News

Warm Temperatures Means Grilling in February

Local Meat Shops Saw Increase in Sales After Warm Week

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Northland saw temperatures 10 to 20 degrees higher than average last week. And Meat lovers took advantage. Deanna Reder, a meat handler at Superior Meats says sales spiked, as Northlanders fired up their grills to enjoy delicious food and time outside. Some of the best sellers included beef patties, and smoked sausages.   “You get to be outside,…

Wisconsin Superintendents Race Tomorrow

Narrowing it Down to Two Candidates

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin schools Superintendent Tony Evers faces two challengers, Lowell Holtz and John Humphries, in Tuesday’s primary. The two highest vote-getters will advance to the April 4 general election. Turnout Tuesday is expected to be low. The race is officially nonpartisan, but Evers is backed by Democrats and their allies while Holtz and Humphries are casting themselves as more conservative…

Minnesota House Approves Sunday Liquor Sales Bill

The bill now moves onto the State Senate

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House passed legislation, Monday, that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sunday, the first time in state history that standalone legislation on the issue has been voted on or approved. The bill passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote, and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Sunday liquor sales has been…

Walker Asks Public for Help Selling His Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Gov. Scott Walker wants Wisconsinites who like his budget to help him rally support. Walker’s campaign launched digital ads Monday encouraging citizens to write to their legislators in support of key elements of his budget proposal. Republican legislative leaders have been cautious about Walker’s proposed spending increases since he unveiled his budget earlier this month. Democrats…

Trump Announces New National Security Adviser

PALM BEACH, Fla (AP) – President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser. Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago. He says McMaster is “a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience.” Trump says retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who had been his acting adviser, will now serve…

Change of Course for the Birkebeiner

Due to warm weather conditions, Lake Hayward is no longer safe for skiers

HAYWARD, Wisc. – With warm weather conditions throughout the state, along with a forecast of rain Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that an adjustment to the overall race course for Birkie Week events is required. After warm weather over the weekend, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for racers. As part of a normal…

Proposal: Regulate Powdered Alcohol Like Liquid Alcohol

MADISON (AP) – Two Democratic state lawmakers have proposed subjecting powdered alcohol to the same regulations as liquid alcohol. Senator Tim Carpenter and Representative Debra Kloste said Monday they’ve introduced a bill to expand the state’s definition of alcohol to include powdered forms. The federal government in 2015 approved a powdered alcohol product all Palcohol. Since then, state s have…

Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Dies in NYC at 64

NEW YORK (AP) – Russian officials say its ambassador to the United Nations has died suddenly in New York City. Vitaly Churkin was 64. Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladamire Safronkov, told The Associated Press that Churkin became ill in his office at Russia’s U.N. mission and was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he died Monday. His cause of death…

Abraham Lincoln, Civil War Reenactors Perform for President’s Day

Coffee Conversation: President's Day at Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of President’s Day, the Duluth Depot is welcoming a famous guest. Abraham Lincoln, played by Fritz Klein, is making an appearance today. Klein will be performing the “Last Full Measure” which chronicles the time between when he was shot and when he died. Additionally, Klein will give “Lincoln Talks” throughout the day. The Lincoln Funeral…

‘The Haitian Temptation’ is Heading Overseas

Al Sands will travel to Germany March 11 for his first international fight

DULUTH, MINN.- On March 11 ‘The Haitian Temptation’ Al Sands will fight Ukrainian fighter Roman Golovashchenko for the IBO Intercontinental Championship in Rancbach-Baumbach, Germany. Golovashchenko is 17 and 1, while Sands will be going for his 20 win, a milestone that he’s been working for a long time. “It is surreal I just had my ten year anniversary since the…

Ridgeland Pioneer Days Offers a Chance to Catch Chickens and Pigs

Festival Brings Thousands to Small Wisconsin Town Every Year

RIDGELAND, Wis. – Ridgeland Pioneer Days always attracts a crowd. “There’s people from all over that come to this small little town of 305 people and there are thousands of people here today,” says Ridgeland native Amy Lundquist. Over its 35 years, the festival has become legendary. “It’s the greatest day of the year, and we honestly look forward to…

Sunday Liquor Sales Ban On MN House’s Chopping Block

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota could take the first step toward erasing the state’s ban on Sunday liquor sales. The House was expected to vote Monday on a bill that would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays. It’s a perennial issue at the Capitol that consumes plenty of attention but has never moved forward. House Speaker Kurt Daudt…

One Year Since Fire That Devastated Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

Members Remembered the Day With a Prayer Service

  DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been exactly One Year since members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church have been without their original space of worship, and Saturday, those members remembered the fire that devastated their beloved church building, at a prayer service held at Dougherty’s Funeral home. “We think that marking this day is important.  We might remember where we were when…

Local Legislators Hold Town Hall

The Venue at the Children's Museum was Packed

DULUTH, Minn.- More than a hundred people turned out for the town hall with State Senator Erik Simonson, as well as representatives Jennifer Schultz and Liz Olson. Saturday’s listening session was the first since the Minnesota’s legislative period opened in January. “It’s really important for any elected official to make sure that they stay in tune with their constituents, and…

Polar Plunge Benefits Special Olympics

Fox 21 News Team Raised $3,153 for the Cause

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota was held Saturday. Despite warmer temperatures, plungers were still quick to get out of the icy water. The Fox 21 crew took the plunge again this year. Our team raised a total of $3153. Thank you to everyone who donated. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Science and Engineering Night at UMD

Event Ran in Conjunction with Men's and Women's Basketball Games

DULUTH, Minn. – Fans at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Romano Gymnasium Saturday were treated to more than basketball. UMD’s Swenson School of Science and Engineering took over Romano’s lobby for an evening of fun and demonstrations. The event helped recognize how similar demands are on engineering students and student-athletes. Organizers say they were most encouraged by how many chidren…

Man Critical After Snowmobile Accident

The Crash Happened on Fish Lake

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is fighting for his life after a snowmobile accident Saturday afternoon. The crash happened on Fish Lake in Duluth.  A 22 year old Duluth man was flown to Essentia Health where he is listed in critical condition. According to investigators, alcohol and speed were factors in the crash. Authorities haven’t released the victim’s identity….

Man Hospitalized After Snowmobile Accident

Crash Happened Friday on Heikkila Lake

EVELETH, Minn. – A 20 year old man is in the hospital after a snowmobile accident Friday night. The crash happened on Heikkila Lake, south of Eveleth. The victim was flown unconscious to Essentia Health in Duluth.  The extent of his injuries aren’t known and authorities are waiting to identify him until the family is notified. Investigators say speed, alcohol,…

Blind Cleric Serving Life Sentence Dies in Prison

Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman Helped Mastermind 1993 World Trade Center Bombing

BUTNER, N.C. (AP) _ A federal prison official says a blind Egyptian cleric serving a life sentence in the United States in connection with a failed plot to blow up landmarks in New York City has died. Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman died early Saturday. Abdel-Rahman was sentenced to life in prison after his 1995 conviction for his advisory role in a…

Plaintiff in Roe v. Wade Passes Away

Norma McCorvey Later Became Pro-Life Activist

DALLAS (AP) Norma McCorvey, the “Jane Roe” at the center of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, has died. She was 69. Journalist Joshua Prager, who is working on a book about McCorvey, says she died Saturday morning at an assisted living center in Katy, Texas. Although McCorvey was the plaintiff in Roe v. Wade, she later…

Minnesota Lawmaker Strengthens Bid to Lead DNC

New Hampshire Democrat Drops Bid, Backs Rep. Keith Ellison

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire Democrat Ray Buckley has dropped out of the race for Democratic National Committee chair and is throwing his support behind Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison. Buckley’s announcement comes a week before DNC members gather in Atlanta to choose a new chair. Ellison and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez are seen as the main contenders. Buckley announced…

Community Leaders Speak Out Against Big Tobacco

Big Tobacco Company Has Focus Group Planned for Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s an email that Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was quoted as saying was “Shady to begin with,” and Community Action Duluth said was “unprecedented.” A big tobacco company has reportedly been looking to schedule a focus group about “America’s dwindling middle class.” And at a press conference earlier this morning, representatives with the American Lung Association and…

Twin Ports Colleges Renew Cross Registration

Students Can Attend Classes at Any of the Three Colleges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports’ trio of four–year colleges renewed their bonds of cooperation Friday. Chancellors from the University of Minnesota Duluth, College of St. Scholastica and Univeristy of Wisconsin-Superior renewed a cross registration agreement between the schools. The program allows students to take courses at any of the other campuses, which gives those students students more options when…

Special Olympics Athlete Leads in Plunge Donations

Athlete Brandon Moe has raised over $12,000 to take the plunge for the Special Olympics.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are getting ready to brave the cold waters of Lake Superior for the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota. One of those special athletes is leading the pack when it comes to donations. Brandon Moe is about to take his sixth plunge and this year he has raised over $12,000. His goal was $8,000. Brandon’s…

Black History Month Celebrated at Lincoln Park Elementary

The celebration honored those who have made an impact on the African American community in the Twin Ports.

Duluth, Minn. – In honor of Black History month, a celebration was held at the Lincoln Park elementary school auditorium. The event honored those who have made an impact on the Twin Ports African American community. The night was full of speakers, singers, and drummers. Everyone was welcome and organizers said teh celebration helped break down barriers and brought people…

Former Tribal Chairwoman Diver Will Teach at UMD

Karen Diver served in the Obama administration and has returned to the Northland. She will teach an ethics class at UMD'S MTAG program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe tribal leader Karen Diver is back in the Northland after serving in the Obama administration as special assistant for Native American affairs. Diver said her experience in Washington D.C. was one of the most rewarding and intense parts of her life.She’s returning to the Northland to be an instructor for…

Northlanders Enjoy Warm Weather

It's the 2nd Warmest February 17th on Record

DULUTH, Minn.- Though the unseasonably warm weather hurts snow conditions and other winter sports, some community members took advantage of the sunny days. People could be seen walking, running, and soaking up the rays. Temperatures were as high as 51 degrees in Duluth, making it the 2nd warmest February 17th on record, and only 1 degree away from making it…

Duluth City Attorney to Compete in His Second Iditarod

The Minnesota native finished the race back in 1991 after graduating college

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson is trading in his desk job for an Alaskan adventure next month. Johnson is headed to Alaska to compete in this year’s Iditarod sled dog race. Johnson will take over for longtime friend Jim Lanier, who dropped out of the race because of an injury. An active sled dog musher, Johnson competed…

Children Experience ‘Dog Sledding’ at 10th Annual Ikidarod

The Event Helps Teach Children About Local and National Dog Sledding Races

  DULUTH, Minn.- Excited barking noises echoed from the playground of North Shore Community school. But those sounds weren’t coming from dogs, but rather, kids playing the role of sled dogs pulling a plastic sled. On the sled was a musher, also played by a classmate. “We go around our nature trail in some sleds, while the kids pull you…

Lieutenant Governor Visits Duluth to Celebrate Local Businesses

Highlights Many Different Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.-Lt. Gov. Tina Smith visited Duluth today highlighting Minnesota’s innovative economy. The event followed the recent launch of the Innovative Minnesota Campaign. It’s meant to celebrate emerging discoveries in technology throughout the state. “Innovation is embedded in our Minnesota identity,” she said. “Our state annually ranks among the top five in new patents and is home to many leading…

Male Arrested on Felony Warrant and Firearm Charges

1100 block of 87th Avenue West

Ryan Lahti, 35DULUTH, Minn. – Friday afternoon, just after 1:30 a.m., the Duluth Police Department responded to a residence in the 1100 block of 87th Avenue West after receiving information that an individual residing there had a felony warrant. Officers arrived at the location and found the vehicle belonging to the individual. An officer observed the male inside the residence,…

Senate Confirms Scott Pruitt as Head of EPA

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Scott Pruitt was approved on Friday by a vote of 52-46. Pruitt served six years as Oklahoma’s attorney general and was closely aligned with oil and gas companies in his home state, whose executives backed his political campaigns. He filed 14 lawsuits as…

Amtrak Officer Faces Murder Charge in Fatal Chicago Shooting Involving Minnesota Man

CHICAGO (AP) – Prosecutors have charged an Amtrak police officer in the shooting death of a Minneapolis man outside Chicago’s Union Station. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office announced Friday that 31-year-old LaRoyce Tankson surrendered to police Thursday. He has been charged with first-degree murder int he February 8 shooting of 25-year-old Chad Robertson, who died Wednesday. Robertson was taking…

Garbage, Human Waste at DAPL Camps Main Concerns of Polluting Missouri River

THE GARBAGE ISN'T THE ONLY THING THAT MAY MAKE ITS WAY TO THE RIVER AND CREATE A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Governor Burgum’s concerns for cleaning up at the main pipeline protest camp rise along with the temperatures. He issued an evacuation order on Wednesday. He says what protesters have left behind could end up polluting the rivers. Protesters left their mark on the site of the Dakota Access pipeline. That area of land floods almost every spring….

Coast Guard Warns of Thin Ice

Stay Away from Slushy Areas

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. Coast Guard is warning to the public of dangers of thinning ice due to the warmer temperatures. The unseasonably warm is causing frozen lakes to melt at a faster rate. Thin ice is especially prevalent in areas where there are bridges and inlets. Darker and slushy areas also signify thinner ice in that area. The Coast…

White House Denies National Guard Immigration Roundup Report

(AP) – The Trump administration considered a proposal to mobilize as many as 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants, including millions living nowhere near the Mexico border, according to a draft memo obtained by The Associated Press. Staffers in the Department of Homeland Security said the proposal had been discussed as recently as last Friday. The 11-page document…

Minnesota Report Shows Slight Increase in Hospital Errors

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota hospitals and surgical centers have reported that nearly 340 medical errors risked patient safety last year, but medical mistakes resulting in patient death declined. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the state Department of Health’s annual adverse health events report found four deaths caused by a preventable error. One was due to a medication mistake and…

Gronseth Rejected for Elk River Job

Still Has Chance at Twin Cities Post

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth Schools Superintendent Bill Gronseth was not selected for the superintendent position for Elk River school district. Gronseth was a finalist for the position. He is still vying for the post of superintendent in White Bear Lake. In the past, he’s tried getting positions in Arkansas, Washington state, and the Twin Cities. He could not be reached for comment…

Northland Beer Lovers to fill Brewer’s Row

Brewer's Row Poker Pub Crawl

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the 1st Annual Brewer’s Row Poker Pub Crawl is taking place. Brewer’s Row recognizes craft beer establishments along Superior St. in downtown Duluth. The crawl begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Blind Pig where participants will receive a glass to bring to each bar. Then, participants will drink one beer from each location, starting with…

Damage Days Hosts Snowboarders at Spirit Mountain

Party in the Pipe & After Hours Rope Tow

DULUTH, Minn. – Damage Days is taking place at Spirit Mountain once again. The annual snowboarding event is being held this weekend. Tonight, February 17th they’re holding the Party in the Pipe from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, February 18th Damage Days is featuring an after hours rope tow session from 9:30 p.m. – midnight. Additionally, their will be product giveaways,…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Ditch Plans to End Daylight Saving Time

MADISON (AP) – Two Republican lawmakers have scrapped a bill to end daylight saving time in Wisconsin amid a backlash on social media and now want to make the sunshine-extending time change permanent year-round in the state. Representatives Samantha Kerkman and Michael Schraa introduced a bill last week that would have eliminated daylight saving time in Wisconsin. The change would…

Rep. Kind Not Ruling Out Run for Governor Against Walker

MADISON (AP) – Democratic U.S. Representative Ron Kind says he is not ruling out a run for governor in 2018 against Republican Governor Scott Walker. The western Wisconsin congressman from La Crosse has frequently been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor, but he’s never run. But Kind tells Wisconsin Public Radio, on Thursday, that the state needs new leadership…

Trump Weighs Mobilizing National Guard for Immigration Roundups

UPDATE: http://www.fox21online.com/2017/02/17/white-house-denies-national-guard-immigration-roundup-report/ (AP) – A draft memo obtained by The Associated Press outlines a Trump administration proposal under consideration to mobilize as many as 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants. Millions of those who would be affected in 11 states live nowhere near the Mexico border. The 11-page document calls for the unprecedented militarization of immigration enforcement as…

Adolf Hitler’s Personal Traveling Phone for Sale

CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md. (AP) – A Maryland auction house is selling Adolf Hitler’s personal traveling telephone. Bill Panagopulos of Alexander Historical Auctions in Chesapeake City says occupying Russian officers gave the phone to Brig. Sir Ralph Rayner during a visit to Hitler’s Berlin bunker. Rayner’s son is now selling the red phone with a Nazi party symbol and Hitler’s name…

‘Bag-It Duluth’ Calls On City Council For No-Plastic Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. – Momentum is building as community members gather to talk about and potentially come up with a plan to rid away from using plastic bags and Styrofoam to–go containers. The event Thursday that was hosted by “Bag–It Duluth.” The group is hoping to raise the level of concern involving plastic and our surrounding water supply. Researchers and city…