News – Latest News

Key Players Shape Minnesota Legislative Agenda

Priorities clash between Gov. Dayton and top Repulicans while DFL members buck Fischbach's dualing roles

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – All 201 legislators will soon return to the Minnesota Capitol, but three men and one woman will play a big role in setting the Legislature’s course. The Legislature reconvenes Tuesday for a three-month session with plenty of work to do. Gov. Mark Dayton has set the tone entering session with his own priorities like curbing…

Duluth Schools Assistant Superintendent Named District Administrator for Superior Schools

Contract for New District Administrator to be Acted Upon March 5

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School Board has announced that current Duluth Schools Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki was selected as the new district administrator for Superior School District, effective July 1. Her contract will be acted on at a school board meeting March 5, pending final details of her contract. The search process began in December of 2017, which included several…

19-Year-Old Mankato Woman Missing

Woman Was Last Seen Feb. 7 in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn.-Mankato authorities are looking for a 19-year-old woman who was last seen Feb. 7 in Mankato. Morgan Stolee was last seen when she left work at Domino’s at about 10 p.m. that night. She is about five feet, four inches tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes, and she drives a purple 2011…

Original Picasso Print Stolen From Milwaukee Art Gallery

Printed Valued at $50,000

MILWAUKEE-An original Pablo Picasso print worth up to an estimated $50,000 was stolen from a downtown Milwaukee art gallery. WITI-TV reports appraiser Bill DeLind says his business partner noticed the original 1949 print was missing from DeLind Fine Art Appraisals on Friday. Picasso only did 30 of the prints and signed each with a green crayon in the lower right…

Wisconsin Legislature to Vote on Reinsurance, Tax Cuts

Welfare Overhaul Could be Voted on This Week in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.-In a mad dash to the finish, the Wisconsin Legislature this week planned to take several votes on key bills touching on insurance costs, tax cuts and welfare overhaul. Both the Senate and Assembly were scheduled to vote this week on Gov. Scott Walker’s $200 million plan to create a reinsurance fund designed to lower premium costs for people…

Report: Wisconsin Electricity Prices High, Usage Low

Wisconsin Residents Have an Average Annual Electrical Bill of $1,153

LA CROSSE, Wis.-A new report says that Wisconsin has some of the highest electricity prices in the country despite the average customer spending far less on the utility than in most states. The La Crosse Tribune reports that the U.S. Energy Information Administration released the data this week that shows the average residential price for a kilowatt of electricity in…

Fixes For Tax Filing, License System on Tap for Session

Session Ends in Mid-May

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are heading back to the Capitol with a long list of work but uncertain odds of finishing it. Squaring Minnesota’s tax code with the recently passed federal tax cuts may get top billing when the Legislature returns on Tuesday. But it won’t be easy for the Republican-controlled Legislature to make sure Minnesota taxpayers can easily file…

Minnesota Man Dies in Snowmobile Crash

Crash Occurred in Washburn, WI

WASHBURN, Wis. – A man is dead following a snowmobile crash over the weekend. The crash happened Saturday, February 17 just before 2:00 a.m. The Bayfield County 911 Communication Center got the call regarding the crash at 1:58 a.m. The crash happened on Pajala Road near Forest Road 690 in the Town of Washburn. It was reported that one snowmobile…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

Finnish Culture to be Highlighted at Annual Event this Weekend

2018 Kalevala Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Finnish culture is being celebrated through an annual event. The 2018 Kalevala Day Celebration is taking place on Sunday, February 25. The fun starts up at 1:00 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church located at 2720 Myers Ave. in Duluth. There will be a bake sale, live music and a program by Jim Pellman. Categories:…

The 2018 Polar Plunge Makes A Big Splash For Special Olympics Minnesota

The FOX 21 News Team also took the Polar Plunge and raised more than $4,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day that many people have been waiting for finally happened, the 2018 Polar Plunge in Duluth. The 2018 polar plunge made a big splash in Duluth. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Minnesota. Tt brought out veteran plungers and rookies too. “I think it’s great, because I’m from Wisconsin and we don’t make a…

Recalling the Cheers from Old Central High

Duluthian Barbara Burud was Once a Cheerleader at Old Central High School in Duluth; to this Day, She Continues to Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting events happen every day with players and fans gathering to see who will win the game, but we often forget about the choreographed athletes on the sidelines. One local woman has never stopped recalling the cheers from her time at old Central High School in Duluth. “That’s the old chimes from Central,” said former cheerleader Barbara…

Michelle Lee Kicks Officially Announces Campaign for 8th Congressional District

Congressman Rick Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news anchor Michelle Lee officially made her campaign announcement for the 8th Congressional District. Lee and some of her supporters were at Fon du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet. She says her 30 years of covering the news will help her focus on the issues like gun control, mining and education. “I will go to…

Local Veteran Hopes For A New Way to Experience the Outdoors

The Action Trackchair gives people with limited mobility the freedom to do things on their own.

DULUTH, Minn. – The man you’re about to meet is a veteran that served his country and suffered a serious injury. But he hasn’t given up and is trying to get a piece of his old life back. Jim Vandenheuvel is at the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic with one thing on his mind. The Army National Guard veteran suffered…

Final Ski and Snowboard Races of the Season Held at Chester Bowl

Races Also Marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of a Sponsorship from the Duluth Kiwanis Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday was the final ski and snowboard race of the year at Chester Bowl in Duluth. Kids of all ages flew down the hill, testing their skills, and pushing themselves to the limit. Today also marked the fiftieth anniversary of the races being sponsored by Duluth’s Kiwanis Club. “I grew up skiing here, my kids grew up…

Duluth’s ‘Spin Collective’ Heating Up for Summer Shows

Group Puts on Awe-Inspiring Performances with Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a chilly winter, but there’s a group in Duluth that’s warming some events up with awe-inspiring feats performing with fire. You can see them at many different events around town. Now the Spin Collective is ramping up the heat, getting ready for a Homegrown Music Festival performance. The Spin Collective has been entertaining Duluth for the…

Duluth Police Department Accepting Applications for Citizen Police Academy

25 People Will Be Accepted to 2018 Class, Participants Learn What Police Do on a Daily Basis

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is accepting applications for their 2018 Citizen Police Academy. The free academy is open to anyone but precedence in the twenty-five person class will be given to people who live or work in Duluth. Attendees will learn what the Police Department does on a daily basis with classes in use of force, narcotics…

Volunteers Give Damiano Center A Facelift

Home Depot donated painting supplies and Zenith Bookstore will donate books.

DULUTH, Minn. – A fresh coat of paint can go a long way and the kids kitchen at the Damiano Center in Duluth is getting a new look because of it. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began phase one of a three part project. The renovations are part of the Leadership Duluth Program giving back to the community. The…

Snowmobile Season Picking Up on the North Shore

Snowmobilers Say Trails Are Well Groomed

FINLAND, Minn. – Snowmobile season is picking up along the North Shore. Snowmobilers tell us the trails are well groomed and, after a slow start to the season, winter sports tourists are flocking to businesses across Northern Minnesota. “Summer is good but if we have an equally as good winter, that’s twice as good of business. So, yes, it’s important…

Study Reveals Disparities For Minority and Women Owned Businesses in the State

The study did find some disparities for women and minority owned businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota and eight local government agencies are examining how they can level the playing field for minority and women owned businesses. The purpose of the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study is to take a closer look at whether minority and women owned firms face discrimination and ways to address it. Results of the study were…

Little Hands Big Hearts Spreading Awareness in the Northland

The newborn center at St. Luke's is giving away adorable winter gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- February is National Heart Month and St. Luke’s Hospital is spreading awareness with an adorable program. Every baby born this month is given a hand knit red hat. The campaign Little Hats Big Hearts aims to spread awareness for the variety of resources available for congenital heart defects in infants. “Very rewarding just to know that there’s other…

Preparing for the Polar Plunge

Volunteers are busy setting up in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.-Friday volunteers were busy working in Canal Park setting up for the long awaited Polar Plunge. Although we’ve been talking a lot about the weather and chilly temperatures, the most important topic are the kids benefiting from the fundraiser. “You’re giving people opportunities that they might not otherwise have,” Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm said. “It’s a great time.” Even…

Magnitude-7.2 Earthquake Slams South, Central Mexico

Mexico City near the epicenter of powerful quake.

People stand along Reforma Avenue after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Mexico City, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. A powerful earthquake has shaken south and central Mexico, causing people to flee buildings and office towers in the country’s capital, and setting off quake alert systems. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)MEXICO CITY (AP) — A powerful magnitude-7.2 earthquake shook south and central Mexico Friday, causing…

Cool School Plunge Held Today

Another Polar Plunge Takes Place Tomorrow in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.-The staff from Fox 21 is diving into Lake Superior tomorrow for the Polar Plunge, but today some local high school students took center stage. Today’s plunge was also meant to raise money for Special Olympics. Students from across the region gathered in Canal Park as part of their special event the Cool School Plunge. Some of the participants…

Yeti Tour Tomorrow

Snowmobile Ride Raises Funds for March of Dimes

DULUTH, Minn.-If you like snowmobiling, a special fundraiser being held tomorrow is something that may fit your need for speed. Beginning at 9 a.m. a snowmobile ride will begin at Sunset Bar and Grill to raise money for the March of Dimes. A celebration of the event will also begin at 6 p.m. at the Sunset. To find out more…

Duluth Sports Show Continues

Events Continue Through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Sports Show has been packing the DECC for much of the week and that trend is expected to continue through the weekend. The event showcases a variety of outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. Staff from the show tell Fox 21 they try to change things up every year to keep people coming back. “We try…

UMD Hosts Pruning Workshop to Save the Trees

Pruning removes dead or dying branches and is considered preventative maintenance for trees.

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of trees is not easy even for professionals. That’s why the Third Annual North East Minnesota pruning workshop was held at University of Minnesota Duluth. The workshop brings training experience and knowledge to the Northland about working with different sized trees. Pruning removes dead or dying branches and is considered preventative maintenance for trees. “The sooner we can start…

Minnesota Legislature Considering Five Bills Related to Guns

Legislators Responding to Recent School Shooting in Florida

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The deadly school shooting in Florida has revived discussion over gun control and highlighted Minnesota’s pending bills on the issue. The Pioneer Press reports that there are at least five bills currently on file this session relating to firearms or the Second Amendment. A “stand your ground” bill would allow lethal force to be used to stop felonies,…

13 Russian Nationals Charged in Mueller Investigation

Charges Include Conspiracy and Wire Fraud

WASHINGTON-The office of special counsel Robert Mueller says a grand jury has charged 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities. The defendants are accused of violating U.S. criminal laws to interfere with American elections and the political process. Charges include conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. One of those indicted in the Russia probe is a businessman…

Commerce Dept. Backs Tariffs on Imported Aluminum and Steel

President Has Until April 19 to Make Decision on Deal

WASHINGTON-The Commerce Department is saying that imported aluminum and steel threaten U.S. national security and is urging President Donald Trump to impose tariffs or quotas to boost American production. The recommendations unveiled by Secretary Wilbur Ross are likely to escalate tensions with China and other U.S. trading partners. Stepped-up production of steel and aluminum, especially by China, has driven down…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs Restrictions on Food Stamp Junk Food

Measure Has Been Sent to Wisconsin Senate

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a Republican bill that would create a pilot program to prohibit the use of food stamps for purchasing junk food. The Assembly passed the proposal on a voice vote Thursday, sending the measure on to the Senate. The bill would require the state to identify food and beverages that lack nutritional value and restrict…

Joseph Nease Gallery features “Sweep” Exhibition

Display Shows Work of Contemporary Artists

DULUTH, Minn. – A new exhibition of artwork at a local gallery is showing a range of contemporary painters. Joseph Nease Gallery is currently featuring “Sweep”. “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters, presenting new or recent artwork by all of the painters currently represented by the Gallery, as well as an equal number…

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visits Duluth Boat Show

Foundation Focuses on Conservation

DULUTH, Minn. – An exhibit new to the Duluth area is now on display at the 52nd Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s traveling conservation exhibit showcases some of the largest bull elk from across North America. The RMEF’S Great Elk Tour celebrates elk, conservation, and hunting heritage. The event is taking place…

President Heading to Florida to Console Shooting Victims and Their Families

Vigil Held Last Night for Victims

(Photo: FOX NEWS)UPDATE: The FBI says it failed to investigate a specific report in January that Nikolas Cruz could be plotting a school shooting. The agency said Friday that the tip should’ve been investigated thoroughly because it was a potential threat to life. Cruz has been arrested and charged with killing 17 people at a high school earlier this week….

Three More Child Deaths From Flu Reported in Minnesota

4,200 Hospitalized in Minnesota With Flu Symptoms

ST. PAUL, Minn.- State health officials say three more children have died of complications of the flu, bringing the number of Minnesota children who have died of influenza this season to four. The number of Minnesotans hospitalized with flu symptoms has topped 4,200. That’s the highest number since the Minnesota Department of Health began tracking flu hospitalizations in 2008. Preliminary…

Partial Demolition For Former London Road BP Gas Station

DULUTH, Minn. – Signs of demolition are happening at the former BP gas station on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. Crews on scene told us Thursday that they’re take out the gas lines and tearing down the awning. The prime property is being offered up for lease for future development. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Superior Wants Kestrel Aircraft to Pay Up

These loans date back to 2012.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kestrel Aircraft was supposed to bring a big economic boom to the city of Superior promising hundreds of new jobs. So far Kestrel has not built its planned manufacturing plant in the community. Now the Superior City Council is asking the company to pay up. City Council President Dan Olson says Kestrel defaulted on a $2.4 million…

Experts Share How to Speak to Children In the Wake of Tragedy

Seventeen people were killed in the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

DULUTH, Minn. – The safety and well being of all students is something area school districts take seriously. Even though the mass shooting in Florida happened far away, students in the Northland can still have a hard time coping. With their sense of security when events like this occur. As difficult as this topic may be experts say it’s an important conversation to…

Organizations Concerned for Future of Great Lakes Funding

The White House's proposed budget plan would cut $30 million to $300 million dollars in GLRI funding.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local organizations are concerned on how the Great Lakes will be kept clean and for the future of job for the workers involved in the various projects for many years. The White House’s proposed budget plan cuts funding From the Great Lakes Restoration Innitiative. The GLRI It helps fund universities, state, and federal agencies. The GLRI launched in 2010 with…

Bannon Interviewed in Mueller’s Russia Investigation

Bannon interrogated for 20 hours over two days

Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, arrives for questioning by the House Intelligence Committee as part of its ongoing investigation into meddling in the U.S. elections by Russia, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, the combative former chief strategist for President Donald Trump, was interrogated for…

CHUM Community Hosts Legislative Send-off

The next legislative session starts Feb. 19.

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth opened its doors for a legislative sendoff. The meeting was with elected state representatives to inform them of issues CHUM says matter the most to them. “Often the needs of people who are homeless are not heard. So we can really work for affordable housing and make sure that there’s bonding…

UMD Closes Ice Rink After Mold Is Found

About 90 percent of UMD students take part in recreation and outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink in the Sports and Health Center on the University Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus is closed after mold was found in the ceiling tiles last week. The closed area covers about 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. “The type of mold that we found is the most common organism in the outdoor environment during the spring…

Polar Plungers to Dive into Frigid Lake Superior Saturday

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge Supports Special Olympics Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of brave souls will be jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Superior this weekend and it’s all for a good cause. The Duluth Polar Bear Plunge, benefitting Special Olympics Minnesota, is Saturday. “Special Olympics athletes, just in our area, we have a few hundred people. There’s 8,000 in the state and they range anywhere from…

Warning Signs May Have Been Missed in School Shooting Case

“I'm going to be a professional school shooter,” - “Nikolas Cruz” posted in September

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — Months before authorities say Nikolas Cruz walked into his former high school and slaughtered 17 people, the troubled teen began showing what may have been warning signs he was bent on violence. “I’m going to be a professional school shooter,” a YouTube user with the screen name “Nikolas Cruz” posted in September. The 19-year-old had gotten…

Former Duluth News Personality Running for Congress

Michelle Lee Running for Rep. Rick Nolan's Seat

FROM FACEBOOKDULUTH, Minn.-Former Duluth news personality Michelle Lee has announced she’s running for the Eighth District congressional seat up for grabs. Her announcement comes just a week after Rep. Rick Nolan (DFL) announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. Lee would be running as a Democrat. To find out more about her campaign, visit her website…

1998 Tornado Causes Missing Bell Mystery

Historians are one step closer to uncovering the origin of a 132-year-old bell in St. Peter, MN.

Photo by Jackson Forderer (Courtesy: Mankato Free Press)ST. PETER, Minn. (AP) – History experts in southern Minnesota are investigating the possibility that a large bell anonymously left at a historic site in the state a few years ago is the same one that once hung in St. Peter’s history center. The Mankato Free Press reports that the 132-year-old brass object…

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge is Saturday

Plungers Dive into Lake Superior for Good Cause

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend hundreds of people will be jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Superior all for a good cause. The Duluth Polar Bear Plunge is taking place on Saturday, February 17. The annual dive ito the lake raises money for Special Olympics Minnesota. Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm says Minnesota has one of the biggest Special…