News – Latest News

Water Certification Denied for Line 3; Re-Filing Expected

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota pollution regulators have denied a water quality certification for Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 3 upgrade, but it may be a short-lived victory for opponents of the project. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced the denial Friday. The agency said the move was necessary because the state Court of Appeals had ruled in June that…

UPDATE: Charges Filed Against Suspects in Fatal West Duluth Shooting

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – Today, police arrested a third person in connection to the fatal West Duluth shooting. Police announced Friday afternoon that they have arrested a 29-year-old female on charges of Aiding An Offender. Formal charges are pending. DULUTH, Minn. – Two male suspects arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Timothy  Nelson in West Duluth have…

US Investigation of Vaping-Related Illnesses Focuses on THC

NEW YORK (AP) – Health officials say their investigation into a recent outbreak of severe vaping-related illnesses is increasingly focused on products that contain THC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday most people who got sick vaped THC, the ingredient that produces a high in marijuana. A new study published by CDC found two-thirds who got sick…

Just Be-Leaf in Yourself, Hike Through Fall Colors

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Fall Foliage Popping At Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. — Jay Cooke State Park is popping with color this time of year. This state park protects the lower reaches of the St. Louis River and is located about 10 miles southwest of Duluth. It’s one of the ten most visited state parks in Minnesota, with the western half of the park containing part of a rocky, 13-mile…

Midday Update 9-27-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 27, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 27, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Warrant Issued for Suspect in Synagogue Fire

Amiot Pleaded Guilty on Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – A warrant has been issued for the homeless man that admitted to starting the Adas Israel Synagogue fire earlier this month. According to St. Louis County court officials, 36-year-old Matthew Amiot failed to attend a probation meeting and did not report to CHUM as he was supposed to. The warrant was authorized on Thursday, according to the…

Walk for Wishes Sunday at Bagley Nature Area in Duluth

The Annual Walk for Wishes is Happening Sunday, September 29 at Bagley Nature

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2019 Walk for Wishes Duluth is happening Sunday, September 29 at Bagley Nature Area on the campus of UMD. Walk For Wishes is a spirited event that gives participants the choice to participate in either the 2.5K trail walk or 5K run. The event is powered by wish families, volunteers, donors, and friends. Throughout the event,…

Morning Update 9-27-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 27, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 27, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Nissan Recalls 1.3M Vehicles to Fix Backup Camera Display

Dealers Will Update at no Cost Starting October 21

DETROIT (AP) – Nissan is recalling 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S., Canada and other countries to fix a problem with backup camera displays. The recall covers most of the Nissan and Infiniti model lineups from the 2018 and 2019 model years. The company says in government documents posted Tuesday that owners can adjust the camera displays so the image…

Court Says RJ Reynolds Tobacco Owes Minnesota Millions

Reynolds is Required to Continue Making Payments

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota court says R.J. Reynolds Tobacco has wrongfully failed to pay the state millions of dollars it owes under Minnesota’s landmark 1998 settlement with the tobacco industry. The attorney general’s office says the court will enter a judgment in the coming months for the amount that Reynolds owes. Attorney General Keith Ellison said late…

UWS Opens Fall Faculty Art Exhibit

5 faculty artists have their art on display at UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Faculty at US-Superior celebrated the opening of their Fall art exhibit Thursday. The seasonal display showcases 5 faculty artists’ work. Gloria Eslinger is one of the exhibit’s featured artists. Her stained glass mosaic pieces represent the journey a person has through life. “As artists, it’s important for us to keep up our skills and to continually work within our…

Salvation Army Merges Their Youth Basketball Programs

The RBA and DAYBA join forces for the first time in 30 years.

DULUTH, Minn.- Good news for the future Shaq’s, Lebron’s and Michael Jordan’s out there… The salvation army is merging their youth basketball teams for kids to play in one giant winter league. For 30 years, kids K-4th grade and kids 5-8th grade were separated into different leagues. The salvation army wanted to combine the two leagues in hopes of encouraging kids…

The 148th Fighter Wing Gets National Recognition

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 1,000 members make up the 148th Fighter Wing. Thanks to their teamwork and dedication the members are being honored with two special military awards. Many of them say it is a huge honor to be recognized. The 148th was awarded with the 2019 Spaatz trophy from the National Guard Association of the United States. The award…

MN Safety Council Hosts Annual Safety Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Safety Council hosted their Northern Regional Safety Day at the DECC to help safety professionals gain insight on the latest issues connected with workplace issues including injuries. Hearing loss is one of the many workplace injuries, which was a big topic of concern discussed during Safety Day. The annual Safety Day is an opportunity for…

Railroad Officials Encourage People to “See Tracks, Think Train”

Rail Safety Week continues in the Twin Ports.

DULUTH, Minn.-On Thursday, the Lake Superior-Mississippi railroad and Operation Lifesaver presented the Twin Ports with an initiative they hope grab people’s attention near railroad crossings. The initiative asks people if they see tracks, think train. The Twin Ports may see this catchy phrase more often in the coming months. The phrase and logo is printed on a stencil that was…

President Trump Coming to Minnesota in October

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – President Donald Trump is coming back to Minnesota for the fourth time in the last sixteen months for an upcoming Trump rally. In an announcement made Thursday afternoon by the MNGOP, the rally will be held on October 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman, Jennifer…

J. Lo, Shakira to Perform at Super Bowl Halftime Show

NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation Made the Announcement Thursday

(Photo by Michael Zorn/Invision/AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are going to bring the heat to the 2020 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation announced Thursday that the superstar performers, who have released music in Spanish and English, will perform on February 2 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Both Lopez…

Suspects in Fatal West Duluth Shooting to Appear in Court Friday

Police Believe There is no Danger to the Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Two suspects in the fatal West Duluth shooting of 33-year-old Timothy Jon Nelson are scheduled to appear in court tomorrow. Charges are expected to be filed shortly before the 11:00 a.m. court appearance. According to authorities, the suspects are facing charges of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder. Police responded to reports of shots fired early Sunday…

Wisconsin Weighs Felony for Actions Against Pipelines

Opponents Say the Bill Violates Free Speech Rights

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bipartisan proposal making it a felony to trespass or damage oil or gas pipelines Wisconsin is moving through the state Legislature. Opponents testified at an Assembly hearing Thursday that the bill is a violation of free speech rights. The measure builds upon a 2015 state law that made it a felony to intentionally trespass or…

Police Seek First Degree Homicide Charge in Appleton Death

Police Have Released Few Details

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) – Appleton police have asked prosecutors to charge a suspect with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of a 60-year-old woman. Police gave few details Thursday but said the suspect is a male “who had a close relationship” with the victim, Lee Ann Dorn, who was found dead in her Appleton apartment in February. The police statement…

Midday Update 9-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 26, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 26, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Celebrate Oktoberfest with The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar

Oktoberfest at The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar is Happening Saturday, September 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Fitger's Courtyard

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a boatload of fun being packed into one event happening Saturday, September 28. Oktoberfest at The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar is happening from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The event, taking place in the Fitger’s Courtyard, features LIVE music, Dachshund races, Oktoberfest brews and authentic German cuisine. At 5:00 p.m., guests will be welcome to…

Morning Update 9-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 26, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 26, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Watch Live: Schiff Says Complaint Reads Like Crime Shakedown

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff says President Donald Trump’s actions detailed in a newly released whistleblower complaint read like “a classic organized crime shakedown.” Schiff on Thursday opened a hearing with acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire. Maguire released the complaint to Congress and the public this week after weeks of delay. The complaint details…

Body Found in Honolulu Canal Identified as Minnesota Woman

The Death has Been Classifified as Suspicious

HONOLULU (AP) – Hawaii police have identified a body recovered from a Honolulu canal as a woman visiting from Minnesota. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Tuesday that the body of 51-year-old Shannon Bartholomew of Minneapolis was discovered Monday in the Ala Wai Canal. Police say the death has been classified as suspicious due to the position the body was in upon…

St. Luke’s New Contract With Nurses Is Ratified

Strike planned for October 3rd is cancelled

DULUTH, Minn. — Nurses who work for St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth voted to formally accept a new three-year contract agreement with the hospital, according to the Minnesota Nurses Association. St. Luke’s nurses have been working at the hospital without a contract since June 30th. This new contract is now retroactively effective from July 1st of this past summer. In…

Superior YMCA, Volunteers Clean Up Faxon Creek

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior YMCA collaborated with  the city and the Coastal Cleanup to help clean Faxon Creek, which is situated right behind the YMCA. About a half dozen volunteers and staff walked along the creek to pick up anything they could find. The Faxon Creek cleanup happens at least once a year. “I think everybody can do a better…

Haunted Shack Looking for Spooky Volunteers

At least 50 volunteers needed to help make the haunted attraction a success.

CARLTON, Minn.- The Haunted Shack and Haunted Ridge are looking for more spooky characters to join in scaring the people of the Northland. “Just having fun scaring people, it’s really fun,” said Volunteer Coordinator Julie Schwarzkopf. The demand is bigger this year as the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship will once again not be in the Minnesota Slip. “It did…

WITC Celebrates Completed Renovations

Construction work is on the move at WITC for the first time in forty years

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wednesday night, WITC in Superior celebrated a new $1.5 million dollar renovation project. It’s part of a multi-year effort to update the aging campus. For the first time in 40 years, construction work is on the move at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. Over the summer of 2018 during phase one, the main building got an exterior paint job…

KD’s Opens Third Restaurant in Superior

Kickin' Delicious third location focuses on dinner rather than breakfast like the other Superior location

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The former Breakwater Restaurant in Superior is now home to Kickin’ Delicious third location in northeast Wisconsin. KD’s Itasca Bay Family Restaurant recently opened its doors to a new demographic. Their other locations include Solon Springs and KD’s on Tower Avenue, but this location focuses more on dinner items than breakfast. One of the owners tells us, just…

Cloquet’s Community Memorial Hospital, Raiter Clinic Merge

Merger helps the hospital compete with Essentia, coming in May.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Two of Cloquet’s major healthcare facilities are merging to provide better care, and compete with Essentia’s expansion there in May. Community Memorial Hospital recently purchased the Raiter Clinic for an undisclosed amount. Operations will still continue in the Raiter building, and as of now it will still carry the Raiter name. The hospital will move its family care…

Carving Soapstone at Cloquet Library

Stone Carving Class lets people make their own pendants, desk ornaments, and more.

CLOQUET, Minn.- People at the Cloquet Library got a chance to hand craft their own indigenous stone sculptures. The library hosted a stone carving class, where participants got to carve soapstone into their own pendants, desk ornaments, or whatever decorations they prefer. The native skywatcher carvings reflect the stories of native cosmology. “They’ll leave tonight with an actual piece of…

St. Luke’s Nurses Voting Whether or Not to Approve New Contract

DULUTH, Minn. – Nurses at St. Luke’s are voting on whether or not to approve a new labor contract with the hospital. This comes after union negotiators reached a tentative agreement with St. Luke’s last Saturday. The Minnesota Nurses Association is recommending members vote for the new contract. It includes paid short staffing bonuses for nurses and guarantees that their…

Ground Broken on $800 Million Vision Northland Project

Essentia Health expansion is the largest private development in Duluth's history

DULUTH, Minn. – Ground has been broken on an $800 million hospital development in Duluth. Essentia Health’s “Vision Northland” project is the largest private development in the city’s history. Buildings on the Essentia Health campus will start being demolished over the next few weeks to make room for a new twelve-story, 900,000 square foot medical center. “This will be a…

St. Luke’s Nurses Voting Whether to Approve New Contract

Nurses Will Vote Until 9:00 p.m. Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – Nurses at St. Luke’s are voting today on whether or not to approve a new labor contract with the hospital. This comes after union negotiators reached a tentative agreement with St. Luke’s on Saturday morning. The Minnesota Nurses Association is recommending members vote for the new contract. It includes paid short staffing bonuses for nurses and guarantees…

Minnesota Agency’s Estimate of Tribal Overpayments Grows

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Human Services says it underestimated the amount of money it overpaid two Native American tribes for substance abuse treatment covered under Medicaid. The agency reported last month that it overpaid the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the White Earth Nation by more than $25 million. The Pioneer Press reports that…

Iron Range Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty

Sentencing is Scheduled for October 25

Deshon Bonnell HIBBING, Minn. – A suspect in the January Iron Range murder of 33-year-old Joshua LaValley has pleaded guilty, according to court records. Deshon Bonnell, 18, pleaded guilty to first degree murder while committing aggravated robbery Wednesday morning. Bonnell had originally entered a plea of not guilty in June and was scheduled for a jury trial to begin on…

Suicide Prevention Task Force Seeks Quicker Release of Money

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A final report from the Wisconsin Legislature’s bipartisan suicide prevention task force calls for quicker release of $110,000 a year to fund a suicide prevention hotline, unlike an earlier draft that proposed passing a bill to make the money available. The money was included in the state budget passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by…

Wisconsin’s Ruffed Grouse Season Shortened

The Reason for the Decline is Unknown

MISHICOT, Wis. (AP) – The season for hunting ruffed grouse in the northwestern two-thirds of Wisconsin has been shortened by more than three weeks. The state Department of Natural Resources board voted Wednesday to make the change over concerns about a dwindling population. The ruffed grouse season currently runs from mid-September through Jan. 31 in that part of the state….

Midday Update 9-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Tornado Causes Damage as Storms Rip Western Wisconsin

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) – At least one confirmed tornado touched down as severe storms ripped through western Wisconsin, damaging homes and other structures near the Chippewa-Dunn county line. Chippewa County Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk told WEAU-TV that no one he knew of was unaccounted for after Tuesday night’s storms, with only a few people having suffered minor injuries. Emergency managers…

Beargrease Beer and Bacon Bash Taking Over Proctor Fair Grounds Saturday

The Annual Event is Happening Saturday, September 28 from 3 - 7 p.m. at the Proctor Fair Grounds

PROCTOR, Minn. – This family-friendly Beer-Bacon-Bloody Mary tasting event is the kick-off to the Beargrease season, and one of the biggest fundraisers for the race. The Beer and Bacon Bash is happening Saturday, September 28 at the Proctor Fairgrounds. More than ten vendors will be on hand with samples, including Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Castle Danger Brewery, Vikre Distillery, South…

Morning Update 9-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, weather

Memo Shows Trump Fixated on Mueller Probe

WASHINGTON (AP) – The memo summarizing President Donald Trump’s call with the Ukraine leader shows the president’s lingering fixation on special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Trump flippantly refers to the ex-FBI director as a “man named Robert Mueller” and says he turned in “a very poor performance.” The memo also shows that the president made reference to the private…

Juul to End Product Advertising and Replace CEO

Juul Will Not Oppose a Trump Administration Plan to Ban Vaping Flavors

NEW YORK (AP) – Juul Labs will no longer promote its e-cigarettes in print, digital and TV advertisements and is replacing its CEO amid an escalating backlash against vaping nationwide. The nation’s largest e-cigarette maker also pledged Wednesday not to lobby against a sweeping ban on vaping flavors proposed by the Trump administration earlier this month. Juul announced its CEO,…

UMD Rock Climbing Students Scale West Duluth Rock Formation

Class climbs real rock for the first time off of First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- A normally bare rock formation off First Street by Piedmont Avenue is suddenly crawling with people climbing up and down the cliff. “Duluth is full of hidden wonders kind of, y’know, you’re finding new trails, finding new things to do everyday,” said Sierra Kooistra. “New formations to climb, it’s a big city so you’re always finding new things…