News – Latest News

Attorneys: Rittenhouse Trial in November Could Take 2 Weeks

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Attorneys say the November trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois man accused of killing two people during a protest in Wisconsin last summer, could take up to two weeks. Rittenhouse’s attorneys and prosecutors confirmed with Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder during a status conference Friday that the trial will begin…

AG Ellison to Take Over Prosecution in Daunte Wright Shooting Death

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is taking over the prosecution of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter for the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, FOX 9 has confirmed. Ellison’s handling of the case will include a review of the criminal charges. There is no word yet if the charges will be enhanced to murder. Sources…

Midday Update 5-21-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 21, 2021

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

Jobs Recovery Slows, Yet Hiring Picks up in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s jobs agency is trying to direct unemployed individuals to businesses that are having difficulty filling positions. Each week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is calling thousands of Minnesotans who are out of work to help them with their job search and point them to businesses that are ramping up hiring as…

Four Structures Destroyed by Bezhik Wildfire Thursday

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – Superior National Forest officials say the Bezhik wildfire that has burned roughly 950 acres since Monday has now destroyed four structures. Officials say one cabin and three outbuildings were destroyed Thursday afternoon when the blaze exited the Wilderness near the Moose Loop Road. Clouds and rainy weather conditions helped keep fire activity to a minimum…

Morning Update 5-21-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 21, 2021

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

Rittenhouse Due to Make First in-Person Court Appearance

(Antioch Police Department via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois man accused of killing two people during a protest in Wisconsin over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, is expected to make his first in-person court appearance. Rittenhouse is set to appear at a status conference Friday morning in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Rittenhouse’s attorneys and prosecutors…

Gone Forever? Superior Police, Fire Chiefs Evolve Mask Policies For Departments

While Superior police officers will wear masks when wanted by the public, masks may be the future for Superior firefighters under certain circumstances.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s police and fire chiefs are thankful to see the faces again of their men and women in uniform. But masks aren’t completely leaving while on the job in the community, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The city of Superior and its employees are no longer mandated to wear a mask. But Mayor Jim Paine is…

Fishing Tournament Fighting For ALS Patients: “We don’t believe that enough progress has been made”

DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…

Duluth Candy Company to Reopen Under New Ownership

DULUTH, Minn-After closing their doors at the end of last year, Duluth Candy Company will be reopening soon under new ownership. There is no need to fear. The new owners have all the original recipes for the products that we love and they have been hard at work getting it all ready to become available when they open June 1st…

Fishing Tournament Fighting For Those With ALS: “We don’t believe that enough progress has been made”

DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…

Grandma’s Sports Garden Now ‘The Garden’ Wedding & Event Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially no more and has transformed into the business of love and fun. The venue’s Facebook page has changed to its new name — The Garden. The 20,000-square foot building is now a wedding and event center for all types of occasions big or small, including reunions, private parties and…

Lifeguards Returning to Park Point This Summer

DULUTH, Minn.-The city of Duluth and the YMCA are partnering up once again to bring lifeguards back to the Park Point Beach House after a reduced season last year. Lifeguards will return to duty Memorial Day weekend and continue on through Labor Day. They will be supported by $25,000 in funding from tourism tax funds. Last year, they had lifeguards…

New Bishop Ordained in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-A new Bishop has been ordained for the Duluth Catholic Diocese. Bishop Daniel Felton, who was formerly with the Diocese of Green Bay, has been named the 10th Bishop for Duluth. Leadership from the church say they are excited to have a bishop once again. “This day is really important, really joyful,” said Patrice Critchley-Menor, the social outreach director…

Saint Luke’s Honors EMS Workers

DULUTH, Minn-EMT’s are being celebrated throughout the Northland during EMS week including at Saint Luke’s. Typically, Saint Luke’s would hold a cook-out for the EMS workers, but due to covid, they had to do something different. So, they put together goody-bags filled with snacks and hand sanitizer to say thank you for all the hard work. “They go out in…

Gary Recreation Center Volunteers Thanked With Free Lunch

DULUTH, Minn.-Volunteers for the Gary New Duluth Recreation Center were thanked today during a free lunch for all they do to keep the site running. The event at Clyde Iron Works got more than 100 people together, who are helping build up the site which includes picnic areas, a sports court, and even a skateboard park which is currently under…

Israel, Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire to End Bloody 11-Day War

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas have announced a cease-fire to end a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced late Thursday that his Security Cabinet approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine to Give ‘State of the City’ Address Next Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine will deliver his ‘State of the City’ address next week. Paine is scheduled to address the Superior community at 7:00 p.m. next Thursday at the Earth Rider Brewery’s outdoor space. This will be Mayor Paine’s third State of the City address. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin

Republicans Reject Body Cameras for Wisconsin Capitol Police

  MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee have voted against buying body cameras for state Capitol police officers, rejecting a proposal from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The panel on Thursday voted 12-4, with all Republicans in support and Democrats against, to reject spending up to $100,000 over two years on between 35 to 50…

Wisconsin Republicans Reject Funding to Fight Homelessness

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans have voted to reject more than $70 million in funding to combat homelessness, a move that Democrats called a missed opportunity to address a problem that worsened due to the pandemic. Gov. Tony Evers had proposed spending around $73 million over two years on a variety of initiatives designed to help homeless people, including…

Bezhik Wildfire Exits BWCA Impacting Private Property

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service says the Bezhik wildfire has moved out of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness and is encroaching on private property in the area. The fire, which is believed to have been started on Sunday by a lightning strike, has burned roughly 950 acres. On Wednesday, the Superior National Forest ordered a Minnesota…

Midday Update 5-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist Encouraging Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations

According to St. Luke's, Demand for Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations Has Been High Since Approval was Given

DULUTH, Minn. – Although fewer children and teens have been infected with COVID-19, they can still become infected and also spread the virus to others. Local infectious disease experts with St. Luke’s are encouraging parents to bring their teens aged 12-15 in for the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at St Luke’s, says parents are coming in…

Masks No Longer Required in State Buildings Beginning June 1

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — New guidance from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration says people vaccinated for COVID-19 will no longer be required to wear masks in the state Capitol and most other state facilities beginning on June 1. The updated guidance for state government follows advice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that those who are fully vaccinated…

Chef Arlene Coco Shares Recipe for Refreshing Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad

Cooking Connection: Fresh Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad -- Great For Summer Meals!

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, regional cooking instructor, Chef Arlene Coco, shares a quick, easy recipe to toss together for a refreshing dinner this summer. Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice noodle Salad Rice sticks can be bought at most grocery stores these days. Mung bean thread noodles are also great, they are smaller and more translucent. Mung…

Morning Update 5-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Appeals Court Hears Case of 3 Ex-Cops Charged in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys for the state and for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd are making oral arguments Thursday before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Prosecutors will seek to add an additional charge of aiding and abetting third-degree murder to the case. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao are already charged with…

US Jobless Claims Decline to 444,000, a New Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to 444,000, a new pandemic low and a sign that the job market keeps strengthening as consumers spend freely again, viral infections drop and business restrictions ease. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that applications declined 34,000 from a revised 478,000 a week earlier. The number…

Standoff In Superior Ends Safely With Arrest

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A standoff situation in Superior ended peacefully with a felony arrest of a man. The call for help came in around 5 p.m. Wednesday for a disturbance at a residents on the 1600 block of Cumming Avenue. During the investigation, authorities learned a male suspect with several warrants for his arrest, including one for a felony charge,…

City of Duluth Employees Still Mandated to Wear Masks, City Hall’s Reopening Date Not Clear

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly a week since the city of Duluth said it would no longer enforce the citywide mask mandate following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement to do the same across the state. But that doesn’t mean Duluth city employees have been allowed to ditch their masks while on the job. Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman released a…

AICHO Recieves $500K Grant

DULUTH, Minn-The American Indian Community Housing Organization was recently the recipient of a $500k grant from the McKnight foundation. The award was given to them for all they’ve done helping different cultures across the community including supporting the artistic expressions from a variety of backgrounds. “I’m just really excited for what it means for representation, obviously if their funding an…

Pro-Palestine Demonstrators March Through Downtown Duluth Amid Middle East Violence

DULUTH, Minn. – Roughly 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators marched through downtown Duluth Wednesday to make their voices heart involving the bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. The Duluth march comes as Hamas officials are hoping for a ceasefire soon as world leaders dial up pressure on both sides to end the fighting. And what’s happening thousands of miles away is…

Duluth Fire Department Continues Training For Major Fires

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Fire Department is training this week with some of their largest hoses, making sure they are prepared if a massive fire breaks out. The 2.5-inch hose lines can deliver large volumes of water with up to 325 gallons a minute. Those training say it helps them learn about how they can become more efficient, including teaching the…

DTA Launches New App Which Includes Payment System

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Transit Authority has launched a new app which allows riders to purchase mobile fares anytime they want. As part of the project, 80 validation devices have been installed across DTA’s bus network. Passengers tap their phone when boarding, which scans their mobile passes and identifies the ticket as valid. “We took a look at what we can…

Music Community Saddened by Closure of Duluth Electric Fetus

Reactions Ring Online, Throughout Downtown District As Duluth Electric Fetus Announces Closure After 33 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The reaction is pouring in online, and through the downtown district of Duluth after Electric Fetus announced Tuesday the permanent closure of their Duluth location. Those with the local radio station, KUMD, say the closure deals a large blow to the local music scene in the Northland. They say not only did the business provide a wide…

VIDEO: Alpacas Get Sheared for Clothing at Local Farm

DULUTH, Minn.-This week has been a busy one at the Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm located along Maple Grove Road in Duluth, as dozens of Alpacas were sheared to be turned into clothing. For more, check out Fox 21 photojournalist Adam Jagunich’s story above. To find out more about Frosty Ridge Alpacas, click here. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Wisconsin Judge Jailed After Appearing on Child Porn Charges

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin juvenile court judge accused of possessing and distributing child pornography was taken into federal custody after making his initial appearance in court. The lawyer for Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Brett Blomme, charged in federal court with two counts of distributing child pornography, said in court Wednesday that Blomme decided on his own not to seek…

Gilbert Man Arrested, Charged for Exposing Himself to Children

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Police say a 27-year-old Gilbert man was arrested Monday after exposing his genitals to multiple children and hitting a woman on the buttocks as she mowed her lawn in Virginia. According to the criminal complaint, Logan Andrew Smitherman has been charged with fifth-degree non-consensual sexual contact and two charges of fifth-degree lewd exhibition with children under 16…

Duluth School Board Approves Sconiers Settlement Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Duluth School Board approved a settlement agreement with former Denfeld high school principal Tonya Sconiers. According to the settlement agreement, Sconiers will receive $329,000 in exchange for a release of all claims. Duluth Public Schools and its insurance company will pay $229,411.33 to Sconiers with the remaining $99,588.67 going to her attorneys. Additionally, the…

Midday Update 5-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Update: BWCA Wildfire Estimated at 950 Acres

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – Officials with the Superior National Forest say the wildfire burning at the BWCA is currently estimated to be between 920 to 950 acres in size Wednesday morning. Weather conditions have moderated the fire which officials say did come out of the BWCA and reached the southwest edge of the Moose Loop Forest Road. A Minnesota…

Minnesota Native, Actor Paul Cram Discusses Shooting New Movie on the North Shore

"Abroad" is a Bilingual Film Currently Being Shot Across Areas in Duluth and the North Shore

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lights, cameras, and action are filling communities along the North Shore as crews work to shoot a new movie called, “Abroad.” One actor starting in the film is Paul Cram. He’s a native of Wyoming, Minnesota, who has been traveling the nation working on movies. Cram says he’s thrilled to be performing back in his home…

Registration Now Open for Upcoming Humane Society of Douglas County Fundraiser

Kickin' It For Animals Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, July 17, 2021

SUPERIOR, Wis. – You have the chance to help support the Humane Society of Douglas County this summer. The shelter is hosting their first Kickin’ It for the Animals Golf Scramble & Foot Golf Tournament. Participants will enjoy a beautiful day on Saturday, July 17 on the green at Norwood Acres Golf Course in Lake Nebagamon. A 9-hole golf scramble…