News – Latest News

Son Charged With Death of His Father; Mother Still Missing

MADISON, Wis. – The son of a Wisconsin couple who went missing last week has been formally accused of killing his father and dismembering his body. Twenty-three-year-old Chandler Halderson, who was living with his parents in Windsor, is charged in Dane County Court with first-degree intentional homicide, hiding and mutilating a corpse, and providing false information on a kidnapping. Court…

Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to COVID Fraud

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States Attorney’s Office says a Duluth man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to “mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.” According to reports, between the months of April and August, 2020 34-year-old Jared John Fiege admitted to stealing the names, birth dates, and social security numbers of…

Midday Update 7-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Sam Gabrielli, superior, weather

Minnesota Gov. Walz to Ban Conversion Therapy, Bypassing Legislature

(FOX News) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will sign an executive order Thursday bypassing the state legislature and banning the controversial practice of “gay conversion therapy.” Walz is expected to sign the order alongside Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan on Thursday morning in defiance of the Republican-held state senate, which doesn’t support the move, according to local media. “Our kids deserve…

Britney Spears’ New Attorney Says Father Must Step Aside

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An attorney of Britney Spears’ choosing has been appointed to represent the pop star in her conservatorship after a hearing in which the singer tearfully spoke about the case’s impact on her life. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny on Wednesday approved Spears hiring former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart to represent her. His appointment was…

Morning Update 7-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Child Tax Credit: First Payments Go out July 15

WASHINGTON (FOX 9) – Starting this week, millions of American families can expect to receive the first round of payments from the new expanded child tax credit that was signed into law in March after the passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. As part of Biden’s relief bill, eligible families can receive as much as $3,600…

US Unemployment Claims Fall to 360,000, a New Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits has reached its lowest level since the pandemic struck last year, further evidence that the U.S. economy and job market are quickly rebounding from the pandemic recession. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims fell by 26,000 last week to 360,000. The weekly tally, a proxy…

Johnson & Johnson Recalling Sunscreens Due to Benzene Traces

(AP) – Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday that it is recalling five of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure. The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry…

Visit Duluth, DECC Among Finalists For City’s 2022 Destination Marketing Contract

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm since 1935, known as Visit Duluth, is a finalist for next year’s one-year contract, as Mayor Emily Larson looks to possibly go a different direction with a mission to “elevate the brand of Duluth,” according to the Request for Qualifications document put out by the city. The Mayor’s Office…

Swimmers Walk the Line Over Harvey’s Mausoleum

DULUTH, Minn.– Everyone’s looking for some new and exciting ways to stay cool during the summer in Duluth. A group of brave swimmers were walking that line in a pretty cool way just off the shore of Canal Park. The swimmers set up a slackline tied from the uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum, otherwise known as the crib off Lake Superior and…

Grand Rapids Business Owners Experiencing Positive Economic Rebound

Crowds are Coming in Droves to Many Locally Owned Businesses in the City of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Small business owners on the Iron Range are continuing to witness more customers coming back through their doors as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and more people become vaccinated. Staff at Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Grand Rapids are seeing droves of people coming in to purchase clothing, footwear, bait, and fishing gear. With the continued closure of…

Downtown Virginia Rebuilding After Structure Fire, Cause Still Unknown

Nine area fire departments and more than 30 first responders worked the fire.  

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The community of downtown Virginia is rebuilding after a fire destroyed multiple businesses there last Friday — the cause still unknown. According to Virginia Fire officials, the fire stated above the Rocks the Jewelers store on the 300 Block of Chestnut Street. Other businesses that suffered damages include a nearby bakery and florist. After the small town came…

DECC Ammonia Leak Highlights Building’s Aging Equipment

Duluth Fire officials said their brand new Hazmat 31 rig and its state-of-the-art tech was integral in their response.

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC’s public spaces were clear of ammonia and safe to enter Wednesday, after a major leak overnight. DECC officials say it’s the result of the convention center’s aging infrastructure that needs serious investment. “Went through the lion’s share of the building with a reader to see if any of the ammonia smell was around anymore and the…

Historic St. Louis County Jail Could Become Apartments

The building could be converted into 33 apartment units with a portion demolished for parking space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Historic Downtown Duluth building that has been empty for decades and once housed some of the Northland’s toughest criminals could soon serve a new purpose. The Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse on Second Street behind the courthouse was built back in 1923 and decommissioned in 1995. It has sat unused since. Now it could be converted into…

National Blood Shortage Continues

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to a national shortage Northland blood donation centers are facing a lack of inventory for local hospitals. Not only did the pandemic cause a decrease in blood donations but schools and colleges that are out for summer break have also taken a dip into the donor pool that blood centers rely on. “I think that what we’re…

Drought Conditions and Air Quality Worsens

DULUTH, Minn.- Wildfires and the lack of rain is causing drought and poor air quality here in the Northland. Normally, June is when Duluth gets most of its rainfall but this June was the third driest on record. “With the drought conditions that have happened, we’ve seen a rapid increase in our fire season,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Appeal to Minnesota Supreme Court

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Tribal and environmental groups opposed to Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline have asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision affirming the approvals of the project. The state Commerce Department, which was part of the earlier appeal, is not joining in the appeal this time. The legal move comes as protests continue along…

Big Top Chautauqua Announces Cancellation of Tanya Tucker Concert

(courtesy: Adkins Publicity) BAYFIELD, Wis. – On Wednesday, Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield announced the cancelation of the July 17th show with Tanya Tucker. In a recent press release, officials with the Big Top said Tanya Tucker’s representation issued the following statement this afternoon: “It is with regret that we have to cancel all shows for the remainder of July…

Audit Finds No Overpayments by Minnesota for COVID-19 Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Office of the Legislative Auditor says it found no evidence that the state of Minnesota overpaid two companies it hired to conduct COVID-19 saliva testing. Instead, the auditor’s report says, managed care organizations. acting on behalf of the state, scrutinized the claims submitted by the two companies, and paid just a fraction of the…

Canadian Wildfires Impact Air Quality in U.S.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — Burning wildfires in Canada are causing air quality issues in parts of the U.S., including Minnesota and North Dakota. The smoke is lingering closer to the ground, according to weather experts. “Sometimes it stays aloft, but in this particular case behind the front, the smoke is finding its way closer to the surface. That’s why we…

Midday Update 7-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Update: Harbor Drive Reopens Following DECC Ammonia Leak

DULUTH, Minn. – Harbor Drive has re-opened to vehicular traffic following an ammonia leak at the DECC that caused an evacuation of the building Tuesday night. According to city officials, the Minnesota Slip Bridge is also now re-opened to pedestrian traffic. DECC officials also say the majority of the DECC has reopened Wednesday morning as well. Duluth Fire crews remained…

Evers Directs $130 Million Toward Workforce Development

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers is directing $130 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to help address the state’s worker shortage problem and assist unemployed people searching for a job. The bulk of the money, $100 million, will go toward a workforce innovation program for the development of solutions to workforce challenges…

Lake Superior Zoo Hosting First-Ever ‘Backyard Bash’

The Backyard Bash is Happening Friday, July 30 at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer the call of the wild is calling you to the Lake Superior Zoo. On Friday, July 30, the Zoo is celebrating summer with an inaugural fundraising event. The Backyard Bash will include live music, yard games, free s’mores, and more. The staff invites you to bring your friends and family. There will be local food…

US Overdose Deaths Hit Record 93,000 in Pandemic Last Year

NEW YORK (AP) – Overdose deaths soared to a record 93,000 last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government estimate released Wednesday eclipses the 72,000 drug overdose deaths in 2019 and amounts to a 29% increase. Experts say lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions isolated those with drug addictions and made treatment harder to get. Prescription painkillers once…

Over 100 Minnesota Breweries, Cideries Prepare for All Pints North Brew Fest

All Pints North Brew Festival is Happening Saturday, July 31 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Good beer, beautiful sights, and fun sounds will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, July 31 for the annual All Pints North Brew Festival. After a cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100 Minnesota breweries and cideries are thrilled to be taking part in this year’s event. Organizers expect this year to…

Morning Update 7-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Penterman Wins Special Election for Wisconsin Assembly Seat

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican William Penterman is the apparent winner of a special election Tuesday to fill Wisconsin’s vacant 37th District Assembly seat. Unofficial results show Penterman received 3,742 votes. Democratic candidate Pete Adams received 3,063 votes and Independent Stephen Ratzlaff Jr. garnered 112 votes. Penterman, of Columbus, narrowly won the Republican primary by 16 votes. There were eight…

Condo Inspections Left to Property Owners in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some local building inspectors in Minnesota are fielding questions from residents worried about the safety of their condo buildings following the collapse of a tower in Surfside, Florida last month. In Minnesota, there is no state requirement for regular inspections of condo buildings. But, state officials say Minnesota doesn’t face the same risks as Florida and has…

‘Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job’ Fair at Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Center

DULUTH, Minn.– The Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation center hosted “Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job” Tuesday on Saint Louis Avenue of Park Point, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, which is a job fair to recruit new employees for the center. Healthcare professionals have predicted a “burnout period” for current workers in the industry who have been working hard through the…

‘Raise Our Standards Tour’ Held on Park Point with Community Resistance

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday evening on Park Point, The Center of the American Experiment held an event at the Lafayette Park Community Center, after being denied at four Duluth locations in one month because of pressure from some in the community. The is the 17th stop in Minnesota for the “Raise Our Standards Tour” focusing on the state’s draft social studies…

Majority Of Duluth’s Central High School Sold To Property Developer

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board approved the sale of Central High School to Saturday Central Heights, LLC on Tuesday for $7.4 million. During a special meeting, the board unanimously signed off of selling 52 or more acres to the developer. The school district has been trying to sell the property for the past 11 years after the school…

Man Charged For Shooting At Stabbing Suspect In Babbitt

BABBITT, Minn. — A Babbitt man has been charged with three felonies after he was accused of shooting at a stabbing suspect last Saturday. 38-year-old Joel Earl Vandervest had a court appearance on Tuesday morning for second-degree assault, intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety, and reckless discharge of a firearm. According to the criminal complaint, he shot at…

Suspect Charged, New Details Revealed In Superior Drive-By Shooting

Surveillance images of Raeqwon Hawkins released by Superior Police Department before the arrest. SUPERIOR, Wis. – We’re learning more about what all went down involving a June drive-by shooting in downtown Superior. Raeqwon Jay Hawkins Raeqwon Jay Hawkins, 24, of Superior is now charged as being the shooter in the drive-by. The crime happened around 10:40 p.m. June 17 in…

Maritime Visitor Center’s Lake Superior Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- The Maritime Visitor Center is celebrating “Lake Superior Day” all weekend long, starting this Friday. The center is teaming up with local experts for a lineup of family-friendly activities. Friday and Saturday’s events are followed by a book reading of Sunken: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior by Kathy Groth. “We’re excited about hosting this and about seeing the crowds…

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Come to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan among other community leaders are celebrating new educational investments in Minnesota’s COVID recovery budget. The historic investments are designed to help schools and students across the state get back on track post pandemic. Minnesota’s COVID-19 budget includes $1.2 billion to be put towards education over the next four years. “Schools are the…