Political

Day 2: Pro-Palestine Demonstrations At Rose Garden, Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — At least 50 people arrived at the Duluth Rose Garden during the 7 o’clock hour Thursday evening. The pro-Palestine protesters were making their voices heard for the second day in a row there. The crowd Thursday was much larger than last night’s demonstration. Earlier in the day Thursday, the city of Duluth put out a warning that…

Biden Says ‘Order Must Prevail’ During Campus Protests Over The War In Gaza

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday rejected calls from student protesters to change his approach to the war in Gaza while insisting that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face a wave of violence, outrage and fear. “Dissent is essential for democracy,” Biden said at the White House. “But dissent must never lead to disorder.”…

Duluth Police Ask Pro-Palestine Encampment To Leave Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — A small encampment In the Duluth Civic Center courtyard got a visit from the Duluth Police Department Wednesday evening. The two officers told the pro-Palestinian protesters that it’s against the law to set up camps sites on the property. Wednesday marked the first time protesters have taken to the streets of Duluth to set up an encampment…

‘Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp’ Forms At Rose Garden

Courtesy: The Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp, as the group is calling themselves, set up an encampment at the Rose Garden Wednesday evening.   This encampment followed another encampment within the Duluth Civic Center, which police said was not legal. Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp’s purpose is to “demand city and state divestment and boycott…

$3 Million Secured In Senate Bonding Bill For New 148th Fighter Wing Hangar

Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Dist. 3) has announced $3 million for the 148th Fighter Wing has been secured in the Senate Capital Investment Bonding Bill. If a super majority approves the funding, it would assist in the construction of a new hangar for the Fighter Wing. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has been the lead advocate for the new hangar…

Biden Says The US Is Rushing Weaponry To Ukraine As He Signs A $95 Billion War Aid Measure Into Law

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he was immediately rushing badly needed weaponry to Ukraine as he signed into law a $95 billion war aid measure that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hotspots. The announcement marked an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine, with Biden promising…

Walz Appointments Give The Minnesota Supreme Court Its First Female Majority In Decades

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz named two women to the Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday, which will give the state’s highest court its first female majority in three decades. When they take their seats in the coming months, all seven justices will have been appointed by Democratic governors. Walz elevated Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Theodora Gaïtas to replace…

Pete Radosevich Secures DFL Endorsement For MN House 11A Race

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota DFL House 11A members have unanimously endorsed Pete Radosevich. Pete Radosevich The district covers Carlton County and parts of Pine and St. Louis counties. Radosevich ran for the same seat in 2022 but narrowly lost to Republican Jeff Dotseth. Radosevich is an attorney in Esko and a small business owner. He’s the publisher of Cloquet’s Pine…

The House Passes Billions in Aid for Ukraine and Israel After Months of Struggle; Next is the Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies in a rare weekend session as Democrats and Republicans banded together after months of hard-right resistance over renewed American support for repelling Russia’s invasion. With an overwhelming vote Saturday, the $61 billion in aid for Ukraine passed in a matter of minutes, a strong…

Potential Jurors Called Into Courtroom For Start Of Trump’s Historic Hush-Money Trial

NEW YORK (AP) — The historic hush-money trial of Donald Trump got underway Monday as dozens of prospective jurors packed into a courtroom where the former president will answer to charges that he falsified business records in order to stifle stories about his sex life. The first criminal trial of any former U.S. president will unfold as Trump vies to reclaim the White House,…

Duluth Airport Authority Displays Plans For New Air Traffic Control Tower

DULUTH, Minn. -The air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport is more than 70 years old. Having been built in the 1950s, it no longer meets FAA standards and needs to be replaced.  The Duluth Airport Authority held an open house Wednesday night to introduce the public to the design and plans to build a new air traffic control…

Trump Endorses Stauber For MN 8th Congressional Race; Opponent Schultz Responds

DULUTH, Minn. – 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber has received his fourth endorsement from former President Donald Trump. This comes as former Minnesota Rep. Jen Schultz vies to win Stauber’s seat this November. Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Stauber a “tremendous representative.” The statement went on to say:  “A Former Police Officer and Professional Hockey Player, Pete is working…

Trump Declines To Endorse A National Abortion Ban, He Says Limits Should Be Left To The States

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump said he believes abortion limits should be left to the states, in a video released Monday declining to endorse a national ban after months of mixed messages and speculation. “Many people have asked me what my position is on abortion and abortion rights,” Trump said in the video posted on his Truth Social site. “My view…

President Joe Biden Will Unveil His New Plan To Give Student Loan Relief To Many New Borrowers

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will announce his latest effort to broaden student loan relief next week for new categories of borrowers, according to three people familiar with the plans, nearly a year after the Supreme Court foiled his administration’s first attempt to cancel debt for millions who attended college. Biden will detail the plan Monday in Madison, Wisconsin, where the…

Minnesota Power ‘Disappointed’ With Superior City Council’s Denial Of NTEC Public Hearing

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Minnesota Power is “disappointed” with the city of Superior after the council voted down the opportunity for a public hearing on the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). On Wednesday night, five of the nine city councilors voted to hold a public hearing. But the motion to approve needed six votes. This comes after the Superior Plan…

Mayor Wants “Authentic Duluth” After City’s Tourism Marketing Contract Ends With Twin Cities Firm

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract with a Twin Cities-based firm will expire at the end of the year.  And now, newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert says he believes the contract should come back home. “I fundamentally believe as a Duluthian that we have the creative talents in our community to tell our own…

Biden Administration Will Lend $1.5B To Restart Michigan Nuclear Power Plant, A First In The US

(AP) — The federal government will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced Wednesday. Holtec International acquired the 800-megawatt Palisades plant in 2022 with plans to dismantle it. But now the emphasis is on restarting it by late 2025, following support from the state of Michigan and the Biden administration. Gov. Gretchen…

Duluth City Councilors, Residents Express Raw Emotion Over Gaza Resolution Debate

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilors faced a full house at Monday night’s council meeting, with raw emotions pouring out from elected officials and residents for nearly three hours. At issue, was whether to pass a resolution supporting a quote “permanent ceasefire to prevent loss of human life in the Middle East.” Some councilors felt strongly to pass the resolution,…

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) Begins Five-Day Campaign Tour Through the State

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) kicked off her five-day Dairyland campaign tour Monday afternoon with the first stop being made in Superior. Baldwin spoke about the issues that she believes are the most important ones facing people in Wisconsin. “I am focused on the pocketbook issues of Wisconsinites,” said Baldwin. “Listening to the people of this state…

“Duluth Cheerio Challenge” Launches, Mayor Gets Cheeky After Kathy Cargill’s Insults On City

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians, including Mayor Roger Reinert, are responding in creative and humorous ways to billionaire Kathy Cargill, who told the Wall Street Journal over the weekend that Duluth is a “small-minded community” and that Mayor Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he sent her a letter wanting to know her plans for 20 properties she recently purchased on…

Court Agrees To Block Collection Of Trump’s Massive Civil Fraud Judgment If He Puts Up $175M

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York appeals court on Monday agreed to hold off collection of former President Donald Trump’s more than $454 million civil fraud judgment — if he puts up $175 million within 10 days. If he does, it will stop the clock on collection and prevent the state from seizing the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s assets while he appeals….

Billionaire Kathy Cargill Calls Duluth ‘Small-Minded Community’ In WSJ Report

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth is a “small-minded community.” That’s what billionaire Kathy Cargill told the Wall Street Journal this weekend, and she went on to say Mayor Roger Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he sent a letter to her asking what her plans are for 20 properties she recently purchased on Park Point. Cargill told the WSJ she still…

Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake Join Together for Annual State of the Cities

The three communities are focusing on working together and business growth

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake held their joint annual State of the Cities luncheon earlier today, bringing together the three communities. Over 100 people came to hear local government officials discuss the past, present, and future of their cities. Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Parmeter said this year brought the biggest turnout in…

Justice Department Sues Apple, Alleging It Illegally Monopolized The Smartphone Market

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Thursday announced a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of engineering an illegal monopoly in smartphones that boxes out competitors, stifles innovation and keeps prices artificially high. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, alleges that Apple has monopoly power in the smartphone market and leverages control over the iPhone to…

Superior Approves $120K Marketing Partnership With Comedian Charlie Berens

The contract will be paid through hotel-motel tax revenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior City Council has approved a $120,000 deal with Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens to help boost tourism in the area. The council’s approval comes after an approval by the Tourism Development Commission. Hotel-motel tax revenue will pay for the production of 10 types of content created by Berens, including photos and videos on social media. The…

Political Sign Alert: Careful Where You Plant Them

Superior is being proactive in getting the word out with spring election campaigns underway.

If November brings the general election season, what does April bring? Wisconsin’s spring election season of course! And what is a political campaign without political campaign signs? This spring the signs have sprouted out of the ground–not the snow.  Superior is being proactive on political sign etiquette, and says you’ll be just fine with a couple basic rules in mind….

Wisconsin Voters To Decide On Banning Private Money To Help Fund Elections

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin voters are set to decide next month whether to make it unconstitutional to accept private grant money to help administer state elections, one of two Republican-backed ballot measures that Democrats say are meant to make it harder to conduct elections in the presidential battleground state. The constitutional amendments on the state’s April 2 ballot also include a…

A Supreme Court Ruling In A Social Media Case Could Set Standards For Free Speech In The Digital Age

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a busy term that could set standards for free speech in the digital age, the Supreme Court on Monday is taking up a dispute between Republican-led states and the Biden administration over how far the federal government can go to combat controversial social media posts on topics including COVID-19 and election security. The justices are hearing arguments in a lawsuit filed by…

In A First, Vice President Harris Visits Minnesota Abortion Clinic To Blast ‘Immoral’ Restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris visited a Planned Parenthood clinic on Thursday, marking what her office said was the first time a president or vice president has toured a facility that performs abortions, as the White House escalates its defense of reproductive rights in this year’s election. “Right now, in our country, we are facing a very serious…

House Passes A Bill That Could Lead To A TikTok Ban If Chinese Owner Refuses To Sell

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its China-based owner doesn’t sell, as lawmakers acted on concerns that the company’s current ownership structure is a national security threat. The bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear….

Mayor Reinert Asks For Communication From Kathy Cargill After Park Point Home Purchases

Reinert said Kathy Cargill has purchased at least 20 properties so far.

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Park Point’s landscape is uncertain.  Mayor Roger Reinert said  more than 20 properties on the world’s longest freshwater sandbar have been purchased by a member of the Cargill family. North Shore LS is the company behind the purchases. The LLC is owned by Kathy Cargill, who is married to one of the heirs to…

City Of Virginia, AFSCME Local 454 Reach Tentative Agreement

Courtesy: AFSCME Local 454 VIRGINIA, Minn. — The city of Virginia and its AFSCME Local 454 employees have reached a tentative contract agreement. See below for press releases from City Administrator Britt See-Benes and AFSCME Local 454: City of Virginia: On March 6, 2024, City of Virginia AFSCME Local 454 employees, representing Public Works, Park & Recreation, City Hall and…

Biden And Trump Could Clinch Nominations In Tuesday’s Contests, Ushering In General Election

NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Biden and Donald Trump hope to clinch their parties’ presidential nominations with dominant victories in a slate of state primaries on Tuesday as the 2024 fight for the White House moves into a new phase. Neither Biden, a Democrat, nor Trump, a Republican, faces significant opposition in primary contests across Georgia, Washington state, Mississippi and Hawaii. The only question…

Biden Uses Feisty State of the Union to Contrast with Trump, Sell Voters on Second Term

Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden turned his State of the Union speech Thursday night into an animated argument for a second term as he laced into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution” and jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad. Over and over, Biden delivered broadsides at “my predecessor” without mentioning Trump by name,…

Biden Will Announce A Plan For A Temporary Port On Gaza’s Coast To Increase Flow Of Humanitarian Aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will announce a plan in his State of the Union address Thursday for the U.S. military to help establish a temporary port on the Gaza coast, increasing the flow of humanitarian aid for the beleaguered territory during the Israel-Hamas war, according to administration officials. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview…

Minnesota Voters Part of Super Tuesday

Wisconsin's turn does not come until April.

It’s a long way until November, but March and Minnesota are not taking election-year back seats. Minnesota voters were among those heading to the polls Tuesday for the primary. Wisconsin’s primary is not until April. Duluth residents were among those filling out their ballot Tuesday. Unique to primaries, voters need to pick a party–just one party–and then pick one candidate…

Coast-To-Coast Super Tuesday Contests Poised To Move Biden And Trump Closer To November Rematch

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are poised to move much closer to winning their parties’ nominations Tuesday during the biggest day of the primary campaign, setting up a historic rematch that many voters would rather not endure. Super Tuesday elections are being held in 16 states and one territory — from Alaska and California to Vermont and Virginia. Hundreds…

What To Know About Super Tuesday And Why It Matters

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s almost Super Tuesday when voters in 16 states and one territory will cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential primaries. Here’s why the day matters — and why it looks a little different this year. What is Super Tuesday? It’s traditionally the biggest day nationwide for primary elections and caucuses before the actual Election Day in November. Until now,…

Political and Community Leaders Encourage Minnesotans to Vote “Uncommitted”

DULUTH, Minn. — Democratic Duluth Elected Officials, local leaders and community members rallied together to call for an “uncommitted” vote in the DFL Presidential Primary. The gathering was held at the Lake Superior Plaza on Saturday. The group urged other Minnesotans to vote “uncommitted” in the DFL Presidential Primary, withholding their support for President Joe Biden in his reelection bid….

Biden Approves Military Air Drops Of Aid Into Gaza After Chaotic Encounter Left More Than 100 Dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that the U.S. will begin air-dropping humanitarian assistance into Gaza, a day after more than 100 Palestinians were killed during a chaotic encounter with Israeli troops. The president announced the move after at least 115 Palestinians were killed and more than 750 others were injured, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, on…

McConnell Will Step Down As The Senate Republican Leader In November After A Record Run In The Job

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history who maintained his power in the face of dramatic convulsions in the Republican Party for almost two decades, will step down from that position in November. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision Wednesday in the well of the Senate, the chamber where he looked in awe from its back…

Biden, Trump Win Michigan Primaries

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump won the Michigan primaries on Tuesday, further solidifying the all-but-certain rematch between the two men. Biden defeated Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, his one significant opponent left in the Democratic primary. But Democrats were also closely watching the results of the “uncommitted” vote, as Michigan has become the epicenter…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Receives Award From American Legion

Senator Amy Klobuchar has been chosen for the American Legion’s 2024 Distinguished Public Service Award. The award quotes Klobuchar as being, “a champion of important legislation that The American Legion has prioritized year after year, and she has tirelessly worked to improve our national security.” “She has not only represented the interests of Minnesotans, but she also has been a…

Munger Announces Bid for Minnesota House District 3B

Retired judge says he has something to "bring to the table."

DULUTH, Minn. — Mark Munger announced Friday that he is running for the Minnesota legislature. He is seeking the House 3B seat now held by Natalie Zeleznikar. Munger is a DFLer, Zeleznikar a Republican. Munger graduated from Denfeld High School and UMD before becoming an attorney and District Court Judge. He said his background can help at the Capitol. “I…

Kozlowski Running For Reelection In Minnesota 8B

First-term legislator elected in 2022

DULUTH, Minn. — Alicia Kozlowski, the DFL representative for Minnesota’s District 8B, has announced a run for reelection. Since first being elected in 2022, Kozlowski has been the Vice Chair of POCI Caucus, a bloc of black, brown, and indigenous legislators. Kozlowski has received endorsements from labor unions including the Minnesota Nurses Association and the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees….

Federal Student Loans For Nearly 153,000 Borrowers Are Being Automatically Canceled, Biden Says

CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that his administration was automatically canceling federal student loans for nearly 153,000 borrowers, putting the spotlight on his debt cancellation efforts as he ramps up his reelection campaign. Biden, who is in the midst of a three-day campaign swing through California, made the announcement as part of a new repayment plan that offers…

Wisconsin Republican-Controlled Senate Votes To Reject Evers Appointees

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted Tuesday to reject four of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees, including a member of the state’s natural resources policy board and a former lieutenant governor who was to serve on a hospital governing board. That brings to 13 the number of Evers appointees that the Senate has rejected, which has the effect…