News

Fitzgerald Rejects Appointees as Lame-Duck Fight Continues

A State Appeals Court Stayed the Ruling on Wednesday

MADISON, Wis. – The state Senate’s top Republican is rejecting 67 of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ appointments, saying a court ruling prevents him from filling the positions. Senate Republicans confirmed 82 of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s appointees during a December lame-duck session. A Dane County judge last week ruled the session was illegal, prompting Evers to rescind the appointments….

Trump Switches Gears on Great Lakes Cleanup

Trump Plans to Provide $300 Million for the Program

(AP)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is announcing that he will fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative after his administration proposed a 90 percent spending cut. Trump is telling supporters at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that he will be providing $300 million for the cleanup program, framing the announcement as “breaking news.” Trump says “it’s time,” though…

Nearly Naked Ruck March

Active Adventures: Rucking Enger Tower For Northland Veterans Struggling With PTSD

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are getting nearly naked and raising money to help Northland veterans. Everyday 22 veterans take their lives, struggling from PTSD, trauma, depression and having trouble adjusting and finding their purpose back in civilian life. The 23 Veteran started here in Duluth 4 years ago by Mike Waldron. The non-profit 23 Veteran…

Fresh Sashimi Spring Tacos

Cooking Connection: Fresh Sashimi Tacos with New Scenic Cafe

In this weeks Cooking Connection we are with New Scenic Cafe, celebrating their 20th anniversary with Sashimi Tacos! SASHIMI TUNA TACOS: yield: 2 servings (4 tacos each) INGREDIENTS: Wonton Shells: 3 – 4 C canola oil 8 each wonton wrappers ! Tuna: 6 oz sashimi grade ahi tuna ! Thai Peanut Slaw: 1 C red cabbage (shredded) 2 C green…

Fungal Disease Decimates Minnesota’s bat Population

Researchers Concerned Bats Will be Completely Wiped out

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Half of Minnesota’s bat species are nearing extinction because of a potentially fatal fungal disease. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released its bat population survey findings on Thursday. The department found that the disease called white nose syndrome has killed up to 94 percent of bats that hibernate in state-monitored caves and abandoned mines. The…

Gearing Up For Douglas County Fish and Game Sports Show

The goal of the annual event is to give back to the community.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Fish and Game League is getting ready for their annual Sport show happening this weekend at Wessman Arena in Superior…. About thirty vendors will be on hand selling a variety of fishing and sporting goods items. A host of seminars will be presented and the traveling Trout Pond will also be available for visitors…

Enbridge Seeks to Replace Section of Reservation Pipeline

The Replacement Would Cost $100 Million

(Garret Ellison | MLive)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Enbridge Energy is asking state regulators to replace a section of its oil pipeline that crosses the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation in northeastern Minnesota. Enbridge has filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission to replace a 10-mile, above-ground section of its Line 4 pipeline with a new…

Our Planet Summit Held Thursday

UMD students educated those of the Northland area Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- The planet was on the minds of UMD students today as an environmental summit was held at the DECC. It was all about encouraging, inspiring, and developing connections about what is going on in our environment and what’s ahead. Organizers say the summit is a way to call on young people to take action and find solutions for…

Superior City Council Candidates Participate in Forum

Councilors Jack Sweeney and Craig Sutherland, and council candidate Tom Wondolkowski attended

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Explore Superior held a public forum tonight at the Superior Public Library involving three contested candidates for Superior City Council seats. Two current councilors, Jack Sweeney and Craig Sutherland, and one prospective councilor, Tom Woldolkowski, participated in the forum. The 4th Council District is much of Superior’s East End. Jack Sweeney has represented that area since 2013….

Hermantown Couple Arrested for Sex Trafficking in Twin Ports

Matthew Shykes and Shuangyen Yang are charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution of their employees.

DULUTH, Minn.- A sex trafficking ring involving three Twin Ports massage parlors has been busted. The two owners Hermantown residents Matthew Shykes (59) and Suangyen Yang (49), a married couple, are behind bars for the crime- the victims are their own employees. And tonight we’re learning disturbing details about how  these women were treated. Shykes and Yang are charged with sex…

Curling Club Forced to Close Early

An ice malfunction forced the curling facility at the DECC to close a day early

DULUTH, Minn.- Tonight, a major ice failure at the DECC has ended the season early for the Duluth Curling Club. An announcement on the club’s Facebook page says “all games are cancelled but the meeting and banquet will go on tomorrow night” As for the ice, the DECC’s ice maker, tells us a part malfunctioned with the oil pump causing…

Get Taste Buds Ready For Taste at Fitger’s

"We do whatever we can to help non profits."

DULUTH, Minn. – Get those taste buds ready. The annual taste at Figer’s event is happening to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank… Guests can stop by and sample some signature appetizers and entrees from thirty of the finest restaurants from the Northland. For the last 25 years this event has helped fight hunger and as the need continues…

Continuing the Conversation About Aquatic Invasive Species

Officials recommend inspecting and removing any visible aquatic species and debris from boats.

DULUTH, Minn. – Aquatic invasive species are organisms that can cause harm to ecosystems outside of their natural habitat. St. Louis County is hoping to continue the conversation to protect local waters… Local lake associations and St. Louis County discussed funding priorities, strategies, and risks of aquatic invasive species for a new updated prevention plan. They also determined what projects…

Volunteers Make Quilts for a Good Cause at annual Quilt-A-Thon

About 50 quilts were sewn with donated fabric from local craft supply stores.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Several volunteers spent the day making quilts for the annual Quilt– a– Thon to help those in need. About 50 quilts were sewn with donated fabric from local craft supply stores. The finished quilts will go to hospitals and shelters to support children in crisis. Volunteers have been cranking out quilts at the Mariner Business Center since…

House Blocks Bill to Bar State’s Line 3 Pipeline Appeals

Just as quickly as the Minnesota Senate passed it, the state House shot down legislation to force the state Commerce Department to drop its appeals of a regulatory panel's approval of Enbridge Energy's hotly disputed plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Just as quickly as the Minnesota Senate passed it, the state House shot down legislation to force the state Commerce Department to drop its appeals of a regulatory panel’s approval of Enbridge Energy’s hotly disputed plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The Public Utilities Commission gave its final reaffirmation to the…

Shredding into Spring with Urban Snowboarding and Skateboarding

Duluth thrillseekers make extreme fun out of the remaining snow

DULUTH, Minn.- Winter has now officially ended, but some Northlanders know how to make it last. Hills like Spirit Mountain or Chester Bowl are always a good time in winter. But these gnarly rippers get together, and get innovative to shred some powder closer to home, in the beginning of Spring. To your left, a skateboard seems to float off the…

WHEDA Hosts Homebuying Forum for Realtors

Share new programs, tips and tricks to help those looking for a home.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For first-time homebuyers and homebuyers needing assistance in Wisconsin, finding the right property can be difficult, according to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. So WHEDA and North Shore Bank of Commerce at V.I.P. Pizza in Superior to discuss programs to help buyers broaden their horizons. Among the new services they have a financing option where first-time homebuyers…

Minnesota Legislature Approves ‘Snow day Relief’ for Schools

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Legislature has approved “snow day relief” legislation and sent it to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature. The bipartisan compromise approved by both the House and Senate on Thursday gives school districts more flexibility for making up all the days they canceled this winter due to bitter cold and heavy snow. Minnesota normally requires…

Chisholm School District, Teachers Reach Agreement on Contracts

CHISHOLM, Minn. – According to a recent release from Education Minnesota, the Chisholm School District and the teachers were able to reach a resolution on all of their outstanding issues Thursday. The agreement was reached during mediation with the Bureau of Mediation Services. Education Minnesota says details on the agreement will be released after both parties bring it to their…

Wisconsin Superintendent Bans Sexist Cheerleading Awards

The Awards Revelation Followed a Yearlong Investigation

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The superintendent of a Wisconsin high school district has outlawed cheerleading awards that objectify students’ bodies and ordered mandatory staff training on discrimination and harassment. Dr. Sue Savaglio-Jarvis said in a letter Monday to all principals and administrators in the Kenosha Unified School District that “mock awards of any such kind” are prohibited. The letter is a…

Two Individuals Arrested on Charges of Sex Trafficking

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year-and-a-half long investigation the Duluth Police Department Sex Crimes unit says they have arrested two individuals on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. According to the Duluth Police Department 49-year-old Shuangyan Yang and 59-year-old Matthew Shykes were arrested on Thursday, March 21. Yang and Shykes are owners of the Shuangyan’s Spa along with Better Massage…

Northland Uncovered: The Family Behind Gordy’s Hi-Hat

Northland Uncovered: Gordy's Hi-Hat celebrates 59 years in business.

CLOQUET, Minn.- 1960- that was the year Gordy and Marilyn Lundquist decided it was time to settle down in Cloquet. The couple owned 2 other restaurants before opening Gordy’s, an A&W in Eleveth and the London Inn in Duluth. But Gordy’s became more of a family affair. “It’s myself, my dad, and my grandma and grandpa that still work here today,…

Esko Native Amy Robnik Joob Debuts “Model Behavior”

Esko Native Amy Robnik Joob has Lived a Life of Modeling and is now the Author of "Model Behavior"

DULUTH, Minn. – Esko native Amy Robnik Joob is a model, athlete, and motivational speaker looking to share her story of unexpected success in a world of entertainment and wealth. Her new book, “Model Behavior,” is meant to encourage and mentor other young people who feel led to pursue careers in modeling and acting. The book also aims to assure…

Supreme Court Won’t Stop Enforcement of Bump Stock ban

The ban Took Effect Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court won’t stop the Trump administration from enforcing its ban on bump stock devices, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns. The ban took effect Tuesday. Gun rights groups asked the court on Monday to stop the government from enforcing the ban for now. Chief Justice John Roberts declined one request for the…

2020 Hopeful Amy Klobuchar Pitches Major Infrastructure Plan

(AP) – Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar is proposing an infrastructure plan she says will provide $1 trillion to fix roads and bridges, protect against flooding and rebuild schools and other projects. The plan announced Thursday is the first policy proposal from the Minnesota senator since she joined the 2020 race. Klobuchar’s campaign says her plan would leverage $650 billion…

$2 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Minnesota

Holiday Stationstores Earned a $5,000 Bonus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — While someone in neighboring Wisconsin hit the top Powerball jackpot, a ticket sold in Minnesota will make someone a new millionaire. The ticket that matched all five white balls drawn Wednesday night, but missed the Powerball, is good for $2 million. That’s because the player chose the Power Play option to double the prize for those numbers….

$768M Powerball Winner Bought Ticket in Milwaukee Suburb

The Winner Won't be Able to Remain Anonymous

(AP Photo/John Locher) NEW BERLIN, Wis. – The Wisconsin Lottery says a single ticket that matched all six Powerball numbers to win the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history was sold in a Milwaukee suburb. The ticket worth an estimated $768.4 million, or a cash option of $477 million, was sold in New Berlin. The city of about 40,000 people…

Chisholm Teachers Begin Negotiations Again

Chisholm Elementary is the only district in the state without a contract for 2017-2019

CHISHOLM, Minn.- According to the Teachers Union, Chisholm Elementary School District is the only district in the state that hasn’t reached a 2017-2019 contract agreement with teachers. Despite lengthy negotiations, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. Tonight, teachers met to rally before they go back to the bargaining table. Chisholm teachers want to be valued and respected….

UWS Students Learn About Careers in Oncology

Students met with professionals at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. – UWS biology students learned about cancer-related careers from specialists at Essentia Health. Doctors say there is always a high demand for specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The students met one-on-one with twelve professionals who gave them a personal account of opportunities in their field. “I know the students are going to be excited and…

DTA Routes Could Be Changed

Routes 20, 21, and 22 would be affected by the proposed changes

DULUTH, Minn. – Changes could be coming to DTA bus routes in Duluth because of low ridership. A new proposal would affect three of the city’s bus routes. Route 21 from Lakeside to UMD and the Miller Hill Mall would be discontinued. Route 20 from Downtown to United Healthcare and the Airpark would be reduced from six daily round trips…

Free Training to Help Eliminate Stigma Around Mental Illness

Studies show about one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland Healthy Minds Coalition offered free training to employers in the area, at the public safety building in Duluth, to attempt to eliminate the stigma around mental health. The “Make It Ok” campaign is designed to get people more comfortable talking about mental illness. Studies show about one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness…

Duluth Public Schools Superintendent Will Not Return After Contract Ends in 2020

Bill Gronseth has spent more than 20 years serving the Duluth school district, including his current tenure.

DULUTH, Minn. – After seven years working as the Duluth Public Schools Superintendent Bill Gronseth has announced to the School Board he will not renew his contract once it expires in 2020. Superintendent Bill Gronseth has spent more than 20 years serving the Duluth school district, including his current tenure. He believes it the right time to step aside for…

Mayor Larson Announces Re-Election Campaign

She spoke about her time in office so far and how she plans to take Duluth into the future.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson held a news conference Wednesday to announce her re-election campaign. She spoke about her time in office so far and how she plans to take Duluth into the future. Transparancey in the city government has been a main staple of her tenure and she says that will not be changing. “Every single day when…

Woman Stabbed Outside of a Home on East Sixth Street

Suspect has been arrested and held at St. Louis County Jail.

DULUTH, Minn. – a 25-year-old woman is recovering  after being stabbed outside of a home on 600 block of East Sixth Street. Around 8 pm last night, Duluth police responded to a call of a fight outside the home. That’s where they found the victim suffering from non life threatening injuries. She has since been treated by an area hospital….

Lake Superior College Hosts Career and Transfer Day

Today they especially focused on recruiting future college graduates.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College hosted a career and transfer day Wednesday for students, professionals, and the public. Today they especially focused on recruiting future college graduates. More than 60 companies attended the event and recruiters also had a presence at the event, and say sometimes people enlist when they’re not quite sure what field they’d like to enter….

Wisconsin Appeals Court Restores Laws From Lame-Duck Session

The Lame-Duck Laws Will Remain in Place

MADISON, Wis. – A Wisconsin appeals court has sided with Republicans and reinstated laws passed during a lame-duck legislative session that weaken powers of the Democratic governor and attorney general. The 3rd District Court of Appeals on Wednesday put on hold a ruling made last week striking down the laws as unconstitutional. The appeals court decision means that while the…

DeVos Defends Plan to Eliminate Special Olympics Funding

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) WASHINGTON – Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is facing sharp pushback over a proposal to cut federal funding to the Special Olympics. Celebrities, politicians and activists have taken to social media to rebuke DeVos for her plan to cut funding for the group as part of $7 billion in reductions in 2020. The organization received $17.6 million from…

Patterson Pleads Guilty in Kidnapping of Jayme Closs

Patterson Wrote he Intends to Plead Guilty

  UPDATE: BARRON, Wis. -A Wisconsin man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents. Twenty-one-year-old Jake Patterson pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of intentional homicide and one count of kidnapping. A count of armed burglary was dropped. The intentional homicide counts carry a sentence of life in prison. Patterson admitted to kidnapping Jayme after…

Time Arc Theatre to Host Performances of “The Golden Age of Radio”

Time Arc Theatre is Bringing Back to Life the 1940s Era of Radio

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Time Arc Theatre is set to bring live theater performances to the Empire Block for two weekends starting Thursday, March 28. The Superior-based theatre production is set to take audiences back to the Golden Age of Radio. Audience members will be brought back to the 1940s era radio hits of “Fibber McGee and Molly,” “My Favorite Husband,”…

Mayor Larson Announces Re-Election Campaign

UPDATE: DULUTH , Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced Wednesday afternoon that she is running for re-election in the 2019 Mayoral race. At a news conference today Mayor Larson talked about the highlights of her time in office so far and how she plans to take Duluth into the future. Transparency in the city government has been a main…

Hottest Tech Gadgets for Summer Travel

Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Chad Fajkus Stops by FOX 21 Local News with the Best Summer Tech Gadgets

DULUTH, Minn. – With spring officially here to stay, many of us have the itch to get outdoors or maybe even do a little traveling to places we’ve missed over the winter. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Chad Fajkus stopped by FOX 21 Local News to show off the hottest summer tech gadgets of 2019. • Tile or Samsung SmartThings Tracker…

Court: State can Medicate Prisoners Even if not Dangerous

A Defendent Argued the Statutes are Unconstitutional

MADISON, Wis. – An appeals court says the state can involuntarily medicate prisoners even if they don’t pose a threat. According to court documents, a defendant identified as C.S. was convicted of mayhem in 2005 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. A jury in 2015 found C.S. was mentally ill and a judge ordered involuntarily medication. C.S. argued involuntary…