News – Latest News

Duluth WorkForce Center Gets a New Name

The WorkForce Center is now know as Career Force

DULUTH, Minn.- Same place, new face. The Duluth WorkForce Center is now know as Career Force. The change is part of a transition for Minnesota’s entire workforce system, bringing multiple partners under the same brand. Career Force will still offer the same amount of services to career seekers while hoping to continue to make sure the economy stays thriving. Elena…

Defense at Noor Trial Asks Jury Pool About Handling Stress

MINNEAPOLIS – The attorney for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in the shooting death of an unarmed woman is quizzing potential jurors about decision-making in high-stress situations. Mohamed Noor is charged with murder in the 2017 death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. Noor shot the dual Australian-U.S. citizen when she approached his squad car minutes after calling 911 to report…

Police Apprehend Suspect Following Brief Lockdown at Duluth Schools

35-year-old Travis John Anthony Warner Busch is in police custody after the incident

DULUTH, Minn. – According to officials with the Duluth School District, all Duluth district public schools were asked to go into a lockdown Friday afternoon following a potential threat. 35-year-old Travis John Anthony Warner Busch was taken into police custody inside of Duluth East High School at about 1 p.m., less than an hour after the threat was reported. The…

Minnesota House Democrats Push Driver’s Licenses for all

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota House Democrats are making a push to allow all state residents to obtain driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status. At a news conference ahead of Friday’s floor debate, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler said immigrants – whether they’re documented or undocumented – are Minnesotans. He pointed out that all Minnesota residents could get licenses…

Zilch to 5k Class

Active Adventures: A Truly Beginner Walking & Running Class in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are joining a truly beginner fitness class. This is for people who don’t work out and also for those who need to move after injuries, surgeries, replacements, illnesses and more. This is a class for those who enjoy moving slowly, while learning about pacing, form, nutrition, hydration, ball, theraband, stretching, proper…

Should the SAT be Optional? Bribery Scandal Renews Debate

Numerous Colleges Have Made SAT Scores Optional

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The college bribery scandal is bringing new attention to the debate over using standardized test scores to judge applicants. Numerous colleges have made SAT and ACT scores optional, with leaders saying they want to increase equity and diversity. David Hawkins of the National Association for College Admission Counseling sees more exploring the change. He says even before…

Feds: man Jailed After Claim has Twice Made Similar Claims

Authorities say Rini Watched a Show About Pitzen and Wanted to get Away From his Family

(Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office via AP) CINCINNATI -An FBI affidavit says an Ohio man who authorities say falsely claimed to be an Illinois boy missing for eight years has made similar claims twice before. The affidavit filed in federal court Friday says 23-year-old Brian Rini repeatedly told investigators he was Timmothy Pitzen, who disappeared in Aurora, Illinois, in 2011 at…

National Burrito Day Celebrated in Duluth

Burrito Union offering a special for the national holiday

DULUTH, Minn. – April 3rd is National Burrito Day. Restaurants and burrito lovers across the country are celebrating. Burrito Union in Duluth sold two-fisted burritos for the price of one fist. They say the holiday is a great chance for customers to enjoy their favorite burrito. “A burrito is rice, beans, protein and veggies, all wrapped up, portable and delicious….

Two Who Died in Aitkin House Fire Identified

The two people killed in an Aitkin County house fire in Shamrock Township have been identified.

SHAMROCK TOWNSHIP-The two people killed in an Aitkin County house fire in Shamrock Township have been identified. Authorities say 80-year-old Raymond Jackman and 69-year-old Sandra Lee Neumann were the victims. On March 31 at 11:10 p.m., a fire was reported at a home in Shamrock Township.  The reporting party was Neumann who advised that her house was filled with smoke,…

Science Night at Lester Elementary

The Parent Teacher Association was behind Thursday's "Science Night"

DULUTH, Minn.- Tonight, Lester Park Elementary School turned into a massive “Science Night” for students and their families. Dozens of kids got to get in on all types of demonstrations, from the Duluth East Robotics teams to live science experiments, to even live animals like baby turtles. Daniel Tandberg, a father in attendance, said “it’s great to see so many different…

Home Show Day 2

Second Day of the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show took place Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the second day of the Arrowhead Home and Builders show at the DECC and just like most of us, one vendor in particular is dreaming of summer temperatures. KG Fireworks is hoping to spark some enthusiasm for summer from the people coming out to the Home Show. It’s a long way until Fourth of July but the…

Tribal Treaty Fishing Forum

Ojibwe tribal leaders educated the public about treaty rights Thursday night

DULUTH, Minn.- Tonight, Ojibwe Tribal leaders are educating the public about treaty rights for anglers this fishing season. The Great Lakes Indian Fishing and Wildlife Commission. It’s part of the Great Lakes Indian Fishing and Wildlife Commission’s goals. The biggest takeaway from today’s meetings with the public was to prevent false information about treaty fishing. Kevin Dupuis, Fond du Lac…

University of South Carolina Student’s Death Sparks Ride-Share Movement

Twin Ports students share their ride-share safety tips

DULUTH, Minn., and SUPERIOR, Wis. – The safety of ride sharing services is in the spotlight. The scrutiny comes after a University of South Carolina student’s body was found in a field hours after she got in a car that she mistakenly thought was her Uber. Surveillance video shows 21 year old Samantha Josephson waiting for her Uber outside a bar…

Duluth Churches Work to Get Youth Involved in Ministry

They say relationship building is key to connecting with people who need help

DULUTH, Minn. – Local churches say the key to getting young people involved in ministry is helping them feel needed and appreciated. Church leaders tell us every kid is concerned about a friend. They know they want to help but many don’t know how to begin. “If I ask kids how many of you are talking to someone about suicide,…

Bent Paddle Brewing New ‘Trampled By Turtles’ Inspired Beer

'Trampled American Golden Ale' to be released May 13th

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company announced they’re releasing a new beer inspired by a well-known Northland band. The Trampled American Golden Ale will be available starting May 13th. The beer is a collaboration with Trampled By Turtles. “There’s a very familiar American flavor to the beer, but it’s very much distinctive and it’s obviously made out of Lake…

Change of Season Means Annoying Allergy Symptoms on the Way

Pollen is one of the most common triggers for allergy sufferers.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s still fairly chilly in the Northland, but when temperatures rise allergies pick up for the season. Blooming flowers, full trees are beautiful sights to see in the Spring, but for those suffering from environmental allergies it could mean annoying symptoms are on the way. Pollen is one of the most common triggers for allergy sufferers. A…

DECC Designates New Pick-up and Drop-off Locations to Reduce Traffic Congestion

New locations will make it easy for drives and safe for patrons.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC is assigning a new pick–up and drop–off locations for taxis and ride-shares to help reduce traffic congestion during events. Ride-shares and taxis will now enter on Harbor Drive to meet passengers outside of Paulucci Hall also known as Entrance F. Vehicles will also be able to temporarily park alongside the building, near Entrance F, without…

Careers in Cosmetology Attract Variety of Students at WITC

Students spoke to over 50 represented jobs at the annual WITC career fair.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some of the most popular jobs in the Northland fall under healthcare or mechanical fields like shipping. Representatives from those jobs were among over 50 others at WITC’s annual job fair. One of the more visited booths at the fair was for cosmetology. Those working the booth say they stand out among other fields because they are a creative…

DNA Testing Rejects Teen’s Claim he is Boy Who Went Missing in 2011

Authorities have rejected a teenager's claim that he is an Illinois boy who disappeared in 2011 at age 6.

Authorities have rejected a teenager’s claim that he is an Illinois boy who disappeared in 2011 at age 6. The FBI says DNA testing ruled out the teenager as being Timmothy Pitzen, missing from Aurora, Illinois. Police say the story of teenager found wandering streets in Newport, Kentucky, on Wednesday didn’t check out. The teenager told police that he was…

Trial Date Set in Duluth Murder Case

A trial date has been set for a suspect accused of shooting and killing a 31-year-old man in September on the 100 block of West First Street in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-A trial date has been set for a suspect accused of shooting and killing a 31-year-old man in September on the 100 block of West First Street in Duluth. 26-year-old Jamal Jackson is set to go to trial Oct. 21 in the shooting death of 31-year-old Scott Pennington. Jackson is facing a second-degree murder charge in the case. If convicted,…

Duluth Police ask for Public’s Help Locating Person of Interest in Downtown Shooting

Anyone With Information is Encouraged to Report to 911

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in connection to Tuesday’s downtown shooting. Duluth police continue to investigate the shooting that happened around 11:20 p.m. on West Superior Street between 1st Avenue West and 2nd Avenue West. When officers arrived on scene a single victim was found with…

Savory Scallops

Cooking Connection: Scallop Dinner at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Zeitgeist Arts Cafe shows us how to make the perfect scallop dinner at home or to enjoy at the cafe. Scallop Dinner: Pan-seared scallops, risotto, Champagne-Dijon cream sauce and grilled asparagus. Check out the video above for the recipe and cooking instructions! LOCATION: Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, 222 E Superior St, Duluth, MN…

UWS Science Fest Goes Beyond the Typical Volcano

The UWS Science Fest is Happening Saturday, April 6, 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS is inviting children and adults to explore their annual Science Fest Saturday, April 6 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The topics of astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and zoology will be showcased. The event is taking place in both Barstow and Swenson Halls. Barstow Hall is located at 816 North 17th Street and Swenson Hall…

Midday Update 4-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Regents Panel OKs Raising Salary Range for UW President

The Regent Business and Finance Committee Voted Unanimously Thursday

MADISON, Wis. – A University of Wisconsin System regent committee is approving increasing the salary range for the system president. The regent Business and Finance Committee voted unanimously Thursday to set the minimum salary at $489,334 and the maximum salary at $734,000. The current minimum salary is $399,000 and the maximum is $598,500. Regent policies call for adjusting executive salary…

Police, FBI Trying to Verify Teen is boy Missing Since 2011

(Aurora Police Department via AP) CINCINNATI (AP) — Authorities conducted DNA testing to try to determine Thursday whether a teenager found wandering in Kentucky is who he claims to be — an Illinois boy who disappeared eight years ago around the time his mother took her own life. The teenager told police in Newport, Kentucky, on Wednesday that he had…

Morning Update 4-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

PAVSA Holds “Start By Believing” Pledge Campaign in Duluth

Duluth's Goal is For 1,300 Pledges

DULUTH, Minn- A Duluth non-profit wants your help in ending sexual violence by taking a three-word pledge in April to “Start By Believing.” PASVA is leading the charge to get 1,300 people in the Twin Ports to join the pledge to help end sexual violence. Duluth Police say 145 sexual assaults were reported just last year in the city. According…

Gov. Tim Walz Delivers State Of The State Speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has called on Minnesota to write a new story about how a government divided between Democrats and Republicans puts aside ideology and comes together for the good of the people. The Democratic governor used his first State of the State speech Wednesday night to say the state of the state is “strong.” And…

Arrowhead Home and Builder Show Opens at the DECC

The show specializes in building, remodeling, home, and garden.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Home and Builder’s Show has been a staple of spring in Duluth for 53 years. The show specializes in building, remodeling, home, and garden. “Yeah I think it’s a good way to kick–start the spring cleaning and just feel better about your house it’s summertime,” said Dillon Lee from Duluth. The show features well over…

Two Harbors Food Shelf is Moving

The long wait is over, and the food shelf is getting a new home

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Tonight, the longtime food shelf in Two Harbors, is preparing to move to a bigger, and better facility to serve the community. It’s been a project seven years in the making with the help of community donations. The new building will open in May on the 500 block of 1st Avenue in Two Harbors and organizers tell…

Connected Kids Initiative Steps Up for Foster Children

Event at Duluth Public Library raises awareness.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, there are 9,900 children in foster care, and over 800 waiting to be adopted in the state. Representatives from the organization Connected Kids Initiative tried to help these kids with their Step Up MN campaign. At the Duluth Public Library Wednesday, they introduced the campaign, the second city of their…

Husky Energy Announces Rebuild of Superior Refinery

Continued use of controversial chemical Hydrogen Flouride facing backlash.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Nearly a year after the explosion at Husky Energy Refinery, the company announced their plans for a $400 million rebuild, expected to create 350 jobs at its peak. However, the plan to continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) in the Refinery’s operations, is raising some eyebrows. Investigations found the initial explosion took place in the Fluid Catalytic…

UMD Celebrates New Chemistry and Science Building as Opening Approaches

Proper grand opening set for this summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2017, UMD broke ground to build a new state of the art Heikkila Chemistry and Advance Materials Science facility after outgrowing its previous location which has been around since 1979. Noticeable differences show big improvements from the 70 year old building to a much modernized space. With more than 50,000 square feet to fill the new…

Downtown Shooting Leaves Duluth Residents Uneasy

Duluth police are expected to release new details on Thursday, including a person of interest.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police continue to investigate Tuesday night’s shooting in Downtown Duluth which left a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Multiple squad cars responded to the scene 11 pm after an officer heard shots fired and saw the victim fall to the ground. The suspect fled the scene. The victim was last reported in…

Great Outdoors: Duluth East Little League Practices at UMD

Gearing up for the new season.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s time to dust off those cleats and polish those bats, because baseball season is just around the corner. Duluth Eastern Little League players ages 10 and up got to brush off their batting and base–running skills at UMD’s Ward Well’s Fieldhouse. “It’s been a long winter, it’s the first day of spring, y’know, the major leagues have…

Complaint: Duluth Fire Chief’s Blood-Alcohol Level Almost 3 Times Legal Limit

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire Chief Dennis Edwards has been formally charged with two counts of third-degree driving while impaired, and according to court records, he had a blood alcohol content almost three times the legal limit. The complaint filed in St. Louis County Court states Edwards was pulled over on March 30 at approximately 11:40 p.m. after a St….

Midday Update 4-3-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Upcoming Bike Swap to Help Animal Allies, Head of the Lakes United Way

The 13th Annual Bike Swap is Happening Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at Continental Ski & Bike in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to dig deep and clean out the garage. The 13th annual Continental Ski and Bike “Bike Swap” is coming up on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. Throughout the month of April you’re invited to bring unwanted bikes to Continental Ski and Bike (1305 East First Street, Duluth). 100 percent of the proceeds from…

House Judiciary Panel Approves Subpoenas for Mueller Report

The Committee Voted 24-17

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Judiciary Committee approved subpoenas Wednesday for special counsel Robert Mueller’s full Russia report as Democrats pressure the Justice Department to release the document without redactions. The committee voted 24-17 to give Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., permission to issue subpoenas to the Justice Department for the final report, its exhibits and any…

Laundry Room Lessons with Minnesota’s Laundry Evangelist

The Laundry Evangelist will be at the Home & Builders Show April 3 - 7 at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Patric Richardson simply loves to do laundry. Luckily for those in the Northland who don’t enjoy the weekly chore as much, Richardson will be at the 53rd Annual Home and Builders Show at the DECC April 3 – 7. His rising stardom is thanks in part to people growing tired of fast fashion and the culture of…

Hagedorn Ahead by Nearly 6,000 Votes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Supreme Court race could go to a recount, with the conservative candidate holding a narrow lead over his-liberal backed opponent following Tuesday’s election. Conservative candidate Brian Hagedorn declared victory early Wednesday based on a nearly 6,000-vote margin. The Associated Press is not yet calling the race because it could go to a recount. Hagedorn…

DNR to Fish House Owners: Don’t Leave Litter Behind

(FOX 9) – It’s becoming quite an eyesore as spring arrives in Minnesota. Officials with Department of Natural Resources are finding piles of litter where fish houses once stood. The department shared photos from scenes found on March 22 and March 25 on Red Sand Lake, Long Lake, Crow Wing River and Gull Lake, writing, “anything but an impression left on the ice…

Morning Update 4-3-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Husky Rebuild Process Begins; Company Plans to Continue to Use Hydrogen Fluoride

Demolition has begun for the rebuilding process of the Husky Refinery after last year's explosion in Superior, and the organization says it plans to continue to use the controversial chemical hydrogen fluoride.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Demolition has begun for the rebuilding process of the Husky Refinery after last year’s explosion in Superior, and the organization says it plans to continue to use the controversial chemical hydrogen fluoride. “Ongoing use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) is proposed as part of the rebuild plan, with additional safety measures being implemented,” Husky said in a statement. “HF is…