Political

With Trump Victory, GOP Hopes to Overhaul Medicaid

Democrats and Advocacy groups warn of the consequences of reducing federal spending on Medicaid

ATLANTA (AP) – With Donald Trump’s election, Republicans in Congress will have the opportunity to overhaul Medicaid, something they’ve wanted to do for years. The program provides health care to millions of lower-income and disabled Americans. Currently, the federal government pays a certain percentage of each state’s Medicaid costs. Republicans say states have little incentive to keep expenses down because…

Dayton Discusses Twin Metals Decision

Possible Trump Reversal in Future

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Gov. Mark Dayton says the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine is “stymied” but he’s not ready to declare it dead yet despite moves by his administration and the Obama administration that dealt serious blows to the project. Dayton says he expects Twin Metals and supporters to try to persuade the Trump administration to reverse the Obama administration’s…

Monaghan Drops Out of Superior Mayor’s Race

Will Support Candidate Kalee Hermanson

Jeff Monaghan is dropping out of the Superior mayoral race. “Due to personal reasons, I am discontinuing my campaign for Mayor of Superior,” he said in a prepared statement. “By next Tuesday, Jan. 3… I anticipate not having the 200 signatures required to be placed on the primary ballot. Still, I intend to participate in the election and vote for…

Gov. Walker writes letter to Trump to help citizens of Wisconsin

Asking to provide flexibility in implementing a number of programs

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker, today, sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, outlining actions he believes the incoming administration should take immediately upon entering office to restore state control over the governance of a number of programs and services. Walker’s letter also details his concerns over “incessant federal overreach.” “Too often, states have become mere administrative provinces of…

Former Mayor Ness takes new position

Ness will be new executive director of the Ordean Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness has been named the new executive director of the Ordean Foundation. Ness is taking over for retiring Executive Director Steve Mangan in late January. The Ordean Foundation focuses on poverty issues and has given about $68 million in grants to various Northland organizations since 1933. Ness had previously worked at Lake Superior…

Feds Deny Mineral Leases to Twin Metals

Ely Community Torn Over Feds Decision

ELY, Minn- Mixed feelings in Ely as the Federal government released its decision not to renew mineral leases for the Twin Metals mining project. Ely Mayor Chuck Novack says, “Totally contrary to what’s in law right now. There’s a zone around the boundary waters to protect it.” The decision came in the wake of wide spread concerns from environmental advocates…

Governor, tribal leader discuss reducing DAPL protest tensions

The battle has now moved to the courtroom

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Governor, Jack Delrymple says he and Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault have met to discuss reducing tensions between law enforcement officers and Dakota Access oil pipeline opponents. The pipeline is stalled while developer Energy Transfer Partners and the Army battle in court over permission to cross under the Missouri River. Opponents who’ve protested…

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman running for governor in 2018

Official announcement made Tuesday

ST. PAUL (AP) – St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is running for governor in 2018. The Democratic mayor made it official with a Tuesday announcement. Coleman had long been considered as a possible gubernatorial candidate. The speculation increased earlier this month when Coleman said he wouldn’t run for a fourth term as mayor. Coleman joins what’s likely to be a…

Stein plans to donate leftover money raised for recounts

Wisconsin completed the recount Monday

MADISON (AP) – Green Party presidential candidate, Jill Stein says she plans to donate any money left over from the $7.3 million she raised to force recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Stein said Tuesday that the exact costs of the recounts aren’t known yet, but she expects to have money left over. Stein is asking donors to complete an…