Political Archives - Page 61 of 66

Stockbridge-Munsee President to Address Wisconsin Legislature

April 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wisc. (AP) – The president of a tribe that plans to withhold nearly $1 million from the state over a casino dispute will deliver the annual State of the Tribes address to the Wisconsin Legislature. Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey is scheduled to give a speech Tuesday afternoon. The Stockbridge-Munsee has warned the state it intends to withhold gambling payments…

Judiciary Panel Votes 11-9 in Favor of Gorsuch

April 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

Neil Gorsuch speaks at his nomination hearing to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 on Capitol Hill in Washignton. (Lauren Victoria Burke for The Denver Post)WASHINGTON (AP) – A divided Senate panel is backing Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. A Judiciary Committee voted 11-9 along party lines on Monday to favorably…

“Nevertheless She Persisted” Tattoos Offered in Superior

Dozens of Women Lined Up at Ink Tattoo for Female Empowerment Tattoo

April 1, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this year, “Nevertheless She Persisted” became a feminist battle cry after Republican Senator Mitch McConnell made disparaging comments towards Democratic colleague Elizabeth Warren. Women across the country have the phrase tattooed on their bodies, including dozens who lined up today at Ink Tattoo in Superior for their own empowerment tattoo. “It’s something that I think has…

Minnesota House Passes Environmental Finance Bill

Bill Worth $1.2 Billion

March 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. –The Minnesota House passed its environmental finance bill that Republicans say will help “slow down the government spending spree.” The $1.2 billion legislation passed 80–53 late Thursday night. Republican Rep. Dan Fabian, of Roseau, says the bill will speed up the environmental review process and restructure how some state agencies operate. Democrats had fought hard, saying the…

House Approves $2.2 Billion Transportation Plan

March 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has approved a transportation bill that Republicans say will help the state begin work on much-needed road and bridge projects. The nearly $2.2 billion legislation passed by a vote of 76-54. Lawmakers continued their perennial battles over light rail projects and what funding sources to use for transportation projects. Republican Rep. Paul…

REAL ID Passes Senate on Second Try

Passed in a 60-7 vote Thursday night

March 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is now one step closer to federal compliance after the Senate passed the REAL ID legislation. The bill passed 60-7 Thursday night. Republican Senator Eric Pratt of Prior Lake amended the bill to remove a divisive provision. There was little resistance for the legislation during its second attempt at passage, through some Republicans still…

Klobuchar Backs Opioid Bill

Would Help Stop Drug-Seeking Behavior

March 30, 2017

Matt Suoja,

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar helped introduce a bill today that would require prescription drug monitoring programs for all states that receive federal funding for opioid abuse. It would also make prescription data available across stateliness, making it easier for doctors to be more familiar with patients who have drug-seeking behavior. Klobuchar said the legislation was inspired by the opioid…

Local Districts Allocated State Pre-K Funds

Gov. Dayton Set Aside $175 Million to Fund Pre-K Statewide

March 29, 2017

Greg Chandler,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Studies say Pre–K is essential to children’s development which is why Gov. Mark Dayton wants to make sure as many as 17,000 4-year-olds can attend Pre–K. “We can do more good to benefit the kids than we can when the kids are older,” said Virginia School Superintendent Dr. Noel Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt isn’t the only one over…

Lawmakers Consider Harsher Wisconsin Youth Prison Proposals

March 29, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin state Senate committee is considering a package of anti-crime bills, including three that would impose harsher punishments on youth who commit crimes. The proposals up for a hearing Wednesday, could land more children in Wisconsin’s youth prison for a wider range of crimes and keep them there longer, despite an ongoing FBI investigation into…

Minnesota Senate Wants $900 Million in Tax Cuts

The lowest tax bracket would shrink by .25-percent

March 29, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Senate Republicans are pursing deep tax cuts over the next two years for students, families, and those on Social Security. The almost $900 million sought in their bill released Wednesday, directs over half of those breaks to individual taxes. The lowest tax bracket would shrink by over a quarter of a percent. Republican Senator Roger…

Wrenshall School District Hoping For Millions

Referendum To Be Voted On In April

March 28, 2017

Joey Norton,

Wrenshall, Minn. Wrenshall School District is hoping to invest 12.5 million dollars into their school system if a proposed referendum is passed Tonight hundreds showed up to the meeting held by the school board to make sure their voices were heard. The referendum discussed tonight has been years I the making. Some approve while some are apprehensive It was a…

Uber, Lyft Excited to Start Duluth Operations

Ride Sharing Services were Recently Approved by City Council

March 28, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – While local cab companies aren’t happy, the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance Monday, allowing ride share companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the city. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft are excited to enter the Duluth market. In a statement to FOX 21, an Uber spokesperson said “We’re pleased that the Duluth city council passed regulations…

Tribal Leaders to Address Wisconsin Lawmakers, Officials

March 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Native American leaders in Wisconsin will give their annual State of the Tribes address to the Legislature and constitutional officers on April 4. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said, in a news release Tuesday, that Stockbridge-Munsee tribe President Shannon Holsey will give the speech this year. Vos said in the release the State of the Tribes address,…

Minnesota Wine Lawsuit Challenges Out-of-State Grape Ban

March 28, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) – A federal lawsuit has been filed by two Minnesota farm wineries, challenging the state’s ban on using out-of-state grapes to make wine. The wineries point to Minnesota’s booming beer industry, with some of the most successful breweries like Summit and Surly using out-of-state hops to craft signature beers. Represented by attorneys with the Institute of Justice,…

Superior Mayor Battling Terminal Illness

Disease is in the Lungs

March 27, 2017

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen has announced he has a terminal illness. Hagen was diagnosed with a lung disease recently, which causes the tissue in the lungs to become thicker or even scar. It eventually leads to making it harder to move oxygen throughout the body. The diagnosis could lead to Hagen living another three to five years. Hagen announced…

Senate GOP Proposes Large Cuts to Social Services

March 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Senate Republicans want big cuts for many of Minnesota’s social services program, and state officials and Democrats say that could harm some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. The $15.4 billion bill released Monday shows a $671 million gap between Governor Mark Dayton’s and the Senate GOP’s budget proposals for all health and human services…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Target Adults Who Host Underage Drinkers

March 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Adults who allow teenagers to drink in their homes would be breaking the law under a new bill two Republican lawmakers are circulating. Current law prohibits adults from allowing underage drinkers to consume alcohol in premises owned by the adults or under their control. But a state appeals court ruling last year narrowly interpreted “premises” to…

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Walz to Retire, Run for Governor

Top Democrat of Veterans Affairs Committee

March 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON–Rep. Tim Walz, a five–term Democrat, says he is running for governor of his home state of Minnesota. Walz is seeking to replace Gov. Mark Dayton, a fellow Democrat. A spokesman for Walz’ gubernatorial campaign confirmed his decision. Walz is the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He first won election to his rural district along Minnesota’s southern border…

City Council Candidate Holds Listening Session

March 27, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Van Nett Listening Session

Updegrove Kicks Off Council Campaign

Candidate was Delagate for Bernie Sanders

March 25, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s another candidate hoping to fill one of the Duluth City Council’s two at–large seats. Rich Updegrove offically kicked off his campaign Saturday. Updegrove wants to focus on housing, homeless rights as well as keeping Lake Superior clean. “I really want to place our lake at the forefront of what I’m doing,” said Updegrove. “I think it’s…

4th District City Council Candidate Plans Listening Sessions

March 24, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fourth District Duluth City Council candidate, Renee Van Nett, has announced she will be starting a series of listening sessions with the community. Residents of the 4th District are encouraged to come out and share their comments and concerns. Van Nett is working toward building positive relationships within the community and ensuring that the 4th District is…

Local Groups Come Together to Support Obamacare

Fear Many Will Lose Insurance if ACA Replaced

March 24, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Some local doctors and politicians came together today to express their dismay over the possibility of repealing the Affordable Care Act. The Northland HealthCare Alliance, headed up the event, with the goal of making the community aware of what a repeal of the ACA would mean. One Duluth City Council also expressed concern, believing many Northlanders would lose health…

GOP Pulls Health Care Overhaul Off House Floor

March 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Speaker Paul Ryan has abruptly pulled the Republicans’ troubled health care overhaul off the House floor. The decision was a humiliating setback for President Donald Trump and congressional leaders. The bill had appeared all but certain to be defeated Friday. The roll call was on track to occur in about an hour. The measure has been a…

Keystone XL Pipeline Approved

Was Originally Blocked by President Obama

March 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump says, “It’s a great day for American jobs” after his administration issued a permit to build the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline. The decision marks a reversal from the Obama administration and clears the way for the $8 billion project to be completed. The president says the decision ushers in a “new era”…

Walker Calls for House Vote on Health Care Bill

March 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is calling for the U.S. House to vote on the Republican plan to overhaul the national health care law. Walker said on Twitter Friday morning that “House members need to vote to repeal Obamacare today.” He says this is the chance to “more process forward” to get rid of the current law,…

Wisconsin’s Budget Could be $1 Billion Short by 2021

March 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s state budget could be more than $1 billion in the red by 2021, based on the proposal submitted by Governor Scott Walker that the Legislature is considering. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released an updated analysis of the state budget for the two years after the period covered by Walker’s current budget proposal. It finds…

Hibbing Airport Officials Concerned Over Budget

Delta Airlines Could Leave Airport if $2.8 Million Subsidy is Lost

March 23, 2017

Greg Chandler,

HIBBING, Minn. – The proposed federal budget concerns another local community. This time the focus is on Hibbing’s Range Regional Airport. As one of 12 weekly flights from Range Regional Airport prepared for take–off Thursday, airport officials’ thoughts were in Washington, D.C. as the Federal Aviation Administration Re-Authorization Bill hits Congress. “The FAA Re-Authorization Bill is reintroduced every couple of…

Donations Needed to Send Northland Veterans on Honor Flight

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held this Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m

March 23, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland’s tenth Honor Flight will depart Duluth next month for Washington D.C., but they still need help to get there. Honor Flight Northland is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser this Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the All American Club, 1931 West Michigan Street. Dinner is $10 per person. All money raised will fund sending…

Paine Trying To Build on Strong Mayoral Primary Results

The two candidates for mayor of Superior took part in a debate Thursday night

March 23, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Jim Paine says he feels he’s feeling good as Election Day approaches. The candidate for mayor of Superior had a strong performance in last month’s primary, receiving nearly 600 more votes than his opponent Brent Fennessey. According to Paine, eight labor organization and more than two dozen current and former elected officials have come forward to endorse…

Hagen Endorses Fennessey For Mayor

Thursday Morning, Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen Spoke to Superior Residents, Showing Support for Brent Fennessey

March 23, 2017

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Only 11 days remain before the City of Superior takes on new leadership. Thursday morning, Mayor Bruce Hagen announced he is endorsing mayoral candidate Brent Fennessey. “I believe that Brent Fennessey is the candidate and the only candidate that has these qualifications and proven experience,” said Mayor Bruce Hagen. Hagen believes Fennessey has a young, fresh vision…

Education Bill Would Eliminate Early Education Funding

March 23, 2017

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – House Republicans are taking a defiant stand against Governor Mark Dayton by proposing the elimination of his signature early childhood education program. The proposed cuts announced Thursday are very different from Dayton’s proposed $175 million addition to the program and signals that a larger fight looms as lawmakers and the governor search for compromise. Dayton…

House GOP Leaders Postpone Health Care Vote

March 23, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republican leaders have postponed a vote on their health care bill in a setback for President Donald Trump and Speaker Paul Ryan. Prospects for the Republicans’ showcase health care bill had looked grimmer by the minute Thursday, despite Trump’s personal lobbying of conservatives. That still left the legislation short of the votes needed for passage. A…

Budget Fights Brew as Legislature Starts Assembling Bills

March 22, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers’ budget-setting spree is in full swing. Cuts to state agencies and big tax breaks began to materialize this week as House and Senate Republicans started releasing detailed budget plans with a $1.65 billion surplus in hand. Both chambers are plotting a roughly $45 billion budget for the next two years that puts a…

Former Sen. Feingold Launches New Advocacy Campaign

March 22, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Former Democratic Senator Russ Feingold is starting a new nonprofit political advocacy group focused on voters’ rights, campaign finance reform, protecting the independence of the U.S. Supreme Court and abolishing the Electoral College. Feingold announced the new group, called LegitAction, on Wednesday. It comes four months after he lost a rematch for the U.S. Senate against…

Superior To Invest In Local Attractions

Wisconsin Point And Nemadji To Be Renovated

March 21, 2017

Joey Norton,

Superior, Wis Tonight the City of Superior is looking to make a splash in the tourism industry by revamping two of its most treasured pieces of land. Wisconsin Point will finally see the benefits of thousands of dollars giving visitors and citizens a destination to look forward too for years to come. Broken down by mankind and the elements of…

Federal Budget Cuts Could Impact Foster Grandparent Program

Students Wrote Letters to Senator Al Franken, Asking to Save the Foster Grandparent Program

March 21, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Duluth second graders put to use their daily writing lesson, lobbying to keep a classroom helper on hand Tuesday. It all started with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Each new President brings a new wish-list of ideas to the table when it comes to budget cuts. Nearly 200 senior citizens in the Twin…

Local Leaders United Against Trump Budget

Duluth Mayor Says Budget has Serious Implications for City

March 21, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth and St. Louis County officials voiced concerns over the proposed federal budget at a unique press conference Tuesday morning at City Hall. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was joined by nearly 40 representatives from various state, county and city organizations. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget calls for massive cuts to nearly every federal department. Mayor Larson is…

Wisconsin DHS Head Doesn’t Know How Many May Lose Insurance

Asked about it during a forum, Tuesday

March 21, 2017

The Associated Press,

Linda Seemeyer MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The head of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services says she doesn’t know how many people may lose insurance in the state under the proposed federal health care overhaul. Linda Seemeyer was asked about the proposal Tuesday during a forum hosted by Wisconsin Health News. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicted 24 million would…

Larson Addresses The City

State Of The City Address

March 20, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn Tonight, Mayor Emily Larson addressed the city with a speech that lacked length but packed a punch. Tonight in her state of the city address Mayor Emily Larson wanted to focus on three main points that would put the city on the right path for years to come. Larson says that throughout her first year she was laying…

House GOP Envisions Big Tax Cuts, Some Government Cuts

March 20, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Republicans are cuing up cuts to some health care programs and state government agencies while drumming up nearly $1.4 billion in tax relief. House legislative leaders offered up few details on their budgetary plans Monday, while outlining a broad framework of a proposed two-year budget. They’re envisioning a roughly $45 billion budget. That…

Mayor Emily Larson Ready For State Of City Address

March 19, 2017

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was going over final touches Sunday for her second State of the City Address since taking office in 2016. On Monday, the 30-minute speech won’t be held at the DECC like previous years. The stage will be set up in the auditorium of the Lincoln Park Middle School. Mayor Larson said the decision…

Take Action Duluth Wants Paid Sick Leave

Could Sick Leave Become A Reality

March 18, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – How would you like to earn paid sick leave from work no matter your yearly earning’s? Take action Minnesota met in 6 locations state wide today to join resistance efforts and take action on pressing issues including paid sick leave. According to recent surveys, employees not earning paid sick leave makes those on low income based salaries…

Cloquet Police Chief Placed on Leave

City Council Voted to Put Steve Stracek on Leave at Thursday's Meeting

March 17, 2017

Greg Chandler,

CLOQUET, Minn. – There was controversy Thursday, as Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek was placed on paid administrative leave at the city council meeting. That was confirmed to FOX 21 by one city councilor who asked not to be identified. However, the councilor couldn’t confirm Why Stracek was placed on leave, as the matter is being investigated. At Thursday’s meeting,…

Ban on Irish Butter Sparks Fight in Butter-Loving Wisconsin

March 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – In butter-loving Wisconsin, a ban on Irish butter has sparked a fight. A handful of Wisconsin residents have filed a lawsuit challenging a 1953 state law that bans the sale of Kerrygold Irish butter, or any other butter that hasn’t been graded for quality. Tired of trekking across state lines to stock up, the plaintiffs say…

MPCA Chief Sounds Alarm About Trump Cuts to EPA Grants

March 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota official who heads a group that represents state environmental agencies nationwide says the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency grant programs would cripple their ability to protect air, land, and water. The Environmental Council of the States says Categorical Grants to states would take a 44.5-percent hit. Those grants support…

Dayton Devotes Budget Surplus to Preschool, Savings

March 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton wants to put much of a growing budget surplus toward expanding a new preschool program. Governor Mark Dayton released his retooled budget proposal Friday that capitalizes on a surplus that’s grown since previous estimates of $1.4 billion. State budget officials now project the Legislature has a $1.65 billion budget to work…

Updegrove Announces At-Large City Council Run

March 17, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Rich Updegrove, a high school social studies teacher, announced his candidacy Thursday evening for Duluth City Councilor, At-Large. Updegrove is a co-facilitator of Our Revolution – Duluth, a grassroots political organization that arose out of Bernie Sanders’ campaign. He was recently elected to leader positions on several legislature committees. He is also active in the Duluth Federation…

Trump Administration Fights Syrian’s Travel Ban Lawsuit

March 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Justice Department attorneys say a judge shouldn’t block President Donald Trump’s travel ban in the case of a Syrian family trying to relocate to Wisconsin. A Syrian man who settled in Wisconsin filed a lawsuit last month saying his family remains in Aleppo and the ban could jeopardize their visa chances. U.S. District Judge William Conley…

Minnesota tops voter participation list in 2016 election

March 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota leads the nation once again in voter turnout for a presidential election. It’s the second consecutive presidential election that the state had the most voters going to the polls, and the eighth time in the past nine presidential elections. Nonprofit VOTE and the US Election Project compiled the numbers. About 75 percent of eligible voters in…

Russ Campaign Kickoff

Barbara Russ Hits The Campaign Trail

March 16, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn Current City Council member Barbara Russ is getting an early start on the campaign trail. Tonight she hosted her campaign kickoff at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth. She wanted to let those who came know how she felt about her first 3 and a half years on the council and what she wants to work on if…