Political Archives - Page 62 of 63

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…

Local Projects React to Governor’s Bonding Bill Proposal

The bill would bring millions of dollars of funding to projects all across the Northland.

January 4, 2017

Zach Richie,

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has proposed the largest bonding bill in the state’s history. The $1.5 billion bill would fund projects all over the state. Several projects around the Northland have made the governor’s list. Many of them were on last year’s bonding bill as well. Some are hoping that the 2017 version of the bill passes and that it…

A Look Into the Minnesota 2017 Jobs Bill

January 4, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith, today, January 4, released their 2017 Jobs Bill, which would invest around $1.5 billion into community infrastructure projects and create 22,950 Minnesota jobs. What Minnesotans Need to Know: $3 Billion – Thanks to the Dayton-Smith Administration’s sound fiscal management over the last six years, the State of Minnesota has…

Michigan Governor Signs Bill to Shield Cities from Sidewalk Lawsuits

January 4, 2017

The Associated Press,

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation to further shield municipalities from lawsuits filed by people who trip and fall on sidewalks. The law enacted Wednesday lets cities defend themselves by saying sidewalk defects are “open and obvious.” Supporters say Detroit pays millions annually in sidewalk-injury settlements and should have a defense that is available to businesses….

After Construction Lull, Dayton Asks for $1.5B in Projects

Just one day into the legislative session

January 4, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton is asking the Legislature to gear up for public construction projects. The Democratic governor unveiled his $1.5 billion wishlist, Wednesday of infrastructure upgrades, new buildings, and early learning centers. The major borrowing package comes just one day into the legislative session and after the Legislature failed to pass such a package last year….

Paul Ryan Voted House Speaker

Pelosi Will be Minority Speaker

January 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has been re-elected to serve as the speaker of the House of Representatives. The 46-year-old Ryan will serve his first full term as speaker after succeeding John Boehner in October of 2015. Ryan will lead the GOP charge to repeal President Barack Obama’s signature health insurance law and cut taxes and regulation….

St. Louis County Board Selects Chair

Board also introduces new members, sets meeting schedule

January 3, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board held its annual organizational meeting this morning in Duluth. Commissioner Frank Jewell was elected Board Chair for 2017 and commissioner Keith Nelson was elected Vice Chair. The board introduced newly–elected commissioners Beth Olson and Mike Jugovich. They also appointed committee members and approved their 2017 meeting schedule. Categories: Business, Community, News, News…

Jill Stein Launches Wisconsin Recount Group

To ensure ever vote is counted in Wisconsin

January 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein says she is launching an organization to ensure every vote is counted in Wisconsin. Stein, who led efforts to recount Wisconsin’s presidential election results, introduced the Count My Vote group at a news conference outside the state Capitol, Tuesday. Stein says her campaign asked for a statewide hand recount, but only…

Megyn Kelly Leaving Fox News

Heading for NBC

January 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) – Megyn Kelly, the Fox News star whose 12-year stint has been marked by upheavals at her network and personal attacks on the campaign trail, is headed to NBC News. The move was confirmed by Kelly’s publicist, Leslee Dart. Kelly’s departure deprives Fox News of its second-most-watched host, behind only Bill O’Reilly. Her contract with the network…

15 New Wisconsin Office Holders to be Sworn In

January 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Fifteen newly elected members of the Wisconsin Legislature are to be sworn into office, joining incumbents in both the Senate and Assembly beginning their new terms. But not all of them are new to the Legislature. Two of the four new state senators being sworn in Tuesday previously served in the Assembly; Republican Dave Craig of Vernon,…

Wisconsin DNR Revenue Options Include Raising Hunting, Fishing Fees

Linking fees to inflation to generate more revenue for wildlife managment

January 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing raising hunting and fishing fees or linking the fees to inflation as options for generating more revenue for wildlife management. The current state budget mandated the DNR report on dwindling revenue in the agency’s Fish and Wildlife Account. The account funds wildlife management efforts and DNR warden, and…

Dayton’s Budget Proposal Would Reduce Health Insurance Premiums for 125,000 Minnesotans

Could reduce premiums by up to 25 percent for some by March 1

January 3, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton released his first budget proposal, Tuesday, of the 2017 legislative session. He called for a 25-percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant increases in the individual market. “For more than two months, I have proposed this relief, so that 125,000 Minnesotans can better afford the health…

Unconstitutional Ruling Thrown Out for Minnesota’s Sex Offender Program

Federal Appeals Court Throws Out Judges Decision

January 3, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

MINNEAPOLIS – Today, a federal appeals court tossed out a ruling that the Minnesota sex offender program is unconstitutional. A Minnesota judge ruled the program unconstitutional in the summer of 2015. At that time, U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank cited how rarely anyone gets released from the program and ordered several changes. Those changes included included assessing the more than…

Wisconsin Transportation Study Considers Interstate Tollways

Walker's current plan puts WI roads on a path to worsen

December 30, 2016

Melissa Lentz,

MADISON (AP) – A new state transportation study finds that installing tollways on Wisconsin interstates could raise billions of dollars, but that substantial upfront investments would be needed and federal approval is uncertain. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the Department of Transportation study also finds that Governor Scott Walker’s road-funding plan for the next two years, puts Wisconsin roads on…

With Trump Victory, GOP Hopes to Overhaul Medicaid

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

December 29, 2016

The Associated Press,

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

December 28, 2016

The Associated Press,

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

December 28, 2016

Matt Suoja,

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

December 20, 2016

Melissa Lentz,

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

December 20, 2016

Matt Suoja,

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

December 16, 2016

,

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

December 14, 2016

Melissa Lentz,

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…