News – Latest News

Man Accused of Stealing Duluth Officer’s Taser Charged

DULUTH, Minn.-The suspect accused of taking a Duluth police officer’s taser Friday has been charged with four different counts including a felony (video found here). Bryan Hathaway, 32, has been charged with disarming a police officer (felony), along with the misdemeanors of obstructing the legal process, assault on a peace officer in the fourth degree, and fleeing on foot. According…

Trump Tweets he Will Win Minnesota in 2020

The Tweet focused in on Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar calling her an anti-semite.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-In the early morning hours, President Donald Trump vowed to win Minnesota after sending out a Tweet at 5:51 a.m. The Tweet focused in on Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar calling her an anti-semite. In the Tweet, Trump said: “In 2016 I almost won Minnesota. In 2020, because of America hating anti-Semite Rep. Omar, & the fact that Minnesota…

USDA Rule Could Affect 3.1M Food Stamp Recipients

The Proposal is to Tighten Automatic Eligibility Requirements

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is proposing to tighten automatic eligibility requirements for the food stamp program, a change that could affect about 3.1 million people. The Agriculture Department says the rule would close “a loophole” that enables people receiving only minimal benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to be eligible automatically for food stamps. Under…

St. Louis County Social Worker Charged With Sex Crimes No Longer Working for County

Bryant has Been Summoned to Court on August 14

DULUTH, Minn. – A St. Louis County social worker facing felony charges of criminal sexual conduct is no longer employed with the county. According to a St. Louis County spokesperson, “Michael Bryant is no longer an employee of St. Louis County. We continue to work toward a timely resolution of the employment complaint.” Bryant, 46, of Wrenshall is accused of…

Update: Never Before Attempted Stand Up Paddle Board To Arctic Ocean

Adventurer Jared Munch Takes To The Water On A SUP To Break Records

DULUTH, Minn. — Stand up paddle boarding is the new craze on calm and sunny days but what about in bad weather and through river rapids? In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot catches up with a true adventurer looking to be the first to complete a unique journey. A local Duluthian who took to the water last…

Senate Confirms Army Veteran Mark Esper Secretary of Defense

Esper won Senate Confirmation on Tuesday

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist Mark Esper as secretary of defense. Esper’s confirmation ends a stretch of seven months the Pentagon didn’t have a permanent leader. Esper won Senate confirmation on Tuesday by a vote of 90-8 and is to be sworn in by day’s end. The…

Fish Heads to Perform Thursday Evening in Gary New Duluth

The Fish Heads' Performance is One of Three Free Musical Events Happening this Summer in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Fish Heads and Friends, an evening of blues to bluegrass, will entertain crowds Thursday, July 25 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Gary New Duluth Pavilion. Fish Heads and Friends will perform starting at 5:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public to attend. Concessions will be available for sale. This is…

Midday Update 7-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 23, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Preserving More Than 14,000 Acres of Forest Land Approved

Under the Deal the Land Would be Open to Public Uses

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Legislature’s budget committee has approved spending more than $4 million to purchase more than 14,000 acres of forest land in northern Wisconsin under the state’s stewardship program. The land in Iron County would be preserved for public access and protected from development under the $4.3 million purchase approved by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on…

Brewers to Implement new bag Policy for 2020 at Miller Park

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Fox 6) – The Milwaukee Brewers announced a new bag policy that will be implemented with the first game of the 2020 season. According to the Brewers, fans will be allowed only single-compartment (i.e. tote) bags, purses, clutch purses, soft-sided cooler bags, clear bags, drawstring bags, diaper bags and medically-necessary items will be allowed into Miller Park (maximum…

U.S. Navy Photographer Remembers Return of Apollo for Moon Landing Anniversary

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Patrick Shaw remembers his time as U.S. Navy Photogressman 2nd Class

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been 50 years since the return of the Apollo 11 module that carried the three astronauts who first walked on the moon. It’s a moment millions call one of the greatest achievements of man. July 1969, American astronauts landed on the moon. And the events that followed, only few had the chance to see in person….

BWCA Trip Brings Peace, Tranquility to Local Veterans

Click Below if You'd Like to Donate to the 2020 Veterans to the BWCA Trip

LAKE ISABELLA, Minn. – More than a dozen area veterans recently returned home after experiencing a life changing getaway. The annual Veterans to the BWCA excursion started in 2018 after Hayes Scriven, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, wanted to come up with a way to give back while also helping disabled veterans and…

Human Services Administrator Complains of Retaliation

DHS Deputy Commissioner Says the Agency is Reviewing the Issues

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A compliance officer in Minnesota’s Department of Human Services says she was retaliated against after reporting problems with contracts at the agency. Faye K. Bernstein says she was verbally reprimanded and not allowed to carry out her duties after she pointed out what she called “serious non-compliance issues” with some contracts approved by leaders in…

Morning Update 7-23-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 23, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Appeals Court Grants Child Abuser’s Release From Program

Kerkoff Sexually Abused 41 Children

(photo: AP news) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota appeals court has upheld a decision to discharge a repeat child molester from the state’s sex offender program. The Minnesota Department of Human Services objected to the release of 46-year-old Jerry Gene Kerkhoff from the treatment program in which he has been enrolled for 20 years. Department officials argued Kerkoff still needs…

MDA Holds Muscle Walk for Those Affected by Muscular Diseases

MDA Muscle Walk draws walkers to Leif Erickson Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday night Leif Erickson park was taken over by walkers coming together for a good cause. The Muscular Dystrophy Association held their first muscle walk in Duluth in a couple years. MDA holds muscle walks throughout Minnesota, raising about $250,000 collectively for muscle disease research. Organizers say the walks bring members of the community and those affected by…

Hideaway Head Shop Coming to Downtown Duluth

New Head Shop coming to Superior Street.

DULUTH, Minn.-A new head shop selling tobacco and CBD products is coming to Superior Street in downtown Duluth. Hideaway will be opening up their fifth store in the old Saw Mill Unpainted Furniture building. Their website says they sell hand pipes, water pipes, e–cigarettes, art, apparel, CBD products and more. Some nearby businesses, like Minnesota Surplus, say they are ready…

Outside Storytime by Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation department joined hands with the Duluth Public Library to  bring an outdoor storytime to Bayfront Festival Park. Parents of young children gathered to hear stories, sing songs, and play music. The free event allows people of all backgrounds to attend and be exposed to the activities which are all geared at early…

Kids Learn First Hand Farming Experiences

Northland kids are doing chores on the farm, and harvesting peas, just like actual farmers would do on a daily basis

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday morning, Northland kids got hands on farming experience during a unique camp. From chores on the farm, to working with the chickens and sheep, and even harvesting peas. Needless to say, the kids attending the camp had a lot of tasks to complete. Those organizing the event also said they like them to think about their work…

Council Candidates Door-Knock Ahead of Primaries

Volunteers take to the doors in their district to talk to voters.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth primary elections are less than a month away on August 13th. Early voting has been open since June 28th, so some city council candidates and volunteers took advantage of the cool summer evening to get out and knock on some doors. Volunteers met at the Labor Temple to discuss strategy, scripts and plot which neighborhoods to…

Round Man Brewing Company Finds Place as First Brewery in Washburn County

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: Round Man Brewing Company

SPOONER, Wis.- People out in Spooner, WI may have noticed a newer restaurant getting a bit of attention lately. Round Man Brewing Co. opened back in the Fall and made it through a surprisingly successful Winter as the only brewery in the city. But is isn’t just the only brewery in Spooner, it’s the only one in all of Washburn…

Car on Fire on Blatnik Bridge in Superior

Crews responded, closed bridge causing heavy traffic.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Monday afternoon traffic was backed up coming out of Superior on the Blatnik Bridge as a car was found on fire. Superior Fire and Police responded to the burning car. Crews were able to put out the fire. This happened right off the on–ramp to I–35, causing a standstill both down Hammond avenue and Second street. Crews…

Locals Enjoy New Electric Scooters in Duluth

"Leaf" electric scooters are available for people to ride around designated areas of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s newest form of transportation is a little more electric than what most Northlanders are used to. “Leaf” electric scooters can be found riding around downtown and various parts of the city. Scooters are left and can be picked up for use in designated areas found on the “Leaf” phone app. Erik Carlson says he’s seen people riding them…

Duluth Woman Charged for Hitting a Child with her SUV

Mary Catherine Trea is charged with felony hit and run.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Duluth woman is charged with felony hit and run after leaving the scene where she struck and injured an 11–year–old boy riding a bicycle. Mary Catherine Trea made her initial appearance in court Monday. This after telling police that she left the scene of the hit and run accident because she felt panicked and scared. According to the criminal…

Professionals Stand Against Child Abuse

DULUTH, Minn. – The Stand Against Child Abuse Conference draws hundreds from all over Minnesota. For the fifth annual event in Duluth the conference is hoping to help people better serve children dealing with abuse situations. One in ten children across the nation experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. . This year’s theme for the conference is to…

Galveston-Based Seafood Truck Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting fresh seafood in the Northland can be tough sometimes. But one unique truck made its way back to the Northland. Galveston–based Fabian Seafood has been traveling throughout Minnesota for more than 40 years. A few times a year the seafood truck parks at Copasetic Lounge in Duluth to sell some of their finest seafood. And once…

Chance Meeting Leads to Friendship for Boy and Firefighter

No one could have predicted the boy who was saved would have a surprise reunion with that very same firefighter years later.

DULUTH, Minn. – What started off as an emergency call to firefighters and paramedics by a Northland woman with a high risk pregnancy turned into an unlikely friendship years later. Firefighters often help out on people’s worst days. So when Sarah Crowell went into labor and needed emergency assistance Duluth firefighter Captain Mark Herman was there. Though, no one could…

Workforce Struggles With Big Construction Projects Looming

Major construction projects are happening in the coming years, but those workers may not

DULUTH, Minn.- A few major construction projects are slated to begin in the Northland this year, but there may not be enough construction workers in our area to actually do those jobs. That is why the CareerForce Center in Duluth is holding classes to train workers to fill the large void. Officials say just in the City of Duluth there…

Duluth Airshow 2019 Brings Potential Record Crowd

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow, presented by St. Luke’s had another successful year with early projections showing around 65,000 people attended the event over the weekend. “We’re thrilled with the outcome of the 2019 show,” said Duluth Airshow President, Ryan Kern.  “The weather really cooperated, and we had one of our strongest airshow performance line-ups ever.” Kern says final…

Salads, Sandwiches Sold at Target Recalled due to Listeria Concerns

Elevation Foods is Working With Retailers to get the Products off the Shelves

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Fox 10) – Elevation Foods is voluntarily recalling egg salad, tuna salad, and sandwiches due to listeria concerns. Elevations Foods says containers of Archer Farms-brand egg salad, Fresket-brand egg salad, tuna salad, and Thai lobster salad, and Archer Farms-brand deviled egg sandwiches produced on June 18 have been recalled…

Multiple U.S. Senators ask EPA to Re-Evaluate Continued use of Hydrogen Fluoride

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Multiple U.S. Senators are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to re-evaluate the continued use of hydrogen fluoride at refineries across the country. U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) signed a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Friday stating the EPA needed to promptly…

DNR Asks Wastewater Plants to Test for PFAS Contamination

DNR Officials Have Started Sending Letters to 125 Municipal Wastewater Plants

(photo: twitter)   MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources is asking wastewater treatment plants to test for polyfluoroalkyl pollution. The substances, also known as PFAS, are man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in products such as fire-fighting foam, non-stick cookware and fast-food wrappers. Research suggests PFAS can decrease female fertility, increase the risk of…

Update: Suspicious Death in Spooner Ruled Homicide

The Case Remains Under Investigation

SPOONER, Wis. – The Spooner Police Department has ruled the suspicious death of a 52-year-old male as a homicide. According to a recent press release, authorities say the body of Troy Sweep, 52, was found in his Spooner residence on July 16. Investigators found evidence at the scene which they deemed suspicious in nature. An autopsy of the victim was…

Update: Authorities Identify Male Victim of Skidsteer Tractor Incident

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

MORCOM TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of the Sunday night skidsteer tractor accident as 50-year-old Sheldon D. Sandberg of Cook. The sheriff’s office received a call around 8:00 p.m. that a male had been trapped underwater for approximately 30 minutes after the skidsteer he was driving flipped into a pond. According to…

Coffee Conversation: All Pints North Brew Fest at Bayfront Festival Park

All Pints North Brew Fest is Happening Saturday, July 27 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Craft brew enthusiasts are invited to raise a glass and cheers Saturday, July 27 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The All Pints North Brew Fest, established in 2012, is back for another year featuring more than 120 craft breweries. Attendees will have the chance to sample from all of the…

Midday Update 7-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 22, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Purrfect Film Festival Happening Saturday at Zeitgeist

The New York Cat Film Festival is Happening Saturday, July 27 at Zeitgeist Zinema 2

DULUTH, Minn. – The Cat Film Festival (TM) is an exploration through film of the fascinating felines who share our lives, creating a shared audience experience that inspires, educates and entertains. Cats have their own unique and indescribable bond with people, even when living independently as community cats. Event organizers say for far too long, felines have been the “invisible”…

Minnesota to Launch Working Group on Police Shootings

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top law enforcement officials are launching a working group and public hearings on police-involved shootings. Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington say the group will begin work later this summer. The move comes as police departments and the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension have often come under heavy criticism for…

House Republicans vow Tough Questions of Mueller at Hearing

Mueller Will Testify Before Congress This Week

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans are pledging tough questioning of special counsel Robert Mueller when he testifies before Congress this week as Democrats plan to air evidence of wrongdoing by President Donald Trump in a potentially last-ditch bid to impeach him. Rep. Doug Collins, the top Republican on House Judiciary Committee, said the American public is growing weary of the…

Morning Update 7-22-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 22, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 22, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

UW System Pays $325K to Settle sex Harassment Suit

Beitz Resigned in May but did not say why

(photo courtesy: Fox 11) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System will pay a former student $325,000 to settle claims that a professor sexually harassed her. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the former student, identified as A.R. in court documents, sued in October alleging UW-Oshkosh failed to take action against former art professor Michael Beitz. A.R. alleged she…

50-Year-Old Male Dead After Incident Involving Skidsteer Tractor

The Incident Happened Sunday, July 21 Around 8:00 p.m. in rural Cook, Minnesota

MORCOM TOWNSHIP, Minn. – An evening of yard work turned tragic for a 50-year-old male in rural Cook, Minnesota over the weekend. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received the call for help around 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 21. When authorities arrived to the scene located in the 8700 Block of Highway 5 in Morcom Township (North of the Side…

Governor Tony Evers Declares State Of Emergency For Wisconsin After Severe Weather

On Sunday, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency for the entire state after several regions of Wisconsin suffered through severe weather. In the past week, many areas of Wisconsin were struck with confirmed tornadoes, strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, flash floods, and torrential downpours. Toppled trees tore down power lines and crashed onto homes and cars, while debris…

Painting Intersections to Slow Drivers Down

Creative Crosswalks tackles reckless driving in the hillside with ground murals.

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids armed with paint brushes are combatting reckless driving at busy intersections throughout Duluth. Zeitgeist’s Creative Crosswalks program allows families and other community members to paint a Hillside intersection which has received many speeding complaints. On Sunday they took on East 6th street and 15th Avenue East, the second of four crosswalks on their list. According to parents…

UW-Superior Alumni Premier Feature Length Documentary About the University

"Outsourced: The New Wisconsin Idea" premiers in Zeitgeist's Zinema 2

DULUTH, Minn.- Two US- Superior alumni finally had the chance to share their passion project with the world in a documentary premier at the Zeitgeist Zinema. ‘Outsourced: The New Wisconsin Idea’ is a feature length film alumni Megan Mcgarvey and Katie Lindow have been working on for almost two years. The documentary talks about the cuts and suspensions that happened at…

Activists Fight Line 3 Oil Pipeline at Duluth’s 3rd Annual Water is Life Festival

Honor the Earth puts on Duluth's 3rd annual Water is Life Festival at Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn.- As one festival at Bayfront clears, another one moves in. The ‘Water is Life’ festival invited Northlanders to celebrate the Earth right on the shores of Lake Superior. Festival goers at Duluth’s 3rd annual Water is Life event say it was the perfect way to enjoy what nature has to offer, but they also took that time to…

Celebrating Lake Superior, Restored Barker’s Island Beach

Lake Superior Day coincided with opening of Barker Island Beach to the public.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Barker’s Island Sunday Lake Superior was given its own day for the important role it plays in the Northland. “It really is what draws people here and keeps people here,” said Deanna Erickson, Education Coordinator with the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. “It supports our economy it supports our health it creates our weather, it adds…

UMD Marshall Allworth Planetarium Remembers Apollo Landing

UMD honors 50th anniversary with program for the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in Duluth, UMD’s Marshall W. Allworth Planetarium hosted a free anniversary event. Participants could make their own  stomp rocket, among other lunar crafts, to spark their curiosity about space. ” went into more than just getting to the moon, it helped us with technological advances in lots…