News – Latest News

Marijuana Advocates Trying Again for Wisconsin Legalization

Rep. Melissa Sargent and Other Supporters on Thursday Unveiled the Latest Proposal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Marijuana advocates have high hopes that a proposal to legalize pot in Wisconsin has a better chance of success than ever given growing public support. Democratic state Rep. Melissa Sargent and other supporters on Thursday unveiled the latest proposal to fully legalize marijuana in Wisconsin. It comes after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers called for legalizing medical…

Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior to Host Sauna Days Festival

Sauna Days Festival is Happening April 19 - 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior is thrilled to announce their first ever Sauna Days Festival happening during the weekend of April 19th through April 21st. Weekend ticket holders will get full access to everything along with comfortable lakeside lodging. For locals that don’t need a place to stay we are offering a day pass to Saturday’s main events….

Morning Update 4-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Mueller Report: Evidence Not Sufficient to Establish the President Committed an Offense

Attorney General William Barr says President Donald Trump did not exert executive privilege over any information included in special counsel Robert Mueller's report.

UPDATE: Special counsel Robert Mueller’s report includes President Donald Trump’s written responses submitted in the Russia probe. Trump’s responses are being released by Attorney General William Barr without redactions and comprise 12 pages. Trump told Mueller he had no recollection of several key events in Mueller’s probe, including a 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between top aides and a Russian…

Easter Takes Over The Lake Superior Zoo

The Easter Bunny made an early appearance Wednesday night

DULUTH, Minn.- Easter is only four days away, but the Easter bunny himself made an early appearance at the Lake Superior Zoo today. Parents and their kids were able to dye eggs of all different colors, and get some free candy. Also, the kids got a chance to take their picture with the Easter Bunny. Matt Peterson, a father who…

Social Justice Speaker Comes to UMD

Janaya Khan talked about social justice and equity Wednesday afternoon

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD hosted a special speaker today, who talked about social justice and equity. The featured speaker was Janaya Khan. She’s described as a black queer gender-non-conforming activist and social justice educator. An organizer at UMD says it’s important to listen. Sean Bedard-Park, Accreditation Director at UMD said “we have people who take sides, and we aren’t often willing…

Becoming Better Leaders

WITC was the host of a Leadership Conference Wednesday afternoon

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- A sought after trainer, who works with the four major U.S. sports, like the NHL was in Superior today. Robert Kappelman of “Pacific Blue Institute” spoke at a leadership conference at WITC to help aspiring and current leaders in our community better become in their chosen fields of work. Kappelman, Director of Pacific Blue Institute of Ethics &…

UWS Hosts Sexual Assault Mock Trial

The trial was just one of many events scheduled this month observing sexual assault month.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin – Superior hosted a sexual assault mock trial on Wednesday. The trial was just one of many events scheduled this month observing sexual assault month. The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) hosted the mock trial. The event also featured posters created by students highlighting the theme this year involving understanding consent. The…

Sammy’s Celebrates 65th Anniversary

The local chain is giving back to Disabled American Veterans chapters.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sammy’s Pizza is celebrating its 65th anniversary by raising money for others in need. All day on Thursday, Sammy’s Pizza locations throughout the Northland will honor the armed forces by donating 65 percent of all sales to Disabled American Veterans chapters. “It’s an anniversary, and I think everyone’s excited to celebrate. We’ve been around for so long…

Pita Pit Closes in Maurice’s Building

The chain's sign on West Superior Street is gone and the space is now dark.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Pita Pit located in the Maurice’s building in downtown Duluth has closed. The chain’s sign on West Superior Street is gone and the space is now dark. Pita Pit opened there in late 2016 and it was the only Pita Pit in the Northland. It is not known why the sandwich shop closed but the hours…

Governor Tim Walz Visits Duluth on Community Prosperity Tour

Entrepreneurs Show Off Their Innovative Business Ideas To Governor Walz, All In Hopes To Boost Local Economy

DULUTH, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz made a stop in Duluth today continuing his Community Prosperity Tour, where entrepreneurs gathered to learn about ways their innovations can help the Minnesota economy soar. It was more or less a “Minnesota Nice” version of the TV show, “Shark Tank”. Where Gov. Walz heard presentations at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute about…

Person of Interest Still Wanted in Early April Downtown Duluth Shooting

Duluth police say they are continuing to search for a person of interest in a shooting in downtown Duluth earlier this month, that left a man with a gunshot wound to the face.

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth police say they are continuing to search for a person of interest in a shooting in downtown Duluth earlier this month, that left a man with a gunshot wound to the face. A suspect ran from the scene at about 11 p.m. April 2 in the area of Second Avenue West and Superior Street. Authorities tell us the…

Local Organizations Honored During Special Lunch

Multiple Northland organizations were honored today for all the work they do in the community during the Local Initiatives Support Corporation's Luncheon at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.-Multiple Northland organizations were honored today for all the work they do in the community during the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Luncheon at the DECC, which included a keynote address from the governor. Those honored included multiple affordable housing groups, which Duluth leadership say are vital to the Northland’s growth. “It’s so great as a mayor to know that…

Grand Rapids Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing on Elementary School Playground

Woman died as a result, 15-year-old male charged in juvenile court.

Disclaimer: Police identify the victim as 20-years-old, but a relative tells us she was 19. GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids Police are investigating the death of a Grand Rapids woman, after she was found stabbed on a local school playground. When authorities arrived they found a 15-year-old boy holding a knife. Now the Itasca County Attorney’s office is asking he…

Wisconsin Senator Proposes Tougher Asylum Requirements

Johnson Wants to Toughen the Initial Standard for Asylum Seekers

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Homeland Security Chairman Ron Johnson says he is working on legislation to help stem the flow of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Johnson wants to toughen the initial standard for asylum seekers to “more than a probable chance” they’ll experience violence or persecution in their home countries. Right now, if people can demonstrate “credible fear,” they’re…

Update: Young Woman `Infatuated’ With Columbine is Found Dead

(Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office via AP) UPDATE: (AP) – Authorities say the young Florida woman who was allegedly obsessed with the Columbine shooting is dead. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader told reporters Wednesday that the FBI found Sol Pais dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI had said that Sol Pais, flew to Colorado on Monday night and…

Volunteers Wanted to Help Lincoln Park Neighborhood Sparkle

The Lincoln Park Business Group Invites the Community to Help Cleanup the Neighborhood Monday, April 22

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to help make the Lincoln Park Neighborhood sparkle this Earth Day. The Lincoln Park Business Group is hosting a neighborhood cleanup event on Monday, April 22. The two-part day will include a break for lunch and some visual entertainment to keep volunteers motivated. From 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. the group is looking for volunteers…

Victim Identified in Grand Rapids Elementary School Stabbing Death

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Grand Rapids Police Chief has identified the female stabbing victim found dead on the Murphy Elementary School playground Tuesday as 20-year-old Chere Morgan. Officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the school around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday. A Grand Rapids police officer and state patrol trooper arrived at the school within four minutes. They…

Midday Update 4-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Duluth Police: One in Custody After Duluth Stabbing

Police are not Looking for any Other Suspects

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, a juvenile male was brought to a local hospital Tuesday night after being stabbed by another juvenile male. Police say the incident happened in the area of 54th Avenue West and Ramsey Street around 5:56 p.m. According to authorities, the juvenile male victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and the suspect was…

Bill Targeting Step Therapy Drug Process up for Hearing

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bipartisan proposal designed to protect patients and make it easier for them to get needed prescription drugs was up for a public hearing in the Wisconsin Legislature. The measure has broad support from health care providers and people with chronic diseases. It’s modeled after laws in 18 other states setting protocols for so-called step therapy….

Tickets on Sale for Wildwoods Spring Soiree Fundraiser

The Wildwoods Spring Soiree Fundraiser is Happening Sunday, April 28 at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth invites the community to purchase tickets now for their upcoming Spring Soiree Fundraiser. The event is happening Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Attendees will enjoy a live and silent auction as well as food and beverages from local vendors in the region….

Morning Update 4-17-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Police Investigate Stabbing Death of 20-Year-Old Woman on Grand Rapids Elementary School Playground

15-year-old Grand Rapids Suspect Arrested in Case

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-The Grand Rapids Police Department is investigating the stabbing death of a 20-year-old Grand Rapids woman on the Murphy Elementary School playground. At about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the school. A Grand Rapids police officer and state patrol trooper arrived at the school within four minutes. They found a 15-year-old Grand…

Wisconsin Lt. Governor Tours UW Superior

Details education funding in Evers's Budget

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Education funding has been a top priority of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s administration. On Tuesdsay they took that campaign to Superior. Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Representative Mick Millroy toured UWS’s Lake Superior Research Institute. According to Barnes, education funding, including for the UW System, is an important part of Governor Evers’s new budget proposal. “Water issues…

Rebuilding the Past Duluth and Notre Dame

DULUTH, Minn. – An associate French professor we spoke to at UMD says there’s a local education takeaway from the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. The rebuilding process will involve masons and workers who are skilled in the old way of doing things. Locally, that highlights the need for workers trained to repair things the way they were designed. “Should…

SUV Collides With Motorcycle On Woodland Avenue

Motorcyclist Taken To Hospital

DULUTH, Minn- A motorcyclist is in the hospital in Duluth Tuesday, after a crash involving an SUV. Duluth Police say the driver of an SUV failed to yield to the motorcycle and crashed into it. It all happened just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday near 21st Avenue East and Woodland Avenue in Duluth. Police say the driver of the SUV will…

Downtown Digging for Superior Street Phase 2

Bulldozers begin bulldozing for project.

DULUTH, Minn.- Shovels are now in the ground marking Phase 2 of the Superior Street reconstruction project. On Tuesday crews were digging up the road between Lake Avenue and 3rd Avenue East. This phase of the project will improve utilities and add a new hot water system. Some nearby businesses say they’re making the best of a noisy situation. “Our…

UMD Fans Can Now Shop for Championship Gear

New merchandise rolls in.

DULUTH, Minn.- As students are celebrating the Bulldogs’ win, UMD Stores are preparing for the crowds to come get their gear. Official Frozen Four Championship merchandise has already been shipped in to the University bookstore. “We have orders from all 50 states, we have orders from foreign countries,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Julie Feiring. “We find that there are a…

Husky Hosts Rebuilding Open House

Tonight, Husky shared their plans for the rebuilding process during a community listening session.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Next week marks the one year anniversary of the Husky Refinery explosion. Tonight, Husky shared their plans for the rebuilding process during a community listening session at Superior Middle School. Earlier this month Husky Refinery announced plans for a $400 million dollar rebuild that will bring 350 jobs at its peak. “The refinery was safe before. We’ve…

UMD Welcomes Home National Champs

UMD Men's Hockey Team Greeted with Celebration Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone was a Bulldog at UMD’s Championship Celebration Tuesday. Students, staff, and longtime hockey fans welcomed the team home. To great fanfare, the 2019 NCAA Champions run through a big inflatable bulldog, greeted by a sea of maroon and gold. Three of the Bulldogs on the team are seniors this year so they get to end their college…

Passerby Finds Body In Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — A death investigation is underway after a body was found Tuesday evening in Chester Creek. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a passerby spotted the body lying face down around 4:30 p.m. under the Chester Creek Bridge on East 9th Street. Authorities believe the victim is an adult male.  Investigators do not suspect foul play, according…

Official: Jayme Closs’ Kidnapper Not Cooperating on Sentence

Authorities say a Wisconsin man who pleaded guilty to kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents is refusing to cooperate in his presentence investigation.

BARRON, Wis.-Authorities say a Wisconsin man who pleaded guilty to kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents is refusing to cooperate in his presentence investigation. The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that a probation and parole agent filed a one-paragraph letter Monday telling a Barron County Circuit Court judge that Jake Patterson stated he was advised by his lawyer not…

Kaul, Lawmakers Propose Uniform Rape kit Testing Protocol

The Bill has Support From Both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is joining with a bipartisan group of lawmakers in support of a bill that would create uniform procedure for the processing and collection of sexual assault kits. Kaul and lawmakers on Tuesday announced the bill that’s designed to prevent a future testing backlog. The bill establishes requirements and timelines for…

Minnesota Cop’s Trial Raises Questions About Code of Silence

Prosecutors Say Many Officers Refused to Provide Statements

(Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Testimony in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an unarmed woman has raised questions about whether officers were trying to protect one of their own. The incident commander turned her body camera off when talking to Mohamed Noor after the July 2017 shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond….

DNR Secretary Questions why State Won’t ban Baiting, Feeding

Scientists Believe Baiting and Feeding can Lead to Disease Spreading

(DNR) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole says he doesn’t understand why baiting and feeding deer is still allowed in Wisconsin given the spread of chronic wasting disease. State law bans baiting and feeding in infected counties for 36 months and for 24 months in neighboring counties. If another deer tests positive during that span,…

Four Injured, Including Children, in School bus Crash

The Crash Remains Under Investigation

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) – Police say two children were among those injured when a SUV driver ran a red light and crashed into a school bus in Brooklyn Park. Deputy Chief Mark Bruley says the children and drivers of both vehicles were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The bus was headed to Athlos Leadership…

Midday Update 4-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local headlines and weather Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop Happening Saturday in Duluth

The 29th Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop is Taking Place Saturday, April 20

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of the 49th Anniversary of Earth Day, multiple downtown Duluth and Lincoln Park art galleries, UMD Tweed Museum of Art and the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) will be hosting free events on Saturday, April 20. The events are happening from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to tour local galleries,…

Walz Names new IT Commissioner, Filling Last Cabinet Post

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced Tarek Tomes as the incoming Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services. The governor held a news conference Tuesday morning to announce the new head of Minnesota IT Services, also known as MNIT, the state agency responsible for information technology systems across all executive branch departments. “As a recognized industry leader and experienced public…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Canal Park Toystore Brings Back Traditional Toys

Toys For Keeps in Canal Park preparing for Easter rush.

DULUTH, Minn.- In an age where many kids are glued to screens, toys can be an important tool to use their imagination and build social skills. The owner of Toys for Keeps hopes her traditional toys can help everyone feel like kids again. “This is a family friendly store,” said Cindy McCabe. “We have the grandparents and the parents and the…

Duluth’s Local Knitting Shop Celebrates 20 Years of Yarn

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: Yarn Harbor opened in 1999

DULUTH, Minn. – It may not be as obvious as the running community, but the knitting community casts a pretty wide net over Duluth. A harbor is another word for a home. 1999, Yarn Harbor became that home to the Northland’s surprisingly large knitting community. “You’ll see people knitting in all sorts of places around town,” owner Kathy Thomas said. It…

Morning Update 4-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local headlines and weather Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

First Saltie of the Season Arrives in the Twin Ports

The Maria G out of Malta arrived on Monday morning.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first saltie of the season arrived in Duluth at 6:48 a.m. on Monday morning. This year’s first ocean going vessel was the Maria G out of Malta, a small island south of Italy. This is the second time she’s been first saltie to kick off the shipping season in the Twin Ports. Each year an ocean…

Duluth Mayor Delivers Community Engaging Plans for the City

Mayor Emily Larson delivers her fourth state of the city address.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth mayor Emily Larson delivered her fourth state of the city address at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School. It was an engaging crowd at the school, a momentum she hopes to keep moving forward. A good portion of mayor Larson’s speech was dedicated to the diversity of Duluth’s neighborhoods and it’s people. She highlighted recent areas of set back and growth- surviving…

Industry Leaders Talk Future of Mining at 92nd Annual Minerals Conference

92nd annual conference held by SME Minnesota chapter.

DULUTH, Minn.- Future innovations and improvements in mining were among the topics discussed at the 92nd annual SME Minnesota Minerals Conference at the DECC on Monday. The theme of this year’s conference is “Mining for a Modern World.” Organizers brought together industry leaders who explored topics such as gold and surface mining. “They’re looking, as all of us are, to how…

Lakewalk Escapes Damage after Recent Winter Storm

Project leaders report no extra damage costs after last week's storm.

DULUTH, Minn.- Winds reaching nearly 70 miles per hour battered parts of the Lake Superior shoreline last week. Meanwhile, crews have already spent months restoring Duluth’s lakewalk from previous storms. But according to officials, the lakewalk escaped any additional damage. The lakewalk’s project supervisor says they were gearing up to have more damage after this past week’s snowstorm, but the ice…