News – Latest News

Rally Held Against Possible Changes in Emission Standards

Event Sponsored by Sierra Club

DULUTH, Minn.-A proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to look into getting rid of some emission standards from cars, has ruffled some feathers locally. Today a rally was hosted by the Sierra Club at Duluth City Hall involving multiple local leaders who expressed concern about how a change in policy could hurt the environment and cost Minnesotan’s money. A representative…

Giving Tree Program Helping to Brighten the Holidays

Event Lets Patients Feel at Home

DULUTH, Minn.-Being in the hospital at this time of the year can be tough, but this year some local elementary students tried to make that experience a little bit brighter. Students from Lester Park Elementary School visited patients at Essentia Health earlier today to hand out ornaments they made in class while also delivering decorated trees. The tradition has been…

Girl Convicted in Slender Man Stabbing Sentenced

Anissa Weier passes a note to defense attorney Joseph Smith Jr.. during closing argument sin her case before Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Bohren on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP) WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – One of two Wisconsin girls who tried to kill a classmate to win favor with a fictional horror character named Slender…

Play Gym Provides Fun Space for Little Northlanders

The city of Duluth invites little Northlanders to a free space of their own.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Parents looking to give their kids a space to play and meet others their age can now stop by one local spot. The Duluth Heights Community Center is hosting Play Gym, a free time open to preschool aged kids and parents. The event welcomes Northland families to come in, enjoy a warm space, and spend some quality time. On goers told FOX21 Play…

House Backs Temporary Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led House narrowly passed a temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown Thursday, doing the bare minimum in a sprint toward the holidays and punting disputes on immigration, health care and national security to next year. The vote was 231-188 with Democrats criticizing Republicans’ inability to complete the dozen spending bills for the current fiscal…

UN Denounces US Recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli Capital

The nonbinding resolution declaring U.S. action on Jerusalem “null and void” was approved 128-9

U.S. Ambassador to the United States Nikki Haley speaks at the UN General Assembly, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at UN headquarters. (AP) UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Thursday to denounce President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, largely ignoring Trump’s threats to cut off aid to any country that went against him. The…

MISSING: Dennis Jesh, of St. Cloud

Last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017

Dennis Jesh (BCA) Dennis Jesh (BCA) ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Minnesota BCA and St. Cloud VA Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 65-year-old veteran who was last seen on the St. Cloud VA Hospital campus. Dennis Anton Jesh was last seen Wednesday, Dec. 20 at approximately 3 p.m. wearing a black leather jacket and work…

108,000 Sign Up for Health Insurance Through MNSURE

Open Enrollment Continues Through Jan. 14

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s health insurance exchange says it has signed up more than 108,000 residents in health plans. Open enrollment in Minnesota continues through January 14. But Wednesday’s deadline for coverage effective in the New Year helped MNsure hit a new high watermark for registrations. MNsure chief executive Allison O’Toole said Thursday that their 108,500-plus registrations in private plans are…

Apple Admits iPhones Slow Down as They Get Older

(FOX News) — It’s not just your imagination. Your iPhone really does slow down as it becomes outdated. Apple iPhone users for years have wondered why their phone seems to go slow, compared with newer models. Apple is now reportedly admitting there is something to it. The lithium-ion battery starts to process information slower, the more times it’s charged. Usually, the slow down comes after…

Snowy Owl Migration Gives Scientists Chance to Study Them

TAMMY WEBBER - AP

CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Judd trained his camera lens on the white dot in the distance. As he moved up the Lake Michigan shoreline, the speck on a breakwater came into view and took his breath away: it was a snowy owl, thousands of miles from its Arctic home. “It was an amazing sight,” said Judd, a Chicago IT consultant….

Traffic Stop in Lenroot Leads to Meth Bust

LENROOT, Wis. – According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, deputies made a traffic stop of a vehicle on Company Lake Road in the Town of Lenroot just after 2:00 a.m. on Dec. 14. The traffic stop was conducted as a result of an investigation into the sale and distribution of meth in Sawyer County. K-9 Officer Oscar did a…

Two Harbors High School Students to Host Civility Summit

DECA Program Creates Civility Summit for Community

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Two Harbors High School students are working together to create a better environment for Northlanders. The school’s DECA program has created a Civility Summit they’re hosting on Friday, January 26. This summit is open to schools throughout the Northland, local businesses and residents. So far, more than 600 Northlanders have been invited. Students say the goal…

Minnesota Unemployment Rates Drop to Lowest Level Since 2000

Duluth Has Seen an Increase of 1.5 Percent in Job Growth

DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent in the month of November, the lowest it’s been since the year 2000. Trade, transportation, and utilities led all sectors in November with 2,300 new jobs.  Jobs in hospitality, manufacturing, and government have all dipped, however. “The overall number of unemployed Minnesotans fell below 100,000 last month for the first time since March…

Crafting Holiday Cocktails with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: Hot Buttered Rum

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is here and Christmas is just four days away, with New Year’s Eve not far behind. For this week’s Cooking Connection we’re focusing on holiday drinks. FOX 21 Meteorologist William Seay got some tips to step up his bartending game. JJ Astor Food and Beverage Manager Kai Soderberg showed William how to make Hot…

Superior Choir Students Hold Holiday Concert

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The holiday spirit is bursting in churches and schools across the Northland. 6th graders at Superior Middle School performed their annual choir concert. 7th graders get their chance on stage Thursday from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. 8th graders play Thursday from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Busy Holiday Travel in the Northland

The Duluth International Airport's main runaway is open just in time for holiday travel.

DULUTH, Minn.- This added snowfall is a sure sign a white Christmas is upon us in just five days and with that countdown comes the busy holiday travel. At the Duluth International Airport the main runway has been under construction for much of this year. Which forced planes to land on a much smaller runway, causing delays and diverted planes to…

Alligators Visit Great Lakes Aquarium

Alligators Were in Great Lakes Region in Prehistoric Times

DULUTH, Minn.-Three juvenile alligators are taking over the Great Lakes Aquarium. They have been there for a week as part of loan program from a facility in Houston. One may think alligators are an odd fit for this region, considering there aren’t any here, but aquarium staff say this region has a history with them dating back to prehistoric times….

Vets Get Big Boost Today

4,000 Meals Supplied for Needy Vets

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Homeless and low income veterans got an extra help today after 4,000 meals and 200 blankets were dropped off for them at the Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center. The event is all part of program run by Kern and Kompany, along with the Duluth Airshow, who saw a need for undeserved vets. This may not by a one…

WLSSD Treecycling Program Begins Dec. 21

"Treecycling drop off sites are conveniently located in many neighborhoods, providing the opportunity for residents to Treecycle quickly and easily," said Anderson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Western Lake Superior Sanitary District and partners have kicked off the annual Treecyling program. The program is to encourage area residents to recycle their fresh-cut holiday trees. Multiple locations will be available 24-hours a day throughout the region. “Holiday trees, like yard and garden waste, are banned from the trash in Minnesota,” said Karen Anderson, WLSSD’s director…

DNR Confirms Cougar in Douglas County

A cougar was confirmed on a trail camera photo in Douglas County Nov. 11, 2017 (DNR) MADISON, Wis. – Department of Natural Resources biologists have confirmed photos taken by a trail cam in Douglas County showed a cougar wandering through the area in mid-November. Photos of the animal were captured in the Foxboro and Bennett areas in a week time…

Talents of Young Musicians Featured at Upcoming Christmas Musicale

DCHS Hosts 2nd Annual Christmas Musicale

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The talents of local youth are being featured in a concert this weekend in Superior. The Douglas County Historical Society is hosting the 2nd Annual Christmas Musicale. The performance is taking place Friday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. This year, musicians Austin Engelhardt & Gabrielle Koepke a Violin Virtuoso Duo, The Soul Sisters, Izzy Bromdahl and the…

Authorities Continue Search for Missing Redwood Falls Man

LAST SEEN OCT. 13

Mato Dow (BCA) UPDATE 12/20: The Redwood Falls Police Department and Minnesota BCA are still seeking assistance in locating 26-year-old Mato Dow of Redwood Falls. Authorities have provided a photo (above) of Mato shortly before he went missing. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, gray long shorts, and black/dark shoes. Mato was last seen on Oct 13. Anyone with…

Sen. Franken Will Officially Resign Jan. 2

WASHINGTON – Senator Al Franken’s last day in the U.S. Senate will be January 2, 2018, according to his office. Senator Designate Tina Smith will be sworn in the following day on, Jan. 3. Franken made the announcement of his resignation on Dec. 7 after multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Study: Moose on Lake Superior Island are Shrinking

Photo: MN DNRDULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Scientists studying the moose population on a national park in Lake Superior have discovered that the animal has been shrinking over the years. Minnesota Public Radio reports that Michigan Tech University scientists studied more than 660 moose skulls from Isle Royale National Park, which is located about 25 miles off the tip of northeastern…

Congress Wraps Up Massive Tax Package, Headed to Trump

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Republicans delivered an epic overhaul of U.S. tax laws to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, bringing generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans while providing smaller cuts for middle- and low-income families. In a re-vote due to a last-minute hiccup, the House passed the massive $1.5 trillion tax package that affects…

Wisconsin Scientists Track Tiny Bat with Small Transmitter

Bat weighs less than a nickel

An eastern pipistrelle was captured and then tracked by scientists as it flew across western Wisconsin. Scientists want to better understand how habitat affects the state’s tiniest bat.(Photo: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Scientists in Wisconsin have tracked the state’s smallest bat by using an ultra-light transmitter that beamed its movement after emerging from hibernation. The…

Fire Deaths on Rise in Minnesota

Fires Prevalent Especially Around Holidays

MINNESOTA-Fire deaths are on the rise in Minnesota this year. Fifty–six people have died this year in fires, which is a 30 percent increase from last year. State fire officials are reminding the public that the holidays are an especially dangerous time of the year for fires, due to the hazards of cooking and of course, dry Christmas trees. They…

‘The Office’ Revival Reportedly in the Works with Limited Returning Cast

TYLER MCCARTHY - FOX NEWS

This undated image released by NBC shows Steve Carell as Michael Scott in a scene from “The Office.” Producer Greg Daniels says the NBC comedy will conclude business at Dunder Mifflin after the upcoming ninth season. He said Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, that the final year will be exciting and memorable and will take creative chances. (AP Photo/NBC, Byron Cohen)…

Altec Adding 100 Jobs in Duluth Location

Company Investing in $8.45 Million in Duluth Sites

DULUTH, Minn. –Altec Incorporated in Duluth is adding 100 jobs at its manufacturing facilities as they invest $8.45 million in an expansion there. Altec, which makes aerial lift trucks, is planning on purchasing new equipment and making other upgrades to its Northland operations. About 230 people are currently employed at their sites. “It’s very exciting to me to add to…

Avoiding Pet Decorating Dangers this Season

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth Offer Tips on How to Keep Your Pets Safe this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – By now many folks are probably rocking around the Christmas tree, but did you know your holiday decorations could be a danger to some in the household? Michelle Sternberg, Marketing and Communications Manager and Lindsay Snustad, Executive Director of Animal Allies Humane Society visited FOX 21 Local News to offer a few tips on keeping your furry friends…

Twin Ports Send Off Last Ocean Bound Vessel of Season

The last ocean going vessel is shipping out of the Twin Ports Tuesday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Beautrix will be the last ocean going vessel of the season to ship out of the Twin Ports. Tuesday night the Beatrix is loading spring wheat destined for the United Kingdom. So far this year nearly 700 vessels visited the Twin Ports. Northlanders will see plenty more ships coming in, but Beatrix is the last to head out…

Busy Season for Candy Shops

National Hard Candy Day is Celebrated on Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Twin Ports – Candy lovers had the chance to splurge on their sweet tooth Tuesday. Tuesday, December 19 is National Hard Candy Day! The staff at Sweeden Sweets say now is one of their busiest times of the year with parents coming in the door looking for stocking stuffers and other sweet gifts to give. Hard candy first became popular…

Duluth School District Makes Cuts to Budget

The District Cut More Than $1.5 Million; a $409,500 Deficit Remains

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District had a $2 million deficit going into the next fiscal year. Tuesday night, they made a decision about where to cut. The reductions make $1.59 million in cuts to the district’s budget. ISD 709 will carry a deficit into next year of $409,500. Layoffs are not part of the budget cuts at this…

‘Habitat for Humanity’ Decorates Tree for Superior Family

The Tree Will Help Celebrate Their First Christmas in Their New Home

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A family was recently able to purchase a home through Habitat for Humanity. They’re expected to move in before the end of the year. Tuesday, volunteers came to their new home on Weeks Avenue to help the VanHolbeck family deck the halls for the holidays by decorating their Christmas tree. “This is a big deal. It’s their…

“Make Every Child Smile” Toy Drive Giving Out Presents

Toys Will Be Available at the Iron Mug in Morgan Park on Thursday from 3-6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Make Every Child Smile” toy drive will be giving out presents this Thursday, December 21st. The toys will be available from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Iron Mug in Morgan Park. Families can grab a present or two for their kids and wrap them right at the location. Organizers say it’s another option for families…

Toyland Express Provides for Families in Need

The Salvation Army plans to serve nearly 2,300 families during the event.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Salvation Army is helping put presents under the tree for nearly 2,300 Northland families this week. Families that are going through tough times met with the non-profit and are now welcomed to shop from the donated toys, for their children. The Salvation Army told FOX21 this event is a well run machine which relies on many volunteers….

Mother: Slender Man Stabbing Victim Slept with Scissors

Payton Leutner, 2017 (FOX 6) WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – The mother of the Wisconsin girl who survived a stabbing by her classmates aiming to please the fictional horror character Slender Man says her daughter slept with scissors under her pillow after the attack. WISN-TV reports Stacie Leutner also revealed in a victim impact statement that the family didn’t object to…

1st Republican Enters Race to Complete Franken’s Senate Term

Sen. Karin Housley (MN Senate) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The first Republican candidate has announced a bid for Democratic Sen. Al Franken’s seat in 2018. State Sen. Karin Housley launched her campaign Tuesday for the special election to complete Franken’s term, which ends in 2020. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s pick to hold the seat until the special election, Lt….

Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Resigning After Senior Care Lapses

Official Government PhotoST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s Department of Health commissioner is resigning. Gov. Mark Dayton’s office announced Tuesday that Commissioner Ed Ehlinger would step down. Ehlinger had been head of the state’s health oversight board since 2011. The announcement didn’t specify why Ehlinger was resigning but it follows reporting by the Star Tribune on serious oversight lapses of…

Maple School District to Have Referendum Vote in April

Maple School District Wants $600,000 A Year Over Three Years

MAPLE, Wis.-Maple School District is asking its residents to vote in favor of a referendum in April. They are asking the public for about $600,000 a year over the next three years to help maintain some of its current programming and staff. They had initially asked for $1.7 million a year over a five-year period, but the public didn’t support…

LOCATED: Alyssa Leonardis, of Lauderdale

UPDATE: Alyssa Leonardis was located safe and uninjured, according to the BCA. Alyssa Leonardis LAUDERDALE, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vulnerable adult that walked away from her group home on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. Alyssa Leonardis, 21 is described as 5’2″, 220 pounds, short brown hair. Last seen wearing…

Amtrak train found to be traveling 80 mph in a 30 mph zone

(Elaine Thompson via AP) DUPONT, Wash. (AP) — Investigators are looking into whether the Amtrak engineer whose speeding train plunged off an overpass, killing at least three people, was distracted by the presence of an employee-in-training next to him in the locomotive, a federal official said Tuesday. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke…

Minnesota Woman Pleads Guilty to Boyfriend’s Death in YouTube Stunt

Monalisa Perez HALSTAD, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota woman has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting her boyfriend in a videotaped stunt they planned to post to YouTube. Monalisa Perez, 20, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree manslaughter in the June death of 22-year-old Pedro Ruiz III, The Star Tribune reported. Perez has two young children with Ruiz. Perez told investigators…

St. Louis County Board Approves 2018 Budget

St. Louis County serves 200,000 residents spread across 7.000 square miles

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved its 2018 budget. The budget, $397,918,261, will direct additional resources to substance abuse and mental health, in addition to the funding of core services including public health and human services, public works, tax payer services and public safety. The budget will also make additional investments to support families providing…

Latest: House Forced to Revote on GOP Tax Bill Wednesday

4:50 p.m. Democrats say three provisions in the Republican $1.5 trillion tax bill violate Senate rules and will likely be removed before that chamber votes on the measure. The House approved the legislation Tuesday. But this means the House will have to vote again on the legislation once it’s been amended and approved by the Senate. Senate passage was expected…