Author: Matt McConico

Wisconsin Supreme Court says 3-judge panels must decide congressional redistricting cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a pair of three-judge panels to hear two lawsuits that argue the battleground state’s congressional maps must be redrawn because they unconstitutionally favor Republicans. The court’s minority conservative justices blasted the creation of the three-judge panels as unimaginable political maneuvering designed to benefit Democrats. The court battle in Wisconsin is playing…

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas coming to Duluth

DULUTH, Min. – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is back in Duluth.  The holiday tradition for 4-decades features their distinctive Mannheim sound. They’ll be playing Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00pm in the DECC Symphony Hall. FOX21 talked to Roxanne Layton, who plays percussion and recorder for the band. She’s very proud their sound and the whole show experience.  People with varying…

4 more arrested in $102M Louvre jewel heist

A basket lift used by thieves is seen at the Louvre museum Sunday Oct.19, 2025 in Paris. PARIS (AP) — The Paris prosecutor announced four more arrests Tuesday in connection with the stunning heist at the Louvre Museum in October by a gang that made off with $102 million worth of jewels. The two men and two women taken into…

Die Hard part of Zeitgeist’s holiday film selection

Die Hard movie poster DULUTH, Min. – Zeitgeist has announced their holiday film line-up. The Muppet Christmas Carol will have four showings between November 29 and December 7. It’s A Wonderful Life will get three weekend showings between December 13 and 21. Scrooged will have a single showing on December 16. Die Hard will have its sole opportunity to save…

Hermantown grad awarded 2025 Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship

Ely Young DUUTH, Min. – Ely Young of Hermantown has been awarded the 2025 Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship. The honor comes from the St. Louis County Historical Society. Young wrote his winning essay about his great aunt, Shirley Hedin (nee, Armstrong), who appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine in 1943 as part of the Women’s Land Army….

Iron Range film Small Town Girl releases its theme song

Small Town Girl Poster DULUTH, Min. – The film “Small Town Girl” now has a theme song. Director Bill Cooper made the announcement in an e-mail message. Cooper had previously announced that Brian Bryson would be working on music for the production. Now the song “Rudy” by Bryson has been released. The song of about one and a half minutes….

Home demolitions begin for future London Road roundabout

DULUTH, Min. – Construction crews have begun demolishing homes on the future site of a London Road roundabout. Homes at the corner of N. 40th Avenue East and London Road are now being torn down. Home demolition at corner of N. 40th Ave E & London Road for future roundabout The teardown began Friday, November 21, 2025. Traffic lights at…

Trump pledge to ‘immediately’ end protections for Minnesota Somalis sparks fear and legal questions

(AP) – President Donald Trump’s pledge to terminate temporary legal protections for Somalis living in Minnesota is triggering fear in the state’s deeply-rooted immigrant community, along with doubts about whether the White House has the legal authority to enact the directive as described. In a Truth Social post late Friday, Trump said he would “immediately” strip Somali residents in Minnesota of Temporary Protected…

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, former Trump loyalist, says she is resigning from Congress

FILE – Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a loyal supporter-turned-critic of President Donald Trump who faced his political retribution if she sought reelection, said Friday she is resigning…

Jay Cooke State Park to have limited access during special deer hunt

Jay Cooke State Park Bridge DULUTH, Min. – Jay Cooke State Park will have limited public access during special deer hunt. The hunt will be December 6-10, 2025.  It will be muzzleloader-only. During that window visitors should not access any areas south of the swinging bridge. Hiking trails throughout the park will be closed. Visitors are advised to wear blaze…

BCA identifies man & deputies involved in Cass County deadly shooting

BCA Logo WALKER, Min & ST. PAUL, Min. —  Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is reporting the names of the people involved in the deadly officer involved shooting on November 16, 2025 in Cass County. The BCA says the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man who died James Weyaus,37, of Onigum. The BCA…

Community Action Duluth to hire external third party consultant to investigate problems

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Community Action Duluth Board of Directors has announced they have hired an “external third party consultant” to investigate the claims that are be made about their organization. The unnamed third party will be ask to investigate “interpersonal conflicts between employees and the Executive Director”. A news release from the Board of Directors…

Union claiming problems at Community Action Duluth has not formally revealed specific claims

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – Some workers at Community Action Duluth held a news conference in front of the building the evening of November 20, 2025 discussing problems within the organization’s leadership. The union made the news conference announcement in a Wednesday morning e-mail stating they would discus in part “a newly-filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against management”….

Farmer’s Markets vendors respond to Community Action Duluth’s statements

DULUTH, Min. – A group of vendors from Lincoln Park and Hillside Farmer’s Markets are responding to recently release of information from Community Action Duluth (CAD). CAD’s board of directors released a six page document trying to clear-up what they called “misinterpretations, inaccuracies, and plainly false claims” that have been reported and talked about in recent days. The statement from…

Duluth-Native and Red Bull extreme skydiver talks about his latest ground breaking stunt

DULUTH, Min. & MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, Cal. – Duluth-native Mike Swanson is on the the “Red Bull Air Force” and they just pulled off what has been labeled the “Most Extreme Flying Obstacle Course Humans Have Ever Attempted”. The “Ultimate Aerial Obstacle Course” is a 15-stage airborne flight connecting open skies, mountains, and city skylines in what appears to be one…

Give to the Max raises more than $37,000,000 in one day

DULUTH, Min. – The 24-hours of statewide giving in Minnesota raised millions of dollars going to thousands of non-profits. One Thursday November 20, 2025 donors across Minnesota gaeve $37.8 million. It was a record breaking the 2024 number of $37.1 million raised. Contributions and participation to Give to the Max Day 2025 spanned all 87 Minnesota counties and every U.S….

Community Action Duluth responds to recent criticism

DULUTH, Minn. – There have been recent allegations made against the leadership of Community Action Duluth (CAD) and its staff. A news release was sent by Executive Director Classie Dudley said there have been public misrepresentations of Executive Director Compensation, Farmers Market Operations & Vendor Payments, Board Member Transitions, Employee Medical Insurance. along with Commitment to Equity, Transparency, and Community….

Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

FILE – Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a member of the 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees, accompanied by defense lawyer David Kenner, right, arrives at federal court April 3, 2023, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years in prison for a case in which he was convicted of illegally…

Section of Munger State Trail in Duluth to be temporarily closed for improvements 

Willard Munger Trail DULUTH, Min. – The first mile of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth will be closed starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It’s the area between Pulaski Street and Riverwest Drive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is removing “a significantly undersized culvert and replacing it with a bridge over Lower Knowlton Creek”. The bridge installation will…

Staffer at adult foster care facility gave THC to resident leading to relapse

Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo DULUTH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Human Services investigation found a staff member at Northland Adult Foster Care (Northland AFC) provided THC to a resident. The resident, who in the report is referred to as an “Vulnerable Adult”, had a history of substance use and the goal to remain sober. The report said…

Drive-by shooting investigation at home of Winona LaDuke

FILE: Winona Laduke running As Green Party Vice President DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) —  An investigation is underway after the home of activist Winona LaDuke had several shots fired at it. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office responded to the drive-by shooting shortly after 6 last night. LaDuke says two teen grandsons and a nephew were home but no one was…

Community Action Duluth employees claim hostile work environment, mismanagement and leadership failures

DULUTH, Minn. – A news release from AFSCME-represented workers at Community Action Duluth (CAD) says they will hold a news conference to raise concerns about Community Action Duluth. They say there is a “growing crisis” within the organization. The news release claims, “hostile working conditions, financial mismanagement, a newly-filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against management, and the ongoing refusal by…

‘Get up and boogie!’ George Thorogood & The Destroyers coming to Duluth

George Thorogood DULUTH, Min. – George Thorogood & The Destroyers are hitting the road for more shows in 2026, one of them is coming to Duluth. The show is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:30pm at the DECC Symphony Hall.  He told FOX21 that he wants the fans dancing and laughing at the concert, “Get up and boogie!”…

Trump administration takes major step toward dismantling the Education Department

FILE – Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks during a meeting in the East Room of the White House, Sept. 4, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Education Department is handing off some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies as the Trump administration accelerates its plan to shut down the department. The changes announced Tuesday represent a…

Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Trump

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable…

State looking into alleged drunk and high group home van crash

Michael Edward Rahja Jr. DULUTH, Min. – The court case is moving forward against the group home employee accused of crashing a group home vehicle while drunk and high.  The state is also looking into what happened. Court documents say Michael Edward Rahja, Jr told law enforcement that he had been puffing on a 80% THC vape all night prior…

Warrant issued for Personal Care Assistant accused of stealing credit card from client

DULUTH, Min. – A personal care assistant is accused of stealing the credit card of one of his clients and changing thousands of dollars to it. Court documents allege Henry Opoku Ware Jr. visited his client’s home in late July, 2025.  The same day he visited the the client, Ware used their credit card to pay bills for the College…

Man charged with murder in shooting of Oakland football coach and ‘Last Chance U’ star John Beam

Crime scene tapes ropes off an area one day after a shooting at Laney College in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Nov. 14 2025. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A 27-year-old man was charged Monday with murder in the shooting death of celebrated former football coach John Beam, who died Friday after being shot in the head on the junior college campus in Oakland where…

Deputy shot in Cass County released from hospital

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk WALKER, Min. – Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk says the deputy injured in a Turtle Lake Township shooting has been released from the hospital. It happened on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, In a news release Welk said deputy was shot during the exchange of gunfire and treated at a Fargo hospital. The deputy sustained a gunshot…

Free entrance to Minnesota state parks for one day in late November

Minnesota DNR Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, November 28, 2025. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore the parks. Director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division Ann Pierce said, “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we…

Staff member accused of taking narcotics from patients at skilled nursing facility

DEER RIVER, Min. – A staff member at Essentia Health – Deer River, 24-hour skilled nursing facility, is accused of taking “narcotic pain medications from the resident’s medication supply for personal use”.  The investigation revolved around medicine intended for three patients. One patient had been receiving medication because they “experienced almost constant pain”.  The investigation report from the Minnesota Department…

Former Viking and current Jet critically injured in New York City shooting

FILE – Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd, currently a player with the New York Jets, looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Nov 24, 2024, in Houston. (AP) – New York Jets cornerback and special teams standout Kris Boyd was critically injured in a shooting in midtown Manhattan early Sunday, according to Mayor Eric Adams’ office….

Trump drops tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to get rid of tariffs on a broad swath of commodities, including beef, coffee and tropical fruits. It’s part of a response to pressure from consumers who complain prices are too high. The move comes after voters in off-year elections earlier this month cited economic concerns as their top…

Caregiver accused of stealing $10,000+ from vulnerable adult they were caring for

DULUTH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Health report say a caregiver with a Duluth comprehensive home care agency stole money from one of their clients. The report say the, “The stole the client’s bank card the first day the worked in the client’s home and fraudulently used the bank card to pay tuition expenses and order online items.” The…

Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting

Michigan Department of Education Logo (AP) – Despite opposition from some parents and pastors, the Michigan State Board of Education approved revised state health education standards Thursday that include recommendations that students be taught about gender identity and sexual orientation. Proponents of the standards say they are age-appropriate and will help LGBTQ+ students understand themselves. Opponents say the standards undermine…

Judge says he’ll approve a $7 billion opioid settlement

FILE – Several 5-mg pills of Oxycodone NEW YORK (AP) — A federal bankruptcy court judge on Friday said he will approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma’s latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic. The deal overseen by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane would require members…

Attorney for group suing Duluth Vineyard Church reacts to pastor leaving church

Spencer T. Kuvin DULUTH, Min, – Pastor John Kliewer lead Duluth Vineyard’s congregation following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family. After being put on leave for a number of months, Kliewer left the Duluth Vineyard. Kliewer led the effort to uncover what happened within church walls when Jackson Gaitlin was sexually assaulting children. Vineyard USA and…

Superior man caught in on-line vigilante child porn sting sentenced to three years in prison

Joey Edward Scott SUPERIOR, Wis. – Joey Edward Scott, 62, Superior plead guilty to two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He was sentenced to three years in prison, follow by seven years of “Extended Supervision”. For his guilty pleas on the two charges, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office allowed two other charges of Possession of Child Pornography to…

Pastor tasked with leading Duluth Vineyard following sex scandal leaves church; Church apologizes to pastor

John Kliewer DULUTH, Minn. – Pastor John Kliewer was tasked by the Duluth Vineyard’s congregation to lead their flock following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family.  Kliewer has now left the Duluth Vineyard. In March of 2025, the Duluth Vineyard placed Kliewer on leave to investigate him.  That investigation was focusing on allegations that Kliewer’s management created…

Ore trade down for Lake Superior ports in 2025 so far

Lake Carriers’ Association Logo DULUTH, Min & CLEVELAND – The Lake Carriers’ Association is releasing their October shipping numbers for iron ore. They say, “Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 35.8 million tons, a decrease of 12.6 percent compared to last year.” Through October 2025, ship leaving Duluth had  6,558,750 tons of iron ore, that’s compared to 6,622,906 tons in…

MMIR office asking hunters to keep an eye out for clues

Hunting Season Generic ST. PAUL, Min. & DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office is asking hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and report anything unusual they might encounter in the woods. They say discoveries could help uncover new clues in missing persons cases. Law enforcement urges the public to…

Man cited for starting Camp House Fire pleas guilty

DULUTH, Min. – Court records show Parker John Wilson has been convicted of “Forestry-Failure to Extinguish a Fire”. He paid $190 in a fine and fees for the conviction. He was originally cited on September 9th for starting the fire. The fire broke out on May 11, 2025 near Brimson. The $190 was made up of a $100 fine, a…

New principal announced for Superior High School

Ryan Haroldson SUPERIOR, Wis. – The School District of Superior will welcome Ryan Haroldson as the next Superior High School Principal effective January 1st, 2026. Kate Tesch has been Interim Principal since the start of the new calendar year. Tesch will resume her full-time duties as Director of Continuous Improvement and Assessment for the school disrrict. Haroldson joined the school district in…

30 votes separate candidates for Deer River School School Board

Deer River Schools Logo DEER RIVER, Min. – 30 votes separated LuAnn Robinson and Richard Fieldsend in the special election for Deer River (ISD #317) School Board. LuAnn Robinson finished with 450 vote besting Richard Fieldsend’s 420 votes. There were 17 write-in votes. Categories: Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Deer River Schools tax increases fail at ballot

Deer River Schools Logo ITASCA COUNTY, Min. – Voters in the Deer River School District (ISD #317) rejected two tax increases. Question #1 failed with a 63% to 37% margin. Question #1  asked, “The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.945% times the net tax capacity of…