News – Latest News

Justice Department OKs T-Mobile’s $26.5B Sprint Deal

Sprint and T-Mobile Combined Would now Approach the Size of Verizon and AT&T

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators are approving T-Mobile’s $26.5 billion takeover of rival Sprint, despite fears of higher prices and job cuts. Friday’s approval by the Justice Department and five state attorneys general comes after Sprint and T-Mobile agreed to conditions that would set up satellite-TV provider Dish as a fourth wireless company, so the number of major U.S. providers…

Bernie Sanders Calls for Shutdown of Enbridge Line 5 oil Pipeline

Gov. Jay Inslee has Also Endorsed a Line 5 Shutdown

DETROIT (AP) – Bernie Sanders has become the second Democratic presidential hopeful to call for shutting down an oil pipeline that crosses a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. The Vermont senator said in a tweet Thursday that Enbridge’s Line 5 should be decommissioned and new fossil fuel infrastructure banned. Line 5 carries oil and natural gas liquids from…

Blueberry Festival to Benefit Iron River Lions Club This Weekend

The 55th Annual Iron River Lions Club Blueberry Festival is Happening July 25 - 28

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Food, fun and live entertainment is taking over the community of Iron River, Wisconsin Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28. The 55th annual Iron River Lion Club Blueberry Festival is set to raise money for community programs and projects. The money raised from the Blueberry Festival goes directly back into the community for vision screening…

Edina Boys Reel in 6-Foot Sturgeon

  (FOX 9) – A couple of Edina boys wrangled what appears to be a six-foot-long sturgeon right out of Minnehaha Creek. After seeing the fish sitting on the creek bottom for weeks, 12-year-old Mac Hoekstra came up with a plan to lasso the fish. “I just have seen in fishing shows when they land sharks, they do it that…

Morning Update 7-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 26, 2019

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

Charges: Father set Fatal Fire After Arguing With Daughter

Newport Posted on Facebook That he Intended to Burn Down the Home

(Dave Schwarz/St. Cloud Times via AP) PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors say a Minnesota man set a fire that killed his 22-year-old daughter after the two argued about her plans to move out. Forty-six-year-old John Newport of Paynesville was charged Thursday with second-degree murder in the death of Jamey Newport. His bail was set at $2 million. Jamey Newport called…

Surfer And Inventor Honored In The Northland

Tom Blake, famous for his watersport inventions will be honored Friday night in Washburn

WASHBURN, Wis.- A native son of Washburn and one of the worlds most well know long board surfers will be honored Friday night as paddle boarders will travel from Memorial Park in Washburn to Houghton Falls. Tom Blake is one of the most famous inventors for water sports creating the Hollow Surfboard back in 1926 while also building the prototype…

Bowfest Returns to Mont Du Lac Resort

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Bows are ready and targets are set. BowFest, the largest Archery and outdoor festival is back at the Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior. For the next four days archers will get a chance to roam the hills of the resort to hit some targets. During Bowfest, Mont Du Lac turns into an amusement park for archers…

Duluth Home Staging and Decor Store Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Reimagined by T. Underwood is open on W 1st St.

DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s newest businesses may be your next stop if you’re looking to remodel or re–design your home. “Reimagined by T. Underwood” held their official ribbon cutting ceremony with the chamber of commerce Thursday. The store on West 1st St. is a home staging, paint and antique store. The owner says her collection of high–end Annie Sloan chalk…

Disabilities Expo Raises Money for All-Abilities Park

Ground is expected to be broken in August at the Webster Dream Park in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People with disabilities came together in Superior to learn about available resources in the Twin Ports and raise money for a good cause. The annual Empowerment Expo at the Mariner Business and Retail Center is organized by North Country Independent Living. The center provides services, job skills training and more for people with all kinds of disabilities….

Solon Springs Resident Wins Special Edition Police Motorcycle

John Kiel had the raffle picked out of 8,000 people to win a special edition motorcycle.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- What started as a donation to support law enforcement has turned into the surprise of a lifetime for one Solon Springs man. John Kiel was picked out of 8 thousand people to win a custom police motorcycle donated by Harley–Davidson in honor of national police week. Raffle proceeds went to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund. Kiel was…

Animal Allies Debuts New Outdoor Education Space to Community

Animal Allies introduces their new space at their Summer open house.

DULUTH, Minn.- Animal Allies in Duluth is expanding once again. This time with a whole new outdoor play space added on to their existing building, providing a bigger area for people to get to know the animals. What better way to debut animal allies’ new out door education center than at their annual Summer open house? The humane society has…

Hillside Youth Theatre Performs “The Oddest Sea”

The play is described as "Homer's Odyssey Meets Rock N' Roll"

DULUTH, Minn. – Hillside Youth Theatre is performing their newest production, “The Oddest Sea.” The play is described as Homer’s Odyssey meets rock n’ roll. The director tells us the kids have been working on the show for six weeks and they’re excited to finally perform in front of an audience. “A lot of these kids wouldn’t have access to…

Twin Ports Look to Upgrade, Expand Public Camera Systems

Duluth prepares to expand and upgrade their system, while Superior looks to add public cameras for the first time

DULUTH, Minn. – There are dozens of cameras mounted across Duluth that can help law enforcement prevent and solve crimes. Now, the Police Department wants to upgrade and expand the camera system. The public cameras have been used by police to solve robberies, assaults, damage to property, and even two homicides in Duluth. Police believe expanding the system can make…

Minnesota Preps To Go Hands-Free

We are just a week away from the hands-free law going in place

DULUTH, Minn.- We are just under a week away from Minnesota becoming a hands-free driving state. The new law takes in effect next Thursday and it allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music and get directions, but only by voice commands or single–touch activation without holding the phone. Once this law starts,…

‘Bag It Duluth’ Seeks Reusable Bag Donation Sites

They would need these businesses and organizations to be donation sites for reusable bags to handout

DULUTH, Minn.- “Bag It Duluth” is calling on businesses, and organizations to become donation sites for reusable bags to hand out to those willing to go plastic–free. Thursday, the “Unitarian Universalist Congregation” of Duluth became a donation site for the reusable bags that volunteers have made out of donated t–shirts. ‘Bag it Duluth’ says plastic fragments are now found in…

Surfer And Inventor Honored In Northland

Tom Blake will be honored Friday night in Ashland during a paddle boarding event

  ASHLAND, Wis.- A native son of Washburn and one of the world’s most well know long board surfers will be honored tomorrow night as paddle boarders will travel from memorial park in Washburn to Houghton Falls. Tom Blake…is one of the most famous inventors for watersports, creating the hollow surfboard back in 1926, while also building the prototype of…

Duluth Police Searching for Male Suspect After Search Warrant

Authorities say There is no Threat to the Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are actively searching for a 19-year-old suspect that fled from officers Thursday morning. According to authorities, officers were executing a search warrant on the 2800 Block of West 1st Street when the 19-year-old male jumped out of a second story window and fled. Officers say they recovered two handguns that were discarded by…

International Falls man Injured in Motorcycle Crash

The Crash Remains Under Investigation

ORR, Minn. – An International Falls man was transported to a Duluth hospital Wednesday night following a motorcycle crash near Mead Wood Road in Orr. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened in the 1100 Block of the Ash River Trail at approximately 9:21 p.m. Authorities say the lone male driver was entering into a left…

Man who Kidnapped Jayme Closs Moved To Prison In New Mexico

Patterson is Listed on the National sex Offender Registry

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The man who kidnapped Jayme Closs and killed her parents in northern Wisconsin has been moved to a prison in New Mexico. Press-Gazette Media reports the New Mexico Corrections Department has confirmed Jake Patterson has been transferred to one of its prisons from Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun. Wisconsin corrections officials recommended Patterson be sent to…

Midday Update 7-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 25, 2019

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

MN DNR Draws $1,000,000 From Metabi Metallics Funds for Permit Violations

DNR Says They Will Pursue Additional Actions as Necessary

NASHWAUK, Minn. – According to a recent press release, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has pulled $1,000,000 of financial assurance funds from Mesabi Metallics Company, LLC to address ongoing permit violations. The Minnesota DNR says companies must provide the DNR with financial assurance funds as part of obtaining a permit to mine which can be used to correct violations…

All Aboard! Thomas, Percy Begin Two Week Stay in Duluth

Thomas and Percy will Spend Two Weekends in the Twin Ports for the Steam Team Tour 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The Steam Team Tour 2019 features Thomas the Tank Engine and his best friend Percy the Small Engine. Children and their families are invited to spend a day with Thomas & Friends when they chug into the Depot on the North Shore Scenic Railroad July 26 – 28 and August 2 – 4. The tour, now in…

Justice Department Will Execute Inmates for First Time Since 2003

Five Inmates Will be Executed Starting in December

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice Department says it will carry out executions of federal death row inmates for the first time since 2003. The department says five inmates will be executed, starting in December. In 2014, President Barack Obama directed the department to conduct a review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs. That review resulted in what…

Miracle Treat Day Returns, Raising Funds for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

Miracle Treat Day is Thursday, July 25, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Another year, another blizzard forecasted in the middle of July! On Thursday, July 25, all Northland Dairy Queen locations are taking part in Miracle Treat Day, donating $1 or more from every Blizzard Treat purchase. All funds raised by DQ franchises in Minnesota and western Wisconsin will benefit Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, the nation’s first hospital for…

Handcrafted Ravioli Augusti Offers Seafood Satisfaction

Cooking Connection: The Strand Waterfront Dining and Wine Bar at Lutsen Resort

LUTSEN, Minn. – Entrees are sizzling off the menu this summer at The Strand Waterfront Dining and Wine Bar at Lutsen Resort up the North Shore. Executive Chef Chris Homyak has hand selected fine ingredients and recipes to refresh the restaurant’s menu this year. This week’s cooking connection features a handcrafted Ravioli Augusti. Ravioli Augusti: House made beet ravioli with…

Morning Update 7-25-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 25, 2019

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

Enbridge Open to Routing Line 5 Around Wisconsin Reservation

Members of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Sued Enbridge on Tuesday

(Garret Ellison | MLive) SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) – Enbridge Inc. says it’s willing to consider rerouting a major oil pipeline around the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Members of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued Enbridge on Tuesday in hopes of forcing the Calgary, Alberta-based company to remove sections of its Line 5 pipeline that run…

Democrats Call for Suspending PolyMet Permits

18 Lawmakers Sent a Letter to Walz Wednesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Democratic state lawmakers want Gov. Tim Walz to suspend permits for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota to make sure they “were not rigged.” In a letter to Walz Wednesday, 18 lawmakers led by Sen. John Marty asked the governor to suspend the permits and direct the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to cooperate with…

28 Years After Wedding Aboard “Tregurtha” Woman Sees Ship Again

Woman who married the Captain aboard his ship watches it sail under the Aerial Lift Bridge

DULUTH, Minn.- Many people can name the venue where they had their wedding, but not many can say they see it go by in Lake Superior. The most memorable part of Joan Coughlin’s wedding wasn’t that her best friend was her bridesmaid, or that her soon-to-be husband sailed the Great Lakes for 55 years. The biggest part of Coughlin’s wedding…

Plan to Swim or Not to Swim With New Lake Temperature Device in Park Point Beach

New temp and wave monitoring devices help Minnesota Sea Grant scientists get readings to public.

DULUTH, Minn.- New monitoring devices in the waters of Park Point Beach are allowing scientists to tell people how cold or warm the water is before they get to the beach. A temperature sensor and wave sensor were placed in the water last week for scientists with the Minnesota Sea Grant to measure water temperature and assess the possibility of…

Ashland Recognized For Downtown Success

Ashland picked as top six downtown area in entire state of Wisconsin

ASHLAND, Wis.-There are thirty–four main street communities in Wisconsin, and today Ashland was picked as a community in the top six. The state of Wisconsin’s downtown development program looks for cities that have unique announcements related artistic excellence and entrepreneurship. The day included showing off some groundbreaking events like the official opening for the cobblestone hotel property, a new home…

Local Art Meets Local Brews at Hoops Brewing

Monthly Local Art Show held in brewery.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Wednesday local artists put their creations up for sale at Hoops Brewing Company during its Homemade Artisan Market. Artists were selling all types of things like necklaces made of Lake Superior sea glass, to artwork of the Northland’s nature. “We are, in the brewery we are all about community and coming together and just we have a…

Dog Parade Raises Money for Alzheimer’s Foundation

Eleven dogs marched in the parade through Duluth's Benedictine Living Community

DULUTH, Minn. – A dog parade marched through Duluth’s Benedictine Living Community, raising money for a good cause. Eleven dogs took part in the parade. The fourth annual event is a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Money collected will be used for research and supporting families impacted by dementia diseases. Staff say the parade is a good chance for residents…

Pattison Park Beach Reopens as Flood Recovery Continues

Beach had been closed for more than a year after a flood devastated the state park last June

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A hot day at Pattison State Park just isn’t the same if you can’t get in the water. Now, after more than a year of being closed, the beach at Interfalls Lake is back open. “We went and walked down, looked at the waterfalls, the whole time ‘Dad, when can we get to the beach? When can we…

Former Lumber Supply Store Owner Allegedly Rips Off Customers

Owner steals more than $300,000.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A former lumber supply store owner is under investigation for allegedly ripping off customers. He’s accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hermantown Lumber Company had been in business for almost 50 years. In June, the owner Gerald Sundquist stopped operations. And many customers say he closed without fulfilling orders they already paid for. The Hermantown…

A Celebration of Ashland’s Downtown Success

Ashland was recognized as one of the top six downtown areas in the entire state of Wisconsin

ASHLAND, Wis.- Ashland is being recognized as one of the best downtown communities in the entire state of Wisconsin. City leaders are praising the several new downtown developments that helped earn this recognition. Downtown’s are often an important part of a city, and Ashland is being highlighted as one of just six communities in the entire state for accomplishments related…

Jayme Closs Kidnapper Erased From Prison Records

Patterson Also Doesn't Appear on the State sex Offender Registry

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has erased any record of the man who kidnapped Jayme Closs and killing her parents from its inmate locator database. Twenty-two-year-old Jake Patterson was moved to an out-of-state facility on July 15. DOC officials declined to reveal where out of concern for his safety. The agency has declined to elaborate. The…

UPS to Begin Delivering on Sundays, Seeks to fly More Drones

UPA Says it Will Also add 12,000 new Package Pickup Locations

NEW YORK (AP) – UPS is responding to the growth in online shopping and pressures for speedy delivery by seeking to expand its drone deliveries and adding thousands of new spots where customers can pick up packages. The Atlanta-based package delivery giant says it is adding 12,000 new package pickup locations inside CVS, The Michaels Co. and Advance Auto Parts…

Trump Calls Mueller Hearings ‘All Nonsense’

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says the Russia probe created a “phony cloud” over his administration and says House committee hearings featuring testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller were “all nonsense.” He says Mueller’s performance was “obviously not very good” and is accusing him of not knowing about certain details of his investigation. Trump is calling…

Minnesota’s top Court to Hear Lake Calhoun-Bde Maka Ska Case

(Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court will decide whether the state Department of Natural Resources has the authority to change the name of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis to its original Dakota name, Bde Maka Ska. The state Court of Appeals ruled in April that the agency overstepped its authority in January…

WATCH LIVE: Mueller Testifies Before the House Intelligence Committee

Mueller set to Begin his Second of two Hearings Today

WASHINGTON (AP) – Former special counsel Robert Mueller told the House judiciary and intelligence committees that he would decline to quote from his report on the Trump-Russia investigation during his testimony before both panels on Wednesday. That’s according to a person involved with the negotiations who spoke about the confidential talks only on condition of anonymity. Mueller’s refusal to read…

Suspect in Lincoln Park Home Robbery and Assault Pleads Guilty

Sentencing is Scheduled for September 9

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a home robbery and assault that took place in the Lincoln Park neighborhood earlier this year. Authorities say the robbery and assault happened in a home on the 600 Block of Atlantic Avenue around 5:15 a.m. March 13. Christian Hamzah Coleman, 19, turned himself into authorities on…

PUC Asks Minnesota Supreme Court to Deny Line 3 Challenges

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -Minnesota regulators have urged the state Supreme Court to deny challenges by opponents of Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 3 oil pipeline replacement who say the project’s environmental review was flawed. The Public Utilities Commission told the Supreme Court Tuesday it believes the review was “adequate in all respects.” Enbridge wants to replace its existing Line 3…

Bill Would Allow UW to Increase Tuition up to Inflation

The Bill Would Take Effect in the 2021 School Year at the Earliest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin would be able to increase tuition no greater than the rate of inflation under a bill being proposed in the state Legislature by the chairman of the Assembly’s higher education committee. The proposal envisions a time without a tuition freeze that’s been in place for six years and will run for at…

Animal Allies Offering New “Working Cats” Program

Working Cats Program Offers Feral Cat Adoptions to Benefit Local Businesses

ESKO, Minn. – If you frequent Widdes Feed and Farm Supply off County Road 61 in Esko, chances are you’ve met the two newest employees. They’re friendly, love the occasional cuddle, but are also helping the business thrive and keep rodents at bay. As customers come in, Buzz and Woody come out to play. “We’ve got a bunch of kids…