Political News

Congress Passes Bill To Avert Partial Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) - With only hours to spare, Congress passed legislation that would avoid a partial federal shutdown and keep the government funded through Dec. 3. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. The…

Duluth's Plastic Bag Fee Begins Oct. 15

DULUTH, Minn. - After more than a year of delays, the city of Duluth is about to start its plastic bag fee. The 5-cent fee will take effect Oct. 15 for places like grocery stores and retailers. The fee per…

Texas Law Limits Medication Abortions as Near-Ban Remains

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday lauded another new abortion law that tightens limits on abortion-inducing medications, creating an additional layer of restrictions after a near-total ban on abortion in the state began this month. The…

Wisconsin Assembly to Vote on Bill Banning Race Theory

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly plans to vote next week on a Republican bill that would prohibit public schools from teaching students and training employees about concepts such as systemic racism and implicit bias. A Republican-controlled Assembly committee…

Sen. Tomassoni's Wife Accused Of Assaulting Him

CHISHOLM, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota state lawmaker’s wife is accused of hitting him with a broom handle and threatening him with a knife at their home on the Iron Range over the weekend. Charlotte A. Tomassoni, 69, was charged…

In Edgy Washington, Police Outnumber Jan. 6 Protesters

WASHINGTON (AP) - With Washington still on edge after the Jan. 6 insurrection, law enforcement bore down in large numbers on the Capitol over concerns that a rally in support of the jailed rioters would turn violent. It didn’t. The…

Minnesota Judge Rejects Attempt To Force School Mask Mandate

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Minnesota judge has rejected a request by concerned parents to force a statewide mask mandate in all schools. Judge Thomas Gilligan said the court was “gravely concerned” about COVID-19 risks for children, but that the…

House Democrats Oust Embattled Lawmaker From Caucus

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota House Democrats have voted to expel Rep. John Thompson from their caucus following allegations of domestic violence and questions about his residency. House leaders Tuesday night issued…