Political

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…

Republican Eric Hovde Seeks To Unseat Democrat Baldwin In Wisconsin Race For US Senate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican businessman and real estate mogul Eric Hovde launched his bid for the U.S. Senate against Wisconsin Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Tuesday, saying in a video that “America is slipping away” and “everything is going in the wrong direction.” This is Hovde’s second Senate campaign; he ran in 2012 but lost in the GOP primary to former Gov….

Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Signs His New Legislative Maps Into Law After Republicans Pass Them

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed new legislative district maps into law on Monday that he proposed and that the Republicans who control the Legislature passed to avoid having the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats hailed the signing as a major political victory in the swing state where the Legislature has been firmly under Republican…

Donald Trump Fraud Verdict: $364 Million Penalty In Civil Fraud Case

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge ruled Friday against Donald Trump, imposing a $364 million penalty over what the judge ruled was a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated the former president’s wealth. Judge Arthur Engoron issued his decision after a 2½-month trial that saw the Republican presidential front-runner bristling under oath…

MN Sen. Hauschild Identifies Priorities for Legislative Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature is now in the third day of its new session, and Senator Grant Hauschild, (DFL) from Hermantown, has identified the issues his constituents believe are the most urgent. Following meetings with residents throughout the summer and fall, Hauschild says the need for EMS services, childcare availability, and housing in rural Minnesota stood out…

Newly elected Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy running for County Commissioner

DULUTH, MN – Newly elected Duluth City Councilor no longer wants the job. Three months in, Janet Kennedy has decided she will run for County Commissioner. Kennedy made the announcement standing on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. Kennedy, in explaining her reason for changing her mind and wanting to switch jobs, said with her two major initiatives focused on…

Political Season Ramping Up, MN DFL Chair Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — With the general elections only nine months away, political activity is ramping up. That includes getting out the vote, but before that, getting out to precinct caucuses. The chair of the Minnesota DFL party was making the rounds in the northland Tuesday. Ken Martin was encouraging people to mark their calendars for caucuses on February 27th, and…

The Supreme Court Seems Poised To Reject Efforts To Kick Trump Off The Ballot Over The Capitol Riot

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems poised to reject attempts to kick former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot. A definitive ruling for Trump, the leading Republican candidate for president, would largely end efforts in Colorado, Maine and elsewhere to prevent his name from appearing on the ballot. Conservative and liberal justices alike questioned during arguments Thursday whether Trump can be disqualified from being president again because of…

Special Counsel: Biden ‘Willfully’ Disclosed Classified Materials, But No Criminal Charges Warranted

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden “willfully” retained and disclosed highly classified materials when he was a private citizen, including documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other sensitive national security matters, according to a Justice Department report that nonetheless says no criminal charges are warranted for him or anyone else. The report from special counsel Robert Hur, released Thursday, represents…

Senate Republicans Block Bipartisan Border Package, Scuttling Deal They Had Demanded From Democrats

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan border package Wednesday, scuttling months of negotiations with Democrats on legislation intended to cut back record numbers of illegal border crossings. Many Republicans said the election-year compromise wasn’t enough, even as supporters of the bill insisted it was the best possible in divided government. The 49-50 vote, far short of the 60 ayes…

One-On-One: Reinert Talks First Month As Duluth Mayor; ‘The Time Is Now’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is closing in on his first 30 days in office. And in his first sit-down interview since Inauguration Day, 53-year-old Reinert shares how the jobs is going so far, his management style and his lack of patience when it comes to the status quo. “You know, we need ‘the time is now’. Most…

Stauber Running Again for Congress

Announcement came Monday on a post from congressman's campaign.

Over the past week things have ramped up in Minnesota’s eighth district congressional race. The most recent development came Monday with Pete Stauber’s announcement that he will seek re-election. The congressman’s news did not come in a press release or press conference, but through his campaign’s post on social media. In the post, Stauber said in part, “…It’s not just…

Republican Joe Fraser Announces Campaign for U.S. Senate Seat

Fraser spoke at city hall today about his campaign and facing a three-term incumbent

DULUTH, Minn. — Navy veteran Joe Fraser has announced his campaign for Senate. The Republican candidate began his two-day press tour of Minnesota at Duluth City Hall this morning. He said his campaign will focus on border security and national debt. Fraser also criticized incumbent Democrat Amy Klobuchar. “It drives me nuts when people just assume that the incumbent is…

“Restore the Vote” Encourages Felons No Longer Incarcerated to Exercise Ballot Box Rights

Minnesota Secretary of State was in Duluth Friday to get the word out.

With another election season upon us, some will be voting for the first time, while others will have a chance to vote again—after a long time. Minnesota’s Secretary of State was in Duluth Friday for several Restore the Vote events, including at city hall. Steve Simon said one goal is to work with community leaders and citizens to get the…

Congressman Stauber Releases “Fact Check” On Blatnik Bridge

TWIN PORTS — Republican Pete Stauber of Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District was not at President Biden’s visit to the Twin Ports Thursday. Biden and democrats including Governor Walz have called Stauber a hypocrite for voting against Biden’s infrastructure bill, but taking credit, they say for the Blatnik funding in that bill. Congressman Stauber snapping back in a video online saying…

FOX 21’s Maria Vollom At Earth Rider Brewery Ready For President Biden’s Arrival

SUPERIOR, Wi. — FOX 21’s Maria Vollom provides an update from Earth Rider Brewery in Superior ahead of President Joe Biden arrival. He’ll be speaking about his Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which includes $1B for the Blatnik Bridge reconstruction. FOX 21 will break into programming and stream live during the 1 p.m. hour for Biden’s remarks. Categories: Community, News, News –…

President Joe Biden Arrives To Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — Live coverage of President Joe Biden arriving to the Twin Ports around 11:40 a.m.  Thursday. The President will then head over to Earth Rider Brewery in Superior around 1 p.m. to deliver remarks on “Investing in America and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” according to the White House. Fox 21 will continue to provide live updates. Categories: News,…

FOX 21 Live Coverage Thursday Of President Biden’s Visit To Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 will break into programming within the 11 a.m. hour Thursday, as President Joe Biden lands in Duluth and heads over to Earth Rider Brewery in Superior around 1 p.m. to deliver remarks on “Investing in America and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” according to the White House.   FOX 21 will then have team coverage on the…

Voter Turnout In 2024 New Hampshire GOP Primary Eclipses Record

WASHINGTON (AP) — More people cast votes in Tuesday’s contest between former President Donald Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley than in any previous presidential primary of either party in New Hampshire’s history. As of the latest vote tally on Wednesday afternoon, nearly 318,000 Granite State Republicans and independents cast votes in the first-in-the-nation primary, exceeding the previous record set in the 2020…

DFL: Stauber “Hypocrite” Over Blatnik Money; Once Law, Congressman Says He Pushed For Funding

Back and forth over federal funding vote.

On Monday, many Minnesota and Wisconsin lawmakers lauded the announced federal funding that will help with the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge. Among those was Minnesota’s 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber. State DFL leaders said the republican lawmaker was a “hypocrite” because he voted against the law that provided the funding. Tuesday, Stauber responded and said that after the bill…

Jen Schultz Announces Congressional Campaign Against Incumbent Pete Stauber

Schultz Begins Fight to Flip 8th Congressional District

DULUTH, Minn. — Today, Democrat Jen Schultz launched her campaign for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Schultz is running against Republican incumbent Pete Stauber, who took office in 2019. In her speech today, Schultz emphasized achieving bipartisan results, as well as supporting the middle class, labor rights, and retirement security. “The 8th is worth fighting for. America is worth fighting for,”…

Council To Vote Monday On Mayor Reinert’s 2024 Legislative Bonding Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Roger Reinert has released his top legislative priorities for 2024, which the city council will vote on Monday night, Jan. 22.  Below is a news release sent out Monday afternoon by Mayor Reinert’s office: Mayor Roger J. Reinert has proposed the City of Duluth’s top legislative bonding priorities for 2024. The priorities, which are outlined as…

President Biden To Visit Superior Thursday, 2nd Time Since In Office

President Joe Biden at UW-Superior SUPERIOR, Wis. – President Biden is returning to Superior later this week. The White House announced Monday that the President will be visiting the city on Thursday, January 25.  The purpose of the visit is to “discuss how his Bidenomics and Investing in America Agenda are rebuilding our infrastructure, lowering costs, spurring a small business…

Haley Hopes To Stop Trump’s March To Nomination In New Hampshire: ‘America Does Not Do Coronations’

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — As the last major challenger in Donald Trump’s way, Nikki Haley is hoping New Hampshire voters feel so strongly about keeping the former president away from the White House that they turn out to support her in large numbers. “America does not do coronations,” Haley said at a VFW hall in Franklin, joined by her daughter…

Wisconsin Republicans Introduce A Bill To Ban Abortions After 14 Weeks Of Pregnancy

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Assembly quietly introduced a bill Friday that would call for a binding statewide referendum on whether abortion should be banned after 14 weeks of pregnancy. The GOP has scheduled a public hearing on the bill for Monday afternoon at the state Capitol. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is almost certain to veto…