Political Archives - Page 60 of 61

Firing of Sally Yates Raises Questions About Tolerance of Dissent

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s abrupt, late-night firing of the acting attorney general sends a message to his future Cabinet about his tolerance for public dissent. Trump fired Sally Yates after she refused to let the Justice Department defend his immigration orders in court. The president will soon have in place appointees who will be…

Elaine Chao Sworn In as Transportation Secretary

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Elaine Chao has been sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence as the next transportation secretary following her Senate confirmation. Chao served as labor secretary for eight years under President George W. Bush. She is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Chao is expected to take a leading role in President Donald Trump’s…

Trump Set to Announce Nominee for Supreme Court

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

Graphic shows profile information for three potential Supreme Court nominees (AP)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is ready to announce his choice to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, one of the most consequential moves of his young administration and a decision with ramifications that could long outlast his time in office. The President is to unveil his pick…

Senate Committee Approves Education Secretary Nominee Betsy DeVos

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – A Senate committee has approved Republican donor and school choice advocate Betsy DeVos, for education secretary, even as two GOP senators expressed some reservations. After a heated debate Tuesday morning, senators on the Health, Education, Pensions, and Labor Committee have voted 12-11 along partisan lines to support DeVos’ nomination, sending it to the full senate for action….

GOP Proposes Limits on Severance for State Workers

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republicans are weighing changes to severance for state workers after Governor Mark Dayton was criticized for sizeable payouts to three top appointees who resigned. A House committee had been set to discuss a bill, Tuesday, that would limit severance pay for state employees, but that hearing was postponed until Wednesday. Dayton has approved nearly…

Trump Traveling to Wisconsin for Speech on Economy

January 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – President Donald Trump is planning to deliver a speech on the economy in Milwaukee on Thursday. The White House confirmed the planned visit on Monday, which comes two weeks into Trump’s presidency. His last trip to Wisconsin was in December as part of his victory tour. Trump is making the stop amid continued backlash from the executive…

Minnesota’s Medical Marijuana Program Needs More Money

January 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota’s medical marijuana program needs more money to help cover costs associated with being one of the most restrictive laws in the country. The state’s Office of Medical Cannabis is seeking $500,000 over the next two years as lawmakers put together a $40 billion-plus budget. Top regulators say that money would help pay unexpected costs…

North Dakota Pushes Bill to Raise Penalty for Rioting

January 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

North Dakota State GovernmentBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota law enforcement and state prosecutors are supporting a Republican-sponsored bill that would increase penalties for people involved in riots. Representative Todd Porter of Mandan told the House Judiciary Committee on Monday that the proposal is in response to the Dakota Access pipeline protests. Among other things, the bill would increase the…

Washington State Sues Trump Over Immigration Order

January 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state’s attorney general says he is suing President Donald Trump over an executive order that suspended immigration from seven countries with majority-Muslim populations and sparked nationwide protests. Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced his lawsuit Monday, becoming the first state attorney general to announce a legal action against the Trump administration over one of its policies. Trump…

Senate Procedural Vote Sets Up Debate Over Trump Travel Ban

January 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – A procedural vote in the Senate on Donald Trump’s secretary of state nominee sets up an extended debate over the president’s executive order barring refugees for at least four months and the direction of U.S. policy toward Russia. Rex Tillerson needs the backing of 51 senators Monday evening, to put his nomination on track for confirmation later…

Court Orders Wisconsin Legislature to Redraw Maps

January 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – A panel of federal judges has ordered the Wisconsin Legislature to redraw legislative boundaries by November, rejecting calls form those challenging the maps to have the judges do the work. The three-judge panel released its decision in the redistricting case Friday. The state is expected to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case. State attorneys…

Wisconsin Republicans Ask for Review of Road Project Costs

January 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Assembly Republican leaders are asking the state Department of Transportation for a review of costs for recently completed, ongoing, and planned projects. The letter sent Friday to DOT Secretary Dave Ross, comes after release of an audit that said the DOT underestimated costs of projects of ongoing projects by more than $3 billion. The letter was signed…

Dayton Signs Premium Relief Bill

Will provide immediate relief to 125,000 Minnesotans

January 26, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton today signed Chapter 2, SF 1 to provide an automatic 25-percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant premium increases in the individual market. The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton: “In order to provide urgently-needed health insurance premium relief to 125,000 Minnesotans, I am signing…

Official: Trump Wants to Slash EPA Workforce, Budget

January 26, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The former head of President Donald Trump’s transition team at the Environmental Protection Agency says he expects the new administration to seek budget and staff cuts. Myron Ebell left the transition team last week saying, in an interview with The Associated Press, that his specific proposals to the White House remain confidential. But asked what he personally…

Highly Critical Audit of WisDOT Released

January 26, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – A highly critical audit of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, released Thursday morning, says the agency budgeted to complete more highway projects than could be done with the money available because it didn’t take into account inflation and unexpected cost increases. The audit comes as Governor Scott Walker and the Legislature are grappling with how to deal…

DFL Legislators Propose $100 Million Broadband Investment

Minnesota currently ranks 19th for average connection speed

January 26, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL , Minn – Legislators from across greater Minnesota have joined together to call for a $100 million investment in broadband. They’re stressing the economic development reach that investment in broadband creates, something they say Minnesota is in need of. “For every dollar invested in broadband in the state, $10 is generated in economic activity. That kind of return…

Superior Students Witness Inauguration and Women’s March in D.C.

The group also visited the office of Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin

January 25, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A group of Superior High School students got to be part of some historic events last weekend in Washington D.C. Six students from the UW-Superior Upward Bound program traveled from Wisconsin to the nation’s capital to witness the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The group was given special entrance to watch the ceremony from just below the…

Trump Moves to Build Border Wall, Cut Sanctuary City Funds

January 25, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump moved aggressively to tighten the nation’s immigration controls Wednesday, signing executive actions to jumpstart construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall and block federal grants from immigrant-protecting “sanctuary cities.” “Beginning today the United States of America gets back control of its borders,” Trump declared during a visit to the Department of Homeland Security. “We are…

Former S.C. Gov. Sworn in as UN Ambassador

Senate voted 96-4 in favor of her nomination

January 25, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has been sworn in to be President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations. Vice President Mike Pence swore in Haley on Wednesday. The Senate voted 96-4, Tuesday night, in favor of her nomination despite her lack of significant foreign policy experience. During her confirmation hearing, the South Carolina-born daughter of…

Governor’s Budget Impacts Duluth

Possible Funding for Human Rights Office

January 24, 2017

Matt Suoja,

DULUTH, Minn.-After passing out during yesterday’s State of the State Address, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was back on track today as he released his budget plans. One area mentioned locally is investing $2.3 million in Department of Human Rights’ offices throughout the state including one in Duluth. Some funds have also been allocated for operating the proposed Veteran’s Cemetery in…

Retired Wisconsin Brewery Head, Leinenkugel Going to D.C.

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

Jake Leinenkugel Photo: Ross Evavold Chippewa HeraldCHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) – The retired head of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is joining President Trump’s administration as an adviser on Veterans issues. The Chippewa Herald reported, Tuesday, that Jake Leinenkugel had accepted a position as a senior White House adviser to the Office of Veterans Affairs. The White House would not…

Gov. Walker to Deliver Budget Address February 8

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker will deliver his budget address to the state Legislature on Wednesday, February 8. Walker alerted lawmakers on Tuesday that he will unveil his two-year spending plan that day. The speech is set for 4 p.m., breaking tradition of nighttime addresses. The budget comes as Walker is expected to mount a re-election bid for a…

Trump Administration Institutes Media Blackout at EPA

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration has instituted a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning press releases, blog updates, or posts to the agency’s social media…

Governor Dayton Announces Battle with Prostate Cancer

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton says he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but will finish the final two years of his term. Dayton made the announcement, Tuesday, just a day after collapsing while delivering his State of the State address. “I always thought I was incredibly fortunate…cancer seems to me like Russian Roulette. Everytime I get a clean…

MN House Committee Approves Bill that Would Charge Protesters

Associated with disruptive demonstrations

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – A Minnesota House committee has approved a bill that would charge protesters for law enforcement costs associated with disruptive demonstrations. The House Civil Law Committee passed the bill 6-3, amid outcry from critics who say it could be used to silence dissent. Citizens at Tuesday’s hearing shouted “Shame, shame!” after the vote, prompting lawmakers to walk…

Wisconsin Manufacturing Tax Credit Continues to Grow

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – A manufacturing tax credit touted by Republicans is projected to cost the state more than $650 million over the next two years. Democratic critic Representative Gordon Hintz, of Oshkosh, on Tuesday released the latest estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. It shows that the program will have reduced state tax collections by about $1.4 billion by…

Gov. Dayton Returns to Work after Collapse

Dayton collapsed during his State of the State address Monday night

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is planning to keep to his normal schedule Tuesday after collapsing during his State of the State address. The 69-year-old Democrat fainted as he neared the end of his annual speech Monday night. He appeared conscious as he was helped to a back room minutes later. A top staffer said he walked…

Trump Takes Executive Action on Oil Pipelines

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed executive actions to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines. Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office that the construction of the pipelines will subject to the terms and conditions being renegotiated by the United States. Former President Barack Obama killed the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in…

Standing Rock Rally Shows Support for City Council

Supporters of a resolution showing solidarity with those of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe thanked the Duluth City Council for passing the resolution.

January 23, 2017

Zach Richie,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council recently passed a resolution expressing their support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. It’s a decision that the council has heard both praise and criticism for making. Supporters of the resolution held a rally in the city hall rotunda and thanked the council for their actions. Those supporters said the city council was well within…

Businesses Voice Concern of Duluth City Council’s Standing Rock Resolution

The group of 51 businesses believe city council should spend more time focusing on local issues

January 23, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Twin Ports businesses are voicing concern over the Duluth city council’s resolution of support with the Standing Rock protestors back in December. Today, some of those businesses involved in the pipeline industry gathered at United Piping in Duluth to express their disappointment toward city council’s decision. “They never took the opportunity to listen to…

Gov. Mark Dayton Collapses During State of the State

Dayton Was Resting At Home After The Incident

January 23, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton collapsed at the podium while delivering his State of the State address at the Minnesota State Capitol Monday night. Dayton, 69, had been speaking for more than 40 minutes when he collapsed. He was reportedly about to make an offer of a new public health care option. House Speaker Kurt Daudt quickly adjourned…

Local Businesses Concerned Over Council’s Pipeline Support

January 23, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Businesses involved in the pipeline industry gathered to express their disappointment toward the City Council

Trump’s Executive Orders Add Three New Policy Moves

January 23, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON D.C. (AP) – President Donald Trump’s first full day in the White House led him to sign in some executive orders. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum to leave the proposed Pacific Rim trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP.) The move is basically a formality, since the agreement had yet to receive required Senate ratification. Trade…

Walker Proposes New Welfare Work Requirements

Calling for taking away food stamp benefits for parents with children between the ages of 6 and 18, if they do not meet certain requirements

January 23, 2017

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Governor Scott Walker announced a new welfare reform package, which would require more people receiving public welfare benefits to be working or searching for work. Walker announced Monday, that he intends to propose new work requirement son able-bodied adults with school-age children who are receiving food stamps through the FoodShare program. He is also calling for imposing…

Renewable Energy Fund Gets Critical Look

January 23, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Republican state lawmakers are considering killing a renewable energy fund that they say has been a failure. They say the programs haven’t done much to lower the cost of renewable energy. They’re propsoing to shift the money instead of a general energy account. Representative Marion O’Neill of Maple Lake says doing so would make sure state…

Dayton’s State of the State Will Set Stage for 2017 Session

Speech is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the State Capitol

January 23, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton is preparing to lay out his vision for 2017 and beyond. The Democratic governor was set to deliver his State of the State address Monday evening at the State Capitol. It’s back to normal for the annual speech after it was moved to the University of Minnesota last year due to the ongoing…

Dayton’s State of the State will set stage for 2017 session

January 22, 2017

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton is preparing to lay out his vision for 2017 and beyond. The Democratic governor was set to deliver his State of the State address Monday evening at the state Capitol. It’s back to normal for the annual speech after it was moved to the University of Minnesota last year due to ongoing…

UMD Students React to Trump Inauguration

Students and Staff at Watched President Trump's Inaugural on Campus

January 20, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Students and Staff at UMD Watched President Trump’s Inaugural

Wisconsin Farmers Could be Affected by Late Cabinet Pick

January 20, 2017

The Associated Press,

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) – A congressman and political scientist say the late nomination of Georgia governor as U.S. agricultural secretary could impact Wisconsin farmers. U.S. Representative Ron Kind, D-La Cross, tells Wisconsin Public Radio that the late pick could delay work on the next farm bill. Kind says if, and when, Governor Sonny Perdue is confirmed he will not…

LIVE: The Inauguration of Donald J. Trump

January 20, 2017

Site Staff,

The Inauguration of Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Political, US & World News

Superior Mayoral Candidates Take Part in Public Forum

Brent Fennessey, Kalee Hermanson, Mike Herrick and Jim Payne addressed a variety of topics

January 19, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – On April 4th, residents in Superior will elect a new mayor to lead the city. Thursday night, the four candidates took part in a forum hosted by Explore Superior. Brent Fennessey, Kalee Hermanson, Mike Herrick and Jim Payne addressed a variety of topics including financial challenges the city faces and ways Superior can partner with Duluth to…

Assembly Republicans Call for $300 Million for Roads

Framework of the plan released on Thursday

January 19, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Wisconsin state Assembly Republicans are calling for $300 million in tax and fee increases to pay for roads while cutting at least $300 million in taxes. Republicans released the framework of the plan on Thursday. It comes after the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau said the state would be taking in $454 million more tax collections over the…

Minnesota House Passes Health Insurance Bill

January 19, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tonight on a vote of 73-54, the Minnesota House passed a bill creating a relief subsidy program aimed to address increasing health insurance premiums in the individual market. Under the plan, policyholders wouldn’t see relief until 2018, and it also contains many complex health insurance policy changes. “Minnesotans are being hit hard by massive premium increases,…

Obama Commutes 330 Drug Sentences in His Final Act

January 19, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – In his last major act as president, Barack Obama is cutting short the sentences of 330 federal inmates convicted of drug crimes. The move brings Obama’s bid to correct what he’s called a systematic injustice to a climactic close. Obama has now commuted the sentences of 1,715 people, more than any other president in U.S. History. During…

Rainy-Day Fund May Help Cover Insurance Hikes

January 19, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are working to offset massive health insurance premium increases for more than 100,000 residents who buy their own coverage. It’s a novel step as other states grapple with rising health insurance costs and uncertainty of how the Donald Trump administration will handle the Affordable Care Act. Minneosta officials agree premium hikes of up to…

Three Duluth Ideas are Finalists for Knight Cities Challenge

Popup parks, a story telling project, and entrepreneurial workshops made the list of finalists.

January 18, 2017

Zach Richie,

Three Duluth ideas have been chosen as finalists among thousands for the Knight Cities Challenge. 144 ideas have moved onto the second round and are vying for a share of up to five million dollars. The city of Duluth proposed the thought of making Canal Park more friendly to its residents all year long. City officials believe they could accomplish…

George H.W. Bush and Wife Hospitalized

January 18, 2017

The Associated Press,

HOUSTON (AP) – A spokesman for former President George H.W. Bush says Bush has been admitted to the intensive care unit at Houston’s Methodist Hospital to address a respiratory problem from pneumonia. Spokesman Jim McGrath says Bush’s wife Barbara Bush, 91, as also been hospitalized as a precaution after experiencing fatigue and coughing. McGrath says the 92-year-old former president was…

Group of Superior High School Students to Attend Inauguration

The six students are part of the federally-funded Upward Bound program through UWS

January 17, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – President-elect Donald trump will officially be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend, including a group of six students from Superior High School. The students are part of Upward Bound, a federally funded program through the University of Wisconsin Superior. On Thursday morning,…

Wisconsin Republican Senator Circulates Marijuana Extract Bill

January 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – State Senator Van Wanggaard is circulating a bill that would make possessing a marijuana extract used to prevent seizures legal, in Wisconsin, with a doctor’s certification. Parents of children who suffer from seizures have been pushing for legislation that would allow them to use CBD oil to ease the symptoms. A similar bill passed the Assembly last…

New Faces Breathe New Life into Debate on Sunday Liquor Ban

January 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Fresh faces at the Legislature and an extra push from a powerful politician have Minnesota’s ban on Sunday liquor sales in the crosshairs again. It’s been a perennial topic at the Capitol for years, but efforts to remove it have routinely failed. Minnesota is one of just 12 state with a Sunday sales ban, but a…