Political Archives - Page 61 of 62

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…

Dayton Announces $350M in Federal Funds for Water Quality

Will provide direct funding to MN farmers, while working to protect and improve waters in 54 Minnesota counties

January 17, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton, today, January 17, signed an agreement with the United State Department of Agriculture, to secure $350 million in federal funding to protect and improve waters in 60,000 acres across 54 Minnesota counties. The new state-federal effort, the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), will target areas of southern and western Minnesota facing significant water…

Wisconsin State Senate Passes Bill to Help Cheese Plant

January 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a bill extending tax incentives to help a cheese distributor. The Senate unanimously passed the bill Tuesday that is designed to assist with Plymouth-based Masters Gallery Foods building of a $30 million cheese packaging and distributing plant in the village of Oostburg. The bill would allow Oostburg, in Sheboygan County, to…

Obama Cuts Short Chelsea Manning’s Prison Sentence

She is just one of 209 inmates being granted a shorter sentence

January 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama is commuting the prison sentence of Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst who leaked classified documents. The White House says Manning is one of 209 inmates whose sentences Obama is shortening. Manning is more than six years into a 35-year sentence for leaking classified government and military documents to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks….

UW-Superior Upward Bound Students to Attend Presidential Inauguration

Students were selected from an essay application process

January 17, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Six local high school student members of the Upward Bound program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are gearing up for an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. for the presidential inauguration of Donald J. Trump, on Friday, January 20. These students were selected from a competitive internal essay application process that took place in October. In their application…

Hundreds March for Martin Luther King Jr.

It's a Celebration of the Civil Rights Leader's Life and Legacy

January 16, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids made posters and signs with hand written messages, as they prepared for the Martin Luther King Jr. March in Duluth. It’s in honor of the iconic civil rights leader who peacefully fought for racial equality in the 50’s and 60’s. “He gave his life and dedicated himself to the community, so that we can walk…

State Leaders Push for More Progress at MLK Day Celebration

January 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Hundreds of Minnesota residents have marched through downtown St. Paul, to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Afterward, city and state leaders spoke at the Ordway Center on Monday about the progress the country has made, as well as the inequalities that still exist. Speakers included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, St. Paul Mayor Chris…

Trump Calls on Americans to Honor Dr. King

January 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

ATLANTA (AP) – Civil rights leaders and activists are gathering around the country to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. In a message sent on Twitter on Monday, Trump said: “Celebrate Martin Luther King Day and all of the many wonderful things he stood for. honor him for being the great man that he was!” As American’s celebrate…

Superior Mayoral Candidates Race on Sleds

Candidates Have Fun Before April Election

January 14, 2017

Greg Chandler,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The four Superior Mayoral candidates took time off the campaign trail for a stop on a sledding trails. The candidates kept the competitve spirit going by racing down a hill on sleds. The winner was Kalee Hermanson who hopes to see the same result in April’s election. “Any one of us that makes it into office is…

Unsuccessful Hack on City of Ashland Website

The manager of the city's website believes that it was the target of an unsuccessful hack.

January 13, 2017

Zach Richie,

The manager of the city of Ashland’s website believes that hackers tried unsuccessfully to get into the city’s computer system. “This type of activity is only going to continue,” said Eric Nelson the owner of SlickRockWeb which manages the city’s website. Nelson noticed a spike in the amount of traffic from Russia and eastern European countries to the city’s website…

Walker Pays Off Presidential Campaign Debt

Owed $1.2 million

January 13, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Governor Scott Walker has fully paid off the debt he accrued during his short-lived presidential run. Walker owed $1.2 million when he dropped out of the race in 2015 after 71 days. By the end of November, he had paid all but $140,000. Walker had promised to pay off all the debt by the end of…

Governor Walker Declares Jan. 13 Green and Gold Day

In anticipation of the Packers playoff game against the Cowboys

January 13, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

Courtesy: Green Bay PackersMADISON – Governor Walker has issued a proclamation declaring today, January 13, 2017, as “Green and Gold Day” throughout Wisconsin in anticipation of the Green Bay Packers playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, January 15. Walker’s statement: Travel to any state in this great nation, and chances are you’ll find some Green Bay Packers fans,…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s 2017 Outlook

January 12, 2017

Dan Hanger,

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has officially made it one year on the job as the city’s top leader. Larson says she’s proud of a year full of creating, mending and building relationships. But now for 2017, it’s time, she says, to really get work done. “It’s like, phew, we got that done. Now we can actually start accelerating and getting…

Health Premium Relief Bill Passed by Senate

January 12, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota’s Senate has passed a bill providing relief for massive health insurance premium hikes. Thursday’s action on a major priority in the 2017 legislative session, doesn’t mean the work is over. The House is expected to pass similar legislation next week, but they’ll need to iron out major difference with Governor Mark Dayton before checks start…

Duluth Sees Increase in Tourism Tax Dollars

Events like Tall Ships and more hotel rooms in the city helped bring more money into the area in 2016.

January 11, 2017

Zach Richie,

Once again, the city of Duluth saw an increase in their tourism tax dollars. Receipts from the hotel/motel tax are up over 10% for January through November of 2016. The food and beverage tax is up over 4%. The city credits marquee events like Grandma’s marathon, the Tall Ships festival, and Hockey Day Minnesota for the big gains. They also…

Rick Nolan Considering Running for Governor in 2018

Currently representing the 8th Congressional District

January 11, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL – Representative Rick Nolan’s spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday, that he is considering entering the race for Minnesota governor in 2018. Others who have entered the race include St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Representative Erin Murphy, and State Auditor Rebecca Otto, who just recently announced her candidacy on January 9. Nolan, 73, currently represents the 8th Congressional District in…

Trump Holds First News Conference Since Winning the Election

Plans for the wall were announced and a promise to keep jobs in the United States

January 11, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President-elect Donald Trump held his first full news conference on Wednesday, since winning the 2016 presidential election. The last time Trump held a news conference, he was plunging into a heated general election campaign with Hillary Clinton and suggested Russia could help dig up some of his rival’s emails. At the news conference, Trump beamed over plans by…

Obama’s Farewell Speech Preview

January 10, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Obama’s Farewell Speech Preview

Governor Walker Delivers 2017 State of the State Address

Joined by First Lady Tonette Walker, in addressing joint session, people of Wisconsin

January 10, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker delivered his 2017 State of the State Address at the Wisconsin State Capital, today, January 10, 2017. One of his many topics included jobs creation and a drop in the unemployment rate. He noted “during the four years before we took office, Wisconsin had lost more than 133,000 jobs and the unemployment rate peaked at…

Duluth City Council Elects New President

Joel Sipress was voted as city council president for 2017.

January 9, 2017

Zach Richie,

Duluth, Minn.-The Duluth city council voted Joel Sipress as their president for 2017. The selection usually comes without a lot of fanfare, but this year brought some added interest to the council chambers. Councilor Noah Hobbs is on his first term on the council and was also vying for the seat. The city council was clearly divided on the issue,…

Becoming City Council President Unusually Competitive

Political Expert Says City Council Presidents are Usually Almost Predetermined

January 9, 2017

Lena Takada,

As a tradition, the Duluth City council votes on a new president each year. Political expert Cindy Rugeley says in Duluth, the city council president is usually almost pre-determined, with the person with the most experience taking on the leadership role. “In this instance, a new council member is saying, I want to change this. I want to be the…

MNsure Sign-Ups Hit Record High as Premiums Spike

Open enrollment lasts through January

January 9, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Officials at Minnesota’s state-run insurance exchange say more than 103,000 people signed up for health coverage in the latest enrollment period. MNsure officials say the 103,578 signups set a record by about 15,000, even as premiums have been rising as much as 67-percent. Exchange officials say tax credits are sparing many people the worst of the…

State Auditor Rebecca Otto Announces Run for Governor

Otto Joins the Race for Minnesota Governor, Along with Coleman and Murphy

January 9, 2017

Brett Scott,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota state auditor Rebecca Otto announced Monday, she is planning to run for governor next year. Otto is the third Democrat to announce a campaign to replace Democratic Governor Mark Dayton who will leave office when his term expires. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in December he will launch a campaign. State Representative Erin…

Electoral College is Confirmed

Donald Trump is President of the United States

January 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – It’s official: Congress has tallied the Electoral College votes and Donald Trump has been elected president. Mike Pence was elected vice president. Democrats raised plenty of objections as the votes were counted Friday in a joint session of Congress, but they didn’t have the votes to sustain them. All 538 electors met in their respective state capitals…

Republican Lawmakers Propose Healthcare Relief

Over 100,000 Minnesotans could see significant changes and relief in their healthcare premium costs.

January 5, 2017

Zach Richie,

Republican lawmakers in Minnesota announced their plan to bring relief to those who are paying rising health insurance premiums. Some of those currently insured face premium increases of up to sixty-seven percent. Healthcare facilities around the Northland say they’re keeping tabs on the legislative process. The GOP plan provides both some short and long term solutions to the problems MnSure…

GOP Wants Income Limits, Big Changes in Health Care Cost Fix

Health Care Battle

January 5, 2017

Matt Suoja,

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republicans who control the Minnesota Legislature have their own plans to address health insurance costs. GOP lawmakers vowed to quickly move a relief package for the residents paying premium increases of up to 67 percent this year on the individual market. But disagreements with Gov. Mark Dayton over how to shape…