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Body Armor Donated to Duluth PD’s K9

(Duluth Police Dept.) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has announced their K9, Haas, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a non-profit out of East Taunton, Massachusetts. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, is a charity whose mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the…

Utility Repair Scheduled for 1500 Block of East Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works will be conducting a utility repair in the 1500 block of East Superior Street on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The department reports that a water leak was identified in this area. Repairs will occur from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents and businesses may experience a disruption in water service during…

GOP Nears Senate OK of Tax Bill After Flurry of Final Deals

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans used a burst of eleventh-hour horse-trading Friday to edge to the brink of Senate passage of a $1.4 trillion tax bill, as a party starved all year for a major legislative triumph took a giant step toward giving President Donald Trump one of his top priorities by Christmas. “We have the votes,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch…

Super Bowl Live Concert Series Will Include Prince Tribute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A series of free, outdoor concerts during the 10-days leading up to the Super Bowl will include a Prince tribute and plenty of Minnesota flavor. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, announced their concert lineup for Super Bowl Life on Friday. The festival will include a “Prince night,” during which Sheila E., the Revolution, and Morris Day…

New Opioid Guidelines Released in Minnesota

$1.4 Million Coming to State to Fight Opioid Addiction

ST. PAUL, Minn.-New guidelines were announced today by the Minnesota governor’s office that could cut the risk of opioid addiction. The guidelines could help medical professionals in deciding when to prescribe opioids, along with how to monitor their use. In 2016, 376 people died from opioid overdoses in Minnesota, which was a 12 percent increase over the previous year. “These…

DNR: Early Ice is Not Safe, Wear Life Jackets on Cold Water

MINNESOTA – With daytime temperatures still reaching above freezing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public to stay clear of early ice and use extreme caution when venturing on dangerously cold waters. Some locations in northern and western regions of the state have been reporting ice formation, recent fluctuations in temperatures have led to degrading ice conditions…

Walker Signs Bill Tightening Election Recount Requirements

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has just made it harder to ask for an election recount in Wisconsin. Walker on Thursday signed into law a bill introduced in reaction to Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein’s 2016 recount request in Wisconsin after she finished a distant fourth. Under the new law, only candidates who trail the winner by…

Minnesota Prosecutors Sue Drug Companies Over Opioid Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A group of Minnesota county attorneys are suing drug distributors and manufacturers over the opioid crisis. The goal is to try to recover the government’s cost of dealing with opioid addiction, which prosecutors say increased when drug companies amped up their marketing for opioids as a way to treat chronic pain and for long-term use….

Hunters Harvest Over 195,000 Deer in Wisconsin 9-Day Gun Season

MADISON, Wis. – Preliminary registration numbers are in for Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there was a slight increase in the statewide buck harvest, with 98,364 – the northern counties showing the most significant increases in harvest. Overall, the DNR reports that 195,738 deer were registered a slight decrease from 197,262 registered…

Local Agreement with Foxconn Signed Friday

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group executives and officials from Racine County and Mount Pleasant are signing a local development agreement that seals the deal on the company’s $10 billion manufacturing complex. The county and village boards approved the development agreement earlier this week. It outlines the responsibilities for the parties involved and includes guarantees and protections for…

Job Market Booming on Iron Range

Unemployment Rate Could Go Up in Winter

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Unemployment rates on the Iron Range have reached their lowest level since the millennium, reaching four percent in September. This comes on the heels of the mining industry gaining strength while also getting solid performances out of seasonal construction and tourism jobs. Local labor experts tell us the trend is expected to continue on. “It’s kind of expected for…

Locals Returning Home Thanks to New Job Opportunities

The job opportunities are allowing Northlanders to stay closer to home.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The employment opportunities on the Iron Range, are allowing more Northlanders to stay where their roots are. “Everybody is employed, it’s a great thing for us and we’ve seen that economic boom,” Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe said. The mines are in full swing, the health care industry is also providing jobs for many workers. Mayor Cuffe said part…

Annual USO Variety Show Honors Military Veterans

Partial Proceeds Support Honor Flight Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is heading back to the 1040s this weekend as the USO Variety Show is performed for the tenth year. It’s a recreation of a USO radio show and canteen to remember the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and honor all World War II veterans. The show is co-produced by Time Arc Theatre and Twin Ports Stage. Featuring…

Health Care Fallout: Fate of 8M Low-Income Children in Limbo

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The collateral damage from Congress’ struggle to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care law could include a program that covers more than 8 million low-income children. The Children’s Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP, provides low-cost coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. But it has become caught up in…

Expert Tips for Sticking to a Diet and Exercise Plan During the Holidays

Active Adventures: Anytime Fitness Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – -Sticking to a diet and exercise plan can be difficult during the holiday season. FOX 21 spoke with a personal trainer from Anytime Fitness in Duluth. The trainer, Andy Schobert, says it’s important to manage your portions when at holiday events. Schobert says using a fitness tracker can help because people can know how many calories they’re…

Flynn Pleads Guilty, is Cooperating in Trump-Russia Probe

Plea Hearing Scheduled for This Morning

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael Flynn, the retired general who campaigned at Donald Trump’s side and then served as his first national security adviser, pleaded guilty Friday to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on Trump’s behalf and said members of the president’s inner circle were intimately involved with — and at times directing — his contacts….

Homeless Mother: ‘Filthy’ Conditions At Steve O’Neil Apartments; CHUM Takes Action

Steve O'Neil Apartments Have Been Open Since Dec. 2014

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coldest days of winter approach next week, the homeless population will be at the greatest need. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger introduces you to a family not living in the woods and not out of a job, but trying to survive. And through this process, the mother reveals a disturbing look at her emergency housing unit inside…

Minnesota Ballet Performs at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. — Today – a special treat for patients and staff at Essentia Health; a visit from the Minnesota Ballet! Essentia is the sponsor for this season of the ballet in Duluth, and these dancers are performing excerpts from The Nutcracker. As an artistic non-profit, the Minnesota Ballet relies on partners and sponsorships to keep their organization going. This…

Annual Julebyen Fest to Attract Thousands

Julebyen (YOOL-eh-BE-en) Means "Christmas Village" and is a Centuries-Old Scandinavian and German Tradition

DULUTH, Minn. – For those of you looking for festive, holiday fun this weekend, Knife River will be the place to check out. The community of just over 300 members is expecting more than 4,000 visitors to check out the 5th annual Julebyen Fest. Organizers say the festival helps put their small community on the map each year and also…

Gift & Craft Show Kicks Off Winter Fest In Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. -The Winter Fest Gift and Craft Show kicked off Santa’s Home For the Holidays celebration in Cloquet. The Armory was lined up with vendors galore as they showed off their creations. You could find anything from holiday decorations, mittens and hats. “You get wonderful Christmas presents for families and friends,” said It Works Distributor Sue Trettel. “You’re helping support local crafters with…

Fon du Lac Band Closes Out Native American Heritage Month

The ceremony helps the Native Americans maintain their identity and way of life

CLOQUET, Minn. – Nov. is Native American Heritage Month and although the month is coming to a close the festivities don’t end yet. A closing ceremony at Black Bear Resort capped off the month. It featured a pipe ceremony, drum songs and a performance by royalty dancers. The young dancers are looked at as the future leaders. It’s a gathering….

Thunderbird Mall Offering More Shopping Experiences

The Thunderbird Mall is undergoing more additions.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Good news for shoppers on the Iron Range, the Thunderbird Mall is adding more stores. The newest addition is Tractor Supply Co. The store is a one stop shop for the whole family, even your pets. This is just the beginning for more shops and job opportunities at the mall. “The building or the complex here is going…

Fon du Lac Tribal & Community College Holds Opioid Overdose Training

Signs of an opioid overdose include difficulty breathing, small pupils and pale and clammy skin

CLOQUET, Minn. -Many people living in St. Louis and Carlton County know the effects of the opioid all crisis too well. They might have dealt with or have family members dealing with an addiction. Naloxone or Narcan is one drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Several people were at Fon du Lac Tribal & Community College for…

Hibbing Man Sentenced to Nearly 12 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault of 5-Year-Old

Suspect Pleaded Guilty to Two Felony Charges

Travis TurkHIBBING, Minn.-A 29-year-old Hibbing man has been sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for his role in a sexual assault case of a five-year-old girl. Travis Turk plead guilty to felony kidnapping and burglary in the first degree back in October for the crime. Originally, he was facing four felony charges in the case, including criminal sexual conduct in…

Mining Could Become Easier To Do in Minnesota After House Passes Mining Focused Act

Mining Act Could Help Revitalize Twin Metals Mine

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Earlier today, an act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, which would make it easier to mine in Minnesota. “Mining has been a way of life for Minnesotans since the 1800s and is a crucial part of our state’s economy,” said Rep. Tom Emmer (R), of Minnesota’s Sixth District, who also sponsored the bill. “Unfortunately, in its…

Russell Simmons Steps Down from Companies Amid Allegation

AP File Photo, Russell Simmons, July 2015. NEW YORK (AP) – Russell Simmons has stepped away from his companies following a second allegation of sexual misconduct, though the Def Jam founder again denied ever being violent. Screenwriter Jenny Lumet, who co-wrote “The Mummy” in 2017 and “Rachel Getting Married” in 2008, penned an essay published by The Hollywood Reporter on…

Autism, Sleep Apnea Added as Minnesota Medical Marijuana Qualifiers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say they’re adding autism spectrum disorders and obstructive sleep apnea as conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger says there is increasing evidence that medical marijuana can help people with severe autism or obstructive apnea. The state health department takes public input each year on conditions that might be…

Trump Weighs Plan to Replace Tillerson with CIA’s Pompeo

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is discussing a plan to oust Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo in a major shake-up of President Donald Trump’s national security team, administration officials said Thursday. The move would put Pompeo, a former congressman who has grown close to Trump…

UW-Superior to Present 20th Annual “Season of Song” Concerts

Concerts Feature Choir and Orchestra

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend a holiday tradition is continuing in Superior with the Season of Song concerts. The 20th Annual “Season of Song” concerts are being held Sunday, December 3 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts will be at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Dr. Katherine Chan, the Director of Choral…

Superior Arsonist Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison

Arsonist Will Also Have to Pay Restitution

SUPERIOR, Wis.-A Superior man has been sentenced to nine years in prison and another nine on probation after setting five fires in one night in the Superior area in 2016. Joseph Insua, 27, was convicted of four felonies related to the fires, including one at an apartment building at 1225 Banks Ave. Insua will also have to undergo mental health…

Preparing Prime Rib with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: From Ribeye Loin to Prime Rib

DULUTH, Minn. – Prime rib is often a holiday treat for many, but at Texas Roadhouse it’s a year-round delicacy. Kitchen Manager Manny Gotchie says they “go fast”, so it’s best to be on the early end of the dinner rush. For this week’s Cooking Connection we learned what it takes to make the ribeye loin into prime rib. PRIME…

137 Days Later, Responding Officers Still to be Interviewed in Damond Killing

TOM LYDEN - FOX 9

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Nearly five months after a Minneapolis police officer shot and killed Justine Damond, investigators have yet to interview the officers who responded to the scene in the immediate aftermath, the Fox 9 Investigators have learned. The investigation into the officer-involved shooting was conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). In September, the case was submitted to the Hennepin…

Walker to Sign Bill Legalizing Hemp Farming in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin farmers will be allowed to grow industrial hemp under a bill Gov. Scott Walker plans to sign into law. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Jesse Kremer, tweeted Thursday that signing the bill will make Wisconsin a national and global leader in hemp production. His tweet included the hashtag “AmericasHempland.” The bill passed the Legislature with…

Wisconsin Senate Leaders Say Sex Complaints Should Remain Secret

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican and Democratic leaders in the state Senate say sexual harassment complaints in their chamber should remain secret. The Assembly and Senate chief clerks refused to release complaints their offices have received over the last decade, saying releasing them would discourage reporting. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Thursday that he and Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling…

National Sexual Misconduct Allegations Spark Conversation on Campus

Addressing sexual misconduct now can prevent issues later in the workforce.

TWIN PORTS–  Women across the nation are coming forward with accusations against high profile men, which has created a ripple effect for college students in the Northland. The Women’s Resource and Action Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth has seen an increase in students reporting sexual misconduct. The incidents range from test messages to assaults that have occurred at…

Christmas Tree Sales Booming

Families Using the Nice Weather to Buy Trees

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas tree sales are booming at the Duluth Farmers Market. Family owned Hoffbauer Farms say tree sales are on par with last year. They say when the weather is nice, a lot more families come in. Most get traditional Balsam or Douglas Fir trees, but some designer trees are popular this year too. “Right behind me we…

Red Cross Sending Holiday Cards to Service Members

Volunteers Are Bundling 15,000 Cards for Local Veterans and Military Personnel

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers are bundling thousands of holiday cards written to local military service members and veterans. The American Red Cross of Northern Minnesota sent out about 15,000 holiday cards in their “Cards for Heroes” program last year. They hope to match that number this holiday season. Volunteers are busy sorting and making bundles of three to five cards…

Award Winning Quilt Raffled Away To A Good Home

Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild Sewed A Unique Quilt And Raffled It Off To Raise Funds For A Local Non-Profit.

DULUTH, Minn. — One lucky woman from Saginaw is now the owner of an award winning quilt. Stitch by stitch the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild sewed a unique quilt to raffle off and raise money for a local non-profit. This has taken place the past 4 years and this year, the funds are going to the YWCA Duluth’s Girl…

Family Blames Red Lake Resort for Death of 2 Anglers

CHRISTINA PALLADINO - FOX 9

(FOX 9) – Two families are mourning the loss of their children after divers pulled the bodies of a young man and woman who were ice fishing on Red Lake. Now, family members say the resort should be held partly responsible for their son’s death. The Stacy, Minnesota family just celebrated their son Zeth’s 28th birthday on Thanksgiving when he…

Goodwill Makes Environmentally Friendly Change

Goodwill is now on the list of stores boycotting plastic bags.

DULUTH, Minn.- Goodwill is going green now using more environmentally friendly shopping bags. The organization will no longer purchase plastic bags, joining the Bag It Duluth campaign. Shoppers are encouraged; to bring a bag, offered a used plastic bag, or box at check out. Making the switch will prevent an estimated 800,00 plastic bags from becoming waste. “We’re also going…

New Sushi Spot Coming To Superior

Oneill's Pub & Liquor had been in business for about 10 years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New flavors are coming to Soup Town in the form of a wasabi sushi restaurant. It’ll be located at the former site of  Oneill’s Pub & Liquor on Tower Avenue. The popular spot was known for being Superior’s only drive thru liquor store. It closed down in Jan. and had been vacant ever since. “Tower Avenue is a busy location there’s…

Idling Your Vehicle Could Cost You

Idling also causes damage to the environment by increasing the amount of vehicle exhaust in the air

DULUTH, Minn. -You might want to think twice about leaving your keys in the ignition during the cold weather when trying to warm it up. You could end up with a ticket or walk out to something worse. We may have all done it before. It’s cold so you start your car, leave it running and walk away. Well you…

Castile’s Girlfriend Reaches Settlement Over Police Shooting

Diamond Reynolds Awarded $675,000

ST. ANTHONY, Minn.-The Minnesota city that employed a police officer who fatally shot a black motorist during a traffic stop has reached a settlement with Philando Castile’s girlfriend and her daughter, who were in the car with him when he was killed. The St. Anthony City Council voted Tuesday night to pay $675,000 to Diamond Reynolds and her daughter, who…

Minnesota Hires Colorado IT Firm to Fix Driver’s License System

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota has hired a Colorado information technology firm to help ensure that REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs will be available by next October. Earlier this year, Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill into law making the state compliant with a stricter federal ID standards. Minnesota has until October 2018 to upgrade its driver’s…

MnDOT Invites Public to ‘Can of Worms’ Project Online Survey

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the public to participate in an online survey regarding the Twin Ports Interchange “Can of Worms” reconstruction project, which will rebuild and modernize the highway infrastructure that serves the Port of Duluth/Superior and travelers. The project would replace three interchanges that operate together to provide access to the port and…

Medical Marijuana Company Hit by Product Shortage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – One of Minnesota’s two medical marijuana manufacturers is temporarily scaling back its business amid a shortage of medicine. The shortage of medical marijuana at LeafLine Labs is causing problems for patients like Kellie Germann, who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Germann says she’ll have to go at least six days without medication that helps her…