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Twin Ports Interchange Project Meetings Coming Up

Meetings are October 31, one is virtual at 12:15 p.m. and the other is in person at 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Another summer has gone by, and so has another construction season. The massive traffic project in the Twin Ports continues to move along. The Interchange Project has been a major challenge for the driving public. Miles of new bridges, over-passes, and traffic lanes are being constructed. There will be two chances for the public to learn the…

Test Scores Show Historic COVID Setbacks For Kids Across US

WASHINGTON (AP) — The COVID-19 pandemic spared no state or region as it caused historic learning setbacks for America’s children, erasing decades of academic progress and widening racial disparities, according to results of a national test that provide the sharpest look yet at the scale of the crisis. Across the country, math scores saw their largest decreases ever. Reading scores…

Biden’s Midterm ‘Closing Argument’: Look At The Alternative

WASHINGTON (AP) — With Republicans increasingly confident about victory in this year’s midterm elections, President Joe Biden dismissed the polls in a speech at Democratic Party headquarters Monday, saying there’s still time for “one more shift” that will help his party. “If we get people out to vote, we win,” Biden said to scores of Democratic organizers who cheered and…

George Floyd’s Murder: Kueng Pleads Guilty; Thao Will Have ‘Stipulated Evidence’ Trial

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – One of the final two former Minneapolis police officers facing state charges in the murder of George Floyd has pleaded guilty. J. Alexander Kueng pleaded guilty Monday morning to aiding and abetting manslaughter – the day his and co-defendant Tou Thao’s trial was set to begin with jury selection. Both Kueng and Thao were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and…

UPDATE: Man Sentenced After Allegedly Driving Denfeld Boys Basketball Team Drunk

UPDATE (October 24, 12:50 p.m.) — A 48-year-old bus driver has been sentenced after allegedly driving the Denfeld Boys Basketball team while drunk in December. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, Shawn Edward Zelazny pleaded guilty to Second Degree DWI on Monday. He was sentenced to two years supervised probation and 60 days in custody in which he will…

Michigan Teen Pleads Guilty To Killing 4 In School Shooting

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — A teenager pleaded guilty Monday to terrorism and first-degree murder in a Michigan school shooting that killed four students and put an extraordinary focus on the boy’s home life and the alleged role of his parents in the tragedy. Ethan Crumbley, 16, pleaded guilty to all 24 charges, nearly a year after the attack at Oxford High School…

Teen Alerts Family To House Fire Likely Started By Grill In Gary-New Duluth

GARY-NEW DULUTH, Minn. — A home in Gary-New Duluth was incinerated by a fire early Sunday morning, but everyone got out safely thanks to one teen who spotted the danger. Firefighters were called out to the fire at a house on the 1500-block of 101st Avenue West just after 12:30 a.m. Two adults and two teenagers were able to escape…

North Minneapolis Church Buys Gas Station After Having Fill Of Drugs, Crime Next Door

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – As state and local leaders fight crime at the troubled Merwyn’s and Winner gas station on West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis, another problem gas station on the same street is getting help from a different source. Now the Marathon gas station will soon have a new owner: Real Believers Faith Center, a church located next door. “Me and my wife are elated….

Superior Fire Department Hosts Open House at Newest Fire Station

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–After three years of it being open, the newest fire station in Superior held it’s open house earlier today. After being completed in 2019, the Superior Fire Department postponed it’s open house for it’s new headquarters until now. People were able to stop by and check out all the current and historic firetrucks while getting a complete tour of…

The Beargrease Fur-K Brought Dog Owners Out to the Trails

The races took place at Snowflake Nordic Ski Center.

DULUTH, Minn.–People and their dogs had the chance today to enjoy the outdoors and run alongside each other for a Fur-K. The Beargrease Fur-K event is the biggest fundraiser for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon that happens in the end of January. But with no snow on the ground yet, both mushers and dogs ran together for a 5k…

Volunteers Joined The Lake Superior Rose Society in Tipping Roses For the Winter

The rose tipping took place at Leif Erikson park.

DULUTH, Minn.–In a garden with over 2,000 roses, questions arise from how so many rose plants survive the winter. The Lake Superior Rose Society works vigorously to ensure that the historic Duluth Rose Garden stays in bloom for next spring. First, the roses are cut down and bundled with biodegradable rope. Second, a hole is dug right next to the…

Pumpkin Palooza Hosted Families at Harrison Park

This event was put on by the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department.

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department hosted a fun fall event today out in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Over in Harrison Park, the kiddos had the chance to get some free pumpkins and listen to some fall themed stories for this year’s Pumpkin Palooza. 100 pumpkins were donated from Whole Foods Co-op. Those who attended were able to carve…

Update: UMD Teamsters Workers Reach Tentative Deal Before Planned Strike

(10/22/22) Update:  University of Minnesota workers with Teamsters Local 320 have reached a tentative deal, which avoids a strike planned for next week, according to the union. The three-year agreement was made early Saturday morning at the negotiating table. “Next week’s strike has been called off, and the agreement will be voted on by the membership. More details will be…

St. Louis Co. Plow Drivers Among Teamsters Workers Moving Closer To Strike

Teamster Local 320 represents 165 county public works employees.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County Public Works employees with Teamsters Local 320 are not seeing eye-to-eye with the county involving a new three-year contract, and that means a strike could happen again in the heart of the upcoming winter plowing season. “As it stands right now, we’re poised to if we have to hit the streets again in January….

Plans in the Works for Former Bagley Building Downtown

DULUTH, Minn.–The new owner of the former Bagley Jewelry building in downtown Duluth gave us a tour today of the historic property and an update on what’s moving inside. Maria McKechnie is the new owner of the building. She’ll be moving her current business, Northland Special Events, inside of the Bagley Building after housing her business across the street for…

Family Owned Farm Transitions from Flowers to Holiday Wreaths

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–Although summer gardening is over Duluth Flower Farm staff are busy transitioning to their fall and winter seasons. The owners of Duluth Flower Farm spend this time of the year getting ready for a busy holiday wreath rush. In the fall they go by Balsam Wreath and take tree branches and turn them into spectacular arrangements. They’re busy putting…

UPDATE: Hibbing PD Investigating Woman Removing Flyer From Mailbox, Woman Confessed

UPDATE (October 21, 12:10 p.m.) — The Hibbing woman who was caught on video putting a flyer into a mailbox and taking another one out, has confessed. Hibbing Police learned that the 61-year-old woman was volunteering to distribute campaign materials. A member from the specific campaign called her after watching the footage and she admitted to taking the pamphlet from…

Annual Tipping Of The Roses, Volunteers Wanted

The event is at the Rose Garden in Leif Erickson Park, Saturday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

DULUTH, Minn. — Well, if you’ve ever wondered what happens to the beautiful red flowers at the Rose Garden in Leif Erickson Park during winter, you are in luck. Saturday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon the public is invited to help out in the Annual Tipping of the Roses. Experts will be on hand to teach volunteers the…

Minnesota GOP Secretary Of State Hopeful Seeks Tighter Rules

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature should mandate that the secretary of state’s office proofread every county’s ballots before they’re mailed out, Republican challenger Kim Crockett said Thursday as she decried ballot printing errors in four counties. Crockett acknowledged that state law does not require the secretary of state’s office to review the ballots of each precinct across…

LSVOTF: Virginia Man Arrested After Having Many Drugs And Almost $100k In Apartment

VIRGINIA, Minn. — 22-year-old Tyler Lawrence was arrested after an investigation found many illicit drugs, firearms, and almost $100,000 in cash at his apartment in Virginia. The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (LSVOTF) assisted with the arrest after executing a search warrant on the 100 block of 7th Street South Tuesday. Items found included 26 pounds of marijuana, 12…

NSSR’s Annual Pumpkin Train is in Town

You can hop on the train anytime through October 20-23

DULUTH, Minn.–Like pumpkins? Like trains even more? Well you’re in luck, because the Pumpkin Train is finally in town. The North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR) offers the Pumpkin Train every fall. It brings passengers to a pumpkin patch to pick the perfect gourd to take home with them. After about 90 minutes, passengers will return to the train depot and…

Duluth Police Dept.: School Resource Officers Are Coaches, Mentors, Social Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Whether it’s building relationships with students, attending community events or after-school programs, the Duluth Police Department says that’s the majority of its focus for school resource officers. The Duluth City Council and Duluth School board recently approved a one-year contract for officers at Denfeld and East high schools, and Ordean and Lincoln Park middle schools. While safety…

Sharps Materials Waste Bin In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department wants to remind anyone who has used or found biohazardous waste, such as syringes to properly dispose of the objects in the correct bins. In an effort to cut down on biohazardous waste materials, a sharps waste bin has been placed in Downtown Duluth, outside of the RAAN Building. RAAN says they have…

The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland Receives $15,000 Grant From the AT&T Foundation

DULUTH, MN – Several children in our community and across the country suffer from a lack of technology and internet at home which has caused them to fall behind in their education.  Recognizing the need for additional resources here in Duluth, the AT&T Foundation rewarded the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland with a $15,000 grant.  Getting students the…

Minnesota Fire Chiefs Gather At The DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Many of those who often put their lives at risk for us every day, are gathering in Duluth for the next few days. The Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association is using the time to share knowledge, solve challenges facing their departments, and learn about some of the new technology in fighting fires. Almost 550 chiefs and firefighters are…

Lights On Afterschool Day Celebration At Lester Park Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday is National Lights On Afterschool Day. Schools throughout the region are taking advantage of MEA weekend to connect outside of the classroom. Since schools weren’t in session Thursday, K.E.Y. Zone staff held a fall fest for its students at Lester Park Elementary celebrating fall and a reason to get together even when school is out of…

LSVOTF Helps Arrest 62-Year-Old Drug Dealer, Finding 88 Grams Of Meth

The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force and K9 Maverick responded to the scene.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force helped arrest a known meth dealer earlier Thursday. A Duluth Police Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle that is owned by a 62-year-old Silver Bay resident. The car was located on Commonwealth Avenue near the Morgan Park Neighborhood. A task force investigator and K9 Maverick arrived on the scene and…

Pentagon To Provide Funds, Help For Troops Seeking Abortions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek abortions but are based in states where they are now illegal, according to a new department policy released Thursday. The military will also increase privacy protections for those seeking care. The order issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and…

Social Security Now Allows Individuals To Self-Select Gender

WASHINGTON (AP) — Individuals will be allowed to make sure that their records with the Social Security Administration align with their gender identity under a plan announced Wednesday. The action, which is part of the agency’s “Equity Action Plan,” follows through on a March announcement to do so by the agency’s acting commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi. Kijakazi said the move is…

Coffee Conversation: Local Singer-Songwriter Preston Gunderson Previews New Album

DULUTH, Minn. — Preston Gunderson came by the morning show to play a few tunes and talk about his new album “Fall.” Gunderson has an album release show coming up Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and he’ll be on at 8:30 p.m. at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis. His appearances include being on The Voice and American Idol. Watch…

Taste At Fitger’s Event Postponed Until Spring Of 2023

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Fitger’s biggest fundraising events this fall has been postponed. It’s the Taste at Fitger’s event where Duluthians are invited to sample all types of local food at booths throughout the Fitger’s complex. Funds gathered through the ticket sales goes to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The annual event was supposed to happen October 28….

Gov. Walz, Dr. Jensen Debate Ahead Of Governer’s Race

ROCHESTER, Minn. — DFL Governor Tim Walz and Republican candidate Dr. Scott Jensen went head-to-head in the Minnesota Governor’s debate. It was 60 minutes of back and forth sparring and being that we’re 3 weeks from Election Day. This was their first and only televised debate and tensions were running high. Hosted by KTTC Gray Television and held in Rochester,…

Lake Superior Art Glass Halloween Events

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Art Glass is celebrating the Halloween season with several festive events. At the shop in Canal Park, they are offering ‘Design Your Own Pumpkin’ and on October 29th will be putting on the third annual Great Pumpkin Hunt. 10 custom glass pumpkins will be placed around the city in historic places and clues will be…

Duluth Traverse Completed Additions

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth and Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, also known as COGGS, held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of multiple segments of the Duluth Traverse. The Duluth Traverse is a multi-use biking and hiking trail that runs the full length of the city from Lester Park to Chambers Grove Park. A vision for…

Mascot Bruce’s Head Stolen From Black Woods Restaurant; ‘He’s Been Kind Of An Icon For Us’

Bruce has been greeting guests at the London Road location since it opened in 1997.

DULUTH, Minn. — Halloween is just around the corner, but tricks are already happening — and not in a fun way for the staff and customers at Black Woods in Duluth. The restaurant’s beloved mascot has been beheaded. His name is Bruce, and he’s been in the lobby of Black Woods on London Road for the past 25 years when…

Mesabi Metallics Says Its Paid Late Taxes To Nashwauk And Itasca County

NASHWAUK, Minn. — Mesabi Metallics says it’s paid off its tax debt to Itasca County and the city of Nashwauk. The company says it also paid the penalties for the overdue taxes and paid its property taxes due this month “in advance.” In July, city and county leaders held a news conference airing their frustrations that they had to publicly…

COVID-19 Linked To Increase In US Pregnancy-Related Deaths

WASHINGTON (AP) — COVID-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the U.S. last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims, according to a report released Wednesday. The report lays out grim trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies. It finds that…