News – Latest News

Norshor Theatre Renovations Coming Along

The Theatre will have 650 seats and 195 new lights

DULUTH, Minn. -It’s been 18 months since the major renovations began at the historic Norshor Theatre in downtown Duluth. About 50 people got an update and went on a tour to see how the project is coming along. The restored venue underwent a top to bottom makeover. Our cameras weren’t allowed inside, but there will be new dressing rooms, rehearsal studios and administrative offices. Norshore…

Volunteers Spend Their Day of Caring At Safe Haven Shelter & Resource Center

Several non-profits benefited from the local projects for this Day of Caring Holiday Edition

DULUTH, Minn. – United Way’s Day of Caring lets volunteers pitch in at local non-profits by doing what they do best, volunteer. Safe Haven in Duluth works with women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. Volunteers were in the kitchen helping out and had it smelling like fresh baked cookies. The kids will bring the cookies home and decorate them with their family….

One Northlander is Helping Wildfire Responders

One Northlander with the Red Cross is assisting with the natural disaster in Southern California

DULUTH, Minn.- One Northlander with the American Red Cross packed up to lend a hand in with the growing wildfires in Southern California. Tony Guerra said helping this time of year means a little more. Guerra is managing a five man team heading out Tuesday afternoon to assist responders. Guerra has helped with other wild fire disasters in the past. “That’s what we…

New Business to Open at Gander Mountain Spot in Hermantown

Not Known When New Store Will Open

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Hiring signs are up at the old Gander Mountain site in Hermantown indicating they are about to open again. The store closed over the summer, but now it looks like its new owner in Camping World is trying to revive the store. Fox 21 reached out to the corporate headquarters of the new owner, but haven’t heard back yet…

Trump Says Government Shutdown Possible, Blames Democrats

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that a government shutdown was possible this weekend because Democrats were demanding to have “illegal immigrants pouring into our country,” tossing incendiary rhetoric onto a partisan showdown that had been showing signs of easing. Trump’s comments risked roiling a White House meeting with congressional leaders of both parties planned…

Wildfires Continue to Ravage Southern California

101 Freeway Fire Dec. 5, 2017 (AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) — A wildfire erupted in Los Angeles’ exclusive Bel-Air section Wednesday as yet another part of Southern California found itself under siege from an outbreak of wind-whipped blazes that have consumed multimillion-dollar houses and tract homes alike. Hundreds of homes across the L.A. metropolitan area and beyond were feared destroyed…

Bent Paddle Relocating Taproom, as Brewery Continues to Expand

Expected to open in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company (BPBC) announced plans for a new taproom earlier this year, but details were not finalized. The brewery has officially announced relocation plans that will move their taproom into a historic space just across the street in early 2018. The taproom will shift to the next block to 1832 Michigan Street, a location formerly…

19 Arrested in Major Wisconsin Drug Bust

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Nineteen people have been arrested following an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) partnered with local and federal law enforcement to arrest 19 individuals for money laundering, bankruptcy fraud, and drug offenses, including the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, Wisconsin Attorney General…

New Northern Pike Fishing Regulations Coming in Spring 2018

Regulations go into effect March 1, 2018 for Minnesotans fishing on inland waters

(MnDNR) MINNESOTA – Anglers and spearers going after northern pike this winter can prepare for new regulations that will be in effect for the spring fishing opener on Minnesota’s inland waters. The new regulations on inland waters will be in effect starting March 1, however northern pike fishing is not allowed until fishing opener on May 12. “Pike regulations remain…

Superior Shelter to Receive Multiple Puppies from Texas

Anywhere from Seven to Seventeen Puppies will soon be arriving at the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Minn. – In the coming days the Douglas County Humane Society in Superior will be receiving a litter of perfect presents just in time for the holidays. The shelter announced earlier this week they will be receiving anywhere from seven to seventeen dogs. The animals are being transferred to the Twin Ports from Texas. Right now the shelter only…

Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel Capital, Smashing US Policy

Palestinians burn a poser of President Donald Trump during a protest in Bethlehem, West Bank, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2017. President Trump forged ahead Tuesday with plans to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim, and European opposition to ma move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests. (AP)     WASHINGTON (AP) —…

Sankta Lucia Event Celebrates Swedish Culture in Duluth

Swedish Singers, Traditional Procession and Brunch to Highlight Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend an annual celebration put on by the Swedish Cultural Society will be back in Duluth. The Sankta Lucia Celebration is being held Saturday, December 9. This event will feature a procession of the tomtes, star lights, maids of light and Lucia. Jenna Tolan is playing the role of Lucia this year. Following the procession, there…

Democratic Women in Senate Call on Franken to Resign

FOX 9 KMSP

UPDATE: Amid calls for resignation from fellow Democrats, Franken will be making an announcement tomorrow, according to his office. (KMSP) – At least seven Democratic women in the U.S. Senate are calling on Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign after the latest allegation of sexual misconduct was published Wednesday morning. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Sen. Mazie Hirono‏ of…

‘Silence Breakers’ Named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year

(Time Magazine) NEW YORK (AP) – The “Silence Breakers” – those who have shared their stories about sexual assault and harassment – have been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. Numerous women have spoken out publicly since October about sexual misconduct by dozens of high-profile men in entertainment, media, business, and sports. Time praised those who have given “voice…

Superior City Council Adding UWS Cuts To Agenda

Cuts Of 25 Programs Have Students And Staff Unhappy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students at UWS angry over cuts to 25 academic programs at the university are now turning to the Superior City Council for support. About a dozen students, staff, and even residents showed up at Tuesday night’s council meeting dressed in red in solidarity with students being affected. The group says the cuts will affect the local economy…

Texas Puppies to Find New Homes in the Northland

More than a Dozen Puppies are Headed to the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the coming days, the Douglas County Humane Society will be receiving a litter of perfect presents just in time for the holidays. The shelter announcing earlier this week they will be receiving anywhere from seven to 17 dogs. The animals are being transferred to the Twin Ports from Texas. Right now, the shelter only has two…

Wisconsin Rep. Zepnick Refuses to Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Representative Accused of Kissing Two Women Against Their Will

MADISON, Wis.-A Democratic state representative accused of kissing two women against their will is refusing to resign but says he will decide later whether to seek re-election in 2018. Milwaukee Rep. Josh Zepnick says he is “disappointed and disturbed” that he was stripped of his legislative committee assignments, a move that further marginalizes him in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Zepnick issued…

Sen. Franken Denies Allegation He Forcibly Tried to Kiss Woman

Sen. Franken Has Been Accused of Harassing Multiple Women

UPDATE: Several female Democratic senators unite in calling for Sen. Al Franken to resign amid sexual misconduct allegations. In Facebook posts and Tweets, the women said the two-term senator should step aside after a fresh allegation that he forcibly tried to kiss a woman in 2006. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote on Facebook that while Franken is entitled to have the Ethics…

Farmers Cook Up Their Harvest

Potluck To Raise Money For Local Farmers Association

DULUTH, Minn- The season for harvesting may be over for area farmers but that’s no reason for not enjoying the fruits of their labor. Tonight the Peace United Church of Christ hosted the Lake Superior Farmers Association for their annual pot luck fundraiser. Donated food from area farmers were whipped up for all to enjoy and to raise money to…

Holiday Party For Morgan Park Seniors

Live Music And Food Hosted By The City Of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn- Morgan Park seniors got in the holiday spirit tonight during the sold out holiday party hosted by the City of Duluth. Turkey and ham was on the menu along with live Christmas music. One resident says it’s a good reason to get out of the house “It keeps you young. It’s good to get out and be with…

New Coffee Shop Coming to Superior

Empire Coffee Will Offer Coffee Brewhouse Atmosphere on Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new coffee brewhouse is coming to Tower Avenue in Superior. Empire Coffee will give customers the chance to try different kinds of roasts from a variety of local roasters like Duluth Coffee Company and Big Water Coffee in Bayfield. The owners just got funding secured to build their shop in the historic Empire Block located at…

4-H Kids Do Chemistry Experiments at UWS

Discovery 4-H Club Focuses on Science and Math Career Preparation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kids in a new 4-H program did science experiments with college students in Superior. In the Discovery 4-H Club, kids can have traditional 4-H experiences and learn more about science and math. On Tuesday, they made slime and glow in the dark projects alongside UWS chemistry faculty and students. “You don’t necessarily get the opportunity to see…

Christmas Trees Lit at St. Scholastica

Annual Advent Vespers Ceremony Held at Monastery

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas season officially started at the College of Saint Scholastica on Tuesday. College students and staff lit the Christmas trees outside Tower Hall. Before that, they got together with the sisters of the Saint Scholastica Monastery to celebrate the beginning of advent at the annual Advent Vespers Ceremony. “It’s a really good way for all of us…

Duluth City Council Passes Mayor’s Budget Proposal

Budget Includes $2 Million in Cuts to City Spending

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has passed Mayor Emily Larson’s controversial 2018 budget proposal. The budget includes a $1 million increase to the street maintenance fund, a slight property tax increase, and about $2 million in cuts to city spending. City Council President Joel Sipress tells us the cuts mean a “significant” reduction to city staff, including the…

Two Arrested after Cloquet Drug Bust

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department with the assistance of other agencies, has been working to crack down on a large-scale marijuana distribution operation. The operation began in November, as investigators looked into large quantities of marijuana and hash oils being sold in the area. According to authorities, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Cloquet on…

Holiday Book Sale Helps Fund Children’s Programming

The Holiday Book sale has festive reading material for everyone.

DULUTH, Minn.- Materials are donated to the Mount Royal Branch Library all year long. Workers sets aside all holiday products in preparation for their annual book sale. The holiday book sale is one of the largest fundraisers put on by Friends of the Library. Purchasing the festive books gives money to children’s programming put on at the Duluth Public Library….

New Program Helps Domestic Abuse Survivors Temporarily House Pets

The Twin Ports Pets Housing Program helps victims have one less thing to worry about.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Leaving a  relationship with domestic abuse is a difficult situation and here in the Twin Ports it’s a decision made even harder, as victims fear about what will happen to their pets. The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) is asking the community to help a new program, that will ensure victim’s animals will have a home….

Hartley Nature Center Reports on Solar Energy Storage Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Hartley Nature Center is powered for the future! Last August, the Nature Center installed a battery to store energy from its solar panels. Now more than a year after the battery’s installation, representatives from Hartley and its partners on the project talk about their results. They held an info session in the Nature Center earlier this morning….

Meeting Held on Preventing Future Fires

Multiple Federal Agencies Involved in Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.-Training to respond to unique fires all boils down to communication. Today, multiple federal organizations gathered at the Duluth Holiday Inn to determine how to better handle responding to situations like wildfires, chemical spills, and even tornadoes. Leaders at the meeting said much of the discussions are about predicting how the next fire season will go and how they…

Gales Of December Rock The South Shore

High Winds Created Massive Waves And Churned Up Lake Superior

PORT WING, Wis. — High winds battered the Northland today but the Lake Superior Shorelines felt the worst of it. “It’s very windy! Very blustery!” explained the owner of South Shore Bar, Holly Wyant. The winds howled at 20-30mph sustained today, with gusts up to 40mph at times. The lake was under a Storm Warning until 10am and a Gale…

Duluth Winter Village Organizers Already Looking at Next Year

DULUTH, Minn — Partially because of mild temperatures this past weekend, huge crowds flocked to Glensheen for the Duluth Winter Village. The event was a huge success, officially bringing 17,250 people to the city for food, drink, and all sorts of locally crafted items for sale. Forty local businesses set up shop on the festival grounds at the Glensheen Estate….

Where Protected Lands Stand After National Monument Review

“Moonhouse” in McLoyd Canyon which is part of Bears Ears National Monument, near Blanding, Utah. (AP File) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — President Donald Trump earlier this year ordered U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to conduct an unprecedented review of 27 monuments established by former presidents over more than two decades on lands and waters revered for their natural beauty…

Russia Barred from 2018 Winter Olympics

Olympic ringsLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Russian athletes will be allowed to stand on the medal podium at the Winter Olympics — just not with their anthem playing or their nation’s flag rising above them. The International Olympic Committee barred Russia and the its sports leaders from the upcoming games in South Korea after its lead investigator concluded members of the…

Gov. Dayton Announces He’s Cancer Free

Dayton Had Prostate Cancer

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he is cancer-free. Dayton made the announcement Monday while urging Minnesotans to get screened for cancer if they have risk factors or a family history of the disease. Minnesota Public Radio News reports the 70-year-old Dayton credited his own early diagnosis with helping him beat cancer. Dayton announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in…

I-35 Bridge Maintenance Scheduled Dec. 7, 8

DULUTH, Minn. – Motorists traveling southbound on Interstate 35 between Garfield Avenue and 27th Avenue West in Duluth will encounter a left lane closure from Dec. 7-8. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports the closure will allow crews to conduct bridge maintenance activties. Work will occur between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Width restriction will be in place – loads…

Minnesota Budget Forecast Swings from $1.65 Billion Surplus to $188 Million Deficit

FOX 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota is facing a $188 million deficit, according to the latest projection from the state budget office. Last year at this time, Minnesota Management and Budget officials had a projected budget surplus of a $1.4 billion – a surplus that grew to $1.65 billion in the March projection. The deficit is expected to grow to $586 million in the next…

Text-to-911 Now Available Statewide in Minnesota

Calling still the preferred method for 911 services

Text to 911 Banner ST. PAUL, Minn. – In an emergency, safely dialing 911 might not be an option, as one may need to remain quiet in a dangerous situation, or if an individual has hearing loss, it can make calling 911 near impossible. The Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has been working with Minnesota to develop…

Minnesota Ballet Prepares for Nutcracker Performances

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas lights being put up all throughout town, the area is beginning to feel the Christmas spirit. Another sign of the holiday is the performance of The Nutcracker by the Minnesota Ballet. Minnesota Ballet Artistic Executive Director Robert Gardner says the performance has become a holiday tradition for many families. The company performs a version of…

Morgan Park Church Stands Tall for 100 Years

Northland Uncovered: United Protestant Church

DULUTH, Minn. – A community in Duluth was created by US Steel more than 100 years ago. Morgan Park residents feel a strong sense of community there. One Duluth man, Chet Johnson, has enjoyed his time in the neighborhood so much, he’s been attending the same church for 80 years. That church is United Protestant Church and it was built…

Police: Vulnerable CHUM Resident Reported Missing

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department asked for the public’s assistance Monday night in locating Allen Lee Time, 75. Authorities said the man is a resident of CHUM who suffers from Dementia and was released from the hospital Monday morning.  He did not show up for dinner at the Union Gospel Mission Monday night. Timm is a white male,…

Shovels and Salt Flew Off The Shelves

Bracing For The Storm

LAKESIDE, Minn -Hardware stores are welcoming a winter storm of any kind to get that register making’ noise. The crew over at Hanks Hardware in the Lakeside neighborhood tell us they’ve seen an increase in salt sales. “Today they’ve been buying salt and grit. There’s a few snow shovels going out but it seems like the people that are prepared…

Inside Northland’s Beloved Bailey Builds Studio

The local shop Bailey Builds sells art made from reclaimed wood pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.-Northlanders may have spotted Bailey Builds, a business selling reclaimed wood art pieces at various events around Duluth. The creator Anna Bailey and her husband invited FOX 21 into their studio. Artist Anna Bailey creates pieces of art using reclaimed wood. “I can’t even tell you how rewarding this is honestly,” Bailey said. In the past Anna spent her…

Coldest Air Of Season Creates Concern For Homeless

CHUM and Life House In Need Of Donations

DULUTH, Minn-  The coldest air of the season is settling in on the Northland, which has advocates concerned for homeless in the area. Typically, the CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth hosts about 50 people a warm night, according to CHUM support staff member Shawn Carr.  But he says that number can double when the deep freeze sets in. “During cold…

MnDOT Reminds Northlanders to Prepare for Winter Conditions

They Warn to Keep Up to Date with Weather Conditions and Check Tire Tread

DULUTH, Minn. – According to MnDOT officials, many of their ninety-one plows in Northeastern Minnesota are out and ready to begin clearing roadways. This year, they’re doing something different: using a more expensive but faster acting compound called potassium acidate bridges and tunnels. Plowing started during the afternoon hours in the International Falls area and is expected to continue throughout…

Dog Brings Home Human Skull, Remains Found in Barron, Wis.

BARRON, Wis. (KMSP) – Authorities in western Wisconsin are investigating a death after they discovered skeletal remains of a body in the woods near a house in the area. On Dec 3, the Barron County sheriff’s department received a call from a resident who said his dog brought home what looked like the partial remains of a human skull. Authorities later…

UWS Athletes Giving Back to Community

Events Take Place Throughout Week

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The fall semester at UWS is coming to close, but that’s not stopping the students there from giving back to the community. All week students from the athletic department are taking part in a variety of activities to help those in need. Today some Yellow Jackets rang the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual holiday drive. “It’s a really…

Superior Public Library Undergoing Remodel

Many of Areas Under Remodel Will Focus on Children's Activities

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The Superior Public Library’s journey to become more modern has begun. Today a six month-long remodeling project got underway which includes new reading areas, more places where young children can take part in library activities, and even a new computer lab. Library leaders say the most important part of the renovations are the areas for kids, because without them…

Indoor Gun Range Opens in Northland

The business offers classes, certificates, and sells firearms.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The only indoor gun range in the Northland is now open for business. The Dead on Arms Shooting Range is located in Proctor. The business offers classes in a safe environment and other services. The new space is convenient for everyone. On–goers can rent out the wide supply of fire arms to practice with at the range. Gun…