Author: Matt McConico

Trump says he has commuted sentence of former US Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case

George Santos WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges. The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of…

Expect delays on Lift Bridge next week

Aerial Lift Bridge DULUTH, Min. – Both drivers and pedestrians could be facing minor delays with bridge inspections. Starting on Monday, October 20, 2025 the Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota Slip Bridge will undergo inspections. The inspection work is expect to last throughout the week. The inspections will require frequent and slow lifts of the bridge Aerial Lift Bridge to allow…

Man accused of assaulting Essentia nurses has history of nurse assault

Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – The man accused of assaulting two nurses at Essentia’s St. Mary’s Emergency Department had previously been convicted of assaulting Emergency Department staff. The recent assault allegedly happened at approximately 3a.m on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Duluth Police tell FOX21 he is accused of assaulting two female nurses. In November of 2017, Legarde was arrested…

New information on assault in Essentia Emergency Department

Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde has officially been charged with two counts of assault from his alleged action in the Essentia St. Mary’s Emergency Department.  It happened on October 16, 2025. According to charging documents Legarde was in a emergency room and activated his call light. When a nurse responded to the call light, Legarde allegedly…

New District Court Judge named for Duluth

Nathan Lacoursiere DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. In making the announcement Gov. Walz said, “Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge… What makes him so…

‘Mania: The ABBA Tribute’ is a party and concert all in one

Mania: The ABBA Tribute DULUTH, Min. & DAVENPORT, Iowa – The ABBA tribute show called “Mania: The ABBA Tribute” is coming back to Duluth. It’s playing at the DECC Symphony Hall Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 7:30pm. The show has toured around the world playing more than 3,000 live concerts. The group performs classics like Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Take…

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce head weighs in on Non-Disclosure Agreements

Matthew Baumgartner DULUTH, Minn. –  Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) discussions have been making headlines in the St. Louis County Commission and Hermantown City Council. Matt Baumgartner, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, released a statement saying NDAs are a common and needed thing in business. Baumgartner wrote NDAs, “simply provides the space to explore the facts—costs,…

Lake Nebagamon man charged with possession of child pornography

Jackson Dallas Rabold SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Lake Nebagamon man is facing five counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19-year-old Jackson Dallas Rabold. The charging documents say investigators were initially tipped off to Rebold when Google detected, “258 files of suspected child pornography, stored on the google photos infrastructure.”  The indictment continues to…

Man taunts Troopers after 100-mile-per-hour chase, later leaving note calling self ‘Undefeated driver #1’

Matthew Dean Irgang NEAR CHISHOLM, Min. – Charging documents say a man drove from Minnesota Highway Patrol Trooper at more than 100-miles per hour leading them on a chase, and later left a note taunting them. The report alleges a Trooper clocked Matthew Irgang, 43, Eveleth driving 101-miles per hour the evening of December 8, 2024. He was allegedly driving…

Cellphones, Facebook Chats & A Tip: How deputies found the escaped NERCC prisoner

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Min. – Court documents are showing how deputies say they tracked down Michael Hart after he escaped from from Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) and stayed on the run for about 2-weeks. The information was found in the charging documents for Devone Shackelton, Michael Hart’s girlfriend. Shackelton was charged with one count of Felony Aiding an…

Investigator suing the City of Superior resigns

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mikayla LeRette, the Investigator suing the city of Superior, has resigned. She resigned in good standing about the same time both LeRette’s legal team and the City of Superior’s legal team agreed to some confidentiality terms in her federal lawsuit. On October 2, 2025 an agreement was made to keep some parts of evidence in the lawsuit…

Minnesota Nurses Association members created “hostile environment” at DECC

  DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) says Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members created a “hostile environment” in the facility where security had to be called. A statement from the DECC says an incident happened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, around noon at its Harbor Side Convention facility. The DECC statement says, “Reports from DECC staff and…

Crews to teardown the remainder of home that exploded in Hibbing

UPDATE: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety tells FOX21 the State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the explosion. HIBBING, Min. – Crews are beginning to teardown the remainder of home a that exploded in Hibbing the evening of October 12, 2025. The house exploded in Hibbing around 6:30 p.m. Crews beginning to tear down remainder of house that exploded in…

Threat against Proctor school was made by students but not credible

UPDATE: The Proctor Police Department tells FOX21 the threat was made via a phone call. PROCTOR, Min. – In the late morning of October 13, 2025 the Proctor School District Superintendent said a recent threat against the school was not credible. Proctor High School In a statement Superintendent of Schools Tim Rohweder said, “The Proctor Police Department was made aware of…

Diane Keaton, star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather’ series, has died

Actress Diane Keaton attends the premiere of “Morning Glory” at The Ziegfeld Theatre in New York, on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star known for films like “Annie Hall” and “The Godfather,” has died at 79. People Magazine reported her death on Saturday in California, citing a family spokesperson. No further details were…

Crosby Fire cause determined; Containment grows

Crosby Fire 10/11/2025 TOFTE, Min. – The Crosby Fire burning near Tofte has reached 50% containment on Sunday, Oct. 12. It has burned 300 acres. Investigators say the cause of the Crosby Fire has been determined to be a result of a lightning strike. Firefighters are making progress establishing a handline along the west and east sides of the fire’s…

Sun Country airlines suspends seasonal service between Duluth and Fort Myers

Sun County Airlines Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Airport Authority has announced Sun Country Airlines will not be returning for service to Fort Myers International Airport (RSW) for the winter season. The Duluth International Airport (DLH) had featured regular seasonal flight to Southwest Florida on Sun Country. Duluth Airport Authority Executive Director Tom Werner said, “While we are disappointed that…

Hidden Camera Found In Bathroom At Duluth Senior Living Facility

Bathroom where the camera was found DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned a small camera was recently discovered in a bathroom at Viewcrest Health Center. A Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) found the small pen-style camera on Friday, Oct. 3, and called the Duluth Police Department. Sources tell FOX 21 the device was taped under the lip of a wooden…

Man that escaped from Northeast Regional Corrections Center captured

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Min. – Michael Todd Hart, the man who escaped from Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC), has been captured. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports that around mid day on October 7, 2025 law enforcement captured Hart at a Cohasset home. Hart was arrested after his escape from NERCC on September 23, 2025. Deputies says Hart…

Josh Kaul won’t run for Wisconsin governor will seek reelection instead

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor, opting instead to seek a third term as the state’s top law enforcement official. The governor’s race is wide open after Democratic incumbent Tony Evers, 73, announced this summer that he won’t seek reelection. The race will be the highest-profile contest on the…

Schedule for The Haunted Ship 2025

DULUTH, Min. – The Haunted Ship at the William A, Irvin is back for its 30th year. This year, you can look forward to more activity outside of the ship on Harbor Drive—picture strewn lights, bonfires, drinks and food available for purchase, and more. The Announced Schedule for The Haunted Ship: Friday, October 3 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday, October 4 4:00pm-10:30pm Thursday,…

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Trump administration says Minnesota violates Title IX by allowing trans athletes in girls sports

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before signing an executive order regarding childhood cancer and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that the state of Minnesota and its governing body for high school sports are violating a key federal law against sex discrimination…

Napheesa Collier tells of private chat with Engelbert that she said exposed a problematic leader

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier prepares to take a free throw during the first half of Game 2 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs against the Golden State Valkyries, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. (AP) – Napheesa Collier delivered a blistering assessment of the WNBA and its commissioner on Tuesday as she sat in front…

Proctor-Native Scott Rohweder retires from Army, but will continue to serve

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Allan Hetteen, right, receives command of the 55th Civil Support Team from U.S. Army Col. Scott Rohweder, commander of the 84th Troop Command, in St. Paul, Minn., March 17, 2023. ST. PAUL, Min. & PROCTOR, Min. – After more than 30 years in the Minnesota National Guard, Army Col. Scott Rohweder has retired from uniformed service….

CHI-CHI’s Restaurant is back

CHI CHI’s Restaurants Opening On October 6 At 1602 West End Blvd. ST. LOUIS PARK, Min. — The legendary CHI-CHI’s Mexican restaurant is officially coming back. The first store will open October, 6 2025 in St. Louis Park’s West End. Restaurant industry veteran Michael McDermott, son of CHI-CHI’s co-founder Marno McDermott, is leading the brand’s relaunch. In a news release…

Trump administration targets Minnesota in latest sanctuary policy lawsuit

Attorney General Pam Bondi MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the state of Minnesota, its two largest cities and a county over so-called sanctuary policies that the agency says interfere with the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration policies. The lawsuit filed Monday targets the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis. The…

Trump and Hegseth declare an end to ‘politically correct’ leadership in the US military

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va. QUANTICO, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the armed forces and joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday in declaring an end to “woke” culture before…

Minnesota Wild sign Kirill Kaprizov to richest deal in NHL history, $136 million over 8 years

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) fights for the puck against Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series April 26, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. Vegas won 4-3 in overtime. (AP) – The Minnesota Wild signed star left wing Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year,…

MLB spending disparity on display in playoffs as $509 million Dodgers take on $121 million Reds

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run off Seattle Mariners pitcher Caleb Ferguson during the seventh inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Seattle. NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s economic disparity will be on display in the playoffs, where the Los Angeles Dodgers have committed more than $500 million in salaries and luxury tax…

Latin superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

Bad Bunny performs during the final concert of his summer residency in his homeland at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bad Bunny will bring his Latin trap and reggaeton swagger to the NFL’s biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime…

Man found on Moccasin Mike Road in Superior identified

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department has identified the person found deceased in the area of Moccasin Mike Road and Wisconsin Point Road on September 24, 2025. He was identified as Superior resident, 53-year-old Tracy Alan Woodhull. The Superior Police Department is still investigate this incident. On September 24, 2025, at approximately 1:39am officer got the report of a man…

Superior man charged with seven counts of child porn after social media tips

Brayden Jacob James Bunt SUPERIOR, Wis. – The uploading of possible child pornography to social media led to the arrest of a Superior man. Superior Police Department investigative documents show three “CyberTips” were sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Kik messaging service detected two files that may contain child pornography. They were able to connect the…

Ready for the O’Griddy? Justin Jefferson wants to put on a show in Ireland

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) speaks during a press conference ahead of their match against Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. DUBLIN (AP) — Justin Jefferson has something special planned for Dublin when the Vikings face the Steelers at Croke Park. It’s the first time Ireland is hosting a regular-season NFL game, so the Minnesota wide…

FOX21 KQDS-TV Code of Ethics

FOX21 Logo FOX21 KQDS-TV uses the the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics as our guidepost in story selection, coverage and treatment. The Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics was revised in 2014 to the version below. Seek Truth and Report It Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting…

Duluth ski coach sentenced for creating child pornography of the kids he coached

John Degelau DULUTH, Minn. & MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – John David Degelau, 28, has been sentenced to 6.5 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was found guilty on federal charges of Possession of Child Pornography. Degelau, a former youth ski coach, created child pornography by imposing the faces of children he coached onto the bodies of…

Trump says China’s Xi has approved of proposed deal putting TikTok under US ownership

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that he says will allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States in a way that meets national security concerns laid out by the law. President Joe Biden signed legislation last year calling for China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok’s assets to an American company by early this year…

Essentia reopening Hermantown urgent care for afternoons

HERMANTOWN, Min. – Essentia Health reopening its urgent care at the Essentia Health-Hermantown Clinic. It is slated to reopen Monday, September 29, 2025. It will be open in the afternoons from 3:00pm to 7:00pm Mondays through Fridays. Essentia’s urgent care locations provide treatment for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening but may need X-rays and/or lab tests requiring a…

Stabbing at a Sunday wedding

Nathan John Polzin ANGORA TOWNSHIP, Min. – A man is accused of getting into a fight at a wedding and stabbing an attendee. Court documents allege Nathan John Polzin got into a disagreement at wedding in Angora Township the evening of September 21, 2025. A witness told deputies Polzin pulled a knife on the victim and began fighting. The witness…

Boreal Waters Community Foundation gives out more than $1,000,000

Boreal Waters Community Foundation Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Boreal Waters Community Foundation (formerly Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation) has awarded $1.34 million in Community Opportunity Fund grants to 32 nonprofits. That’s the largest grant cycle in its 40+ year history. “We are stewards of these resources, and the best way to honor our donors’ vision is to make sure their…

Minnesota Board of Pardons commutes sentence from 1998 Aitkin County murder

SAINT PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute the sentence of Brian Pippitt, who spent over two decades in prison following a conviction of first-degree murder in 2001. The Board voted to commute Pippitt’s sentence based on good behavior in prison and the length of time Pippitt served in prison compared to his codefendants. In 2024 there…

Xcel Energy will pay $640M to settle claims from Denver-area wildfire that burned 1,000 structures

Xcel Energy Logo DENVER (AP) — Xcel Energy expects to pay about $640 million to settle lawsuits alleging it was responsible for starting Colorado’s most destructive wildfire that killed two people and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes in 2021, the company said Wednesday. The announcement came as jury selection was set to begin Thursday in a two-month trial combining lawsuits brought…