News – Latest News

Spirit Mountain Expected to Turn Profit for 2020-21 Season

DULUTH, Minn.– Spirit Mountain is expected to post a profit from its most recent season after fighting through both the pandemic and its financial struggles. The reports from the last season show a steady increase in revenue from the year before. Management at Spirit Mountain says they were expecting to see a 15 percent decline in business, they actually made…

Community Action’s Mobile Market Makes Stop in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.– Community Actions Duluth’s Mobile Market made a stop at the Lincoln Park Community Center Wednesday afternoon. The market brought more than a dozen crates of fresh produce, dairy products and other pantry staples to help bring food to places where getting to a grocery store can be difficult. “We, with a handful of community partners, decided to get…

UMD Seeks Funds to Modernize Science Building

DULUTH, Minn.-Plans are now in the works to modernize UMD’s 70-year-old science building. The college is now asking the state to kick in $1.6 million with the university dedicating $800,000 for the project, to create a design for how it can be modernized. Then the college would need additional funds to actually create that design for the building, which isn’t…

Denfeld Student Picked to be Freedom Writer

DULUTH, Minn.- A Denfeld High School junior has been selected to be one of 50 student authors for the next book published on behalf of the Freedom Writers. Chales Mims has been selected to work with the famous group, focused on getting young people to be catalysts for change through a variety of routes including writing. Mims says she will…

Minnesota Point Beach Nourishment Project Moves Forward

A Survey of the Project will Begin by Early May With Cleanup Finished by Sept., 2021

DULUTH, Minn.-Earlier today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency gave an update on this year’s dredging project on Park Point. They talked about the risks involved with placing man made materials on Park Point after metal shards were found along the beach from a previous dredging. The MPCA says it is making sure this…

Duluth Police Unit Assists in Community Cleanup

DULUTH, Minn-Members of DPD’s Community Oriented Policing Unit were out cleaning up property near Duluth Gospel Tabernacle this morning. During spring as the snow melts, the unit is made aware of city property that needs extra attention due to garbage building up.  Each of the past eight years, they have picked a few different sites around Duluth to bring out…

Duluth East Student Charged In Ammunition Scare

DULUTH, Minn. – The student accused of bringing ammunition to Duluth East High School and forcing a lockdown there is now charged with a felony. The 16-year-old boy, who authorities previously said was 17 in error, was in the Arrowhead Juvenile Center Wednesday charged with “possession of ammunition by a minor,” according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. Rubin…

Minnesota Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency for 13th Time

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials extended the peacetime emergency for another 30 days on Wednesday in order to boost the state’s response to more infectious variants of the COVID-19 virus, a factor that has led to a recent surge in cases. The five Democratic statewide officials who make up the Minnesota Executive Council voted…

City to Postpone Vehicle Access to Skyline Parkway

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced on Wednesday that due to an influx in rain this past week it is postponing vehicular access to certain sections of Skyline Parkway until May 31. The affected sections include: East Skyline Parkway to Maxwell Road intersection Maxwell Road from Oak Street to the intersection of Seven Bridges Road Seven Bridges Road…

Former Minnesota Cop Charged In Shooting Of Black Motorist

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP/Fox 9) — A Minnesota prosecutor has charged a white former suburban Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot 20-year-old Black motorist Daunte Wright with second-degree manslaughter. Potter was arrested by agents with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 11:30 a.m. CT at BCA headquarters in St. Paul. She will be booked into the Hennepin County Jail in…

Wisconsin Senate Approves Republican Election Changes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Senate moved Wednesday to change state elections based largely on false claims that the November election was tainted, passing bills that would make interfering with election observers a crime and barring polling officials from accepting private grants to aid with administration. The chamber passed bills Wednesday that would allow the state…

Midday Update 4-14-21

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

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

Minnesota Cop Will Be Charged In Shooting Of Black Motorist

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota prosecutor says he will charge a white former suburban Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot 20-year-old Black motorist Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said Wednesday that Kim Potter will be charged with second-degree manslaughter. Orput’s announcement comes a day after Potter resigned from the Brooklyn Center Police…

Judge Refuses Request to Acquit Chauvin in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The judge in Derek Chauvin’s murder trial has denied a defense motion to acquit the former police officer in George Floyd’s death. Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson argued Wednesday that prosecutors did not prove that Chauvin’s actions killed Floyd. The request comes a day after a use-of-force expert said Chauvin was justified in pinning Floyd to the ground…

Tips to Avoid Catastrophe During National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Dogs Need Help Overcoming the Effects of the Past Year of Social Isolation, Added Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, April 11-17, is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and this year there are more reasons than ever to learn about preventing dog bites. From high-profile “nipping incidents” in the news, to the realization that there may be millions of dogs and puppies in new homes since the beginning of the pandemic. Over the past thirteen…

One Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash in Grand Lake Township

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities say a woman died in a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday night near Canosia Road on Highway 53. The crash occurred around 11:39 p.m. when the car the 57-year-old woman was driving continued straight on a curve in the road and landed approximately 175 feet from the corner. Authorities believe speed and alcohol were possible…

Morning Update 4-14-21

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

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

Wisconsin Supreme Court Says Governor Can’t Limit Capacity

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Tony Evers’ administration does not have the authority to issue capacity limits on bars, restaurants, and other businesses without approval of the Legislature, a ruling that comes two weeks after the Conservative-controlled court struck down the state’s mask mandate. BREAKING: Wisconsin…

AP Source: Ponzi Schemer Bernie Madoff Dies in Prison

NEW YORK (AP) — Bernie Madoff, the financier who pleaded guilty to orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history, has died in prison. A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that Madoff died early Wednesday at the federal medical center in Butner, North Carolina, apparently of natural causes. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and…

Human Rights Commission Speaks Out ‘In Light of Continued Police Violence’ Ahead of Listening Session

That listening session will take place via zoom Wednesday at 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth’s Human Rights Commission hosted press conference Tuesday in light of recent instances of fatal police interactions with people of color. “We are here to say that Daunte Wright didn’t deserve to die,” said Bettina Keppers, Chair of the Commission. The Commission says the intent of the press conference was to acknowledge systemic violence, invite…

Duluth East Student In Custody After Ammunition Found in Locker, 90-Minute Lockdown

Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday morning after a loaded magazine with 9 mm ammunition was discovered in a student's locker.

DULUTH, Minn.- Authorities said the situation at Duluth East High School is safe and the lockdown has been lifted after ammunition was found Tuesday morning in a student’s locker. “I was scared because most of my friends are in that building right now and I don’t know how they’re doing,” Junior Katie Higgins said. Duluth East went into lockdown Tuesday…

Demolition Continues At Future Site Of ‘Lincoln Park Flats’

DULUTH, Minn. – A block of West Superior Street is missing a longtime building in the Lincoln Park neighborhood as demolition continues for a new housing development there. Excavators continued to clear away what’s left of the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building Tuesday. The now wide open space will be replaced with a new four-story apartment building called the Lincoln…

Duluth’s Sustainability Officer Ready To Tackle City Council’s ‘Climate Emergency’ Declaration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s sustainability officer, Mindy Granley, is applauding the city council’s declaration of a “climate emergency” and says she’s ready to take Duluth to the next level to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city. Granley says the city will be creating an initial five-year “climate action plan,” which will be presented to the council by the…

Busy Barker’s Island Marina Helps Anglers, Boaters Prepare for Summer Season

Barker's Island Marina is Seeing an Influx of Business as Boaters Prepare to Hit the Water

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Minnesota fishing opener casts off on Saturday, May 15th this year, with the Wisconsin opener on May 1st. Aside from inland fishing, owners of big boats are also preparing for the warmer months ahead, and a new season on the big lake. Currently, the environment at Barker’s Island Marina is filled with excitement as the weather…

Patrons Now Welcome at the Two Duluth Public Library Branches

DULUTH, Minn-The Mount Royal and West Duluth Branches of the Duluth Public Library are now open to the public since closing down when the pandemic began. While the main downtown library continues to only offer curbside services, about 150 people took advantage of the open doors at the Mount Royal Branch already this week. Masking up, limited capacity, and social…

Wisconsin Suspends Johnson & Johnson Shots

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials told vaccinators on Tuesday to suspend the use of the Johnson & Johnson shot amid fears the shots may cause blood clots. The Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday recommended vaccinators pause the shots while they investigate whether the Johnson & Johnson shots are causing unusual clots….

UPDATE: Duluth East High School Lockdown Lifted

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before 1:00 p.m. the lockdown at Duluth East High School has been lifted and they are continuing with the school day. DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East high school went into lockdown Tuesday morning after school staff found ammunition in a student’s locker. According to Duluth Superintendent John Magas, police were contacted around 11:30 a.m. and the…

Minnesota Police Chief, Cop Quit After Black Driver’s Death

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — A white Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a Black man during a traffic stop in a Minneapolis suburb, and the city’s chief of police resigned Tuesday. Officer Kim Potter and Police Chief Tim Gannon both resigned two days after the death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center. Potter was a 26-year veteran. She…

Duluth East in Lockdown After Ammunition Found in Student’s Locker

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East high school went into lockdown Tuesday morning after school staff found ammunition in a student’s locker. According to Duluth Superintendent John Magas, police were contacted around 11:30 a.m. and the student was taken into custody. The school and students are safe, however, the school is remaining in lockdown to allow for an investigation to be…

Midday Update 4-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Asks Providers to Pause Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, Follow Federal Recommendation

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials are advising health care providers to follow the federal recommendation to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while federal agencies investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots. Gov. Tim Walz and Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm have scheduled an 11 a.m. news conference at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the site of the state’s…

Pressure Builds to Fire Minnesota Officer Who Killed Wright

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — The pressure built Tuesday to fire the suburban Minneapolis police officer who killed a 20-year-old Black man during an altercation after a traffic stop, a shooting authorities said was a tragic mistake but that family members of Daunte Wright and others pointed to as yet the latest example of a broken criminal justice system. Brooklyn…

Defense Begins Case Against Ex-Cop in George Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The defense began its case Tuesday at the murder trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin, seizing on a 2019 confrontation between police and George Floyd in which Floyd suffered dangerously high blood pressure and confessed to heavy use of opioid painkillers. Chauvin lawyer Eric Nelson has argued that the now-fired white officer did what he was trained to…

Essentia, St. Lukes, Douglas County Public Health Department Halt the Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health, St. Luke’s, as well as the Douglas County Public Health Department have all announced Tuesday they will be halting the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The organizations made the decision following a recommendation from the CDC and the United States Food and Drug Administration while they review six reported cases of severe…

Duluth Denfeld, East Plan for In-Person Graduation Ceremonies

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials at Denfeld and Duluth East say they are planning in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021. Both schools are considering multiple options to accommodate for COVID-19 safety concerns. “Our principals and school staff are working hard to ensure graduation ceremonies are safe and meaningful,” said John Magas, ISD 709 Superintendent. “We ask everyone in our…

Morning Update 4-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

US Recommends ‘Pause’ for J&J Vaccine Over Clot Reports

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in the administration of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots. In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in…

Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, Eating Disorders in Young People Rise During Pandemic

Experts say a variety of stressors like an increase in depression, fear of weight gain and outside factors like job loss and food insecurity are to blame.

DULUTH, Minn.- Researchers with the University Of Minnesota Medical School says they have discovered a rise in unhealthy eating behaviors and eating disorders among young adults during the pandemic. Up to 53% of young people transitioning out of high school experienced one or more unhealthy eating or weight control behaviors.  These ranged from binge eating or skipping meals to self-induced…

UMD Students Push for Change After Professors Resign Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Olson and other fellow students decided to start the group: Students for Equity and Accountability in STEM at UMD, or “UMD SEA STEM.”

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students are speaking out after the second professor in three years resigns from her position claiming she experienced sexual harassment and discrimination in her department. While an investigation was conducted two years ago, students say it was not enough and are demanding the administration take more action. Now Dean Wendy Reed has agreed to meet with the…

Incoming CHUM Executive Director Talks Goals, Priorities Ahead of New Role

John Cole Will Begin His Job at CHUM Effective June 1, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – John Cole, the incoming executive director of CHUM, is preparing to take the reins on June 1, 2021. Cole currently serves as the interim director at Align in Minneapolis. The organization is similar to CHUM. He looks forward to making the move to Duluth and working with outgoing director Lee Stuart before fully transitioning into the role….

Spring Cleaning Made Easy at New Tommy’s Express Car Wash

Tommy's Express Car Wash Opened a Duluth Location in Late March

DULUTH, Minn. – When spring weather arrives, you’re guaranteed two things in the Northland — construction season and long lines at the car wash. Now one new business in Duluth is putting forth a dedicated team of deep cleaners who have a passion for saving you time and making your vehicle shine. “The flight deck is what we call it,”…

Kim Potter Identified As Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright In Brooklyn Center

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – The police officer who shot and killed 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center Sunday afternoon was identified as Kim Potter by the Minnesota BCA Monday night. In a release, the BCA said Potter has been with the Brooklyn Center Police Department for 26 years. She has been placed under standard administrative leave. Bodycam footage released Monday showed the moments…

Phase 4 of Superior Street Construction Begins

DULUTH, Minn.-The final phase of the Superior Street reconstruction project began today. Phase 4 of Superior Street reconstruction will be done in two parts, which include finishing vault work and installing concrete roadways, sidewalks, and amenities. This includes work between 1st and 3rd Avenues West, where temporary asphalt was laid down last year for the winter. That will start Monday…

New COVID Vaccination Site Opens in Eveleth

EVELETH, Minn.- A new vaccination clinic has opened on the Iron Range. Scenic Rivers Health Services opened their vaccination site about two weeks ago in Eveleth. The goal of the clinic is to serve the underprivileged and uninsured, but they say the vaccination clinic is open to everyone. They’ve even seen people come as far away as Minneapolis to get…