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Texas Shooting may Spur School Security Bill

The Money Allows Schools to Fund Security Upgrades Like Bulletproof Glass

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican party leaders say they may move quickly to pass a $28 million bill for security upgrades at Minnesota schools after the latest school shooting in Texas. That additional funding has been part of the plan since the session began in February. But Republicans had planned to include it as part of a broader budget…

Trump’s Pick to Head Veterans Affairs: Robert Wilkie

Wilkie is a Former Pentagon Undersecretary

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie is President Donald Trump’s pick to permanently lead the beleaguered department. Wilkie is a former Pentagon undersecretary for personnel and readiness. He’s led the agency for two months, ever since Trump fired David Shulkin amid an internal revolt and questions about his compliance with ethics rules. Wilkie appeared…

St. Paul Police Investigate Three Stun gun Attacks

Police are Warning People to be Careful

ST.PAUL, Minn. (AP) – St. Paul police are investigating three recent stun gun attacks. Investigators say the first attack happened Saturday night just north of Como Park Golf Course. A man out walking was assaulted by several males with a stun gun who took his keys. Two other attacks happened Monday night. A man riding his bike was hit from…

Legislative Auditor to Probe Allegations of Child Care Fraud

James Nobles' Office Will Investigate the Alleged Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor will investigate allegations that child care providers are stealing money from the state’s publicly funded child-subsidy program. Legislative Auditor James Nobles tells the Star Tribune his office will explore the scope of the alleged fraud and whether the Human Services Department had adequate controls to prevent it. Nobles said several lawmakers asked his office…

Possible Explosives Found at Texas School

As Many as 10 People Dead

SANTA FE, Texas (AP) — Authorities say possible explosive devices have been found at and adjacent to the Texas high school where a shooting left as many as 10 people dead. The Santa Fe Independent School District said in a statement Friday that authorities are in the process of rendering the devices safe. There’s no indication how many devices have…

No Injuries in Early Morning Semi Truck Fire

No Reported Injuries

CANYON, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol Officers responded to a semi-truck on fire this morning on Northbound Highway 53 between Birch Road and Harris Road just South of Canyon. Reports show that the semi-truck blew a tire and became fully engulfed in flames shortly after pulling over to the shoulder of the Highway. Responding fire crews were able to extinguish…

Boat Safety Week Kicks Off with Life Jacket Reminder

DULUTH, Minn. -As the weather warms and more folks hit the water, several officials are reminding Northlanders to be cautious on the lake. This coming week is all about safety on the water as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week is being held from May 20-26. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor…

Local Media Report Fatalities at Texas School

No Exact Numbers on Fatalities

(KTRK-TV ABC13 via AP)SANTA FE, Texas (AP) – Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a high school. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting early Friday at Santa Fe High School, about 30 miles southeast of Houston. The…

Missing Child Found in Iowa

Authorities Have Located Missing Child

CAMDEN, S.C. – Authorities confirm that Dakota Ray, the missing 2-year-old from South Carolina, was located in Iowa late yesterday. Dakota had been missing since April and was last seen at a hospital in Iowa on Monday with her parents. Officials say the child is safe and in protective custody. The child’s parents, William and Jessica Ray, were arrested on…

Active Shooter Reported at Texas High School

Authorities Have not Confirmed any Additional Information at This Time

SANTA FE, Texas (AP) – Law enforcement officers are responding to a high school near Houston after an active shooter was reported on campus. The Santa Fe school district issued an alert Friday morning saying Santa Fe High School has been placed on lockdown. Galveston County sheriff’s Maj. Douglas Hudson says units are responding to reports of shots fired. He…

Body Found in Forest Lake Woods

Officers are not Looking for any Suspects

FOREST LAKE, Minn. (AP) – Police are working to learn the identity of a body found in some woods in Forest Lake. Authorities say a man searching for morel mushrooms found the body Thursday behind the CenturyLink building. Police Capt. Greg Weiss says officers are not looking for any suspects in the death. Weiss says he can’t comment on whether…

Gunman Arrested After Police Shootout at Trump Resort

Trump was not at the Club at the Time

(AP Photo/Frieda Frisaro)DORAL, Fla. (AP) — Gunfire erupted early Friday at President Donald Trump’s golf resort, as a man shouting anti-Trump rhetoric draped a flag over a lobby counter and exchanged fire with officers in what one official called an “ambush” before being arrested, police said. One officer received a broken arm and the suspect was wounded by gunfire in…

Quick-Changing Weather Crushes Sailboat Into Aerial Lift Bridge

Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control. 

DULUTH, Minn.- It started out as a beautiful 80-degree day on Lake Superior, but that quickly changed. Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control. “We just proved it yesterday the weather on Lake Superior can change in two seconds,” Campbell said. The first…

SPECIAL REPORT: Autism In the Northland

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can cause significant challenges in social interaction, communication and behavior.

DULUTH, Minn. – Autism is something many children and their families have to live with every day and it’s more common than you might think. Life with autism is a reality Amanda Keppers knows too well. She has a 16-year-old son named Chris. “Very artistic, he loves arts and crafts,” said Keppers. “He loves the mechanical pieces of anything.” You can…

Stinson Avenue Reopens Near Husky Explosion Site

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Stinson Avenue between Bardon and Hill avenues has reopened following its closure after the Husky Energy fire and explosion. Speed is reduced through the area, and stopping in the roadway is not allowed. Husky representatives said Thursday the closure was necessary so investigators could complete their work and clean up debris along the road. There may also…

Valentini’s Expanding in Duluth’s Holiday Center

The new Valentini's is scheduled to open next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – After operating for more than 100 years and several locations across Minnesota, Valentini’s in Duluth is expanding. Valentini’s To Go is located in downtown Duluth’s holiday center. The owner says an expansion was staring her in the face. So she’s taking over space right across from her. The former home to How Sweet It Is. “We’ve created…

Life House Recognizes Youth Making A Difference at Celebration of Success Night

In 2017, Life House served 800 people, that's 150 more than the previous year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Life House hosted its fourth annual Celebration of Success to recognize outstanding youth. Life House supports homeless youth and has been around since 1991. The night highlights 30 young people nominated by staff who have made progress toward their personal goals. The celebration focuses on the successes of the youth that Life House staff say sometimes goes…

Ruby’s Pantry Helping Families Stretch Their Dollar With Food and Groceries

On average there are about 235 shares of food donated every month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Every third Thursday of the month Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop helps families stretch their dollar with food and groceries. This is how it works for just a $20 donation, people can come in and get a big collection of food. It takes place at Duluth’s First United Methodist Church. There are no income requirements and organizers say it’s a…

UMD Installs Solar Panels At Resident Hall

The project was more than three years in the making and was student funded and driven by the student group called the Solar University Network.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD is making history after installing solar panels on one of its residence halls. UMD students, faculty and staff and others were at the Oakland Apartment Complex. The project was more than three years in the making and was student funded and driven by the student group called the Solar University Network. “It’s a 38 kilowatt array that…

Colalillo Monument Fixed in Western Duluth

Two Locals Stepped Up to Get it Fixed

DULUTH, Minn.-A monument dedicated to a Northland World War II hero has received a makeover. Two Northlander’s heard the monument for Mike Colalillo,  who won the Medal of Honor for all he did serving in the Army, was being worn down by the elements. So they stepped to get it fixed up so future generations will understand all the sacrifices that…

Wisconsin Senate Candidate’s Top Priority Expanding Husky Refinery

Candidate James Bolen discussed his priorities in the Northland.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- 25th District Senate candidate James Bolen running for the Wisconsin Senate spoke–out Thursday highlighting his goals if elected, Husky Refinery is top on the list. Bolen is asking the Husky Refinery to rebuild the facility and consider expanding. This would come after the post-explosion inspection. Bolen says the expansion would also add more high tech safety measures.”I think…

Seat Belt Safety Brought Forward in Northland

90 Percent of Minnesotans Wear Seat Belts

DULUTH, Minn.-Over the last five years more than 400 Minnesotans lost their lives because they weren’t wearing a seat belt. Today, the Northeast Minnesota chapter of the Toward Zero Deaths Campaign, brought together law enforcement and the medical community to talk with the public about how wearing one can save your life. They said more than 90 percent of Minnesotans…

Honoring Duluth’s First Responders

Heads bowed on Thursday in honor of the 128 officers that died while serving the community

DULUTH, Minn.- Police week celebrations continue in the Northland, as first responders in Duluth were recognized. The 29th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Prayer Luncheon is dedicated to honoring officers serving, retired, and fallen. Heads bowed on Thursday in honor of the 128 officers that died while serving the community, one right here in Minnesota. “So we remember those that actually…

Bill to Bypass Regulators on Enbridge Line Three Heads to Dayton

The PUC is Scheduled to Vote Late Next Month

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A bill that would let Enbridge Energy bypass the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and proceed with replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has promised a veto. The Minnesota House voted 74-53 on Thursday to accept the…

Superior Cooper Elementary School Opening Postponed Until 2019

The School's East and West Wings Will Need to be Gutted to the Metal Studs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior School District officials have announced that the new Copper Elementary School opening will be postponed until September 2019. Officials said in their release this afternoon, “Postponing the opening of the new Cooper for one school year will ensure that the restoration process can be done thoroughly and methodically.” After weeks of reviewing the building’s damages the…

Toppers Pizza Grand Opening in June

DULUTH, Minn. – Toppers is pizza has announced they will be holding their Grand Opening on June 16th. As part of their grand opening celebration Toppers will be giving out free pizza for a year to the first 50 people in line opening day. The new Toppers Pizza location will be at 1231 East 9th Street across from the Cenex…

Authorities say Missing Child may be in Minnesota

Call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children With any Information

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children along with the Camden Police Department in South Carolina are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 2-year-old child. Authorities believe Dakota Ray may now be in Minnesota after she was taken by her parents William and Jessica Ray on April 15. Authorities say they have reason…

Lowest US Birth Rate in Three Decades Could Pose Risk to Economy

U.S. Babies Born Dropped two Percent From 2016

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — Women in the United States gave birth last year at the lowest rate in 30 years, a trend that could weigh on economic growth in the coming decades. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics said Thursday that the number of U.S. babies born last year fell 2 percent…

Senate Confirms Gina Haspel as new CIA Director

Haspel is the First Female Director of the CIA

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Gina Haspel as the first female director of the CIA following a rocky nomination process that reopened debate about one of the darkest chapters in the spy agency’s history. Thursday’s vote was 54-45. Republican John McCain was absent. Haspel’s nomination was contentious because of her role in a former…

Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…

Duluth to Celebrate Music and Passions of Bob Dylan

Duluth Dylan Fest to Kick-Off Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Saturday and lasting through the following week, Bob Dylan and his music will be the talk of the town. It’s all part of the Annual Duluth Dylan Fest. The week-long celebration honors Bob Dylan’s music, passions and influence on the Northland. Events will be taking place throughout the Northland May 19 – 27 in conjunction with…

Adding Heat to Your Salad with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm there are more and more vegetables available to take advantage of in the kitchen. For this week’s cooking connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed William Seay how to make a warm salad using those vegetable options. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in…

St. Cloud man Struck, Killed by Semitrailer on I-94 After Crashing car

The Semi Driver has not Been Charged

CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) – A Minnesota man is dead after he crashed his car in southeastern North Dakota and then was struck by a semitrailer while walking on the highway. The Highway Patrol says the 36-year-old man from St. Cloud, Minnesota, crashed his car on Interstate 94 west of Casselton early Thursday. A semitrailer came upon him shortly after 3…

Tree Worker Killed in on-the-job Incident in Richfield

The Worker was Killed by a Flying Piece of Metal

RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) – A landscaping company employee is dead after an on-the-job incident in Richfield. Authorities say the 51-year-old worker was killed Wednesday by a flying piece of metal from a wood chipper. It happened while another employee with Victory Tree Service was working on the clogged machine. The worker who died was identified by family as 51-year-old Bill…

Multiple People Hurt After School bus, Dump Truck Crash in New Jersey

Mount Olive Mayor Says 'It's a Horrific Scene'

(Jay Faltings via AP) MOUNT OLIVE, N.J. (AP) — A school bus and dump truck collided on a New Jersey highway Thursday, ripping apart the bus, knocking it on its side and injuring multiple people, according to police. The school bus was on the median of Interstate 80 in Mount Olive and the front end of the bus appeared to…

Man Accused of Pulling Down Pants of Sleeping Woman on Train

Authorities are Investigating the Incident

Photo: Ramsey County Correctional CenterST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A criminal sexual conduct charge has been filed against a man accused of pulling down the pants of a woman sleeping on a light rail train heading into downtown St. Paul. Authorities allege a 39-year-old woman on the train awoke on March 10 to find 70-year-old Kenneth Logans pulling down her…

Dayton Vetoes tax Bill

Dayton Said the Bill Favored the Wealthy and Corporations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have aligned Minnesota’s state tax code with federal changes passed last year. The Democratic governor rejected the bill passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature with about 20 grade-school students standing behind him at a St. Paul school. Dayton said the bill tilted toward the wealthy and corporations….

7-year-old boy Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Head

The boy was Pronounced Dead at the Scene

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) — Police say a 7-year-old boy has died after being shot in the head in suburban Minneapolis. Plymouth police say officers were called around 3 p.m. Wednesday on a report that a child was bleeding from a wound in the head. When officers arrived at the Plymouth home, they discovered he had suffered a gunshot wound. Efforts…

Minnesota Officials Denounce EPA’s Planned Limits on Science

The Change Will Increase Transparency in Decision-Making

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top environmental and health officials have denounced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to restrict the types of scientific studies that regulators can use to determine human health impacts. In a blistering letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Linc Stine and Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm say the limits…

Fit-N-Fun Run Held in Northland

DULUTH,Minn. – Nearly 2,000 Duluth elementary students hit the track at public school stadium for the annual Fit-N-Fun Run. Students ran a quarter of a mile during the event which is aimed at teaching younger kids about healthy lifestyles. Directors of the race said this event could stop some bad habits that young people develop at an early age. “It’s…

Fire Rips Through Home on Chester Parkway in Duluth

One Resident was Transported to a Nearby Hospital for Minor Injuries; Official Cause Unknown

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 114 Chester Parkway. Officials say crews found a heavily engulfed front porch on a two-story single family home. One of the occupants was reportedly still inside the structure, while the other had safely made his way out. Responders were able…

Daughter Remembers Father Who Died Working At Sappi Paper Mill

Cause Of Death Under Investigation

CLOQUET, Minn. – FOX 21 learned more about a worker at Cloquet’s Sappi paper and pulp mill who died on the job Tuesday. He’s 53-year old Ryan Martin of Duluth. Circumstances surrounding his death were not made available Wednesday. Authorities are investigating. A Sappi spokesperson said the company is “shocked and saddened.” Martin’s daughter, Melissa Martin, said her father was…

First Responders Return to Chetek for Anniversary Ceremony

About 20 Team Rubicon volunteers spent five days taking down trees and removing them resident's homes.

Chetek, Wis. – The Barron County Sheriff’s Office says within one hour of the tornado hitting the ground 100 first responders came to the scene. Another 100 arrived within the second hour. Those who helped in the disaster relief efforts were invited back like volunteers from Team Rubicon who helped out. About 20 volunteers spent five days taking down trees…

Chetek Community Reflects On Historic Tornado One Year Later

The tornado hit Barron, Polk, Rusk and Rice counties, winds were estimated at 130 mph and caused more than $10 million in damage.

Chetek, Wis. – One year ago a violent EF-3 tornado struck and ripped apart Chetek, Wisconsin and surrounding communities changing lives forever. and now the rebuilding process continues. Most of the damage from the tornado happened here at the Prairie Lakes Estates Trailer Park. You can still see much of them destruction and the piles of trees that still remain. When tragedy strikes it’s something you can’t forget. On…

The Bedrock Bar Transforming into the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub

The revamped expansion sports bar will have virtual golf simulators.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bedrock Bar is under new ownership, a new name, and adding a new feel to Lincoln Park. The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf is expanding at what use to be the Bedrock Bar. The property will now be called the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The new owners tell us they wanted to keep their business in the…

Painting Unveiled That Honors Military

Painting on Display at Depot Until May 22

DULUTH, Minn.-A special painting was unveiled today at the Duluth Depot honoring those who served in the military. The temporary exhibition, organized by the Veterans Memorial Hall, features an eight-by-ten foot oil painting that pays tribute to the Marine Corps. Part of the painting on display today, by Charles Capsner, even includes sand from Iwo Jima, the site of an…

Roads to Improve in Two Harbors

Nearly $2 Million Dedicated to Roads in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-The roads throughout Two Harbors are going to be getting some big improvements this summer as the city has decided to invest nearly $2 million in restructuring them. The capital improvement plan was approved earlier this week to fix roads, alleys, and sidewalks in the city this summer. The Two Harbors mayor said this is just the beginning…

Romaine Lettuce Outbreak Update: 172 Sick in 32 States

Health Officials Say the Lettuce Should no Longer be in Stores

PHOENIX (AP) – Health officials say nearly two dozen more cases of a food poisoning outbreak linked to romaine lettuce grown in Arizona have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that the total number of people sickened by a strain of E. coli is now 172 across 32 states. At least 75 people have been…