News – Latest News

City Officials are Hopeful for Redevelopment Plans Now That Carter Hotel Gone

"There is a real broad vision that there's great opportunity in that area," said Kristi Stokes

DULUTH, Minn. – Now that the old Carter Hotel has been torn down city officials are looking forward to opportunities to breathe new life into downtown. The city says that the deteriorating hotel had attracted graffiti and vandalism for years. They believe it had become an eye–sore to nearby businesses and there were several vacancies nearby. Kristi Stokes from the…

Minnesota House Panel Passes Another 2nd gun Control Bill

Both Bills are Expected to Win Approval on House Floor

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota House committee has passed a proposed “red flag” law that would allow families and police to get court orders to temporarily remove guns from people judged to be an imminent danger to themselves or others. The House public safety committee approved the bill 10-7 along party lines Thursday. The same panel on Wednesday night…

Green Bay man Faces 11th OWI Charge

He is due Back in Court March 14

OCONTO, Wis. – A Wisconsin man is facing his 11th drunken driving charge. Sixty-six-year-old Douglas Kluth of Green Bay was arrested early Wednesday in Oconto County. Authorities allege he had an open beer on the center console of his car. Officials say the State Patrol was helping with traffic when Kluth parked his vehicle and approached a trooper. The trooper…

Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting Charged With Attempted Murder

Bail has Been set at $1 Million

HILL CITY, Minn. – A Hill City man made his first court appearance in Itasca County District Court on five counts of attempted second degree murder, five counts of first-degree assault on a police officer with deadly force and two counts of domestic assault. All charges stem from an officer involved shooting and domestic assault incident that took place on…

Hard “Core” with Duluth Cider New Release

Cooking Connection: Duluth Cider Previews New Cider Available Soon!

LINCOLN PARK, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are going hard “core” with Duluth Cider! Check out the new cider that will be released TUESDAY MARCH 5th! It’s called NORTH and it’s made with Sawtooth Mountain maple syrup and pine, delivering a true Northland cider. Grab a few and listen to some tunes, see the live music line…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part III

Trapper's Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Offers Luxury Ice Fishing at its Finest!

WALKER, Minn. — Ice fishing has come a long way from sitting on a bucket, in fact now you can kick back, relax, fish from a recliner, a couch, even a bed and more! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes inside the deep history of Trapper’s Landing Lodge, “Kept the original bar top that was here back in the 40’s! Even…

Evers to Unveil First State Budget to Skeptical Republicans

Evers Will Unveil his Plan Thursday Night

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file)MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers is releasing his first state budget to a skeptical Republican Legislature, with many of his proposals likely dead on arrival and others unlikely to pass without significant changes. Evers, a Democrat, unveils his plan Thursday night during a joint meeting of the Legislature. That will kick off a monthslong process…

Authorities ask for Public’s Help Locating Missing Teen

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 15-year-old girl from Bigfork. Authorities say Kacey Hafeman has been missing since 5:30 p.m. February 26 and is believed to have run away from home. According to the Sheriff’s Office Hafeman may have been given a ride to the Grand Rapids…

Cultural Night to Captivate Northlanders at UWS

Cultural Night is Happening Saturday, March 2 at UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior will showcase food and cultures from around the world for its 22nd annual Cultural Night on Saturday, March 2, at UW-Superior. The theme for this year’s event is “Celebrating our Differences.” Cultural Night, which is sponsored by World Students Association (WSA), will feature an international food tasting (hors d’oeuvre style) and cultural performances…

Minnesota Budget Forecast Show Smaller $1 Billion Surplus

Further Details Will be Release Later Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s projected budget surplus has shrunk to just over $1 billion, leaving lawmakers nearly $500 million less to work with compared with the last forecast announced in December. Minnesota Management and Budget said in a statement Thursday that the state’s budget and economic outlook have weakened since the previous forecast. The agency says slower projected economic…

Minnesota House Panel Ends 5-Hour gun Hearing

A 9-7 Vote Approved a Bill for Universal Background Checks

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota House committee has wrapped up a five-hour hearing on a pair of contentious gun control bills. The public safety committee voted 9-7 Wednesday night to approve a bill to require universal criminal background checks for gun purchasers. The panel then began considering a bill for a “red flag” law to allow…

Trump, Kim Summit Collapses Over Sanctions Impasse

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — President Donald Trump has departed Vietnam after failing to reach an agreement during his second nuclear summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. The U.S. leader said he “walked away” from talks with Kim after it was clear the two sides remained at odds in talks over ending the North’s nuclear program. Trump says the North…

City of Duluth Kicks Off New Flag Redesign Project

City taking design submissions until April.

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth hasn’t changed it’s flag for nearly 50 years. Some people think it needs an update. On Wednesday the city organized a meeting for people to share their thoughts about how to update it. The city says they have heard many requests to change the design. So they invited the public to come share ideas. The…

MnDOT Updates on Mission Creek Burial Ground Restoration

Weather only a small hindrance so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Department of Transportation shared an update on its efforts to restore an unearthed Native American Burial site in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. MnDOT held another community meeting on Wednesday. Transportation officials say after nearly two years of the accidental unearthing by MnDOT. Crews are continuing their sensitive work which has been slowed a bit with the…

In Spending Proposal Gov. Walz Sets Funds Aside for Northern Lights Project

$11 million suggested for passenger rail systems.

DULUTH, Minn.- The proposed Northern Lights Express Rail System, that would connect Duluth to the Twin Cities, is seeing new life in Governor Tim Walz’s first capital spending proposal. The proposal  calls for $11 million to leverage federal matching funds for passenger rail systems like the Northern Lights Express in Duluth. “The next step in the process is to secure the…

Superior Considering Medical Tourism Option to Save on Healthcare Costs

City looking to contain costs that reached nearly $6 million in 2018

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Healthcare cost the City of Superior nearly $6 million in 2018. Now, the city is looking at some new ways to contain those costs, including adding a medical tourism option to their employee health plan. Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland traveled to Mexico last month for a stem cell procedure to treat his MS. “It was great,…

Sun Reflecting Off of Snow Can Be Dangerous to the Eyes

Ultra violet rays are twice as damaging to the eyes in the winter.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – When it comes to the winter we often think of ways to avoid injury, especially to our back from shoveling while also trying not to slip and fall. One area that might be neglected are your eyes. We all know it can be very difficult for drivers to see when the sun reflects off the snow, but…

Students Participate in 2019 Summit on Equity, Race, & Ethnicity

"Our students are the next wave of those leaders."

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 400 students participated in UMD’s 2019 Summit on Equity, Race, and Ethnicity. The goal is creating an even more inclusive campus community. Over 40 workshops were held in the Kirby Student Center at UMD focusing on a variety of topics.   Among the workshops, many provide knowledge about how access to opportunities may not be…

UMD Could Get Big Money in Proposed Bonding Bill

"It needs serious upgrades in terms of air ventilation, life safety, and code compliance issues."

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz recently announced his billion dollar proposal to fund projects statewide, including multi–million dollar plans to renovate and preserve UMD’s infrastructure. The school could get a percentage of $100 million split between all University of Minnesota campuses to preserve a former chemistry building at UMD. Also, about another $4 million dollars proposed in the bill will…

College of St. Scholastica Students and Faculty Participates in Community Day

Each spring and fall semester CSS students and staff have the day off to spend time giving back.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday students and faculty at the College of St. Scholastica volunteered around the Northland for Community Day. Each spring semester CSS students and staff have the day off to spend time giving back. About one thousand people participated in the event which is held each spring and fall. They volunteer at a wide range of places…

911 Calls, Video Show Chaos of Massive Wisconsin Pileup

NEENAH, Wis. (AP) — Authorities in Wisconsin have released 911 calls and police video that show the chaos of a deadly, 131-car pileup during whiteout conditions. Sunday’s chain-reaction crash on southbound Interstate 41 near Neenah, about 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee, killed a 30-year-old school teacher and injured 71 others. One woman called 911 to report she was just in…

Demolition Could be Delayed at Husky Refinery

They Still Plan on Opening in 2020 in Different Phases

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Husky Energy officials are saying the demolition process at the refinery in Superior may get delayed due to the recent heavy snow fall. According to a Husky spokesperson, despite a possible delay they still plan on opening in 2020 in different phases. Once open they expect to continue to process 50,000 barrels of oil a day as…

Moose Lake Sex Offender Inmate Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder

Sentencing Scheduled for March 8

George Mack, Jr., 42 MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – An inmate at the Moose Lake Sex Offender Program who was charged in January with attempted murder in the first degree and fourth-degree assault pleaded guilty to both charges on Monday. According to authorities 42-year-old George Mack slashed a clinical supervisor’s throat twice on January 29 in the MSOP facility. The victim,…

Firefighter Dies in Rice County Snowmobile Crash

Zuilen Died of Asphyxia

FARIBAULT, Minn. – A Northfield firefighter has died in a snowmobile crash in Rice County. Sheriff’s officials say rescuers found Chad Van Zuilen underneath his snowmobile that was partially buried by snow during last weekend’s blizzard. They spotted the ski of his snowmobile in Webster Township. The 37-year-old firefighter was pronounced dead at Northfield Hospital early Sunday. Sheriff Troy Dunn…

Wisconsin Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Trying to Join Islamic State

His Sentence Will Also be Followed by 10 Years Supervised Release

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee man who tried to join and fight for the Islamic State has been sentenced to seven years in a federal prison. Federal prosecutors say Jason Ludke was a “true danger” and asked for a 20-year sentence followed by a lifetime of supervised released. But, Ludke’s attorney asked for five years, saying his client was a “lost…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part II

Father & Son Head To The Ice To Build A Lasting Bond

WATERSMEET, Mich. — For some families, there is no excuse to stay inside all winter long. In fact for some, it’s time to head out on the ice and do some fishing! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on the ice, in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Joining a father and son that are building life long memories and…

Watch Live: House Hearing Begins With ex-Trump Lawyer Cohen

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Latest on President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen (all times local): 4:55 p.m. President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, says he’s seen the president’s tax returns but hasn’t gone through them. Cohen is testifying Wednesday before the House oversight committee. Trump broke with decades of tradition for presidential candidates by refusing to release…

Head of the Lakes Job, Internship Fair Happening Thursday

Grab Your Resume and Stop by UWS Thursday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior will host nearly 90 employers from the Twin Ports and beyond as part of the free Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair on Thursday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Yellowjacket Union Great Room. Employers will be available to meet, network and recruit for internships, seasonal work,…

Lake Superior Zoo to Host Local Artist on World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day is Happening Sunday, February 3, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday, March 3 marks World Wildlife Day and the Lake Superior Zoo is inviting you to help them celebrate and raise awareness. Local artist Brad Vanderbrook will be showcasing his giant portraits of endangered species around the Zoo, and will also be creating his newest piece of work. Vanderbrook uses white bedsheets and permanent marker to create…

Evers Appoints Former Legislator to DNR Board

He Replaces Preston Cole

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers has quietly appointed a former legislator to the state Department of Natural Resources board. The board’s chairman, Fred Prehn, introduced Fred Clark as a board member at the board’s meeting Tuesday morning. He replaces Preston Cole, whom Evers appointed as DNR secretary in December. The DNR’s board liaison, Laurie Ross, said Evers appointed Clark…

Minnesota House Panel set to Consider two gun Control Bills

Committee Chairman Says he Intend to Pass Both Bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Legislature is bracing for its first hearing this session on the contentious issue of gun control. The House public safety committee hearing is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Capitol. It will hear testimony on bills to require universal criminal background checks for gun purchasers, and to let families and police petition courts…

One Injured After Early Morning House Fire in Virginia

The Cause of the Fire in Under Investigation

VIRGINIA, Minn. – One is person is injured after an early morning house fire in Virginia. The Northland Fire Wire reports the fire was called in around 12:10 a.m. in the 200 block of 2nd Street North. Authorities say when First Responders arrived they were able to rescue a woman who was located on the second floor. The woman was…

Plans Move Forward For Hotel On Tower Avenue in Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re getting a preview of what a new hotel will look like on Tower Avenue in Superior. The four-story hotel will be built on the site of the former Palace Theater on North Tower and 11th Street. Wisconsin-based Cobblestone Hotels is behind the project. The 60-plus room hotel will include a steakhouse and taproom on the lower…

Middle School Musicians Perform at UMD

More than 300 students played in the concert

DULUTH, Minn. – Music filled the Marshall Performing Arts Center at UMD during the annual middle school honor band festival. More than three-hundred students from about fifty schools statewide attended the festival. Faculty say it’s a great opportunity for kids to meet students with similar interests and grow their love of music. “There’s some smaller schools that are in rural…

Residential Maternity Home to Open Soon in Duluth

Star of the North Maternity home can house four women and their babies at a time

DULUTH, Minn. – A residential center helping homeless pregnant women and their babies will soon open in Duluth. The ‘Star of the North’ maternity home can house four women and their babies at a time. Staff will help the women find education, work, and independent housing after the babies are born. “Any woman who is single and has a baby…

‘We All Belong’ Art Show Celebrates Diversity at UMD

Art created by students includes drawings, 3D art, and graphic design pieces

DULUTH, Minn. – An art display at UMD is celebrating diversity through creative work. The “We All Belong” art show was created by students. It includes 3D art, drawings, and graphic design pieces. It was all made to create an inclusive, welcoming environment at the university. “This just adds another layer to what we can learn from other people’s experiences…

In-Demand Construction Careers Highlighted at DECC

Building and construction unions eager to hire more workers

DULUTH, Minn. – Local employers in the building and construction trades are eager to hire more workers. Students and adults looking for careers could experience some in-demand trades hands on at the annual construction career night. Fourteen affiliated unions like carpenters, iron workers, roofers, and brick layers filled the DECC  arena with interactive displays. Prospective workers could ask the professionals…

CHUM Kicks Off Minnesota Food Share March in Duluth

Campaign aims to restock CHUM from Holidays.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM kicked off the Minnesota Food Share March Campaign with a goal of raising $115,000 and 35,000 lbs of food. The campaign aims to restock food shelves across the state in March. Many of which, like CHUM, are running low on supplies donated during the holiday season. CHUM says the disadvantaged population has increased in Duluth recently, making…

City Council Approves St. Luke’s Helipad Move

Old parking lot being turned into new helipad.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has approved the move of Saint Luke’s helipad as the hospital continues to look to expand. Citizens had previously expressed concern about the noise caused by the new location. The resolution also approves the hospitals plans for the reconstruction of its parking deck, including an ambulance garage on East Second Street, where the new helipad would…

Energy-Efficient Innovations Showcased at the DECC for Minnesota Power’s 29th Annual Energy Design Conference

Nearly 40 exhibits showcased a variety of energy-efficient products, services, and practices.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power brings energy–efficient innovations back to Duluth for its 29th Annual Energy Design conference at the DECC. The annual conference has something for everyone. Minnesota Power works with energy conscious agencies from around the state to put spotlight on new innovations to save energy. Nearly 40 exhibits showcased a variety of energy-efficient products, services, and practices….

Methodist Church Votes to Continue a Ban on Gay Marriage and Gay Clergy

"If it was the United States' decision, we would have full equality in our United Methodist Churches."

  DULUTH, Minn. – Supporters of LGBTQ inclusion within the United Methodist Church are devastated after a final vote, at a 3-day international conference, upholds an ongoing ban of same sex weddings and gay clergy. A local Methodist Church that welcomes the LGBTQ community is now speaking out. More than half of the 800 delegates supported the final vote to…

Woman Pleads Guilty to Killing Three Babies, Including Son

A Wisconsin woman accused of killing three infants, including her son, in the 1980s has pleaded guilty to criminal charges.

MILWAUKEE-A Wisconsin woman accused of killing three infants, including her son, in the 1980s has pleaded guilty to criminal charges. Sixty-one-year-old Nancy Moronez entered her pleas to three counts of homicide by reckless conduct Monday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Moronez is accused of killing her son, 18-day-old Justin Brunka, in 1980 in Franklin. Two other babies Moronez was babysitting,…

Anoka-Hennepin Schools Sued for Transgender Discrimination

The parent of a transgender teenager has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Anoka-Hennepin School District.

COON RAPIDS, Minn.-The parent of a transgender teenager has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Anoka-Hennepin School District. The lawsuit filed in Anoka County District Court Monday alleges administrators at Coon Rapids High School violated the student’s constitutional rights by not allowing him to use the boys’ locker room as a member of the swim team. Minnesota’s American Civil Liberties…

All Accounted for During Lake of the Woods Ice Rescue

Work continues at this hour in rescue operations as authorities try to find stranded anglers on the Lake of the Woods.

LAKE OF THE WOODS- Work continues at this hour in rescue operations as authorities try to find stranded anglers on the Lake of the Woods. According to press release from the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office, anglers became stranded Sunday as wind gusts caused ice roads to become unusable. So far all anglers have been at least accounted…