Political

Minnesota cannabis tax rising to 15% in 2025 to support regulation rollout

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cannabis Taxes in Minnesota are on the rise. They’re sitting at 10-percent now, but will go up to 15-percent on July 1, 2025. The 10-percent rate was from July 1. 2023 to June 30. 2025. All sales and purchases of taxable cannabis products are subject to the new tax rate. RELATED: Minnesota issues first cannabis…

Minnesota issues first cannabis business license

Issued for Herb-Quest LLC ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued the first cannabis business license in the state of Minnesota. It is going to Herb-Quest, LLC. Herb-Quest is a microbusiness located in Brook Park in Pine County. Its initial primary business activity will be outdoor cultivation of cannabis plants. OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel…

President to have “Golden Share” in future of Nippon Steel & U.S. Steel partnership

CALGARY, Alberta & DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump would have unique influence over the operations of U.S. Steel under the terms of the investment being made by Nippon Steel. Administration officials over the past few days provided additional insight into the so-called golden share arrangement that the federal government made as a condition for supporting the partnership. US Steel…

Man accused of lawmaker assassination to face federal charges

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office ST. PAUL, Minn. – The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another will be facing federal charges. The Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston and BCA Superintendent Andrew Evans will be holding a news conference at in the late morning of Monday, June 16 to…

Man Suspected Of Shooting 2 Minnesota Lawmakers Caught

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another has been taken into custody, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge. Vance Boelter was arrested Sunday evening. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed…

Gov. Walz Issues Statement On Arrest Of Murder Suspect Vance Boelter

Gov. Tim Walz released the following statement Sunday night on the arrest of Vance Boelter following the “assassination” of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the “attempted assassination” of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, according to the governor’s office: “After a two-day manhunt in which hundreds of law enforcement officials left their families to run…

Shootings of MN Lawmakers turn homes into Crime Scenes

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Shootings at the residences of two Minnesota lawmakers turn the homes into crime scenes. The homes of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park and Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin were turned into crime scenes after what authorities are calling targeted political shootings early Friday morning. Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives,…

Search Continues for Suspect Connected to Shooting of 2 Minnesota Legislators

Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. (Minnesota Legislature via AP)Note: This is a developing news story. We will update as new information becomes available. BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A man posing as a police officer shot and killed…

Statements Reacting to Fatal Shooting of Former Minnesota House Speaker

Melissa Hortman (from her MN Legislature webpage)DULUTH, Minn: – A number of Northland elected officials, Minnesota government leaders, and various organizations have been releasing statements following the shooting death of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. This shooting is currently under investigation, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife,…

Signatures for ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative delivered to Duluth City Hall

CITY HALL – Duluth Tenants Union deliver signatures in support of their “Right to Repair” ballot initiative to the City Clerk. Nearly 6,000 signatures in support of the Duluth “Right to Repair” ballot initiative, were presented to the City Clerk’s office Thursday afternoon. The signatures were delivered by members of the Duluth Tenants Union, a group comprised of renters and…

Duluth City Councilor Mike Mayou to resign

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Mike Mayou has announced he will step down from the Duluth City Council at the end of June 2025. The resignation is pending the successful closing of his family’s home sale and  purchase of a new home. Mayou previously announced that he would not be running for re-election in November. In his announcement Mayou…

Zachary Moder Announces Campain for City Council At-Large

  DULUTH, Minn. — Zachary Moder has announced his campaign for Duluth City Council At-Large. Moder has been an entrepreneur, actor, musician, and served in the National Guard. His priorities are focusing on actually affordable housing, revitalizing Downtown Duluth, and growth for the creative community. “I’m not a politician. I’m just a person in Duluth. I’m a resident, just like…

Duluth City Council at Large Candidate: Asher Estrin-Haire

DULUTH, Minn. – A local business owner is making another run for Duluth city council at large. Asher Estrin-Haire, the owner of Stitchcraf Quilt Factory in Lakeside, is making his second run for Duluth City Council. Estrin-Haire is running for one of the two ‘at-large’ seats that are up for election in November. The small business owner said he would…

Mayor’s State of City Address: Superior Aiming to Continue Growth and Address Old Issues

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At Superior’s ‘State of the City’ address, Mayor Paine said he is hoping to continue the city’s growth but wants to address lingering issues. Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke to members of the public on Thursday for his annual ‘State of the City’ address. Mayor Paine highlighted the addition of new businesses and community involvement in planning…

Senator Tammy Baldwin Continues “Hands Off Medicaid” Tour in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — As US Senator Tammy Baldwin continues her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour,” she made a stop in Superior to talk with community members who could be affected. Senator Baldwin is pushing back against the plan to slash Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, which is backed by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. Medicaid, widely known…

Duluth’s New Homeless ‘Safe Bay’ At Vineyard Church Closed — At Least For Now

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s new Safe Bay location for homeless to sleep in their vehicles overnight has been shut down — at least temporarily — after only being operational for about a week. City and CHUM officials told FOX 21 on Sunday that an attorney for nearby neighbors of the Safe Bay location in the church’s back parking lot has…

Bi-Partisan Lawmakers Visit Canada’s Prime Minister to Strengthen Relations

Klobuchar meeting with Prime Minister Carney and Senate delegation, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Kaine, Kevin Cramer, and Peter Welch. Photo: The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, Lars Hagberg. OTTAWA, Can. — Minnesota Senator (D) Amy Klobuchar and other U.S. Senators from both Democrat and Republic parties met with Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday…

Gov. Evers Takes Tour Ahead of Pothole Filling

ASHLAND, Wis. — Governor Evers is on his annual “Pothole Patrol” across Wisconsin. Evers’ is looking to invest $100 million towards the Local Roads Improvement supplement program. Throughout the state THERE ARE plans for millions of additional dollars towards rural roads, bridge projects, and modernizing infrastructure. On Tuesday, the governor stopped in Ashland, where crews are already at work on…

David Clanaugh Announces Candidacy for Duluth City Council District 4

  DULUTH, Minn. — David Clanaugh Announced his candidacy for the district 4 seat of Duluth City Council. His goals are community driven, believing that district representatives need to really know the neighborhoods they represent. Those goals are grounded in his experience. He has had many positions in community supportive roles such as Executive Director for the regional Habitat For…

Minnesota State Leaders Survey Damage From Wildfires

BRIMSON, Minn. –Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith visited the Camp House fire zone to take in the carnage firsthand. The group first visited the Incident Command Center at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors, and met with teams responding to the fires. Governor Walz thanked the crews and volunteers, and shared his…

Walz Contrasts Minnesota’s Bipartisan Budget Breakthrough With Washington’s Deep Divisions

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and leaders of the Minnesota Legislature announced a hard-fought budget deal Thursday, contrasting the bipartisan cooperation that produced the agreement with the deep divisions that have tied Washington in knots. The Democratic governor and former vice presidential candidate noted that he was sharply critical of President Donald Trump’s administration, and what…

Rumors of a Federal Pardon for Derek Chauvin

Derek Chauvin MINNESOTA — The five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder is coming later this month on May 25th. And with that, there are concerns President Donald Trump might issue his convicted killer — Derek Chauvin — a pardon. Trump has not given any public indication he would pardon the former Minneapolis police officer. But rumors persist. Chauvin is currently…

Mayor: Duluth’s Local Government Aid Could Be Cut By $1.1M

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is concerned, but not surprised, more Local Government Aid (LGA) could be cut from the city. On Wednesday, Reinert said the Minnesota Legislature’s Senate Committee on Taxes released its omnibus tax bill, which includes a 3.1 percent cut to Duluth’s LGA, or $1.1 million out of the city’s general fund budgets. Mayor Reinert…

Rosie Loeffler-Kemp Seeks Re-Election to Duluth School Board

DULUTH, Minn. — Rosie Loeffler-Kemp has announced her bid for re-election to the Duluth School Board in District 1. Highlighting over 30 years of community involvement and nonprofit leadership, she emphasized her commitment to strong public schools and collaborative leadership. “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Duluth School Board. I will continue to build on our…

City Council Approves Outside Investigation Into Internal Issues With Superior Police Dept.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Urgent internal struggles within the Superior Police Department will officially be handled by an outside consultant for no more than $50,000 after the city council unanimously approved the measure at tonight’s city council meeting. Last month, Mayor Jim Paine told the Public Safety Committee there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and potential personnel concerns…

Keri Heintzeman Takes Oath of Office

ST. PAUL – Keri Heintzeman was was sworn in May 6, 2025 as the newest member of the Minnesota Senate. She won a special election on April 29 to represent District 6 after Senator Justin Eichorn resigned. He district includes parts of Cass, Crow Wing, and Itasca counties. In a news release the now Senator Keri Heintzeman said, “I’m deeply grateful to…

Gov. Evers Says He’s Not Afraid After Trump Official Suggests Possible Arrest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Friday that every American should be concerned about “chilling” suggestions from President Donald Trump’s top border adviser that he could be arrested over guidance the Democrat issued to state employees about what to do if confronted by federal immigration agents. “I’m not afraid,” Evers said in the extraordinary video posted on…

Dozens Gather at Federal Courthouse for ‘May Day’ Protest

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens come out for ‘May Day’ protest against Trump administration’s policies. Thursday’s protest outside of the Duluth Federal Courthouse, was one of many anti-Trump protests held across the nation on ‘May Day.’ The protests come amid drastic changes instituted by President Donald Trump during his first 100 days (back) in office, such as cuts to the federal…

Bill Extending Unemployment Benefits for Laid Off Miners Amended to Jobs Bill on Senate Floor

ST. PAUL, Minn — A bill to extend unemployment benefits for laid off miners is one step closer to approval. Senator Hauschild’s Bill was successfully Amended to Jobs Bill during Senate Floor Debate. Iron Range Senators Hauschild and Farnsworth brought the bill forward. If passed over six hundred laid off steelworkers would be eligible for the extended benefits. “When our…

Angie Craig Launches Senate Bid

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Rep. Angie Craig on Tuesday became the latest Minnesota Democrat to enter the increasingly competitive race for a U.S. Senate seat currently held by the retiring Sen. Tina Smith. In her launch video, Craig vows to “break through the chaos” and fight back against “a president trampling our rights and freedoms as he profits for personal…

Elon Musk’s X Sues To Overturn Minnesota Political Deepfakes Ban

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — X Corp., the social media platform owned by Trump adviser Elon Musk, is challenging the constitutionality of a Minnesota ban on using deepfakes to influence elections and harm candidates, saying it violates First Amendment speech protections. The company’s federal lawsuit filed this week also contends that the 2023 state law is preempted by a 1996 federal statute…

FBI Arrests Wisconsin Judge For Allegedly Obstructing Immigration Officials

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A Wisconsin judge was arrested Friday morning on federal charges that allege she attempted to prevent immigration officials from executing an arrest.  FBI agents arrested Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Friday morning, for charges of obstructing immigration authorities and concealing an individual to prevent their arrest. That individual, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, is a Mexican national and is…

Gov. Tim Walz Pledges To Protect Minnesota From ‘Chaos’ He Says Trump Has Unleashed On World

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz pledged Wednesday night to do everything in his power to protect Minnesotans from the chaos that he said President Donald Trump has unleashed on the country and the world. Delivering his annual State of the State speech to a joint session of the Legislature, the Democratic governor said Minnesota is as strong…

Mayor: Superior Police Dept. Internal Struggles Near Possible ‘Crisis’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Police Department is dealing with “urgent” internal struggles that Mayor Jim Paine said needs an outside review as soon as possible to keep the situation from becoming a “crisis.” Mayor Paine made his concerns known at the April 17 Public Safety Committee meeting. He said there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and…

Sen. Klobuchar Backs Tourism-Driven Waterfront Revamp in Two Harbors; Highlights National Tourism Hit So-Far

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Two Harbors on Monday to announce the groundbreaking of two projects along the city’s waterfront and the impact and effects of tourism. Senator Klobuchar says that a $90-billion projected loss in tourism revenue is expected across the country for just 2025. At a press event in Two Harbors, on Monday, Klobuchar talked…

Mary Murphy Day At Capitol

ST. PAUL, MN – As the floor session convenes on April 21, 2025 the House of Representatives will honor the life and legacy of Mary Murphy. The Murphy Is presented Mary Murphy Day Proclamation by Lt, Gov, Peggy Flanigan State Representative Mary Murphy was the longest-serving woman in the history of the Minnesota House. “Mary Murphy Day” will feature the…

Marijuana Holiday 4/20 Coincides With Easter, Passover This Year

Courtesy: Associated Press Marijuana culture’s high holiday, known as 4/20, falls this year on Easter Sunday, as well as the last day of Passover, meaning cannabis fans can celebrate in some unusual ways, including an “Easter nug hunt” in Los Angeles, kosher-style THC gummies in New York and a “blaze and praise” drag brunch in Portland, Oregon. “It seemed appropriate…

Diane Desotelle announces plans to run for City Council

  DULUTH, Minn. — With Mike Mayou stepping down as Duluth’s District 2 Representative, former city employee Diane Desotelle is looking to step-up. She announced today that she is running for the district 2 seat on Duluth’s city council. As a former civil engineer and natural resource planner, Desotelle feels she has the knowledge and experience to do right by…

Jordon Johnson Announces Campaign for Duluth City Council Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — A candidate has announced his run for Duluth city council at-large. Jordon Johnson, was born and raised in Duluth. He is the former executive director of Life House. In 2024 he ran for Minnesota House District 8A. Johnson says he would bring accountability and transparency to the council, with a focus on fair and accessible housing, economic…

Anti-Human Trafficking Bills Announced with Bi-Partisan Support

Two U-S senators, including Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, are working across the aisle to combat human trafficking. Senator Klobuchar, a democrat, has co-sponsored three bills with Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, a republican. They held a virtual press conference today to announce their newest bill called “The Combating Trafficking and Transportation Act.” This act aims to provide federal funding toward a public…

Tara Swenson Announced Reelection for Duluth City Council District 4 Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Tara Swenson announced bid for re-election for the Duluth City Council District 4 Seat back in March. Swenson tells FOX 21 that she would focus on ensuring residents and visitors feels safe, by supporting first responders. Continuing to invest in infrastructure is another goal, citing her work with turning West Skyline near Enger Park into a one…

Terese Tomanek Announces Reelection Plans for Duluth City Council at Large Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday, Duluth City Councilor at Large, Terese Tomanek, is seeking reelection this fall. The announcement coming at a press conference today at Duluth City Hall. There, Tomanek reflected on her efforts leading up to her current position. More specifically, her work involving the COVID-19 pandemic, as following her recognition for a Public Health Achievement Award. Tomanek also…

“Hands Off” Protests Take Place Across Northland

NORTHLAND – A number of Northland communities were part of the hundreds across the United States taking part in the “Hands Off” protests Saturday. The largest was likely in Duluth.  Organizers say over 2,500 people gathered outside Duluth City Hall to protest the actions taken by the Trump administration to reduce the federal government through the ending of grants, programs,…