politics

Gov. Walz Announces Bid for Second Term

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Also Announced Re-Election Tuesday Morning

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has launched his campaign for a second term in an increasingly divided state, saying he made the tough calls necessary to beat back the COVID-19 pandemic and revive the economy. The former high school football coach made the announcement in a YouTube video posted Tuesday that shows him standing on a football…

Parents of Minnesota Students File Suit Seeking Mask Mandate

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is Reviewing the Complaint

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Some parents of students at Minnesota K-12 schools that have not required face coverings have filed a lawsuit asking the governor to enact a statewide mask mandate because of the spike in COVID-19 cases. The complaint filed in Ramsey County Friday by a group calling itself “Parents Advocating for Safe Schools” cites a provision in…

Paul Gazelka Resigns as Senate Majority Leader as Governor’s Race Looms

Republican State Senator Michelle Benson Tosses Hat into Governor's Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – State Sen. Paul Gazelka said Wednesday he’s resigning his position as Senate majority leader, a likely precursor to joining the 2022 Minnesota governor’s race. Gazelka’s move stole some attention from fellow Republican state Sen. Michelle Benson, who is launching her own campaign for governor at a 10 a.m. event in Blaine. Already in the GOP primary:…

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Announces Resignation

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Will Effectively Leave Office in Two Weeks

NEW YORK (AP) – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has resigned over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations in a fall from grace a year after he was widely hailed nationally for his detailed daily briefings and leadership during the darkest days of COVID-19. The third-term Democratic governor is increasingly isolated as state Assembly members move toward impeachment and allies…

Wisconsin Senate Passes Bills Making it Harder to Vote

The Measures Are Likely to be Vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has approved Republican-backed bills that would create new hurdles for the elderly and disabled to cast absentee ballots, limit the number and location of ballot drop boxes and impose new penalties for violating election law. All of the measures are almost certain to be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has said…

27 Possible Voter Fraud Cases in Three Million Wisconsin Ballots

Nearly 3.3 Million People Voted in the 2020 Presidential Election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Just over two dozen potential cases of voter fraud out of more than three million ballots cast in the November presidential election have been identified by Wisconsin election officials and forwarded to local district attorneys for possible prosecution. That’s according to documents obtained Friday by The Associated Press under the state’s open records law. The 27…

UMD Political Science Professor Discusses Incoming Biden-Harris Administration

Dr. Cindy Rugeley Discusses Transitional Tradition, Unification, and Historical Significance as Biden-Harris Prepare to be Sworn In

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States is one day away from the swearing-in of our nation’s 46th President in Washington, D.C. The inauguration will no doubt look different than in years past, with COVID-19, recent civil unrest, and an outgoing President breaking transitional tradition. Dr. Cindy Rugeley, associate professor and department head of political science at UMD, weighed in on…

Biden Win Confirmed After Pro-Trump Mob Storms U.S. Capitol

Biden Confirmed by Congress as Winner of 2020 Presidential Election

WASHINGTON (AP) – Early Thursday morning, Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner, hours after violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers resolved to work almost through the night to uphold the will of the voters. The Capitol was under siege for hours Wednesday, forcing lawmakers into hiding before being evacuated by…

What’s Next? UMD Political Science Professor Details Days Ahead in Election 2020

Dr. Cynthia Rugeley is the Associate Professor and Department Head of Political Science at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Americans woke up Wednesday morning wondering what comes next in the race for the White House. Ballots are still being counted in a handful of key states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina among others. Dr. Cynthia Rugeley is the Associate Professor and Department Head of Political Science at UMD. She joined…

Nystrom: “We’re Within Striking Distance of Stauber in the Polls”

Nystrom is Proud of the Grassroots Support Her Campaign Has Received for Election 2020

BAXTER, Minn. – Democratic candidate for the 8th District Congressional Race, Quinn Nystrom, says she’s excited and highly optimistic of a victory for her campaign in election 2020. Nystrom visited Duluth Monday with the hope of getting residents to the polls on Tuesday to make sure their voices are heard. The Crow Wing County native previously served on the Baxter…

Deputy Auditor: 7,953 New Registered Voters in St. Louis County for Election 2020

Phil Chapman, St. Louis County Deputy Auditor, Says a Record Amount of Absentee Ballots Have Been Received in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – According to Phil Champan, St. Louis County Deputy Auditor, nearly 8,000 more residents in St. Louis County registered to vote in 2020 than during the 2016 presidential election. Chapman says polling places have been well equipped with personal protective equipment thanks to help from the Secretary of State’s Office in Minnesota. Chapman tells FOX 21 Local News…

Supreme Court Rejects Democratic Attempt to Extend Mail-In Voting Deadline in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court is siding with Republicans to prevent Wisconsin from counting mailed ballots that are received after Election Day. In a 5-3 order, the justices on Monday refused to reinstate a lower court order that called for mailed ballots to be counted if they are received up to six days after the election. A federal appeals…

White House Press Secretary Tests Positive for COVID-19

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany Will Begin Quarantine Immediately

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany says she has tested positive for COVID-19. This comes days after President Donald Trump tested positive for the cornorvirus. McEnany says in a statement that she tested positive Monday morning and is experiencing no symptoms at this time. She spoke briefly with reporters Sunday evening, but says that no members of…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

President Trump Lays Memorial Day Wreath at Arlington Cemetery

Mr. Trump Will Continue to Honor Memorial Day with a Series of Events Amid the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump has laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery as he commemorates Memorial Day in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and his defense secretary. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier overlooking rolling hills dotted with white tombstones. First lady Melania…

Amy Klobuchar Ends Presidential Bid, Now Endorsing Biden

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Will Now Endorse Former Vice President Joe Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) – Amy Klobuchar is ending her Democratic presidential campaign and is set to endorse Joe Biden. The Minnesota senator announced the decision Monday, calling it quits after a bid that broke briefly into the top tier with a third-place finish in New Hampshire but failed to sustain that energy further into the Democratic nomination fight. The three-term senator…

House Democratic Bill Hikes Corporate Taxes to Help Schools

Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education. Leaders of the House Democratic majority said Monday that most individual Minnesotans would see tax cuts under their proposal. The bill would bring the state’s…

One-On-One: Gov. Walz Talks Legalizing Marijuana, Mining & Infrastructure

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…

Trump to Call for Unity, Face Skepticism in State of Union

President Donald Trump is expected to call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, but skeptics are likely to question whether he can be successful in pursuing such a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and personal attacks.

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump is expected to call for optimism and unity in his State of the Union address, but skeptics are likely to question whether he can be successful in pursuing such a reset after two years of bitter partisanship and personal attacks. Ahead of Trump’s prime-time Tuesday speech, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hopes to hear a commitment…

Virginia Gov. Northam Discussing Future With Staff

Northam has rebuffed widespread calls for his resignation after a racist photo surfaced Friday in his 1984 medical school yearbook page. Northam initially apologized for appearing in the photo, but then said a day later that he was convinced he wasn't in it.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A top administration official for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says the governor is meeting with staff to hear their assessment of whether it’s viable for him to stay in office. The official spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the official was not authorized to speak about the matter publicly. Northam has rebuffed widespread calls for…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Defends Blog Posts

Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn is defending blog posts he wrote more than a decade ago where he said a landmark gay rights court ruling could lead to legalized bestiality and labeled Planned Parenthood a "wicked organization."

MADISON, Wis.-Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn is defending blog posts he wrote more than a decade ago where he said a landmark gay rights court ruling could lead to legalized bestiality and labeled Planned Parenthood a “wicked organization.” Hagedorn spoke Monday about the blogs to conservative talk radio host John Muir on WTAQ-AM. He wrote the blogs while…

UMD Political Science Professor Discusses 2018 Midterm Elections

UMD Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Cindy Rugeley Breaks Down the Heated Political Races in Minnesota and Wisconsin on Election Day 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Election Day 2018. On Tuesday, November 6, millions of Americans are heading out to the polls to determine the winners of key races from coast to coast. Locally, Minnesotans and Wisconsinites have a jam packed ballot. Both Governor seats are up for grabs, and many House and Senate seats are also in the headlines. Dr. Cindy Rugeley,…

Judge Kavanaugh Officially Sworn In as Supreme Court Justice

Judge Brett Kavanaugh will become the 114th Supreme Court Justice of the United States

WASHINGTON (AP) – Brett Kavanaugh has taken the oaths of office to become the 114th Supreme Court justice, just a couple of hours after the Senate voted 50-48 to confirm him. The quick swearing in enables Kavanaugh to begin work immediately in advance of arguments at the court Tuesday in two cases involving prison sentences for repeat offenders. The court…

Senate Approves Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Justice

The Vote to Confirm Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Justice Comes as Protests are Breaking Out Across the Country

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Brett Kavanaugh as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, putting a second nominee from President Donald Trump on the highest court in the land. Kavanaugh was confirmed 50-48 Saturday during a historic roll call vote in the Senate chamber. The two-vote margin is one of the narrowest ever for a Supreme Court…

Flake Stokes Presidential Speculation as Court Debate Rages

Republican Sen. Jeff Flake is stoking new speculation about a possible presidential run as he emerges as a central figure in the explosive debate over President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick.

BOSTON-Republican Sen. Jeff Flake is stoking new speculation about a possible presidential run as he emerges as a central figure in the explosive debate over President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court pick. Flake is scheduled to speak in New Hampshire Monday. It’s his second appearance this year in the state that hosts the nation’s first presidential primary election. Flake single-handedly delayed…

U.S. Senate Candidate Newberger Visits Northland

Newberger is running against Senator Amy Klobuchar in the upcoming November election.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Minnesota Republican candidate for the United States Senate, Jim Newberger, stopped in the Northland Thursday. The luncheon was in Hermantown at Real Closet Inc.  Newberger tells us he’s a huge supporter of mines. During this visit, the candidate is touring Cirrus and welding facilities. “Those jobs that are here are important, and it’s a priority that we protect…

McCain’s Family Says He’s Stopping Medical Treatment

Sen. McCain Suffers from Brain Cancer

WASHINGTON-Sen. John McCain’s family says the Arizona senator has chosen to discontinue medical treatment for brain cancer. In a statement, McCain’s family says McCain has surpassed expectations for his survival, but “the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict.” The family adds: “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical…

What to Know before the Primary Election

More information on poll locations and times.

DULUTH, Minn.-  It’s primary election Tuesday, as candidates in many big races will be finalized for the general election in November. With several major statewide races in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, voter turnout is expected to be higher than a typical primary election. Along with the highly contested races a high number of young voters could help push turnout up. This…

Sen. Smith Visits Northland

  DULUTH, Minn.-Democratic Sen. Tina Smith was in Duluth as she introduced a bill that addresses the rise in prescription drug costs. Smith said she’s hoping the bill will alleviate the high prices for medicine they pay for in this area and around the country. “The number one thing I hear people talking about is healthcare, especially medicine and it’s…

Pence Arrives in Northland

DULUTH, Minn.-Vice President Mike Pence made his way to Duluth today to drum up support for Republican Congressional Candidate Pete Stauber, while also meeting with local business leaders. Just after 11 a.m. Pence’s Airforce 2 landed at the Duluth International Airport. He was welcomed by quite a few onlookers of all ages at the airport as they waited for their…

Former Gov. Pawlenty Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty came to Duluth today to visit the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, while campaigning for governor. The former Republican presidential candidate met with WLSSD staff and toured the facility to discuss their project to increase efficiency and sustainability. “ want to make sure we have available, affordable energy and that sort of includes an…

Senator Sanders Visits Duluth

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders visits Duluth showing support for Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds attended a campaign rally in that featured Senator Bernie Sanders rallying support for state Attorney General candidate Keith Ellison. Ellison is running in a contested DFL primary against four other candidates, three Republicans are also running for the position. “We elect an attorney general that has the history and the courage to stand up to powerful special…

Trump Supporters Praise Steel Tariff at Roundtable Discussion

The people attending this roundtable were all big Trump supports.

DULUTH, Minn.-President Trump made his first stop in Duluth for what the White House is calling a roundtable discussion. “We’re very proud of what we’ve done, we’re very proud of Minnesota, and the people of this state, they’re incredible people,” President Trump said. “The people that you see in this room right now and the people you see up here…

DFL Candidate for Governor Stop in Northland

Attorney General Lori Swanson Stops in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-A DFL candidate for governor made a stop at Monaco Air in Duluth earlier today. Current Attorney General Lori Swanson and her running mate Eighth District Rep. Rick Nolan stopped by to share their vision for Minnesota. Swanson said one of her main goals is to end some of the divisiveness in Minnesota’s politics. “Before we take office, we…

Former Gov. Pawlenty Stops in Northland

Former Governor Made Stop at Monaco Air

DULUTH, Minn.-Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty made a stop in Duluth today as he’s seeking his governor’s seat once again. The Republican, and former presidential candidate, stopped by Monaco Air this morning to discuss his political platform with Northlanders. He said the current candidates he’s facing are just too far to the left and don’t fit with Minnesota’s core values….

Minnesota GOP Convention Begins in Duluth

Multiple Candidates Vying for Nomination

    **UPDATE** Representative Jim Newberger, Becker, was endorsed for the United States Senate seat with nearly 80% of the vote on the first ballot for the senate seat currently held by Amy Klobuchar. State Senator Karin Housley, Stillwater, was endorsed for the United States Senate seat on the first ballot for the senate seat resigned by Al Franken. The…

Iron Range Commissioner to Retire from Political Life

Commissioner Rukavina to Serve Out his Term Through January of 2019

DULUTH, Minn.-Current St. Louis County commissioner and former state representative Tom Rukavina is expected to retire after his current term, which ends in January of 2019. Fox 21 spoke with his assistant today who confirmed the information and said his retirement is due to health reasons and spending more time with his family. Rukavina formerly served in the Minnesota House…

8th Congressional District Candidate Calls for Code of Fair Campaign Practices

8th Congressional District Candidate Michelle Lee asks fellow candidates to sign the code.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite receiving no endorsement at the DFL Convention this past weekend 8th Congressional District Candidate Michelle Lee announced she’s moving onto phase two of her campaign. On Monday Lee says there’s an opportunity gap in the district, which needs to be addressed through reform and change. Meanwhile, Lee is asking fellow democratic candidates to abide by the code…

Morning Update 4-9-18

Local News and Weather Headlines Monday, April 9, 2018

Categories: News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Governor, Headlines, lawmakers, Morning, News, politics, State, Tim Pawlenty, Update, weather, William Seay

8th District Congressional Candidate Michelle Lee Announces Large Endorsement

Michelle is one of seven candidates running for Minnesota's 8th Congressional District seat.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s 8th District Congressional Candidate Michelle Lee received a big endorsement from former Lieutenant Governor Yyonne Prettner Solon. Lee says Yyonne Prettner Solon never lost sight of the needs of the people and is proud to have Solon’s endorsement. During the campaign Solon will be serving as Lee’s senior political adviser. “I have promised Solon, just as I…

Walker Introduces School Safety Bills, Calls Special Session

Plans Were Unveiled Earlier This Morning

MADISON, Wis.-Republican Gov. Scott Walker is introducing a package of legislation designed to enhance school safety. Walker unveiled the proposals Thursday morning. They include establishing an Office of School Safety within the state Justice Department, creating a $100 million school safety grant program and requiring mandatory child abuse reporters to report threats of school violence as well. Other bills in…

Governor Dayton Gives Final State of the State

Gov. Dayton addresses health care, education, and encourages diversity.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Mark Dayton gave his last State of the State Address highlighting education, taxes, and healthcare.  Gov. Dayton announced nearly 80,000 students are now attending all day kindergarten. The University of Minnesota  will not be increasing tuition, due to an extra $10 million of state funding. Gov. Dayton said law makers have a decision to make, stating they can…

Jason Metsa Announces Run for Eighth Congressional District

Rep. Jason Metsa announced today that he is running for the open seat in Northern Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District

Virginia, Minn. — Rep. Jason Metsa announced today that he is running for the open seat in Northern Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District.   “I am running for Congress because I know that we only make progress for Northern Minnesota families when we have each other’s’ backs and stand up to fight for each other,” said Metsa.   Metsa, a three-term…

Despite Nolan Retirement, Mills Says no New Bid for Congress

Pete Stauber, of Duluth, Running on GOP Side

MINNEAPOLIS-Republican Stewart Mills says he won’t run for Congress again despite Rep. Rick Nolan’s retirement. Mills said in November he wouldn’t challenge Nolan, a Democrat, for a third time. When Nolan recently announced plans to retire, Mills said he was reconsidering. But Mills said in a Facebook posting Tuesday that he’d decided against it. Several Democrats have expressed interest in…

Legislative Budget Heads for Dayton’s Signature

Dayton Vetoed $130 Million in Funding for House and Senate Last Year

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A bill to restore the Legislature’s operating budget is heading to Gov. Mark Dayton. Dayton vetoed the $130 million in funding for the House and Senate last year, triggering months of court cases and forcing the Legislature to hobble into session running on emergency funds. Dayton wanted to rework costly tax breaks and other measures last year but…

Assembly Passes School Guard Grant Bill

Bill Still Has to be Voted on by State Senate

MADISON, Wis.-The state Assembly has passed a Republican bill creating a grant program to help schools pay for armed guards. The vote comes six days after a mass shooting at a Florida high school left 17 dead. Under the bill, school districts could receive grants from the state Justice Department for three consecutive years to pay armed security officers in…

Lawmakers Head Back to St. Paul For Three-Month Session

Session Began Earlier Today

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s latest legislative session is getting underway. State lawmakers were due to return to the Capitol Tuesday with a long to-do list. Squaring Minnesota’s tax code with the recently passed federal tax cuts is one of the top priorities for 2018. But none of that work is required. The Legislature accomplished its primary job last year when it…

Bon Iver Manager to Run for Duffy’s Seat

Multiple Democrats Come Forward Against Duffy

WAUSAU, Wis.-The manager of indie folk band Bon Iver is planning to run for the Wisconsin congressional seat currently held by Republican Sean Duffy. Kyle Frenette is the founder of Middle West Management. He’s managed two-time Grammy award winner Bon Iver and founder Justin Vernon since 2007. USA Today Network-Wisconsin says Frenette has submitted his candidacy to run as a…

Wisconsin Legislature to Vote on Reinsurance, Tax Cuts

Welfare Overhaul Could be Voted on This Week in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.-In a mad dash to the finish, the Wisconsin Legislature this week planned to take several votes on key bills touching on insurance costs, tax cuts and welfare overhaul. Both the Senate and Assembly were scheduled to vote this week on Gov. Scott Walker’s $200 million plan to create a reinsurance fund designed to lower premium costs for people…

Rep. Nolan Retirement Announcement Surprises Northland

Many Candidates Have Announced Running for the 8th District Congressional Seat

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s 8th District Congressional Representative Rick Nolan announced he’s retiring at the end of his term and will not be a candidate for re-election. Rep. Rick Nolan has spent 16 years in elective office devoting a lot of time to Minnesota. In a statement released Friday Nolan says there’s a time and a purpose for everything and now is the…