News – Latest News

Decision on Stauber Emails to be Made Early Next Week

Decision to be Made Monday or Tuesday

Pete StauberDULUTH, Minn. – Judge Stoney L. Hiljus says he will make a decision regarding the release of emails between Pete Stauber and the NRCC either Monday or Tuesday next week. The suit alleges Stauber violated county policy by emailing the National Republican Congressoinal Committee using his government email address. Last week, the Department of Administratoin ruled the emails are…

Ghosts and Goblins Take Over Yard in Gary New Duluth

FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich Enjoys Spooking Children and Adults Every Year at His Home in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21 Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us on a thrilling tour of Photojournalist Adam Jagunich’s haunted Halloween yard located in Gary New Duluth. Jagunich spends countless hours preparing for his Halloween display every year, all to make sure children and adults in the Gary New Duluth neighborhood come out on Halloween night…

Update: Reward Doubled in Missing Wisconsin Girl Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The reward for information leading to the whereabouts of 13-year-old Wisconsin girl whose parents were killed has been doubled, to $50,000. The Barron County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement Friday that the Jennie-O Turkey Store, James and Denise Closs worked, has helped raise the reward from the $25,000 offered earlier by the FBI. Sheriff’s officials say…

From Fearful to Fear Free, Dr. Marty Becker Visits North Shore Veterinary Hospital

North Shore Veterinary Hospital to Host Free Open House Friday, October 26 from 4 - 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dr. Michael Hargrove, Owner of North Shore Veterinary Hospital in Duluth invites the public to stop by their Open House event from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 26. Visiting from Colorado, Dr. Marty Becker will also be attending the event, sharing his knowledge and past with creating Fear Free Certification. Fear Free provides online and in-person…

One in Custody in Connection With Package Bombs

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice Department says a person has been taken into custody in connection with a series of package bombs sent to prominent Democrats. Spokeswoman Sarah Flores says a news conference is scheduled for later Friday. The person’s name was not immediately released. Officials have located 12 devices addressed in recent days to Democratic figures including former President…

Wrenshall Vehicle Rollover Leaves Five Injured

Everyone in the Vehicle

WRENSHALL, Minn. – According to the Minnesota State Patrol, four passengers and the driver of a Ford Explorer were injured when their vehicle went into a ditch on County Road 1 and rolled over. The accident happened on Thursday around 9:00 p.m. According to the incident report, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop for a stop sign at…

Community Connect Offering Services to Help People Experiencing Homelessness

The Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes also helped organize this year's event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year community connect helps people experiencing homelessness or poverty. The Damiano Center in Duluth was a one–stop shop for free resources like flu shots, free id’s, birth certificates and winter gear. Damiano staff say this can make a big difference for anyone dealing with homelessness. “It’s pretty incredibly for them to get them all in one place;…

St. Luke’s Northland Pharmacy Adds Medication Drop-Off Box

This Saturday the Public Safety Building will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m and accepting old medication for people to dispose of properly.

DULUTH, Minn. – National Prescription Drug Take Back day is this Saturday and several locations across the Northland are adding medication drop off boxes including Two Harbors and Duluth. One of the newest drop off boxes is located inside the St. Luke’s Northland Pharmacy. St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department, Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital are…

Duluth Reopening Access After Lake Superior Storm Surge

Duluth Officials are Seeking Emergency aid

DULUTH, Minn. – Crews in Duluth are working to temporarily restore and reopen areas damaged by a storm surge earlier this month. The city said Thursday crews cleared away debris and have reopened a temporary unpaved path next to the existing Lakewalk Trail in Canal Park between the canal and Endion Station. Crews are set to remove equipment and safety…

More Suspicious Packages Found, These to Booker, Clapper

A Total of 12 Devices Have now Been Recovered

(ABC News via AP)WASHINGTON — Suspicious packages addressed to New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and former National Intelligence Director James Clapper — and similar in appearance to pipe bomb devices sent to other prominent Democrats — have been intercepted, the FBI said Friday, as investigators scrambled from coast to coast to locate the culprit and motives behind a bizarre plot…

New World War II Exhibit at Bong Center

New Exhibit Opens in Collaboration with CAF

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Northlanders can now get a new look at World War II at the Bong Veterans Historical Center. In collaboration with the Commemorative Air Force Lake Superior Squadron, the Bong opened a new exhibit tonight, featuring half of the collection that was previously at the Bong Airport. The museum says, it allows them to tell new stories from World War…

North Star Academy Sheds Light On After School Programs

Student Led Event Held for After School Programs

DULUTH, Minn.-It’s not often an event at a school is hosted entirely by students. But today’s Lights on After School event was just that, as each after school club and program came together to show off what they do. The event was held to raise money for, and illustrate the importance of After School Programs. At first glance, it looks…

Give the Gift of Warmth at UWS

Cold Weather Clothing Drive Starts Today

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The Northland is known for its rough winter, and now people can get some help bundling up, thanks to UWS. Starting today they are accepting donations of new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves and winter jackets from, and for, anyone on campus or the surrounding community. “Our primary goal is #1 to meet our students’ needs,” said Senior…

Duluth Police Chief Clarifies Release Of Autopsy Report In Infant’s Homicide

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 learned Thursday why an infant’s homicide investigation in Duluth was not made public until a request for an autopsy report was done by our station Wednesday. Police Chief Mike Tusken said there was no lack of transparency, but more of a breakdown in communication between his investigators and when the autopsy was finally completed by…

Stay in Duluth’s First Ever Hostel Starting in November

The Twin Port's first hostel is aiming for a 'home away from home' experience.

DULUTH, Minn.-Passerybys in the Duluth area will get their chance to stay at the Twin Ports first ever hostel. The Hostel du Nord will have their grand opening celebration revealing their overnight bunks available for guests looking for a short time stay. Owner Bob Monahan, who also owns the Red Herring Lounge down the street from the hostel says that…

State Officials Decide the Future of Transportation for the Twin Ports

Duluth-Superior is considered a central hub of transportation in the state of Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local community leaders, officials with the state and legislative candidates spent the day brainstorming to change the future of transportation in the Twin Ports. The discussion was held at the Holiday Inn in Duluth and focused heavily on the allocation of funding walking into the 2019 legislative session. Duluth was the sixth out of seven stops in the…

Seven Electric Buses Now in Use at DTA

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven new electric buses were recently added to the DTA fleet. The buses were paid for with a $6.3 million federal grant and more than a million dollars from MnDOT. State officials plant to use Duluth for testing electric bus technology in Minnesota before they introduce the buses in Rochester and the Twin Cities. “We’re going to…

Court Hearing for Stauber Emails set for Friday

The Hearing Will Take Place at 10:30 Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – A St. Louis County Judge will hear arguments Friday morning in a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota DFL against St. Louis County demanding the release of emails between Stauber and the NRCC. The suit alleges Stauber violated county policy by emailing the National Republican Congressional Committee using his government email address. The Department of Administration has since…

Essentia Health Receives Level 1 Trauma Verification

It's the Regions First and Only Hospital to Receive the Verification

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health-Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth is in a class of its own. It’s the first and only hospital in the region to receive verification as a Level I adult trauma center. Essentia Health is now one of 134 adult trauma centers in the country. The journey to earn this verification has taken six years, but…

Officials Planning to Move Canadian Wolves to Isle Royale

The Move Will Take Place This Winter

HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) – Officials plan to relocate several gray wolves from the Canadian province of Ontario to Isle Royale National Park this winter. It’s the next step in rebuilding the depleted wolf population at the Lake Superior park. Only two remained until crews took four more wolves to the island from Minnesota this fall. Plans call for transporting 20-30…

Hibbing Teachers Reach Tentative Agreement With District

A Special Meeting to Ratify the Contracts Will be Held on Friday

HIBBING, Minn. – After returning to the bargaining table, the Hibbing United Educators and Hibbing School District have reached a tentative agreement on their 2017-19 and 2019-21 contracts. On Wednesday, members of the Hibbing United Educators voted to pass the agreements. “The members of the Hibbing United Educators look forward to the resolution of our contract negotiations with the district,…

No big Powerball Winner; Jackpot now up to $750 Million

No one has won the Powerball Jackpot Since August 11

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – No one has won the big Powerball prize, so the estimated jackpot now grows to $750 million – potentially the fourth-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. The next drawing will be Saturday. On Wednesday night, when it was at $620 million, the Powerball jackpot looked sort of puny given all the attention lavished on the…

Treat Yourself with Better Saving Habits this Halloween

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Talks About Five Key Points to Helping You Save More Money

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is right around the corner! The spooky ritual has many of us thinking about tricks more than treats. However, it doesn’t have to be that way when it comes to your wallet. Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow stopped by FOX 21 Local News Thursday morning to offer tips on how to trick yourself into saving for…

U.S. Senator Klobuchar Meets with City Officials and Firefighters in Duluth

The DFL Senator backed the newly signed Firefighter Cancer Registry Act.

DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Duluth early Wednesday morning to discuss the newly signed Firefighter Cancer Registry Act. The act focuses on funding research centered on the relationship between career–long exposure to dangerous fumes and the incidence of cancer in firefighters. The DFL senator addressed the fire staff and recognized Duluth firefighters for their first hand experience with…

Lincoln Park Looks to the Future and Celebrates West Duluth

The Lincoln Park Craft District is celebrating its progress and where it's going.

DULUTH, Minn.- Business leaders in the Lincoln Park Craft District celebrated Wednesday morning in honor of the grand opening of Dovetail Café and Marketplace and in looking to the future of the district. Following a ribbon cutting and presentation by mayor Emily Larson, the Duluth Folk School hosted one of several events taking place during the week helping local businesses…

Twins Hire ex-Rays Player, Coach Rocco Baldelli as Manager

The Minnesota Twins have hired Tampa Bay Rays assistant coach Rocco Baldelli as their new manager, seeking a young voice to help revive a struggling team.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-The Minnesota Twins have hired Tampa Bay Rays assistant coach Rocco Baldelli as their new manager, seeking a young voice to help revive a struggling team. The 37-year-old Baldelli replaces Paul Molitor, who was fired after four seasons with a 305-343 record. Baldelli will be the youngest manager in the major leagues, the first skipper ever born in the…

Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat Keeps Evolving for Veterans and Their Families

As it grows the hope is to make it a popular destination for veterans and their families.

DANBURY, Wisc.- The Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat (DOVR) was created to give veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The retreat officially opened a few years ago and with the help of the Dairyland community it continues to make progress. The DOVR is about two years old and as it grows the hope is to make it…

Packages to De Niro, Biden Seized, Similar to Pipe Bombs

This is an Ongoing Investigation

(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)WASHINGTON (AP) – A law enforcement official says a second package addressed to former Vice President Joe Biden has been intercepted at a mail facility in Wilmington, Delaware. The official says it has similar markings and characteristics as the packages containing bombs sent to other prominent Democrats. The official said another package addressed to Biden was also found…

St. Luke’s Hospital Reminds Everyone to Get Their Mammograms this October

The Breast Center at St. Luke's Hospital uses the latest 3D screening technology.

DULUTH, Minn.- With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, doctor’s at St. Luke’s hospital in Duluth wanted to remind everyone of the importance of regularly scheduled mammograms. The St. Luke’s Breast Center offers a number of services for patients, the most basic being a screening mammogram which could detect an early onset of breast cancer in women. The center uses…

East H.S. Student In Assault Speaks Out; Son’s Death Ruled Homicide In Separate Case

5-week-old Infant Dead After Head Trauma

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth East High School student involved in assault caught on camera is speaking to FOX 21 about the attack, while details of his infant son’s homicide have emerged. Jedda Simpson, 17, wanted to share his side of the story after he says he’s gotten death threats and been the target of bullying on social media. Simpson is…

Disc Golf Course Opens at Enger Park

18 hole course follows the same path of the Enger Park Golf Course's back 9

DULUTH, Minn. – A new disc golf course is now open at Enger Park Golf Course. There are now eighteen disc golf holes spread across the back nine at Enger Park. The course will allow disc golfers and ball golfers to occupy the same links at the same time, something not seen at very many public courses. Disc players are…

Street Light Stolen in Proctor

Light was stacked on ground in a construction site

PROCTOR, Minn. – A street light has been stolen in Proctor. The light went missing sometime between September 27th and 28th. It was stacked on the ground with other lights at a construction site before it was set to be installed along sixth street in Proctor. Police tell us they aren’t sure why someone would take the light but that…

Spartan Wellness Center Opens at Superior High School

The center will be open to students and athletes as part of their curriculum.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new weight room is now open at Superior High School. It’s one of many projects made possible after a district wide $92 million referendum passed in 2016. The Essentia Spartan Wellness Center has brand new weights for students to channel their inner Spartan. The space was once three classrooms before it became the Wellness Center. It…

‘Petal it Forward’ Movement Spreads Smiles Through Random Acts of Kindness

Engwalls and Essentia Health 'Petaled it Forward' alongside 450 other florists in the nation.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Creating smiles for no reason at all…that’s what Engwalls and 450 other florists across the nation had in mind Wednesday morning as they participated in the ‘Petal it Forward’ movement. The movement called for each person to keep a bouquet and give a bouquet to someone else for no reason other than spreading a random act of kindness. This…

Get Spooky with a Squid at the Aquarium!

Scarium at the Aqaurium is happening in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth is giving ‘sleeping with the fishes’ a whole new meaning! Scarium at the Aquarium will be taking place from 10 to three Oct. 28 at the Great Lakes Aquarium. The Halloween fun–filled event is the aquarium’s most popular event of the year featuring costume contests, trick or treating, and learning enrichment activities with the animals, like the opportunity…

5-Week-Old Duluth Infant’s Death Ruled a Homicide

August Homicide Investigation Was Discovered After FOX 21 Contacted Medical Examiner

DULUTH, Minn. – A five-week-old Duluth infant’s death has been ruled a homicide, according to a report by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner after FOX 21 requested information about the death. The report, which was later sent to local media in Duluth, states the baby, Jamal Trey Chaterlays-Simpson, died from craniocerebral (head) trauma on Aug. 10 at the Children’s Hospital…

Search for Missing Barron Teen Continues

Authorities in Barron Have Announced a $25,000 Reward

BARRON COUNTY, Wisc. – Authorities in Barron have now announced a $25,000 reward for those with information that could help find 13-year-old Jayme Closs. The teenager disappeared more than a week ago after her parents were found murdered in their home. No new evidence has been discovered during a search on Tuesday, but that has not stopped Jayme’s family from…

Police: Multiple People Shot in Kentucky Grocery Store

Authorities Have not Released Extent of Victims' Injuries

JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky. (AP) — Multiple people were shot at a Kroger grocery store Wednesday on the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky, and one suspect was detained, police said. A dispatcher with the Jeffersontown Police Department who spoke to The Associated Press did not give details on the extent of the victims’ injuries and would not give his name. He also did…

Update: Suspicious Packages also sent to Eric Holder and Rep. Maxine Waters

The Investigation is Still Ongoing

WASHINGTON (AP) – A device intended for former Attorney General Eric Holder is among those intercepted in recent days. That’s according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press to discuss an ongoing investigation. One of the people says the device was sent to the wrong address. It was then sent back to what was…

Man Cited for Illegally Shooting Bull elk

State law Prohibits Discharging Firearms Across Roadways

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Department of Natural Resources has cited the first hunter to kill an elk with a state tag in Wisconsin’s inaugural elk season for shooting across a road. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the DNR cited Joe Wiltzius of Franklin on Tuesday for shooting the elk Oct. 15 as it stood on a Round Lake Township…

Council President: Health Department Under Investigation

Milwaukee Health Department Being Criminally Investigated

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The president of the Milwaukee Common Council says the city’s health department is being criminally investigated. Ashanti Hamilton’s revelation comes in response to another alderman who criticized Hamilton for failing to issue a subpoena compelling former health Commissioner Bevan Baker to testify at City Hall about the city’s troubled lead program. The Journal Sentinel reports Hamilton says…

Hibbing man Sentenced for the Death of 11 Month old Nephew

The Hibbing man found guilty of two counts of second-degree manslaughter for the death of his 11-month-old nephew was sentenced to 98 months in jail, but will get credit for 448 days for time served.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hibbing man found guilty of two counts of second-degree manslaughter for the death of his 11-month-old nephew was sentenced to 98 months in jail, but will get credit for 448 days for time served. Jesse Lee Bonacci-Koski, 26, left the infant boy home alone to buy controlled substances when a fire started in the house while he…

Hiking and Halloween Fun This Weekend at Hartley Nature Center

The Annual Hartley Nature Center Howl-O-Ween is Happening Saturday, October 27 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Rain or shine, the annual Howl-O-Ween event is returning to Hartley Nature Center on the morning of Saturday, October 27. This year’s event will unveil an all new outdoor format. Organizers invite the public to come dressed in costume and enjoy exploring trails near the nature center. You’re encouraged to dress warm and be ready to take…

FBI Investigating Deaths of two men on Red Lake Reservation

Authorities say the men Died on Sunday

RED LAKE, Minn. (AP) – The FBI is investigating the deaths of two men on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. FBI spokesman Michael Kulstad declined to provide any other details about the deaths of 26-year-old Dustin Barrett and 32-year-old James Rojas III. Kulstad says the men were from the Red Lake area. Authorities say they died on…