Political News

Sessions Terminates US Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration threw the burgeoning movement to legalize marijuana into uncertainty Thursday as it lifted an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal.…

GOP's Fischbach Assumes Lt. Gov. Role, Rejects Higher Pay

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota's new Republican lieutenant governor says she'll reject the job's higher salary as she plans to maintain her seat in the state Senate. GOP Sen. Michele Fischbach was in line to join Democratic Gov. Mark…

Franken Officially Resigns from Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Sen. Al Franken has officially resigned from the Senate. The Minnesota Democrat formally resigned Tuesday afternoon. It comes nearly a month after he announced his plans to leave Congress after a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations that began…

GOP's Bachmann Mulling Bid for Franken's Seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ One-time Republican presidential contender and former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's considering a run for Sen. Al Franken's seat. Franken resigned Tuesday after a cloud of sexual misconduct allegations starting in November. His replacement,…

New Laws Take Effect Today for 2018

(KMSP) - There are five new laws going into effect Jan. 1, including one that honors fallen officers. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the new law allows for special license plates that honor fallen officers. Drivers can purchase…

As Smith heads to DC, questions linger over her replacement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - After a crazy year in Minnesota politics, 2018 will start with Democrats and Republicans squabbling over the next lieutenant governor and what it means for control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised…

Franken to Formally Thank Supporters Before Leaving Senate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Sen. Al Franken is meeting with supporters and friends in Minnesota before he officially resigns. The Democrat planned to attend an event Thursday night in Minneapolis to thank supporters and friends after his eight years in the…

$1.5 Trillion Tax Package Signed into Law

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump has signed into law a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul package. Trump touted the size of the tax cut, declaring to reporters in the Oval Office before he signed it Friday that "the numbers will speak.''  The president…

Minnesota AG's Office Says GOP Senate Leader Can't do Two Jobs

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota attorney general's office says Republican state Senate President Michelle Fischbach cannot legally keep her Senate seat when she becomes lieutenant governor. Solicitor General Alan Gilbert issued an opinion Thursday saying an 1898 decision by the Minnesota…

House Backs Temporary Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led House narrowly passed a temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown Thursday, doing the bare minimum in a sprint toward the holidays and punting disputes on immigration, health care and national security to next…

Sen. Franken Will Officially Resign Jan. 2

WASHINGTON - Senator Al Franken's last day in the U.S. Senate will be January 2, 2018, according to his office. Senator Designate Tina Smith will be sworn in the following day on, Jan. 3. Franken made the announcement of his…

Congress Wraps Up Massive Tax Package, Headed to Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Republicans delivered an epic overhaul of U.S. tax laws to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, bringing generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans while providing smaller cuts for middle- and low-income families. In a…