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GOP Races to set Field for two Legislative Special Elections

The General Election Will be on June 12

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A pair of primary elections Tuesday will determine the Republican candidates in two special legislative elections in June. Polls open at 7 a.m. in northeastern Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District and in south-central Wisconsin’s 42nd Assembly District. The winners of each contest will advance to the June 12 general election. The two districts have gone without representation…

Buildings Being Dismantled at NK Nuke Test Site

North Korea Will Dismantle its Test Site between May 23-25

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. researchers say recent satellite imagery shows that North Korea has begun dismantling facilities at its nuclear test site. An analysis Monday by the 38 North website says commercial imagery taken last week shows that several operational support buildings have been razed and rails for mining carts have apparently been removed. North Korea says it will dismantle…

Dayton Says he Won’t Pass tax Bill Without School Funding

Dayton Says Schools Need Additional Money

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he won’t sign a bill squaring the state’s tax code to sweeping federal changes if Republican lawmakers don’t include emergency funding money for schools. Dayton’s comments Monday set the stage for tricky negotiations with GOP legislative leaders as they careen toward deadlines. Passing a so-called tax conformity bill to avoid…

Lawmakers’ to-do List is Long, but Time is Running Short

The Deadline is May 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Just like they started the session, Minnesota’s Legislature is entering the homestretch with a long to-do list. But now they have just over a week to finish it. Republicans who control the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton are at odds on how to restructure Minnesota’s tax code, how to change health care programs and whether…

Johnson Names Duluth’s Bergstrom to Governor Campaign

The Announcement was Made Monday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican Jeff Johnson has chosen a running mate in his bid for governor. Johnson added Donna Bergstrom to his ticket in a Monday announcement. Bergstrom is a Republican activist and a retired lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve who lives in the Duluth area. Bergstrom ran and lost for a heavily Democratic Duluth state…

Verizon Wireless Devices to Support Training Goals for Athletes

Verizon Wireless Recommends Spring Activity Devices

DULUTH, Minn. – As Spring fully gets underway people are getting outside to exercise. With Grandma’s Marathon just over a month away, many runners are also taking advantage of this time to get active. This morning, Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to talk through gadgets that can be helpful during this training period. Bose Soundsport…

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

Fentanyl Deaths Rise in Minnesota

There Were 172 Synthetic Opioid Deaths in 2017

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The number of people who died from the synthetic opioid fentanyl surged in 2017. A preliminary report released Monday by the Minnesota Health Department says there were 172 deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2017. A total of 156, or 91 percent, of those deaths listed fentanyl as a contributing factor. The number of overall synthetic opioid deaths…

Few Minnesota Schools Test for Radon

State and Federal Guidelines Suggest Testing Every Five Years

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota television station’s investigation has found that most schools in the state don’t test school buildings for radon. KARE-TV reports that state and federal guidelines suggest schools test for radon every five years. Radon is colorless and odorless gas that’s a known carcinogen. Medical research says children are particularly vulnerable to the chemical. Minnesota Department of…

Minnesota House, Senate Strike Deal on tax Bill

The Plan Would cut Taxes for 2.2 Million Residents

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republican lawmakers have agreed on a plan they say would cut taxes for 2.2 million residents. The Star Tribune reports the deal reached Friday comes after the House and Senate reconciled differences between their two tax bills, which come in response to the federal tax overhaul. House members’ original plan reduced the tax rate…

Three men set off to Paddle Mississippi, Hope to Break Record

The Trip is More Than 2,300 Miles

ITASCA STATE PARK, Minn. (AP) – Three men have set off on what they hope will be a record-setting journey paddling down the Mississippi River. Kevin Eckelkamp, Nate Lastinger and K.J. Millhone left the river’s headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota on Thursday in their canoe, bound for the Gulf of Mexico. To break the current record of 18 days,…

UN Agency Calls for all Countries to rid Foods of Trans fat

The WHO Wants all Nations to rid Trans-fat in Next 5 Years

NEW YORK (AP) — The World Health Organization is calling on all nations to rid foods of artificial trans fats in the next five years. The United Nations agency has in the past pushed to exterminate infectious diseases, but now it’s aiming to erase a hazard linked to chronic illness. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was expected to issue the…

Supreme Court Makes Sports Betting a Possibility Nationwide

The Supreme Court Ruled 6-3

(AP Photo/John Locher) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The 1992 law barred state-authorized sports gambling…

60 Dead Cats Among 100 Animals Discovered at Minnesota Home

Neighbors Reported a Foul Smell

FARMINGTON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a Minnesota woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after investigators found about 100 animals at her home, including 60 dead cats. The Star Tribune reports that authorities removed more than 40 live cats, five dogs, one farm pig, a hamster and a dead rabbit from the single-family home in Dakota County,…

Mother Remembers Daughter Killed by Drunk Driver on Mother’s Day

Snowden Bothwell Died in A Crash Near Virginia One Year Ago

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the people in our lives, but for a mother in Virginia this day means something else. The day her life changed forever because of one man’s drunken decision to get behind the wheel of his truck. May 13, 2017 seven-year-old Snowden Bothwell was killed when the car she was in was hit by…

Moms Spend Time with Their Kids at Popular Duluth Attractions

Vista Fleet and North Shore Scenic Railroad host Mother's Day specials

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms and their kids are out celebrating Mother’s Day at some popular Duluth attractions. The North Shore Scenic Railroad offered a special Mother’s Day Luncheon aboard a dining car riding up and down the North Shore. One mom told us she lives out of town so it was a great way to spend the day with her…

Munger Trail Revamped After 2012 Flood Damage

North Shore Inland Marathon celebrates its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – A five mile section of the Willard Munger State Trail was heavily damaged in the 2012 flood. That section has now been revamped by the Minnesota DNR and the North Shore Inland Marathon celebrated its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony kicked off the Mother’s Day Skate, Ride, and Run. The seventy mile trail is…

‘Run Smelt Run’ Parade Marches Down Duluth Lakwalk

Annual celebration pays tribute to the smelt running through Lake Superior waters

DULUTH, Minn. – A tradition like no other filled the Duluth Lakewalk with colorful characters and a celebration of the smelt run. “I don’t know of anything like this anywhere else,” said Karin White, the parade’s Olympic presenter. “It’s region specific.” The parade celebrates spring in the Northland. “The smelt are running,” said John Finkle, one of the parade’s smelt…

Body Of Missing Virginia Man Found

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The body of a Virginia man missing since December has been discovered. 49-year-old David Pagel’s body was found in a creek on the 900 block of 3rd Street South. A woman walking her dog Friday evening saw a shoe in the creek, which lead law enforcement to search the water for the body. The medical examiner’s office…

Leah Vukmir Wins GOP Endorsement In U.S. Senate Race

MILWAUKEE (AP) –  Republican U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir has won the state party’s endorsement giving her candidacy a boost against challenger Kevin Nicholson. Vukmir won 73 percent of the vote Saturday at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention. Nicholson got 27 percent. It took 60 percent to capture the endorsement. The win means Vukmir can tap into the state party’s resources,…

Bent Paddle Celebrates Their 5-Year Festiversary

Craft brewery has special brews available for the occasion

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company turned five years old Saturday and they celebrated with a Festiversary. The Duluth-based craft brewery made some special brews for the annual event. While there, guests could watch live music on two stages, play games, and celebrate all the Lincoln Park Craft District has to offer. “Really this is a celebration of Duluth…

Local Organization Takes A Ride For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Billboards

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Motorcyclists in Superior went for a ride to raise money for a creative campaign on motorcycle safety awareness. About 30 riders hit the road with Abate of Wisconsin, an organization that promotes motorcycle safety. Organizers hope to put six billboards up, three in Superior and three in Duluth. “Messages on the billboard are: “Look for motorcycles. Motorcycles are everywhere,” said…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Kicks Off

Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener is finally here and it’s a day many people have been waiting for. Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend. Several people were at Island Lake in Duluth. One fisherman was looking to reel in walleye. He used the opener as a way to bond with his younger cousin….

Volunteers Help Clean Up One of Duluth’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s  most popular tourist areas has seen better days. Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up. One volunteer told me some people take the Lakewalk for granted, so coming together to help clean it up was the right thing to do. If you ask Tim Carroll what…

Community Helps Raise Funds for International Adoption

The Dalhbergs have the mounds of paperwork filled out, their hearts, and home ready for little Anna.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Nearly one year ago today a family in Solon Springs Wisconsin decided to add another member. Now the Dahlberg’s are finalizing finally bringing an 8-year-old girl home from China. The adoption process has been challenging but fox 21’s Lauren Leigh reports it has been made possible through the help of the community. The Dalhbergs have the mounds of…

Minnesota Fishing Season Opens Saturday

Mothers aren't required to have a fishing license during

DULUTH, Minn. – We are less than 24 hours away from the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Opener. Nearly 1.5 million anglers are licensed in the state and people here in Duluth and across Minnesota are getting ready to hit the water. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Males account for 65 percent of fishing license holders. Females account for 35 percent. We…

It’s A Festiversary at Bent Paddle Brewing Company

Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for Festiversary.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company is turning five years old and you’re invited to the party. It’s a Festiversary. This year’s event will be the first one held at the new taproom. You’ll find live music and other community partners. Bent Paddle staff say it’s the seventh largest brewery in Minnesota. Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for…

Mayors’ Bike Ride Celebrates Biking in the Twin Ports

Annual event includes a discussion about bike infrastructure improvements

DULUTH, Minn. – Bicycling took center stage as the leaders of both Duluth and Superior came together for the annual Mayors’ Bike Ride and Luncheon. More than a hundred bikers rode from Duluth City Hall to Clyde Iron Works for Lunch and then back to City Hall. Many riders hope the event leads to more awareness about the city’s bike…

Junk Hunting Takes Over Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center

The Duluth Junk Hunt runs from Friday, May 11 until Saturday, May 12; The Event is in It's 6th Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota fishing opener may be Saturday, but on Friday hundreds of folks started hunting for junk at the 6th annual Duluth Junk Hunt. The two day event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center at 120 North 30th Avenue West. Founder Emily Broman started the event back in 2012 because she realized there…

“Make it OK” Campaign Stops at Duluth Area Family YMCA

A Full List of Events is Planned by Northland Healthy Minds throughout the Month of May to Combat Mental Illness Stigma

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks visiting the Duluth Area Family YMCA on Friday had the chance to learn more about the stigma surrounding mental illness, and even sign a pledge to speak up about the ongoing issue. Northland Healthy Minds is a volunteer group that has come together to bring the “Make it OK” campaign to the Duluth area. The group…

White House Declines to Condemn Aide’s McCain Remark

Sanders Says the Aide Still Works for the White House

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)WASHINGTON (AP) -The White House is refusing to condemn a staffer who said during a closed-door meeting that Arizona Sen. John McCain’s opinion “doesn’t matter” because “he’s dying anyway.” Kelly Sadler was discussing McCain’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s nominee for CIA director Gina Haspel. Former Vice President Joe Biden says a White House official’s comments…

More Financial Loss as Mail Delivery Slumps for USPS

The USPS is Reporting Another Quarterly Loss

(AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Postal Service is reporting another quarterly loss. That’s because strong gains in package deliveries were outweighed by an unrelenting decline in mail volume and the costs of its health care and pension obligations. The financial report released Friday comes amid sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, who says the Postal Service is…

Becker Community Meeting Held on Scrap Metal Company’s Plans

Some Residents Voiced Concerns

BECKER, Minn. (AP) – Some residents of Becker aren’t happy that a Minneapolis scrap metal company with a history of air pollution problems is eyeing that community. Northern Metal Recycling in March 2017 agreed to move a metal shredder out of north Minneapolis to settle air pollution concerns with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The company also was hit with…

Motorist Sentenced for Hitting and Killing Officer With SUV

She Admitted to Using Cocaine Before the Accident

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The motorist who struck and killed a Wayzata police officer as he removed debris from a highway last September has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison. Fifty-four-year-old Beth Freeman pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in the death of 47-year-old Officer Bill Mathews and was sentenced to 98 months. She’ll be eligible for parole…

Theater Group Brings Dark Comedy to Life at The Underground

Rubber Chicken Theater to Perform "Dr. Strangelove" Live Read

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing the laughs this weekend as they perform another Live Read. The groups stages readings of classic movie scripts and this year they’re presenting the dark comedy, Dr. Strangelove. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at The Underground, 506 West Michigan Street, in downtown Duluth. Tickets are $10….

Climbing Ely’s Peak with Vertical Endeavors

Active Adventures: Rock Climbing

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm Northlanders are venturing outside to enjoy the nature and all the activities that come with it. For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 went rock climbing with Vertical Endeavors at Ely’s Peak. Vertical Endeavors offers several outdoor climbing options and can be reached at (218) 279-9980, or www.verticalendeavors.com/outdoor. The Duluth Climbers…

City of Minneapolis Shuts Down Indoor Food Market

Winter Thinks the City is Treating him Unfairly

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis indoor market has been temporarily shut down by the city for not having the required food license. The city served a search warrant at Uptown Locavore last week over concerns it was distributing raw, unpasteurized milk and uninspected beef. Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant says it’s legal to buy raw milk in Minnesota, but it has…

14-year-old Arrested, 1 Shot at CA High School

The School Remains on Lockdown

PALMDALE, Calif. – Officials say a 14-year-old high school student has been taken into custody after shooting a classmate at their high school in the California city of Palmdale. Los Angeles County sheriff’s Capt. Darran Harris tells KTTV Friday that the student was taken into custody and a gun was recovered at the scene. The shooting happened at Highland High…

Leafline Labs Faces Major Profit Losses

DULUTH, Minn. – A major setback tonight for Minnesota’s medical marijuana industry. One of the two distributors in the state is facing serious financial losses; a total of $12 million dollars since they first started selling the medicine in 2015. And now Leafline says one of their co-founders is no longer working with the company in any capacity. We talked…

North Dakota Woman Sentenced in Slaying of Minnesota Woman

No one Else has Been Charged

NEW ROCKFORD, N.D. (AP) – A North Dakota woman charged as an accomplice in the slaying of a Minnesota woman three years ago has been sentenced to serve 20 years in prison. WDAY-TV reports that 38-year-old Crystal Herman, of Bismarck, pleaded guilty in January in the 2015 death of 36-year-old Amanda Engst, who was originally from Breckenridge, Minnesota. She was…

Capitol Rally Saturday to Focus on High Cost of Insulin

The Rally is Being Coordinated by Right Care Alliance

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Saturday rally planned at the state Capitol aims to call attention to the soaring cost of diabetes drugs. The American Diabetes Association says nearly 7 1/2 million Americans who use insulin to control diabetes saw the price triple from 2002 to 2013. Nicole Smith-Holt of Richfield is one who wants stronger regulation of pharmaceutical…

Daycare Shortage Leaves Northland Families With Limited Options

St. Louis Co. Public Health and Human Services hosted a public meeting to discuss possible solutions

DULUTH, Minn. –  The recent announcement that a major daycare facility is closing its doors in Duluth has left some parents feeling stressed out about what to do next. Last week, the Benedictine Health System announced they’ll be shutting down their infant and toddler center in mid-June. Northland parents say there is a major shortage of affordable daycare available. After…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

Superior Police Dept. Swears In New Officers

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was the annual Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony on Thursday. Superior Police welcomed five new officers to the department, as they swore to serve their community. “I still can remember the day that I was sworn in and took the oath of office, and I remember how proud I was, and how exciting it was for me,”…

Realty Company Hosts Kids Day Party

Keller Williams Realty holds a day every year to give back to the community

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids got the chance to play some games and have some fun at Keller Williams Realty on Thursday. Every year, Keller Williams Realty holds Red Day, where they invite the community to come and share in activities and togetherness. “We just want to do as much as we can to give back and get to know people,” realtor…

Digging In For Groundbreaking of New Virginia Government Services Center North Building

The $19 million project is a 63,000 square foot building, which will house more than 10 departments and 180 employees.

Virginia, Minn. – It was an exciting day in the city of Virginia. Ground was broken for a new multi–million dollar government services center. It’s a project that’s been in the works for years to better meet the needs of people living in northern St. Louis County. The city of Virginia is getting the new government services building because the existing facilities are too old to renovate….