News – Latest News

Heating tools Suspected in Fire at Historic Milwaukee Church

The Church was Built in 1878

(Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) – A Milwaukee fire official says heating tools apparently caused a fire that destroyed a historic downtown church. Deputy Fire Chief Dave Votsis says the tools placed on adjacent scaffolding may have ignited the roof of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Votsis estimates damage to the structure at $13 million and an additional…

Senate Passes Bill to Greenlight Enbridge Line 3, Bypass PUC

The Bill Would Bypass the State Public Utilities Commission

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Senate has voted 35-32 to pass a bill that would kick-start construction of Enbridge Energy’s proposed replacements of its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The House passed the legislation Monday, but the Senate on Wednesday added a two-word amendment that the House must concur with before sending the bill…

DA Says Kids Shot With Crossbows, Waterboarded

FAIRFIELD, Calif. (AP) – California prosecutors say 10 children rescued from a filthy, abusive home were subjected to `waterboarding,’ shot with crossbows and had scalding water poured on them. Solano County prosecutors included the details in a motion to increase the bail of Ina Rogers, who was charged with nine counts of felony child abuse Wednesday. She has not entered…

Senate Backs Effort to Restore ‘Net Neutrality’

Final Vote was 52-47

(Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has voted to kill a Federal Communications Commission rule that repealed the Obama administration’s ban on internet providers blocking or slowing down certain content. Back in December, the FCC repealed “net neutrality” rules that ensured equal treatment for all web traffic. The Obama-era rule prevented providers such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon…

Another Mistrial in Humphreys Murder Case

Humphreys Will Head to Trial Again on July 17th

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday Judge David Johnson declared yet another mistrial in the Aaron Humphreys murder case. Humphreys, 44, has been on trial twice in the past year for the death of 47-year-old Eric Wayne Burns who was shot outside of Duluth’s Bedrock Bar in October of 2016. The first mistrial took place in January due to the untimely…

Death at Sappi Paper Mill

Authorities Continue to Investigate

CLOQUET, Minn. – Officials at Sappi North America have confirmed the death of Ryan Martin at Sappi North America’s Cloquet facility. The company did not provide specific details about the cause of death. In an official statement from Sappi Manager of Corporate Communications: “We are shocked and saddened to confirm the death of Mr. Ryan Martin at Sappi North America’s…

Dayton Vetoes Bill on Ultrasounds Before Abortions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have required Minnesota physicians to tell pregnant women they have the option of viewing an ultrasound before having an abortion. The Democratic governor vetoed the bill Wednesday after it passed the Legislature largely on party lines last week. Several Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the…

Students Praised After Wednesday Morning School Shooting Incident

The 19-year-old Gunman was Taken Into Custody

(Rachel Rogers/Sauk Valley Media via AP)DIXON, Ill. (AP) -Authorities say students did exactly as they were trained to do when a school resource officer and a former student exchanged gunfire at a northern Illinois high school. Officer Mark Dallas shot and injured the 19-year-old gunman at Dixon High School and took him into custody Wednesday morning. At a news conference…

Tulsa mom Stabbed Eldest Daughter up to 70 Times

Ahmad Stabbed, hit Daughter in Head with Pickaxe and set Home on Fire

(Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office via AP) TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A Tulsa mother stabbed her eldest daughter 50 to 70 times, struck her head with a pickaxe then set their home on fire, before fleeing the scene with the youngest of her three daughters, according to police. Taheerah Ahmad, 39, was arrested in downtown Tulsa Tuesday afternoon. Authorities accuse her…

Explosion Targeted California Office

One Woman was Killed and Three Others Injured

(Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP)LOS ANGELES (AP) – Two officials have told The Associated Press that an office in a Southern California medical building was targeted by an explosive package. The officials were briefed on the investigation but not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity. One woman…

Simon Asks Lawmakers to Free up Election Security Funds

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and other elections officials are calling on the Legislature to free up federal funds for election security. The federal government has given Minnesota $6.6 million to bolster its election cybersecurity efforts. But the secretary of state’s office can’t spend that money until the Legislature passes an authorizing bill. Time…

Proposal Would Expand Places for Liquor Purchases

Opponents Worry Small Businesses Can't Compete

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A year after repealing a ban on Sunday liquor sales, Minnesota lawmakers are taking another look at where people can buy their booze. Lawmakers on Tuesday debated a proposal that would allow people to buy beer, wine and certain spirits in places like grocery stores and corner stores. Minnesota and Utah are the only two…

GOP Expecting Veto on tax Bill as Dayton Seeks School aid

Legislators Have Until Sunday Night

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican Party leaders say they expect Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton to veto a tax bill squaring Minnesota’s tax code with sweeping federal changes. The House passed its bill Tuesday and the Senate was expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. But Dayton has said he won’t sign a so-called tax conformity bill unless lawmakers set…

FOX 21 to Host Blood Drive Inspired by Young Boy’s Cancer Battle

Bennett's Blood Drive to be Held at FOX 21 on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Everyday patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever. Donated red cells last only 42 days. That’s why FOX 21 is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive this weekend. Bennett’s Blood Drive is being held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FOX 21….

Time to Register for Summer Camp at Animal Allies

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Advise Signing up for Summer Camp Sooner Rather than Later

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days remain before summer camp will be full at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about what your child will take part in during camp. Aside from getting to pet animals and work to make sure they’re happy and healthy on…

Michigan State and Nassar Victims Reach $500M Settlement

Nassar Also Possessed Child Pornography and is Serving Decades in Prison.

(Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP, File) EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University has reached a $500 million settlement with hundreds of women and girls who say they were sexually assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar in the worst sex-abuse case in sports history. The deal was announced Wednesday by Michigan State and lawyers for 332 victims….

Edina Takes Steps to Correct ‘Long-Term Racial Inequalities’

EDINA, Minn. (AP) – Edina’s City Council has approved a task force report recommending steps to correct “long-term racial inequities” in the city. City officials assembled the task force in response to an October 2016 incident involving a white police officer handcuffing a black man. A bystander video went viral, with some viewers objecting to what they saw as rough…

Chester Creek Restoration Almost Complete

Chester Bowl Welcomes a New Landscape Nearly Six Years After Historic Flooding Wiped out Parts of Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people stroll through Chester Bowl along Duluth’s scenic Skyline Parkway, but six years ago, massive flooding made for a big mess in the park. Now, reconstruction work is close to being complete. “Just that gurgling noise you can hear in the background, people love that as a relaxing sound,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive…

Ashland man Threatens Neighbors with Pistol

The 68-year-old is Facing Multiple Charges

ASHLAND, Wis. – According to the Ashland Police Department officers responded to a report last night of an intoxicated male threatening his neighbors while carrying a revolver pistol. The neighbors state they were cutting down a tree in their yard when the upset neighbor came outside yelling about the noise of the chainsaw while carrying the pistol. After failed attempts…

Hands-Free Cell Phones Push Appears Over in Legislature

The Bill Stalled in the Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A move to require Minnesota drivers to use only hands-free cell phones looks like it’s finished for the current legislative session. Rep. Mark Uglem, the Champlin Republican sponsoring the bill in the House, says leaders told him his bill won’t get a vote as the session heads toward a finish this weekend. Uglem tells Minnesota…

North Korea Threatens to Cancel Trump-Kim Summit Over Drills

Sanders Says Threats From North Korea to Scrap Meeting Were 'Fully Expected'

(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Wednesday threatened to scrap a historic summit next month between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and U.S. President Donald Trump, saying it has no interest in a “one-sided” affair meant to pressure the North to abandon its nuclear weapons. The warning by North Korea’s first vice foreign minister came hours…

Lake Nebagamon Man Creates Custom Rides

Walt Moss Shares Passion for Custom Vehicles

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis. – A Wisconsin man is known around his small town for his custom creations. They’re vehicles not seen before, because they’re creations Walt Moss has come up with himself. Moss is the owner of Walt Moss Trucking, Inc., but his obsession with going fast started many years ago. “Probably when I was about 12 years old when…

Emergency Preparedness Training in the Northland

The 2019 Under One Roof Conference is scheduled for May 14 & 15, 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye and the Northland is no stranger to that. Being prepared in case of an emergency is the big theme at a unique conference in Duluth this week. Organizers say the husky refinery explosion and fire were still on many people’s mind as disaster response and management experts took part…

Companies to Classrooms Has Been Helping Teachers for Five Years

Organization has a free school supplies store for Northland educators

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization in Duluth has spent five years giving free school supplies to area teachers. Companies to Classrooms recently moved to a new location in the basement of the Old Central High School building. It is a free store filled with new and slightly used items donated by people and businesses to help students’ educational experience. “This…

Marinas Busy After Sudden Summer Weather

After a later than expected winter, boaters are all getting on the water at the same time

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ice was still in the Duluth harbor until the first week of May. With spring finally here, local marinas are filling up with boats. Barker’s Island Marina in Superior has been busy with everyone bringing their boats at once. They say it may be a short boating season this year, but they hope the recent sunny weather…

Duluth Celebrates National Salvation Army Week

Two-thirds of the Salvation Army's meals in Duluth go toward the food shelf.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Salvation Army Week and Duluth is among the places marking the occasion. Staff members came to the Salvation Army thrift store in Duluth to say thank you to the people who support them. National Salvation Army week recognizes what the Salvation Army has done in communities all across the country. More than 150 years later…

Council Members Deny Vacation Rental Extension

The vacation rental cap will remain at 60 units.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council voted again adding additional vacation rentals. At the City Council meeting Monday night, the ordinance to add more vacation rentals in the city of Duluth was turned down 5-4.  Currently, the city allows 60 vacation rental units. The ordinance would have increased the rentals to 114. Council members Anderson, Russ, Sipress, Van Nett, Westerlund voted against….

Parklets Taking Over Downtown Duluth

Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Parking spots in downtown Duluth are being taken over, not just by tourists, but being transformed into spaces known as “parklets.” Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Zeitgeist Café is constructing its own parklet right now and plans to utilize the space every way they…

How to Show Support for Your Local Police Officers

One community is hosting a luncheon to show they are thankful for the departments services.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- National Police Week is a time dedicated to honoring fallen officers, but in Superior the community is taking this opportunity to honor those that have passed away along with officers currently serving. Reaching out to the police department on Facebook letting them know who helped you and how is a great way to show you’re thankful. But acknowledging their…

Fire Rips Through House on West Fourth Street

No One Injured in Blaze

DULUTH, Minn.- Scary moments on Tuesday afternoon after fire broke out inside a home on West Fourth Street in Duluth. At one point, fire officials worried the homeowner was trapped. Nobody was injured in this fire. The cause all centers around a cigarette. The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m at 4209 West Fourth Street. A neighbor called in the…

US Says it’s Going Ahead With North Korea Summit Plan

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency Reported That the North Was Threatening to Cancel the Summit With That Country

(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)SEOUL, South Korea-The United States says it is going ahead with plans for the meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. A spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department says the U.S. has not heard anything directly from Pyongyang or Seoul that would change that. Her comment came shortly after South Korea’s Yonhap News…

Tax Court Ruling for Enbridge Could Cost Counties Millions

Enbridge Says it Was Overtaxed by $55 Million

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A Minnesota Tax Court ruling says the state has overvalued Enbridge Energy’s pipeline system in Minnesota, a decision that could leave several counties owing tens of millions of dollars in refunds. Enbridge says it was overtaxed by $55 million from 2012 to 2017. Tuesday’s ruling covers the first three years, when Enbridge says it was overtaxed by $15…

National Bank of Commerce & FOX 21 to Award $10,000 to Northland Student

Strength in Community Scholarship to be Awarded in June

DULUTH, Minn. – With the help of the National Bank of Commerce and other sponsors, FOX 21 is giving away several scholarships to help local students afford the cost of college. Ten students throughout the Northland have been chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. At a banquet on June 12, one of those winners will find out they’ve won the…

Police end dig for Remains of Missing Girls

Police Will Soon Decide Whether to dig Again or Search Elsewhere

(AP Photo/Mike Householder)MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Police looking for the remains of up to seven girls who have been missing for decades stopping digging Tuesday in suburban Detroit, suspending a multi-day effort while they decide whether to search elsewhere in Michigan or resume the excavation in roughly the same area. Authorities repeatedly have said they’re confident they will solve…

Analysis Shows Depression Diagnosis Rate High in Minnesota

Minnesota has a Diagnosis Rate of 5.8 Percent

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An analysis of claims by Blue Cross Blue Shield of America finds Minnesota with one of the highest rates of depression in the country. The health insurer examined medical claims from more than 41 million commercially insured members from 2013 to 2016 and compared the depression rates by state, age and gender. Minnesota, with a depression diagnosis…

MN House Passes Line 3 Pipeline Construction

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has approved a bill authorizing construction on Enbridge’s Line Three oil pipeline. Before the 74 to 51 vote House Speaker Kurt Daudt spoke on the House floor for the first time in four years saying the proposed replacement pipeline is for the environment, for good paying jobs and for more tax revenue for…

City Councilors Approve ESST Amendments

DULUTH, Minn. – Last night the Duluth City council moved forward on the Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance that has been debated for months and even years. Two new amendments were introduced and approved last night. One amendment would change the accrual rate to one hour of earned sick and safe time for every 50 hours worked. The other…

International Music History Can be Found in Superior Museum

A World of Accordions Museum Displays Evolution of Instrument

SUPERIOR, Wis. – International music history is alive in the Twin Ports. Some refer to the Harrington Arts Center as a hidden gem. The center has featured musicians from all over the world and the World of Accordions Museum also has international flair through their instruments that are on display. “They’re all individual personalities. They play, they handle differently, but…

Fertilizer Giant, Mosaic, Moving Headquarters to Florida

There is no Word yet on how Many Employees will be Affected

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) – One of Minnesota’s largest public companies is moving its headquarters to Florida. The fertilizer giant, Mosaic Co., says it will relocate its corporate headquarters from the Twin Cities suburb of Plymouth to Hillsborough County, Florida to be closer to its phosphate mines and to accomplish long-term savings. The Fortune 500 company mines potash and phosphate and…

Duluth Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….

City Council Votes On Latest Earned Sick and Safe Time Amendments

There have been more than 18 amendment to the ESST ordinance.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been debated for months, whether to establish new minimum standards for Duluth workers to Earn Sick and Safe Time (ESST) at their jobs. The Duluth City Council is once again discussing the issue with two new amendments being introduced. Several small business owners were in downtown Duluth in support of this ordinance. They’re ready for this ordinance…

Citizens Express Environmental Concerns at Husky Fire Listening Session

UW-Extension hosted the session to collect comments and questions from residents

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community listening session at Superior Middle School got heated as community members express environmental concerns in the aftermath of April’s Husky Energy Refinery explosion and fire. The listening session was offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension for Superior and other area residents to ask questions about the refinery fire and have their comments heard. Fear…

Charges Dropped In Superior Fatal Shooting

Jamar Smith Remains Behind Bars Charged with Unrelated Crimes

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Charges have been dropped against the man arrested in connection to a fatal shooting that happened in Superior in January of 2017. The shooting happened New Year’s Day behind Third Base Bar on Tower Avenue. Jamar Smith, 26, was arrested in connection to the crime, those charges are now dropped. Smith remains behind bars charged with unrelated…

Lake Superior College Holds 2018 Commencement

More than 700 graduates walked across the DECC Auditorium stage

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College celebrated their 2018 graduating class at their annual commencement ceremony. More than seven-hundred students walked across the stage at the DECC Auditorium to get their degrees, diplomas, and certificates. As students prepare for the next steps in their lives, family members came to show their support. “We are very proud of her. Very proud….

Housing Tax Credits and Nordic Center Also On Duluth City Council Agenda

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council is also expects to make a decision on low–income housing tax credits. There are five projects on the agenda for discussion. One Roof Housing has proposed a nine percent tax credit for the Decker and Brewery Creek Apartments. The three projects under construction for a four percent tax credit include re-purposing certain floors of the Board of…

Public Invited To Listening Session On Husky Refinery Incident

The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at Superior Middle School.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of unanswered questions still remain nearly three weeks after the Husky Refinery explosion and fire in Superior. A community listening session is being held at Superior Middle School to address some of these issues. The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Community members will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about…

Pedestrian Bridge Now Open at Chester Bowl

Safety and Environmental Improvements are Being Made at Chester Bowl, One of Duluth's Most Popular Parks

DULUTH, Minn. – Safety and environmental improvements are helping to beautify Chester Bowl in Duluth. The City has finished installing a new pedestrian bridge spanning across Chester Creek. Before construction, Chester Bowl Executive Director Dave Schaeffer says there was simply an old dam visitors would use to walk across to get to the other side of the creek. Aside from safety,…

River Quest Begins in Duluth

Program Began This Week Which Teaches Kids All About Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn.-1,500 sixth graders are making their way to the Duluth waterfront all this week to learn about Lake Superior. Students will be taking one hour trips out on the Vista where learning stations are set up. Students will also go through a variety of educational programs in the DECC as well, many of which will be hands-on. “I think…

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin Receives Highest Attorney Rating

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark S. Rubin has again been awarded the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest possible rating for both ability and ethical standards. According to Martindale-Hubbell, this rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence and is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers/members of the…