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JJ Astor Makes Fall Favorites in Preparation for New Menu

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – JJ Astor, the revolving restaurant in the Radisson in Duluth, has hired a new Executive Chef and is creating an updated menu. The new Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Bob Boyd, joined FOX 21 in the kitchen for this week’s Cooking Connection. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in the Radisson at 505…

US West’s Wildfires Spark Calls to Thin Tree-Choked Forests

AP file photo, June 23, 2017 SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Wildfires that are blackening the American West in one of the nation’s worst fire seasons have ignited calls, including from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, to thin forests that have become so choked with trees that they are at “powder keg levels.” The destruction has exposed old frictions between environmentalists and those…

Air Quality Reduced in Areas of Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A combination of smoke from Western wildfires, high temperatures, and sunshine is eroding the air quality in the Twin Cities and in eastern and central Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an alert for Thursday, warning those sensitive to air quality that it’s at an unhealthy level. The worst conditions are expected during the afternoon…

Water Protectors Protesting Enbridge Line in Superior

Some Protesters Cut Out of Car

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Four people have been arrested after participating in a protest outside of the Michel’s Pipeline Construction building in Superior late Thursday morning. During the protest, two vehicles were parked in front of the gates and tires deflated in order to make it more difficult to move vehicles. One person has been arrested for disorderly conduct and three others…

Pickleball Clinic Helping Locals Discover the Sport

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Pickleball Association is helping locals learn more about the unique sport through open clinics. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and regular tennis. It’s played with solid paddles rather than rackets and is something that can be enjoyed by all ages. “I think everyone can play it, everyone has…

Utility Repair Underway on East Superior St and 34th Ave East

UPDATE: The city expects the intersection to reopen by 4 p.m. Friday. DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth reports that a failed storm drain pipe caused a washout at the intersection of East Superior Street and 34th Avenue East. The intersection has been closed to traffic as repairs to the pipe and road surface are conducted. The City anticipates…

St. Paul Security Guard Arrested for Filing False Shooting Report

Security Guard Accidentally Shot Himself

ST. PAUL, Minn.-St. Paul police say a security guard who was shot at St. Catherine University has been arrested for falsely reporting a crime. In a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page, police say the 25-year-old guard was taken into custody Wednesday night after he admitted to investigators that he accidentally shot himself while on duty Tuesday night. Authorities…

City of Superior Releases Images Of Future Housing Development

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior has released images of what a future housing development will look like when it is completed next year. The building is under construction at North 13th Street and Grand Avenue. It’ll include 54 one-and-two bedroom market rate apartments. All units will have a washer and dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning and a private balcony….

New Campground Opens at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground State Park

More Camping Sites Also Coming Later

TOWER, Minn. – A new state park campground has opened on the Iron Range. Today the Lake Vermilion–Soudan Underground State Park officially opened for campers. The new campground used $7 million in bonding to become a reality. The new spot includes 33 campsites and electricity. “To be able to have campsites open to people can enjoy our natural beauty in…

Friends of Animals Humane Society Has a New Home

Cloquet Humane Society Held a Grand Opening for Their New Building

CLOQUET, Minn. – Friends of Animals Humane Society has a new building to call home. They had an open house and grand opening ceremony for the new space on Avenue B. Tours showed off the building and taught people about the foster and adoption programs happening at Friends of Animals. “We’re trying to provide a service to animals as well…

Balloon Festival Returning to Bayfront Park This Weekend

Event Will Include a Craft Brew Village, Color Run, and Children's Performance

DULUTH, Minn. – Hot air balloons will be lifting off in Bayfront Park this weekend. Duluth Rising, the annual hot air balloon festival, is back. This year’s event will feature a craft brew village, a color run, and a free performance of “Kids Live” featuring Disney Channel’s Kevin Quinn. “In the evenings when the balloons are lit and it starts…

Final Preparations Before North Shore Inline Marathon

The Race Weekend Kicks Off Friday with the Inline Marathon Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the largest inline marathon in North America will kick off near Two Harbors with a finish line in Duluth’s Canal Park. It’s time once again for the 22nd Annual North Shore Inline Marathon. Nearly 2,000 athletes are registered throughout a series of six different races. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, but those interested…

New West Duluth Business Owners Honored

Six Entrepreneurs Presented With a Certificate of Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – New business owners were honored by the West Duluth Business and Civic Club. Six entrepreneurs were presented with a certificate of appreciation. Their new businesses filled some empty storefronts in West Duluth and other business owners hope the new ventures will help the whole area do better. “It looks like a very vibrant area to come and…

United Way Unveils “What Do You Fight For?” Campaign

Slogan Asks Northlanders Why It's Important for Them to Give

DULUTH, Minn. – The Head of the Lakes United Way is asking “What Do You Fight For?” The organization unveiled that new slogan today at Essentia Health, one of their largest local partners. The campaign asks people across the Northland what motivates them to give and why it’s important to them that everybody’s basic needs are met. “You may not…

Block Grants Available for Local Communities

Nearly $2 Million Available

PROCTOR, Minn.-Block grant funding has been instrumental in helping build up Saint Louis County since the mid-90s. It helps fund projects like the Vermilion housing project in Tower, created water and sewer infrastructure in six communities, and even helped supply meals through the Salvation Army. Today, a meeting was held in Proctor to discuss with area leaders what projects they…

Northland Residents Enjoy Warm Weather

Temperatures to Dip into 60s Over Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.-We are about a week away from when fall officially begins and many Northland residents are having one last hurrah as they enjoy summer time weather. Highs were expected to be in the 80s today with temperatures dipping into the 60s over the weekend. Today we caught up with one family enjoying one of the last hot days, as…

Virginia PD Looking for Public’s Help in Burglary Incident

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects that were involved in an early morning burglary on Sept. 13. On Wednesday, Sept. 13, around 12:42 a.m., two male suspects entered an occupied residence in the 800 block of 7th Street South by kicking in the door. Suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash,…

50% of Millennials Would Give Up Their Right to Vote to Get Student Loans Erased

(FOX NEWS) – As the staggering national student loan debt tally sits at an all-time high of $1.33 trillion, according to the Department of Education, many Millenials say they would go to extreme lengths to wipe their slate clean. According to a new study from Credible, a personal finance website, 50 percent of all respondents ages 18-34 said they would…

Target Recalls Dresser for Tip-Over Hazard

Target is recalling nearly 180,000 dressers after 12 reports of dressers tipping or collapsing. Incidents reportedly involved two three-year-old children, according to the recall notice.  The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Room Essentials 4-drawer dresser was sold in Target stores nationwide and online…

FEMA Insurance Chief: Harvey Losses Could Top $11 Billion

Highways around downtown Houston are empty as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey overflow from the bayous around the city Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. (AP Photo) WASHINGTON (AP) – The head of the National Flood Insurance Program said Wednesday early estimates show Hurricane Harvey will result in about $11 billion in payouts to insured homeowners, mostly in southeast Texas….

Artists Filling the Windows of Vacant Duluth Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. A Bemidji photographer has teamed up with a Duluth artist to brighten up store front windows of vacant businesses in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Nik Nerburn walks around Duluth looking for interesting people to photograph. Nerburn came across Brad Tollefson one day and they both agreed they needed to showcase the people of Duluth. “I want to uplift the people…

Missing Buffalo Teen Located in Iowa

UPDATE 9-13: Anna Thorson was located safe in Iowa by authorities. BUFFALO, Minn. – The Buffalo Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old, Anna Thorson. Anna was last seen in Buffalo on Sunday, Sept. 10. It is unknown whether she left on foot or by vehicle. Authorities report that Anna has cognitive and social/emotional issues and has…

Minnesota Super Bowl Volunteers Will Receive Custom Love Your Melon Beanies

ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL WILL RECEIVE A FULL WINTER-READY UNIFORM FREE OF CHARGE

(Superbowl Host Committee) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Super Bowl’s Crew 52 volunteers will hit the streets in style with custom Love Your Melon (LYM) beanies. Crew 52 is a team of 10,000 volunteers that will help welcome more than 1 million visitors to the Twin Cities over the course of the 10-day festival. Volunteers will serve at public gathering points…

Imagine Canal Park Launch Party

A New Vision For Canal Park

DULUTH. Minn Imagine Duluth has been collaborating with residents and the Canal Park Business Association to consider the future of Canal Park. The hope for the Imagine Canal Park project is to build upon the successes in this part of the city, while also preserving the area. Imagine Canal Park is working with the public to address issues and figure…

Color Run Looks to Brighten Bayfront Festival Park

The Color Run 5K Will Happen Sunday, September 17, Starting at 9:00 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Color Run will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Sunday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m. On Wednesday, dance club students from Duluth Denfeld gave FOX 21’s Brett Scott a preview of what runners can expect. The event is meant to bring Northlanders together for a morning of colorful fun, with a mist of neon color, foam…

Denfeld Students Prepare to Volunteer at Color Run

Registration Continutes Throughout Sunday Morning as Runners Prepare to be Dashed with Color

DULUTH, Minn. – The Color Run will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Sunday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m. On Wednesday, dance club students from Duluth Denfeld gave FOX 21’s Brett Scott a preview of what runners can expect. The event is meant to bring Northlanders together for a morning of colorful fun, with a mist of neon color, foam…

Animal Answers: Bringing Barn Cats Home This Fall

Local Shelters See Abundance of Barn Cat Adoptions in the Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Shelter animals in the Northland typically find homes rather quickly, however, some animals are less appealing, due to a slight temperament or lack of social well-being. Local shelters want to remind Northlanders now is the perfect time to look at adopting a barn cat if you’re in need of an extra helper around the farm. “Barn cats…

Fall Colors Popping Up on the Range

Minnesota Color Map Indicates Range at 50 Percent Capacity for Fall Colors Near Tower

TOWER, Minn. – Fall colors are starting to appear in the Northland. According to the Minnesota Fall Color Map, portions of the state are at 50 percent capacity for color. This color explosion is helping bring tourists to the area. “You still got plenty of light hours during the day, trees are just starting to turn colors, and every day you’re…

Music Resource Center Back In Session For Students

The after-school programs connects youth and music

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s music hot spots is back open after a summer break. The Music Resource Center at Sacred Heart is an after-school program for kids to get a chance to work with music professionals, quality gear, and helps them grow their creative sides. “Music is something that’s so near and dear to so many young people,”…

Great Outdoors – Medical Students Hike to Destress

Getting Outside for a Walk Can Bring Much Needed Relaxation

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting outside for a walk can be a great way to relieve stress after a long day. We take a look at how some medical students are using nature to get some much needed relaxation. “Something I do for destressing is just walking outside and enjoying nature,” says Christopher Wiger, a first year medical student at UMD….

Duluth Primary Election Results

Council and School Board Seats Up for Grabs

DULUTH, Minn.-Tonight the citizens of Duluth are deciding on who they want to fill two council seats and one on the school board. Polls opened at 7 a.m. as voters are deciding on a city council at-large seat, a Fourth District council seat, and a school board at-large seat. Regardless of how you vote today, local officials remind the public…

Tony Evers Joins Race for Wisconsin Governor

MADISON, Wis. — The race for Wisconsin’s governor just got a little more heated with a new Democratic challenger to Republican Governor, Scott Walker. Tony Evers has announced his candidacy for the gubernatorial race. Evers is the State Superintendent for Wisconsin and is running on a platform to improve the public schools in the state. The Democrat says he’s running…

Life House Raises Money for New Shelter

The Loft Shelter Will Provide a Place for up to Ten Homeless and Street Youth on Any Given Night

DULUTH, Minn. – Morning commuters in Duluth took it upon themselves to pull over along First Street Tuesday morning. Life House, an organization providing homeless and street youth ages 12-25 with unconditional support, hosted their 2nd Annual ‘Drive Up The Change’ event. Money collected will go toward the facility’s new emergency shelter atop the First Street location. The shelter plans…

New Flashing Lights in West Duluth Will Help Pedestrians

Project Paid for by $3 Million Grant

DULUTH, Minn.-West Duluth roads got a little bit safer today. The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently completed the Highway 23 reconstruction project there and have installed five flashing warning lights for pedestrians. The goal is to make it a safer place for pedestrians to cross highways. “We’ve operated in this corridor for almost 100 years now and over the years…

FEMA Estimates 25 Percent of Florida Keys Homes are Gone

A roof is strewn across a home’s law as Rick Freedman checks his neighbor’s damage from Hurricane Irma in Marco Island, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 (AP) LOWER MATECUMBE KEY, Fla. (AP) — Search-and-rescue teams made their way into the Florida Keys’ farthest reaches Tuesday, while authorities rushed to repair the lone highway connecting the islands and deliver aid to…

Mediator Chosen in Dayton-Legislature Legal Fight

Status Report Wanted by Minnesota Supreme Court by Late Septmeber

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton and top Republicans have chosen a mediator to try to help them out of a constitutional battle. The two sides have been locked in a legal battle for months over Dayton’s decision to veto the Legislature’s budget after the session concluded in late May. The Minnesota Supreme Court didn’t make a definitive…

Suspects Charged in Shooting of Grand Rapids Officer’s Home, Squad Car

Both Facing Felony Charges

Left to Right, Dominic Carlson and Timothy Hilgedick (Itasca Co. Sheriff’s Office) GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Two men have been charged in Grand Rapids after allegedly firing a weapon at an officer’s house and squad car Sunday evening. Twenty-year-old Timothy Hilgedick of Grand Rapids and 18-year-old Dominic Carlson of Bemidji appeared in Itasca County Court. Both are facing felony second-degree…

Minnesota Named the Happiest State in America

Minnesota has been named the happiest state in America by WalletHub.  WalletHub conducted a study where analysts determined which environmental factors are linked to a person’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life. To determine these factors, analysts examined all 50 states across 28 key metrics ranging from depression rates to sports participation rates to income growth. Three key dimensions; emotional…

Northern Paddler’s Alliance Hosts Final Free Event of the Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Paddler’s Alliance has teamed up with Swiftwater Adventures to host their fifth and final event of the season. On Saturday, Sept. 16 community members can join the crews to go whitewater rafting down the St. Louis River followed by a BBQ picnic. The event is free and open to the public. Participants must be 11…

Ethnic Days to Feature Slovenian Button Box Player

Gary New Duluth Hosts "Ethnic Days" at New Pavilion This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Ethnic Days is taking over Gary New Duluth. There will be performances by The Singing Slovenes with special guest performers. Gasper Krek, visiting from Slovenia, will play the button box. The Sam Miletich Tamburica Ensemble will also perform. There will also be Kolo dance instruction, face painting and ethnic food available. This will all be…

Prosecutors to Consider Charges in Australian Woman’s Death

Justine Damond, Fox 9MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The case of a Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed an Australian woman in July has been handed to prosecutors for possible charges. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Tuesday that they have finished their investigation into Officer Mohamed Noor and have turned the case over to prosecutors for review. Noor fatally…

Duluth Woman’s Club Receives Historical Designation

Northland Uncovered: Duluth Heritage Preservation Landmark

DULUTH, Minn. – In Duluth, historical buildings fill the town and old mansions line the streets, giving beautiful views for visitors to enjoy. One Duluth home is now recognized as a Duluth Heritage Preservation Landmark. The women of the Duluth Woman’s Club are continuing a tradition. “We all feel like it’s a very special place and it’s home,” explained Ellie…