitals. In their announcement they said, “Duluth prepares for action”. MNA agreed to the tentative terms with Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners and North Memorial Health. The MNA is still working to get deals with Aspirus St. Luke’s…

President’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Would Cost St. Louis County At Least $16M, County Says

July 2, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis county leaders put out a warning to residents Wednesday to say President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” – if passed — would cost the county at least $16 million. As written now, the federal bill would shift Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs from the federal government to the states, according to the county. For…

Solvay Hospice House temporarily pausing care due to looming MNA strike

July 1, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Miller-Dwan Foundation and Essentia Health announced they will be temporarily pausing care at Solvay Hospice House beginning July 8. The announcement was made in response to the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) plan to begin an open-ended strike at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Solvay is owned by Miller-Dwan Foundation and care within Solvay is provided by…

Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway in Mountain Iron

Sign installed for Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway

July 1, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Signs are now up recognizing the “Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway”. The expressway is Highway 169 between Itasca County Road 69 in Marble and St. Louis County Road 7 in Mountain Iron. In 2024 the Minnesota State Legislature passed bills to designate the highway sections for the areas Tomassoni served. He was elected to…

Mike McCoshen (left) and his wife Julie McCoshen as he was officially sworn in as 12th Administrator of the Great Lake St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation by USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Keith Washington (right)

Superior man sworn-in to run federal waterway agency

June 25, 2025

Matt McConico,

Mike McCoshen (left) and his wife Julie McCoshen (middle) as he was officially sworn in as 12th Administrator of the Great Lake St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation by USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Keith Washington (right) WASHINGTON & SUPERIOR, Wisc. – J.M. (Mike) McCoshen has been sworn in as the twelfth Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great Lakes St….

Hortman family to Lie in State

June 25, 2025

Matt McConico,

MINNESOTA — Tuesday morning governor Tim Walz announced Melissa and Mark Hortman will Lie in State Friday, in Saint Paul. They will be joined by their golden retriever, Gilbert. They were assassinated in their home two weekends ago. Hortman will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to Lie in State in the capitol. The rotunda…

President Donald Trump and his national security team meet in the Situation Room of the White House

President Trump: Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire”

June 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday on social media that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours. The U.S. president said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would bring an “Official END” to the war, a major change in the hostilities that follows a U.S. strike over…

Iran launches missile attack on US base in Qatar

June 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran says missile barrage on Qatar was same number as bombs used by US on nuclear sites, signaling desire to de-escalate. Iran launched a missile attack Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites. Witnesses reported seeing missiles in the skies, followed by explosions, but…