Author: Arman Rahman

In Edgy Washington, Police Outnumber Jan. 6 Protesters

The fence around the Capitol was put back up, the city police force was fully activated and Capitol Police requested assistance from the National Guard.

WASHINGTON (AP) – With Washington still on edge after the Jan. 6 insurrection, law enforcement bore down in large numbers on the Capitol over concerns that a rally in support of the jailed rioters would turn violent. It didn’t. The crowd Saturday was sparse, incidents few. The fence around the Capitol was put back up, the city police force was…

Barkers Island Green Infrastructure Projects Help Control Storm Water Flow, Reduce Flooding

Community leaders got a tour of the five Green Infrastructure projects which are either completed, in progress or upcoming.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Five environmental projects focused on helping to slow the flow of stormwater and reduce flooding were showcased at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve on Barker’s Island this week. Community leaders got a tour of the five Green Infrastructure projects which are either completed, in progress or upcoming. This includes engineered wetlands, strategic plants, and permeable parking…

Duluth Fire Rescues 2 From Water Off Park Point After Sailboat Capsizes

They were retrieved by Marine 19 and did not need medical attention.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two people were rescued from the water by Duluth Firefighters after their sailboat capsized near the Sky Harbor Airport on Park Point. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, crews responded to the initial report of the capsized vessel around 8 p.m. Friday. Two were confirmed in the water, they were retrieved by Marine 19 and…

Council Bypasses ‘Travel Superior’ For Commission to Handle Future Tourism Tax Distribution

An amendment was also approved stating that anything requiring $25,000 or more of tourism revenue would have to go out for bid to other entities, then approved by council.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City Council decided to shake up the way they allocate tourism tax dollars, voting in favor of establishing a commission put forward by Mayor Jim Paine to handle the city’s tourism revenue, a role currently held by Travel Superior. According to the Mayor, this does not cut out Travel Superior from the equation but opens the…

Oktoberfest Setting Up in Bayfront Park As Volunteers Needed

According to organizers, they are now short about 20 volunteers each day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As setup gets underway at Bayfront Park for this weekend’s Duluth Oktoberfestival or Oktoberfest, event organizers say they’re in desperate need of volunteers. Organizer Ryan Kern says a group had to withdraw today due to an unexpected conflict. They are now short about 20 volunteers each day. Shifts are available during the day and evening and are only…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Proposes 2022 Budget with 6% Property Tax Levy Increase

Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million dollars for next year before council.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Mayor Emily Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million for next year before council Monday evening. “I have always believed that budgets are moral documents. Every single Duluthian needs to know that, in some way that is meaningful to them, we are in their corner,” Mayor Larson said. “There is no more important way…

Duluth Amateur Hockey Association Hosts Open Skate, Free Equipment to Kickoff Season

Organizers hope it helps eliminate obstacles for any kids who want to get on the ice and play.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some young hockey players got to skate with the best of them: some UMD Bulldogs, as they helped kick off the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association’s season at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. New and returning families enjoyed open skating with the members of UMD Men’s and Women’s Bulldogs hockey teams. Over the past week, the hockey association also…

Superior Fire, Police Remember Lives Lost, First Responders’ Ultimate Sacrifice on 9/11

343 New York firefighters were among those who perished. On Saturday in front of Superior Fire's headquarters, 343 flags waved in the wind at the cars passing by.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, first responders in Superior gathered to honor the lives lost, and ensure future generations never forget the ultimate sacrifice of the law enforcement and firefighters. At the sound of the bugle, the flag at U.W.S. lowers to half-staff. Members of the Superior Fire and…

Local Street Artists Beautify Downtown Duluth Alley with Block-Long Mural

They used about 25 gallons of paint to fill the alley walls with colorful symbols of the Twin Ports like the Lift Bridge.

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth just got a little more vibrant, as an alley around popular nightlife spots has been painted with a mural. The Duluth Street Art Initiative teamed up with upward of 80 local artists, to paint the alley behind Dubh-Linn Brew Pub — a city-block long. They used about 25 gallons of paint to fill the alley walls…

‘On Golden Pond’ Opens at Fitger’s Historic Spirit of North Theatre

It's the first show by Boat Club Productions, headed by Boat Club Restaurant owner Jason Vincent.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage of the historic Spirit of the North Theater in the Fitger’s Complex came alive again this weekend, as the play On Golden Pond opened there. The romantic, family fun show is written by Ernest Thompson. It was adapted into a movie in the ’80s, starring Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda. It’s the first show by Boat…

Hundreds in Twin Ports Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday

According to the event website, more than 80% of the $165,000 goal has been raised as of Sunday evening.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Walk to End Alzheimer’s returned to the Twin Ports this weekend, raising awareness and money for research of a cure to end the disease affecting more than 6 million Americans. A sea of purple flooded the Lakewalk Saturday. Roughly 400 people who either lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, are currently battling the disease, or are caregivers…

UPDATE: Duluth Police Ask for Public’s Help in Gas Station Armed Robbery

The individual is described as a Black or Native American male wearing gloves, a camouflage sweatshirt, and a bright orange face covering

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person in this photo, in relation to the armed robbery Saturday night at the Speedway in the Morgan Park neighborhood. According to a spokesperson with the Department, the individual is described as a Black or Native American male wearing gloves, a camouflage sweatshirt, and a…

NERCC Escapee Located, Arrested Near Hermantown Following Nearly 12-Hour Search

On Saturday morning around 6:40, officials said, King was taken into custody without incident after hearing he was walking on the Midway Rd near the St Louis River Rd in Hermantown.

SAGINAW, Minn.- After a nearly 12-hour search, authorities located and arrested an escapee of the Northeast Regional Corrections Center early Saturday morning. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s office, NERCC inmate Branden Russell King had fled on foot from the facility into the woods around 7:28 p.m. Friday. King was serving time for prior domestic assault convictions and was…

US Marks 20 Years Since 9/11, in Shadow of Afghan War’s End

The commemoration at ground zero began with a tolling bell and a moment of silence, exactly 20 years after the start of the deadliest act of terror on U.S. soil.

NEW YORK (AP) – Americans are solemnly marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11, just weeks after the fraught end of the Afghanistan war that followed the terror attack. The commemoration at ground zero began with a tolling bell and a moment of silence, exactly 20 years after the start of the deadliest act of terror on U.S. soil. The milestone…

Barkers Island Beach Closes due to Presence of Blue-Green Algae Bloom

This beach is closed for swimming and no longer being monitored for the season and the city is unsure of how long the bloom will stay there.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior has closed the swimming beach at Barkers Island, due to the discovery of a blue-green algae bloom at the beach area. Blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick after they swallow, breathe in, or have contact with the water. This beach is closed for swimming and no longer…

Superior Council Delays Vote on Future Handling of Tourism Tax Revenue

Paine is calling for the creation of a tourism commission made up of six members to delegate the money as they see fit as long as it falls within state statutes.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Superior Mayor Jim Paine’s proposal to create a tourism commission to handle how the city spends its tourism tax revenue — a role currently held by Travel Superior — was referred to a special Committee of the Whole Meeting for more discussion. The decision was made after more than an hour of public…

Duluth ISD 709 Elementary Students Start School Year In-Person with Smiles, Masks on Faces

Face coverings are required in school and on the bus at Homecroft.

DULUTH, Minn.- The energy was high among the 1st through 5th graders after the first full day back at Homecroft Elementary, just one of many schools in the Northland opening up for the school year. “You can see it in their eyes even though we’ve got masks on most of the time that smile is there, the laughter is there,”…

Grand Rapids Police Help Get Buck Unstuck from Hammock

One of the officers nearly took a hit from a hoof before the deer's hind legs also got tangled, making it easier for them to cut it free and get that buck, unstuck.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hammocks can be tricky for some humans, but two Grand Rapids Police officers last week had to help out a deer tangled in one. In a video posted by the Grand Rapids Police Department, the two officers got a blanket normally used for accidents and medical calls and tried to calm the deer down, but he wasn’t…

DECC Parking to Double to $10 to Help Offset Maintenance Costs

DECC officials say it will help pay for on-going maintenance needs on the lots and ramps of the parking structure.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Tuesday, anyone parking at the DECC will have to pay double, as the rate will increase for the first time in 13 years. Parking at the DECC will now cost $10, up from $5 previously. The rate will also be $10 at Marcus Cinema, though you will still get reimbursed once you buy a movie ticket. DECC…

Greenwood Fire 49% Contained as Gov. Walz, Senators Get Up-Close Look at Damage

The state officials said Monday, it was eye-opening to see the extent of the damage, and the work the firefighters have achieved thus far.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews report the Greenwood fire is almost half contained. The more than 26,000-acre blaze drew the attention of Governor Tim Walz and Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar Monday. “I think being on the ground it’s always helpful for me to see it. And just to see what these folks have been going through like you…

UMD Outdoor Adventure Sampler Gives Taste of Northland Activities

Hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, slacklining, and more are all available to students and community members who maybe want to satisfy their hunger for adventure.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the school year gets underway at UMD, students who may be new to the area got a taste of all the outdoor activities the northland offers through the university. The Outdoor Adventure Sampler allowed people to try out all the activities offered through the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program. Hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, slacklining, and more are all…

Car Show Cruises Through Cloquet Labor Day Celebrations

The annual car show at Northeastern Hotel and Saloon featured more than a hundred different hot rods, trucks, and more.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After watching the Labor Day parade go by in Cloquet, why not cruise through some custom cars? The annual car show at Northeastern Hotel and Saloon featured more than a hundred different hot rods, trucks, and more. Awards were also given out with two top spots: the People’s Choice voted for by all spectators, and the Best of…

UPDATE: Greenwood Fire 49% Contained as of Monday Night

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.- Fire crews in the Superior National Forest report the Greenwood wildfire is 49% contained as of late Monday night. The news happening the same day Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar toured the site of the Greenwood fire and saw the damage it has caused firsthand. Also on Monday, the Lake…

Estate Sale Raises Thousands of Dollars for Red Cross

With fires, floods, hurricanes, and more across the country requiring the Red Cross's help, local officials say there could not be more of a need.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Superior family remembered their late parents and their contributions to the community with an estate sale this weekend, raising thousands of dollars for the Red Cross. Troy Johnson passed away this past December and his wife Mary in 2009. The two donated to the Red Cross and other local organizations since the 1950s. So their kids…

Duluth Superior Pride Fest Among Biggest Weekends of Year for Main Club

The Main Club is normally staffed with five bartenders year-round. But Pride, the busiest weekend of the year, requires more.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  Duluth Superior Pride Fest weekend isn’t just uplifting for the community, it’s also great for local businesses, like the Main Club. The nightclub in Superior dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community is normally staffed with five bartenders year-round. But Pride, the busiest weekend of the year, requires more — even some from out of town. “For a lot of,…

Duluth Superior Pride Fest Parades Down Tower Avenue Again

Different businesses and organizations throughout the community threw on their best colors to celebrate. 

SUPERIOR Wis.- The Duluth Superior Pride Festival brought the party back to the Twin Ports this weekend, painting Tower Avenue the colors of the rainbow again after a pandemic pause last year. “Whether you’re in or out of the closet, Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender or anything else, it’s nice to, just know people are out here supporting you, supporting us,”…

Coleman Plant in Sauk Rapids Closing, Eliminating 175 Jobs

Coleman, owned by Newell Brands, notified the state that the plant would close by the end of the year.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Coleman Co. will close its plant in Sauk Rapids, resulting in 175 people losing their jobs. Coleman, owned by Newell Brands, notified the state that the plant would close by the end of the year. In the filing, Coleman said it is ceasing production at Sauk Rapids and that layoffs will be permanent. Layoffs will be…

‘I Love the 90s’ Tour Brings Coolio, Vanilla Ice to Bayfront

The “I Love the 90s” tour was back bringing big names to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bayfront Festival Park was packed and bumping’ again with fans of 90s classics Friday night. The “I Love the 90s” tour was back bringing big names to Duluth. Vanilla Ice – behind the song “Ice Ice Baby,” Coolio – the rapper famous for his hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” Young MC – best known for “Bust a Move,” and…

City of Duluth Employee’s Photo One of 900+ Featured at Minnesota State Fair

Chris Lee's photo of his wife canoeing was one of 110 displayed at the Fair's Fine Arts Building.

DULUTH, Minn.- Among the many Duluth connections down at the Minnesota State Fair this year, one Duluthian proved you don’t need fancy equipment to take a fair-worthy photo. Chris Lee works for the City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department and dabbles in photography. He submitted a picture to the state fair on a whim, and out of 913…

Parents Find Use for Kids’ Old Clothes at Swap in Superior  

People could bring their old baby clothes, toys, or big kid clothes to donate, and then pick out some new ones.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Over in Superior some parents and community members got together to make sure people’s kids’ old clothes could go to good use. A clothing swap was held at Earth Rider Brewery on Tower Avenue. People could bring their old baby clothes, toys, or big kid clothes to donate, and then pick out some new ones. Organizers hope it…

Retiring Carlton County Judge Macaulay Sent Off with Surprise Police Escort to Work

About 9 bikers and four police squad cars met him and escorted him to the Courthouse where more than 40 people welcomed him with cheers.

CARLTON, Minn.- One of the longest-serving judges in northeastern Minnesota Rob Macaulay of the Sixth District of Carlton County was given a special sendoff as he retired after more than 20 years at the bench Tuesday. Macaulay was surprised by his co-workers with a special police escort on his last morning bike ride into work. About 9 bikers and four…

Northland Hospitals Near Capacity as COVID Cases Surge, Vaccination Rate Lags

There were 273 new cases in the County last week, and St. Mary's Hospital saw the number of patients with severe COVID cases double over the past two weeks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local health leaders say the Delta Variant is beginning to overwhelm their systems just like last year. Now it’s being fueled by the amount of people in the region who refuse to get vaccinated, as healthcare workers begin to burn out — continuing to fight the virus for far longer than they anticipated last year. “We were moving…

Finland Businesses Take Care of Greenwood Fire Crews from Incident Command Post

Firefighters have been coming through the Finland Co-Op for daily essentials like snacks, clothes, and coffee they get for free.

FINLAND, Minn.- Other businesses in the small town of Finland have seen more firefighters coming through after the Eastern Area Incident Command Post moved there from Isabella while fighting the Greenwood Fire. The Finland Co-Op a staple of the community since the 1900s, has been there for the firefighters’ daily essentials like snacks, clothes, and coffee they give them free….

Greenwood Fire Now 37% Contained as Incident Command Post Works from Finland

The boots-on-the-ground operations crew remains in Isabella, burning tactical fires to eliminate potential fuel to keep the main fire boxed in.

FINLAND, Minn.- Fire crews hope to continue the momentum against the 26,000 acre Greenwood fire, now 37% contained as of Monday evening thanks to recent rainy weather, and now moving their Incident Command Post to Finland while operations remain in Isabella right near the blaze. “In terms of wildland fire, the goal is to be mobile, adaptable, resilient,” said Clark…

Duluth Police Struggling With Recruitment, Officer Shortage

The Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of being fully staffed. But up to 16 are set to retire in the next year totaling 30 retirees in the next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is among the labor forces experiencing a dry spell. The number of applications this year to date is at its lowest in 3 years, as they work to overcome the growing number of retirees and some negative feelings towards police officers statewide. Right now the Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of…

Actor Ed Asner, TV’s Blustery Lou Grant, Dies at 91

Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday to The Associated Press. He was 91.

Photo: AP/Matt Sayles, File LOS ANGELES (AP) – Actor Ed Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series and voice of Carl in Disney’s “Up,” has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday to The Associated Press. Asner was a journeyman actor in films and TV when he was hired…

Hurricane Ida Strikes Louisiana on 16-Year Anniversary of Katrina; New Orleans Hunkers Down

The Category 4 storm hit Sunday with winds of 150 mph (230 kph).

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Hurricane Ida has blasted ashore along the Louisiana coast as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the U.S., rushing toward New Orleans and one of the nation’s most important industrial corridors. The Category 4 storm hit Sunday with winds of 150 mph (230 kph). It was the same date Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana…

Weather Helps Keep Greenwood Fire 14% Contained, Evacuations Lifted for Slate Lake

A weather system Sunday afternoon is expected to bring lower humidity and potentially strong wind gusts.

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.- The Greenwood Fire continued to sit at 25,991 acres and 14% contained Sunday, with some evacuation orders lifted. Officials say dryer weather is in the forecast and drought conditions will continue. According to a spokesperson with the Superior National Forest, hand crews and heavy equipment operators took advantage of cool temperatures, high humidity, and light rain Saturday…

East Hillside Apartment Fire Damages Multiple Units, Displaces Tenant

Crews located and rescued a total of five cats in three different apartments

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Firefighters spent hours battling a fire at a multi-unit apartment building in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood late Saturday into early Sunday morning. According to a spokesperson with the Department, the call came in just after 10:30 p.m. of a structure fire at a nine-unit apartment building on the 1100 block of East 3rd Street. The reporting party…

Tribute Fest Wraps Up, Breaks Record for Advance Tickets Sold

The Duluth Vet Center was also on-site to help connect veterans to counseling and other services.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s weather took a break from the doom and gloom to give this year’s Tribute Fest at Bayfront Park a sunny sendoff. Organizers say upward of 2,000 tickets were sold in advance to the show, more than they’ve ever sold in previous years. Veterans and their families were allowed in and fed for free. All the money goes…

Lightning Damages Steeple of Hope City Church, Leaves Building Structurally Unsound

Due to the amount of debris and the building's structural concerns, streets will remained closed to vehicular traffic over Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A lightning strike damaged both a Duluth church and a nearby water main during thunderstorms Saturday night, and officials are monitoring the structure overnight. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, at approximately 7:45 p.m., crews responded to Hope City Church at 417 North 3rd Avenue East, after a recording party said that the church had…

Tornado Watch Issued for East-Central Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin

According to National Weather Service, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible.

DULUTH, Minn.- The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 4 p.m. Saturday for much of east-central Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. According to a post on their Facebook page, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Hail, national weather service,…

U.S. Drone Kills Member of Group Blamed in Kabul Bombing

A U.S. Central Command statement said a drone strike targeted an IS planner in the eastern province of Nangahar.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The United States military struck back at the Islamic State in Afghanistan on Saturday, acting on President Joe Biden’s vow to hit the extremists in retaliation for a suicide bombing claimed by IS that killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at Kabul airport Thursday. A U.S. Central Command statement said a drone…

Hundreds of Kids Get Free Backpacks, School Supplies to Start the Year

Donations were provided by local businesses, Duluth Police Department, UMD, and other sources.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more kids get ready to head back to school, Mike Letica teamed up with Neighborhood Youth Services to give away hundreds of backpacks and school supplies Friday for families who may have a tough time paying for them. Organizers filled about a thousand backpacks with supplies like crayons, notebooks, scissors, and more. Donations were provided by local…

Boys and Girls Club Youth Test Out Firefighting Skills

72 kids put their skills to the test with a chair climb, dragging a hose and dummy through the course, and other obstacles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland got to see first-hand what it takes to be a firefighter at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center today. For the Youth Firefighter Combat Challenge, 72 kids put their skills to the test with a chair climb, dragging a hose and dummy through the course, and other…

Sea Kayaking with UMD’s Recreational Sports Outdoor Program

Active Adventures: Tips for Staying Safe When Kayaking on the Big Lake

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s Arman Rahman straps on a life jacket and gives sea kayaking a try with UMD’s Recreational Sports Outdoor Program. Click here to register for a course today! Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment Tags: Active Adventures, Arman Rahman, lake superior, Local News, safety, sea kayaking, UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program

Greenwood Fire Won’t Be ‘Extinguished’ Until Snow Falls

The fire was estimated at 25,991 acres Thursday.

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.,- For those who thought the incoming rain would help fight the Greenwood wildfire, officials Thursday said it’ll be snow that likely provides the moisture needed to bring the almost 26,000-acre fire down. “And this’ll be a long-term incident, of course,” Incident Commander Brian Pisarek said. “Put this out as probably snowfall as what’s gonna extinguish it, in…

Minnesota Elks Give 200 Backpacks with School Supplies to Kids in Need

Each backpack contained about $70 worth of school supplies.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of kids in need got to start their school year worry-free, with free backpacks full of school supplies. The Minnesota Elks gave out 200 backpacks full of whatever their supply lists called for. It’s the 9th year the elks have done the back to school event, and they say the joy it brings to the kids brings…

Tribute Fest Kicks Off Return to Bayfront Park

All the money goes to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, or MACV.

DULUTH, Minn.- A weekend of live music from Johnny Cash to Metallica is back in the Northland as Tribute Fest kicked off today at Bayfront Park. The event is two years in the making after being called off last year due to the pandemic. Veterans and their families can enjoy the festival free of charge while tickets for other are…