Political

In Minnesota GOP’s Opening Bid, Senate Eyes Income Tax Cut

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Senate Republicans are proposing to cut the state’s lowest income tax rate as part of a $900 million tax cut bill. It’s Republicans’ opening bid in the brewing fight over tax cuts with Democratic Governor Mark Dayton. Tax talk will loom large as the Republican-controlled Legislature and governor start assembling a new two-year budget with…

Superior Mayor Forum

Candidates Answer Questions For Citizens

We’re just weeks away from a new mayor in Superior. Two candidates Jim Paine and Brent Fennessey were left standing after February’s Primary. Tonight they met face to face trying to sway votes their way. The conversation between the two candidates included topics such as budget, personnel, services and facility concerns. The Superior Library was full of citizens eager to…

Mayor Larson Talks with Citizens in Their Neighborhood

The Mayor and Other City Officials Met With Duluthians at St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson spoke with citizens at the College of Saint Scholastica. The event was part of the City Hall in the City program where Mayor Larson and other city officials travel to each council district every year to talk with residents on their own turf. The mayor says these discussions are key to learning what…

City of Duluth to Address Homelessness

City Council Passed a Non-Binding Resolution Promising to Work on Issues Related to Homelessness

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the Duluth City Council passed a resolution to focus on the problem of homelessness. On Monday, a non-binding resolution was passed, which the City Council calls a promise to continue to work on issues related to homelessness. On any given night, there are an estimated two hundred to three hundred people in Duluth who sleep…

Bill lets Minnesotans choose what health insurance covers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A House bill moving through committee would allow Minnesotans to choose what conditions their health insurance covers. The author, Republican Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, says the bill would cut costs by giving people the freedom to drop options they are unlikely to need. Democratic opponents say the proposal would raise costs by reducing the…

Daudt Searches for an Out on $14,000 Raise for Lawmakers

Salary increase is slated to take effect in July

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt says he’s exploring whether the Legislature can reject a recently approved $14,000 raise. An independent council created by Minnesota voters set lawmakers’ first raise in nearly two decades in motion last week. The salary increase from $31,000 to $45,000 is slated to take effect in July. Voters overwhelmingly created a…

Recent College Graduate Running for Wisconsin Governor

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Recent Stanford University graduate Bob Harlow has returned to his native Wisconsin to mount a run for governor as a Democrat. The 25-year-old tells The Associated Press on Tuesday that he’s been traveling the state and raising money to spread the word about his candidacy. Harlow is the only declared candidate for governor, although many other…

Lawmakers Block State from Regulating Insecticides

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers have stripped out legislation meant to help reduce the use of insecticides harmful to bees. The fight over neonicotinoid insecticide has become a major environmental effort as bee populations continue to decline in Minnesota and across the nation. State regulators have sought greater authority to regulate certain seeds treated with the insecticide. Minnesota…

House aims to stem health rate hikes, stabilize market

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republicans are preparing to plow more than $300 million into a new state program meant to reduce health insurance premiums next year. Minnesota has grappled with some of the largest rate increases in the nation. Premiums jumped by as much as 67 percent for shoppers buying insurance on their own this year, leading lawmakers…

House Aims to Stem Health Rate Hikes, Stabilize Market

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republicans are preparing to plow more than $300 million into a new state program meant to reduce health insurance premiums next year. Minnesota has grappled with some of the largest rate increases in the nation. Premiums jumped by as much as 67-percent for shoppers buying insurance on their own this year, leading lawmakers to…

Federal Prosecutor in Wisconsin Resigns

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin has submitted his resignation days after Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered dozens of the country’s federal prosecutors to resign. Spokeswoman Myra Longfield confirmed U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil resigned Monday. While it is customary for new presidential administrations to clear out U.S. attorneys and replace them with their…

Dayton Back to Work After Surgery

Still Recovering After Prostate Cancer Surgery

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton says he’s feeling OK but still recovering after prostate cancer surgery. Dayton made his first public appearance Friday after undergoing surgery to remove his prostate. He revealed the cancer diagnosis in January, a day after fainting while delivering his annual State of the State address. Dayton says the recovery hasn’t been fun…

Council Approves $14,000 Raise for Minnesota Lawmakers

Legislature Pay to Increase by 45 Percent

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers will get a hefty raise after a newly created citizen council voted to increase the Legislature’s pay by 45 percent. The Legislative Salary Council voted 13-1 Friday to increase lawmaker’s pay to $45,000, their first raise since 1999. That’s up from $31,000, a sum that doesn’t include daily expenses and travel reimbursements that…

Minnesota Lawmakers Debate Permitless Carry, ‘Stand Your Ground’ Bills

Rob Olson FOX 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Two gun bills making their way through the Minnesota legislature are raising concerns among some in the law and law enforcement community. One of the bills would do away with permit to carry. The other would redefine self-defense laws. Nearly every person who testified for over two hours on Wednesday about the two gun bills…

Cab Companies Oppose Ride Sharing Services

Taxi Drivers are Concerned With Lack of Oversight

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Duluth’s cab companies spoke out Thursday against ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft operating in the city. Demand in Duluth for ride sharing services is growing.  But Duluth cab companies are worried about their future if a proposed resolution passes the city council. Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs is in favor of bringing businesses…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Card Skimmer Crackdown

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Two Republican legislators have introduced a bill that would criminalize using credit card skimmers to steal people’s identities. A credit card skimmer is an electronic device that can be attached to a card reader on a gas pump or ATM to secretly collect credit card information. Senator Robert Cowles and Representative Rob Summerfield introduced a bill…

Symbolic Strike in Duluth Takes Aim at Gender Pay Gap

The rally lasted 78 minutes, representing the 78 cents on the dollar a woman earns compared to men in the workplace

DULUTH, Minn. – Collective voices added up to a roar on International Women’s Day. A sea of red gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for an equal rights amendment to the state and federal constitution. Some in Duluth chose to spend the day on strike. Men and women of all ages gathered today in Duluth to speak out….

Sen. Franken Hosts Annual Hotdish Competition

Many Minnesota Politicians Participated

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Sen. Al Franken hosted his seventh annual hotdish competition in Washington D.C. today, with many noted Minnesota politicians participating. Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson from western Minnesota won the top prize this year with his “Right to Bear Arms” hotdish. It had actual bear in it. Despite Peterson’s win, Franken said he’s not bitter. “If I don’t win it’s fine,” he said….

Duluth Mayor Observes International Women’s Day

Emily Larson Recognizes the Importance of Being Duluth's First Ever Female Mayor

DULUTH, Minn. – March 8th is International Women’s Day. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Women’s Day means more to her since she was elected. Larson is the first woman Mayor in the city’s history.  That’s just one of the reasons she makes a point of meeting with as many young girls as possible.  Girls, Who may one day, follow in…

Court: Unemployment Benefits Depend on Attendance Situation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A state appeals court says workers can collect unemployment benefits even if they’re fired for missing their shifts, depending on the situation. The case stems form the Mequon Jewish Campus decision to fire nurse Valarie Beres for missing a shift due to illness and not calling in. The Department of Workforce Development denied Beres unemployment benefits,…

Franken Turns Back $41K in Donations from Boston Law Firm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – U.S. Senator Al Franken has turned over nearly $41,000 of campaign contributions from a Boston law firm being investigated for improper donations. The Federal Election Commission and federal prosecutors are investigating Thornton Law Firm for after a report by the Boston Globe and Center for Responsive Politics showed the firm was reimbursing partners for campaign…

Two Candidates Named for Duluth Council Seats

Both are Incumbents

DULUTH, Minn.-Zack Filipovich and Barb Russ will both be running for re-election for at-large seats on the Duluth City Council. Filipovich will have a kick-off party at 5 p.m. March 19 at Black List Brewery in Duluth. Russ will kick off her campaign at the Holiday Inn at 5 p.m. March 17. Among the platforms both are running on, include public…

Dayton Repeals Old Sunday Liquor Sales Ban

Sales will begin in July

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – It’s official, come July, Minnesotans can begin buying liquor on Sundays. Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill on Tuesday repealing the decades-old ban. Minnesota liquor store can open their doors on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning in July. His signature is the final chapter in years of efforts to repeal the Prohibition-era…

Proctor Residents Voice Opinions About Police Chief Being Let Go

City Counsilors Haven't Released Details About 3-2 Decision to Part Ways with Chief Wobig

PROCTOR, Minn. – Last month, the Proctor City Council voted 3-2 to not extend the contract of police chief Walter Wobig. Tonight, dozens of Proctor residents came to the city council meeting to voice their concerns about that decision. Many in Proctor are not happy about their police chief of more than 14 years being let go. “What three fifths…

Real ID Law Hits a Snag in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota officials’ efforts to upgrade driver’s licenses so they pass muster for domestic flights have hit a snag. The state Senate defeated a bill Monday to put Minnesota in compliance with federal Real ID law. Democrats concerned about blocking driver’s license access for immigrants living in Minnesota illegally united with several Republicans who call the…

Trump Signs Revised Travel Ban

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed a revised travel ban that temporarily halts entry to the United States for people from six Muslim-majority nations, who are seeking new visas and suspends the country’s refugee program. That’s according to White House spokesman Michael Short, who says the signing was done privately. The new directive aims to address legal issues…

Pro-Trump Rally Draws Counterprotesters

"March 4 Trump" in St. Paul was One of Several Nationwide

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A rally in support of President Donald Trump has drawn hundreds of supporters and counterprotesters to the Minnesota State Capitol. The rally was one of several “March 4 Trump” demonstrations planned nationwide Saturday to support Trump. The Star Tribune reports the protest in St. Paul drew several hundred supporters and scores of counterprotesters. Chanting reverberated through…

Gov. Dayton to Spend One More Day at Mayo

Governor Will Return to Residence Sunday

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton will spend one more day at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester after undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. Dayton is expected to return to the governor’s residence Sunday. Spokesman Linden Zakula says Saturday that the governor’s surgery was a success and the surgeon found no sign the cancer had spread beyond the prostate. Dayton…

Rick Nolan Takes Part in Healthcare Discussion

According to Nolan, nearly 350,000 people in the 8th district would be affected if the ACA is repealed

DULUTH, Minn. – Representative Rick Nolan was back in Duluth today. This time, talking health care. The congressman and medical professionals were part of a panel discussion sponsored by the United Way. Nolan said, while republicans want to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, there’s no answer to how they plan to do it. “ In a way, they’re…

Republicans Target UW Faculty’s Deal with Planned Parenthood

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican lawmakers want to prohibit University of Wisconsin employees from performing abortions or providing services at facilities where abortions are performed other than hospitals. Representative André Jacque and Senator Chris Kapenga are circulating a bill targeting an arrangement between Planned Parenthood and the University of Wisconsin in which faculty members work part-time at the organization’s Madison…

Wisconsin Company Vies to Build Wall Along US-Mexico Border

BROWNSVILLE, Wis. (AP) – A Dodge County construction company is the lone Wisconsin firm bidding on the federal government’s call for designing and building a wall along the U.S. Mexico border. The Fond du Lac Reporter reports that Brownsville-based Michels Corp. is answering the government’s early call for bids to build a wall spanning the roughly 2,000 mile border with…

House Endorses State Authority Over Wages, Sick Leave

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has taken a step toward giving the state sole authority over whether to hike the minimum wage or require sick leave, a move opponents say strips local control from cities in favor of the state businesses. The Republican-controlled House passed the bill following hours of debate Thursday, mainly along party lines. The…

Minnesota Fears Costs of GOP Health Care Plan

Could Cost Billions More

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota officials are bracing for billions of dollars in additional health care expenses if President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans move ahead with a plan they’re considering to replace the Affordable Care Act. A draft state planning document obtained by The Associated Press shows Minnesota would lose $1.3 billion starting next year under a Republican proposal that…

Wisconsin Republicans Try Again to Stop Sanctuary Cities

Similar Measure Already Passed Assembly

MADISON, Wis.- Republicans in the Wisconsin state Legislature are trying again to outlaw sanctuary cities for immigrants who are in the country illegally. The bill being circulated for co-sponsors would prohibit local governments from enacting any ordinances, resolutions or policies that would prevent federal immigration laws from being enforced. Violators would lose state aid up to $5,000 a day. A…

Dayton Recovering from Prostate Cancer Surgery

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Gov. Mark Dayton is recovering from surgery to treat a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. Deputy Chief of Staff Linden Zakula said Dayton’s surgery went as planned Thursday, with the procedure ending about 11:30 a.m., and the governor is resting comfortably at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dayton revealed his diagnosis just a day after he collapsed…

Wisconsin Senate Committee Approves 2 Opioid Bills

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A state Senate committee has overwhelmingly approved bills that would grant people who overdose on opioids legal immunity and lay out money for more state drug agents. The first measure would ensure heroin users who overdose would be immune from prosecution for drug possession and ensure their probation, parole, or extended supervision could be revoked for…

Minnesota Fears Costs of GOP Health Care Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota officials are bracing for billions of dollars in additional health care expenses if congressional Republicans enact a plan they’re discussing to replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a draft document obtained by The Associated Press. The planning document shows that the GOP proposal, a draft of which was circulated last week, would cut…

Wisconsin Republicans once again target sanctuary cities

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican proposal targeting sanctuary cities that offer protections for immigrants living in Wisconsin illegally is back in the state Legislature. A similar proposal failed to get enough support to pass last year following an outpouring of opposition. The new bill being circulated this week for co-sponsors is more limited than the previous version but still…

Minnesota state parks get 2 new campgrounds for 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New campgrounds, a new water trail and a new chance to see bison are coming to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system this year. The Department of Natural Resources says two new campgrounds will open this summer at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota and Whitewater State Park in the…

Attorney General Facing Accusations of Having Connections with Russia

Investigation Sought by Both Democrats and Republicans

Courtesy of Attorney General’s Office WebsiteWASHINGTON, D.C.-The top House Democrat says Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath when he told the Senate Judiciary that he had no contacts with the Russian government and says he should resign. “Perjury is a crime,” said Nancy Pelosi, Democratic minority leader in the House of Representatives. In the meantime, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham…

No more snow days? It could happen in Minnesota

Snow days could be replaced with "e-learning" days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that could spell the end for snow days. A House committee Thursday will discuss a bill that could replace up to five snow days each year with “e-learning days.” Students would get on a laptop or tablet at home and follow along with online lessons on school days that would…