News – Latest News

Minnesota Churches Prepare to House Immigrants

ST. PAUL (AP) – About 15 congregations across Minnesota are preparing for people living in the U.S. illegally to live at their churches long-term. Minnesota Public Radio reports that religious institutions, known as “sanctuary churches,” have committed to helping such immigrants from being deported. They’re relying on federal policy not to make arrests in “sensitive” places unless absolutely necessary. Religious…

Event Changes Announced for the Birkie

HAYWARD, Wis. – With the unseasonably warm temperatures, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that Birkie Week events scheduled for Friday, February 24, have been moved to Saturday, February 25. These events include the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races. In addition, ABSF officials have determined there are three possible scenarios for Saturday events. SCENARIO 1: With some snow…

Judge Allows Environmentalists to Intervene in Twin Metals Lawsuit

ST. PAUL (AP) – A federal judge has approved an environmental group’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel min near Ely in northeastern Minnesota. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said in a ruling, Tuesday, that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness meets the legal requirements for becoming a defendant in the lawsuit. Twin…

SPECIAL REPORT: A Long Wait, Rape Kits Unprocessed

Join us for Part One, Wednesday after Star and Part Two, Thursday after My Kitchen Rules

There’s a major backlog when it comes to processing rape kits in St. Louis County. It’s a problem throughout the state, but the number of pending kits is the highest, right here, in St. Louis County. Approximately one of every five untested kits is waiting in St. Louis County; some of them dating back to the 1980s. We’ll discover the…

Bayfront Ice Rink Closed for Rest of Season

Warm Temperatures to Blame

DULUTH, Minn.-Due to unseasonably warm temperatures, Duluth Parks and Recreation is closing the outdoor rink at Bayfront Park for the rest of the winter season. Skaters will still have the chance to hit the rink at indoor events. From 6:30-8 p.m. every Wednesday, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center will offer an open skate. Additional hours will be offered this week…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Furniture Express

Three friends began selling furniture on social media. They grew the business enough to open a storefront in Hermantown.

  DULUTH, Minn. – Three friends, all under the age of thirty, have put their business savvy to the test. They started selling furniture on social media sites, which led them to open a storefront. They have some of the comfiest furniture around, but you won’t catch these entrepreneurs sitting down for too long. They’re busy growing and changing an…

More Changes Coming to Birkie

Still Battling Weather

HAYWARD, Wis.-After yesterday’s rain, the American Birkebeiner ski race has changed much of its route. The Birkie Trail south of Highway OO is not available for any events. Officials today said Duffy’s Field will no longer be the finish line either. Originally, the finish was supposed to be in downtown Hayward, but that was scrapped due to recent warm temperatures…

Judge Allows Environmentalists to Intervene in Mine Lawsuit

Hope in Trump to Help Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-A federal judge has approved an environmental group’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said in a ruling Tuesday that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness meets the legal requirements for becoming a defendant in the lawsuit. Twin Metals Minnesota filed the…

Sticky Bun Fun With Lake Superior Bakehouse

On Tuesday, February 21, We Celebrate National Sticky Buns Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot to celebrate in the bakery world on Tuesday, February 21, 2017! The staff at Lake Superior Bakehouse stopped by the FOX 21 Tuesday morning with a few special treats to help celebrate. They say their fresh, homemade sticky buns are a top seller at the bakehouse, located at 102 West Superior Street in Duluth. National…

Rain, Warm Temperatures Lead to Change In Plans for Birkie Events

Officials say they will have a plan of action for race events by Wednesday

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The mix of rain and warm temperatures across the Northland are leading to some big changes for the American Birkebiner events this week. Race officials are keeping a close eye on the sky and monitoring conditions on the course. Most years, fans of the American Birkibiner are used to seeing thousands of cross country skiers flying down…

Minnesota House Approves Sunday Liquor Sales

The bill approves the sale of liquor on Sundays. It still needs to be passed by the Senate.

The Minnesota house voted to allow stores to sell liquor on Sundays. Lawmakers passed the bill 85 to 45. It’s the first step in reversing the prohibition-era law. The bill still needs to go to the Senate. The owner of Keyport Liquors in Superior said he doesn’t think that the extra day of sales will affect his business too much,…

Interstate 35 Lake Avenue Ramp Temporarily Closed

Flooding to Blame

The ramp going on to Interstate 35 onto Lake Avenue was blocked off today at about 3 p.m. due to flooding. A car was seen stalled out on the ramp. The Minnesota State Patrol and city crews responded to the scene to clean up the area. Rain is expected to continue on through the evening. Categories: News, News – Latest…

Abraham Lincoln at the Depot for President’s Day

One Man Show About Lincoln Plus Other Re-Enactments Presented in Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – President Abraham Lincoln, or an actor playing our sixteenth president, presented his one-man show today as part of the President’s Day celebration at the Depot. The play depicts what may have been going through Lincoln’s mind in the moments before he was shot in Ford’s Theatre until his death. The actor playing Lincoln thinks the former president’s story…

Minnesota Grocery Bagging Champion Competes at Nationals

Sandstone Native Finishes Just Outside of Top Five at National Competition

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Two weeks ago, we told you about Minnesota grocery bagging champion Seth Allen as he was preparing to compete in the national competition in Las Vegas. The competition is now over, and the Sandstone native fared well, finishing just outside the top five baggers, and narrowly missing out on winning a cash prize and competing in…

Energy Design Conference and Expo to Open at DECC

Event Gives Professionals and Homeowners Chance to Learn Green Methods and Technology

DULUTH, Minn. – A conference opens tomorrow at the DECC to showcase energy saving designs for homes and other buildings. The event offers a chance for contractors, architects, students and homeowners to learn the latest in green building methods and new energy efficient technology. “We live in a region that really takes energy efficiency and energy conservation very seriously. I think when…

Children Enjoy Winter Camp at Hartley Nature Center

It's a Chance for Them to Learn While Having Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Children learned about nature and the outdoors while still having fun at Hartley Nature Center’s Winter Camp in Duluth. Children, age ranging from 4 to 9 learned about how plants and animals survive the winter, through games and exploring the park. Hartley Nature Center representatives believe Winter Camp is the perfect way to get children outside and exercising,…

Wisconsin Superintendents Race Tomorrow

Narrowing it Down to Two Candidates

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin schools Superintendent Tony Evers faces two challengers, Lowell Holtz and John Humphries, in Tuesday’s primary. The two highest vote-getters will advance to the April 4 general election. Turnout Tuesday is expected to be low. The race is officially nonpartisan, but Evers is backed by Democrats and their allies while Holtz and Humphries are casting themselves as more conservative…

Minnesota House Approves Sunday Liquor Sales Bill

The bill now moves onto the State Senate

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House passed legislation, Monday, that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sunday, the first time in state history that standalone legislation on the issue has been voted on or approved. The bill passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote, and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Sunday liquor sales has been…

Walker Asks Public for Help Selling His Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Gov. Scott Walker wants Wisconsinites who like his budget to help him rally support. Walker’s campaign launched digital ads Monday encouraging citizens to write to their legislators in support of key elements of his budget proposal. Republican legislative leaders have been cautious about Walker’s proposed spending increases since he unveiled his budget earlier this month. Democrats…

Trump Announces New National Security Adviser

PALM BEACH, Fla (AP) – President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser. Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago. He says McMaster is “a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience.” Trump says retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who had been his acting adviser, will now serve…

Change of Course for the Birkebeiner

Due to warm weather conditions, Lake Hayward is no longer safe for skiers

HAYWARD, Wisc. – With warm weather conditions throughout the state, along with a forecast of rain Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that an adjustment to the overall race course for Birkie Week events is required. After warm weather over the weekend, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for racers. As part of a normal…

Proposal: Regulate Powdered Alcohol Like Liquid Alcohol

MADISON (AP) – Two Democratic state lawmakers have proposed subjecting powdered alcohol to the same regulations as liquid alcohol. Senator Tim Carpenter and Representative Debra Kloste said Monday they’ve introduced a bill to expand the state’s definition of alcohol to include powdered forms. The federal government in 2015 approved a powdered alcohol product all Palcohol. Since then, state s have…

Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Dies in NYC at 64

NEW YORK (AP) – Russian officials say its ambassador to the United Nations has died suddenly in New York City. Vitaly Churkin was 64. Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladamire Safronkov, told The Associated Press that Churkin became ill in his office at Russia’s U.N. mission and was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he died Monday. His cause of death…

Ridgeland Pioneer Days Offers a Chance to Catch Chickens and Pigs

Festival Brings Thousands to Small Wisconsin Town Every Year

RIDGELAND, Wis. – Ridgeland Pioneer Days always attracts a crowd. “There’s people from all over that come to this small little town of 305 people and there are thousands of people here today,” says Ridgeland native Amy Lundquist. Over its 35 years, the festival has become legendary. “It’s the greatest day of the year, and we honestly look forward to…

Local Legislators Hold Town Hall

The Venue at the Children's Museum was Packed

DULUTH, Minn.- More than a hundred people turned out for the town hall with State Senator Erik Simonson, as well as representatives Jennifer Schultz and Liz Olson. Saturday’s listening session was the first since the Minnesota’s legislative period opened in January. “It’s really important for any elected official to make sure that they stay in tune with their constituents, and…

Polar Plunge Benefits Special Olympics

Fox 21 News Team Raised $3,153 for the Cause

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota was held Saturday. Despite warmer temperatures, plungers were still quick to get out of the icy water. The Fox 21 crew took the plunge again this year. Our team raised a total of $3153. Thank you to everyone who donated. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Science and Engineering Night at UMD

Event Ran in Conjunction with Men's and Women's Basketball Games

DULUTH, Minn. – Fans at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Romano Gymnasium Saturday were treated to more than basketball. UMD’s Swenson School of Science and Engineering took over Romano’s lobby for an evening of fun and demonstrations. The event helped recognize how similar demands are on engineering students and student-athletes. Organizers say they were most encouraged by how many chidren…

Man Critical After Snowmobile Accident

The Crash Happened on Fish Lake

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is fighting for his life after a snowmobile accident Saturday afternoon. The crash happened on Fish Lake in Duluth.  A 22 year old Duluth man was flown to Essentia Health where he is listed in critical condition. According to investigators, alcohol and speed were factors in the crash. Authorities haven’t released the victim’s identity….

Man Hospitalized After Snowmobile Accident

Crash Happened Friday on Heikkila Lake

EVELETH, Minn. – A 20 year old man is in the hospital after a snowmobile accident Friday night. The crash happened on Heikkila Lake, south of Eveleth. The victim was flown unconscious to Essentia Health in Duluth.  The extent of his injuries aren’t known and authorities are waiting to identify him until the family is notified. Investigators say speed, alcohol,…

Blind Cleric Serving Life Sentence Dies in Prison

Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman Helped Mastermind 1993 World Trade Center Bombing

BUTNER, N.C. (AP) _ A federal prison official says a blind Egyptian cleric serving a life sentence in the United States in connection with a failed plot to blow up landmarks in New York City has died. Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman died early Saturday. Abdel-Rahman was sentenced to life in prison after his 1995 conviction for his advisory role in a…

Plaintiff in Roe v. Wade Passes Away

Norma McCorvey Later Became Pro-Life Activist

DALLAS (AP) Norma McCorvey, the “Jane Roe” at the center of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, has died. She was 69. Journalist Joshua Prager, who is working on a book about McCorvey, says she died Saturday morning at an assisted living center in Katy, Texas. Although McCorvey was the plaintiff in Roe v. Wade, she later…

Minnesota Lawmaker Strengthens Bid to Lead DNC

New Hampshire Democrat Drops Bid, Backs Rep. Keith Ellison

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) New Hampshire Democrat Ray Buckley has dropped out of the race for Democratic National Committee chair and is throwing his support behind Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison. Buckley’s announcement comes a week before DNC members gather in Atlanta to choose a new chair. Ellison and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez are seen as the main contenders. Buckley announced…

Community Leaders Speak Out Against Big Tobacco

Big Tobacco Company Has Focus Group Planned for Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s an email that Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was quoted as saying was “Shady to begin with,” and Community Action Duluth said was “unprecedented.” A big tobacco company has reportedly been looking to schedule a focus group about “America’s dwindling middle class.” And at a press conference earlier this morning, representatives with the American Lung Association and…

Twin Ports Colleges Renew Cross Registration

Students Can Attend Classes at Any of the Three Colleges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports’ trio of four–year colleges renewed their bonds of cooperation Friday. Chancellors from the University of Minnesota Duluth, College of St. Scholastica and Univeristy of Wisconsin-Superior renewed a cross registration agreement between the schools. The program allows students to take courses at any of the other campuses, which gives those students students more options when…

Special Olympics Athlete Leads in Plunge Donations

Athlete Brandon Moe has raised over $12,000 to take the plunge for the Special Olympics.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are getting ready to brave the cold waters of Lake Superior for the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota. One of those special athletes is leading the pack when it comes to donations. Brandon Moe is about to take his sixth plunge and this year he has raised over $12,000. His goal was $8,000. Brandon’s…

Black History Month Celebrated at Lincoln Park Elementary

The celebration honored those who have made an impact on the African American community in the Twin Ports.

Duluth, Minn. – In honor of Black History month, a celebration was held at the Lincoln Park elementary school auditorium. The event honored those who have made an impact on the Twin Ports African American community. The night was full of speakers, singers, and drummers. Everyone was welcome and organizers said teh celebration helped break down barriers and brought people…

Former Tribal Chairwoman Diver Will Teach at UMD

Karen Diver served in the Obama administration and has returned to the Northland. She will teach an ethics class at UMD'S MTAG program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe tribal leader Karen Diver is back in the Northland after serving in the Obama administration as special assistant for Native American affairs. Diver said her experience in Washington D.C. was one of the most rewarding and intense parts of her life.She’s returning to the Northland to be an instructor for…

Northlanders Enjoy Warm Weather

It's the 2nd Warmest February 17th on Record

DULUTH, Minn.- Though the unseasonably warm weather hurts snow conditions and other winter sports, some community members took advantage of the sunny days. People could be seen walking, running, and soaking up the rays. Temperatures were as high as 51 degrees in Duluth, making it the 2nd warmest February 17th on record, and only 1 degree away from making it…

Duluth City Attorney to Compete in His Second Iditarod

The Minnesota native finished the race back in 1991 after graduating college

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson is trading in his desk job for an Alaskan adventure next month. Johnson is headed to Alaska to compete in this year’s Iditarod sled dog race. Johnson will take over for longtime friend Jim Lanier, who dropped out of the race because of an injury. An active sled dog musher, Johnson competed…

Children Experience ‘Dog Sledding’ at 10th Annual Ikidarod

The Event Helps Teach Children About Local and National Dog Sledding Races

  DULUTH, Minn.- Excited barking noises echoed from the playground of North Shore Community school. But those sounds weren’t coming from dogs, but rather, kids playing the role of sled dogs pulling a plastic sled. On the sled was a musher, also played by a classmate. “We go around our nature trail in some sleds, while the kids pull you…

Lieutenant Governor Visits Duluth to Celebrate Local Businesses

Highlights Many Different Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.-Lt. Gov. Tina Smith visited Duluth today highlighting Minnesota’s innovative economy. The event followed the recent launch of the Innovative Minnesota Campaign. It’s meant to celebrate emerging discoveries in technology throughout the state. “Innovation is embedded in our Minnesota identity,” she said. “Our state annually ranks among the top five in new patents and is home to many leading…

Male Arrested on Felony Warrant and Firearm Charges

1100 block of 87th Avenue West

Ryan Lahti, 35DULUTH, Minn. – Friday afternoon, just after 1:30 a.m., the Duluth Police Department responded to a residence in the 1100 block of 87th Avenue West after receiving information that an individual residing there had a felony warrant. Officers arrived at the location and found the vehicle belonging to the individual. An officer observed the male inside the residence,…

Senate Confirms Scott Pruitt as Head of EPA

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Scott Pruitt was approved on Friday by a vote of 52-46. Pruitt served six years as Oklahoma’s attorney general and was closely aligned with oil and gas companies in his home state, whose executives backed his political campaigns. He filed 14 lawsuits as…

Amtrak Officer Faces Murder Charge in Fatal Chicago Shooting Involving Minnesota Man

CHICAGO (AP) – Prosecutors have charged an Amtrak police officer in the shooting death of a Minneapolis man outside Chicago’s Union Station. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office announced Friday that 31-year-old LaRoyce Tankson surrendered to police Thursday. He has been charged with first-degree murder int he February 8 shooting of 25-year-old Chad Robertson, who died Wednesday. Robertson was taking…

Garbage, Human Waste at DAPL Camps Main Concerns of Polluting Missouri River

THE GARBAGE ISN'T THE ONLY THING THAT MAY MAKE ITS WAY TO THE RIVER AND CREATE A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Governor Burgum’s concerns for cleaning up at the main pipeline protest camp rise along with the temperatures. He issued an evacuation order on Wednesday. He says what protesters have left behind could end up polluting the rivers. Protesters left their mark on the site of the Dakota Access pipeline. That area of land floods almost every spring….

Coast Guard Warns of Thin Ice

Stay Away from Slushy Areas

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. Coast Guard is warning to the public of dangers of thinning ice due to the warmer temperatures. The unseasonably warm is causing frozen lakes to melt at a faster rate. Thin ice is especially prevalent in areas where there are bridges and inlets. Darker and slushy areas also signify thinner ice in that area. The Coast…