News – Latest News

Council Approves $14,000 Raise for Minnesota Lawmakers

Legislature Pay to Increase by 45 Percent

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers will get a hefty raise after a newly created citizen council voted to increase the Legislature’s pay by 45 percent. The Legislative Salary Council voted 13-1 Friday to increase lawmaker’s pay to $45,000, their first raise since 1999. That’s up from $31,000, a sum that doesn’t include daily expenses and travel reimbursements that…

Slide the City Coming to Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. – A 1,000 foot slip and slide is heading to Chisholm this summer! On August 5, 2017, Slide the City will be heading to the heart of Chisholm. Stretching more than three football fields down Lake Street, this slip and slide is bound to entertain people of all ages. The Slide the City event made its way to…

Active Adventures: Hockey with The Minnesota Wilderness

William Seay Laces Up the Skates for a Go-Around with The Minnesota Wilderness

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ahead of Friday’s big game against the Aberdeen Wings, Meteorologist William Seay laced up his skates for the first time in a few months to practice with the Minnesota Wilderness. The team was gracious enough to show William a few tips and tricks on the ice, and he was more than thrilled to practice with the team….

Duluth Workforce Workshops

Getting You Ready For The Job Fair

Duluth, Minn Are you looking for a job and need help putting the finishing touches on that resume? Well stress no more because help is here and it’s free! The Minnesota workforce is teaming up with the Duluth public library every Thursday in March to get you that jump start that you need. The Northland job fair is just over…

Local Author Talks To Teens About Books

Reading Is Important For Young Minds

Duluth, Minn Local professor and acclaimed author Tom Isbell was on hand to talk with teens about his popular post–apocalyptic trilogy “The Prey”. Isbell wanted to give his insights on the dystopian world of literature as well as his characters from his novels. “Books provide comfort, they provide knowledge, they let us escape from reality, and they get the imagination…

Local Man Survives Discovery Channel Show

Iron Range Native Excels at "The Wheel"

An Iron Range native recently completed an ultimate survival challenge; he lasted the complete 60 days on the discovery channel show ‘The Wheel.” Luke Soderling was one of six people dropped off in South America to survive in six different landscapes, from freezing tundra’s to the rain forest carrying a light survival pack and amateur survival knowledge. The finale aired…

Bockfest Begins at Fitgers Brewery

The beer festival is a celebration of spring, that brings people together to welcome the changing of the season from cold to warm

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of years ago the tradition of Bockfest began in Germany. Tonight, that tradition continued in Duluth. The 23rd annual Bockfest kicked off at Fitgers with the blessing of the bock. The beer festival is a celebration of spring, that brings people together to welcome the changing of the season from cold to warm. The Split Rock…

World Kidney Day Helps Raise Awareness

This year's theme focuses on the relation between kidney disease and obesity

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year millions of people die prematurely due to complications from kidney diseases. Today is World Kidney Day. The health awareness campaign helps raise awareness on kidney disease and what people should be aware of as they age. This year’s theme focuses on the relation between kidney disease and obesity. Duluth Kidney Services provide care to those…

Proposed Cuts to EPA Cause Local Concern

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative could see their funding could go down from $300 million to just $10 million

DULUTH, Minn. – The Environmental Protection Agency is bracing for budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. The budget proposal would include a 25 percent cut to the EPA. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative could see their funding could go down from $300 million to just $10 million. Such big cuts would jeopardize many ongoing projects. “Over the years, the…

Minnesota Lawmakers Debate Permitless Carry, ‘Stand Your Ground’ Bills

Rob Olson FOX 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Two gun bills making their way through the Minnesota legislature are raising concerns among some in the law and law enforcement community. One of the bills would do away with permit to carry. The other would redefine self-defense laws. Nearly every person who testified for over two hours on Wednesday about the two gun bills…

Minnesota EagleCam Captures Hatching

First Eagle Chick Born on Camera This Year

TWIN CITIES, Minn.-The bald eagles on the Minnesota DNR’s EagleCam, had their first chick born today. It’s expected two others will be born by this weekend. Biologists were concerned that the first egg might not hatch, as it was left in the cold for quite a while.   To view the EagleCam, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/features/webcams/eaglecam/index.html Categories: Entertainment, Environment, News, News – Latest…

Duluth Pack Unveils New City Portfolio Product

The Handcrafted Bag Comes to Duluth Pack's Line of Products after Receiving Community Feedback

DULUTH, Minn. – After months of gathering community feedback, staff members at Duluth pack are excited to release their newest product for consumers to enjoy. The City Portfolio bag was developed with a lightweight, affordable style in mine. Portfolio bags already produced by Duluth Pack can run anywhere from $200 to $300 dollars. The new product costs $145 dollars. The…

New Online Reservation System Rolls Out for Duluth Parks

The New System is Now Entirely Online, Allowing Park Users to Easily Access Information

DULUTH, Minn. – Next time you’re looking to make reservations at a Duluth Park location, things will be a little easier thanks to a new system being rolled out by the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department. Duluthians and visitors from all over will now be able to see what parks are available, look at pictures, read information, select a date,…

Cab Companies Oppose Ride Sharing Services

Taxi Drivers are Concerned With Lack of Oversight

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Duluth’s cab companies spoke out Thursday against ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft operating in the city. Demand in Duluth for ride sharing services is growing.  But Duluth cab companies are worried about their future if a proposed resolution passes the city council. Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs is in favor of bringing businesses…

Police and Fire Departments Renew Rivalry

Department Teams will Meet On-Ice March 14th

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police and firefighters are set to renew a friendly rivalry on the ice. This year’s hockey game is March 14th at AMSOIL Arena, before the Kernz and Kompany High School Hockey All-Star Game. The on–ice rivalry between Duluth’s police and fire department goes back to the 1930s, but once the final whistle blows, everyone is on…

Miner’s Inc. Super One Foods Purchases Grand Rapids Cub Foods

This will bring the Miner's Inc. to 38 grocery stores and liquor stores

  GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Miner’s of Grand Rapids, Inc. has reached a tentative agreement to sell its Grand Rapids, Minnesota Cub Foods location to Miner’s Incorporated d/b/a Super One Foods. The Miner family has operated grocery stores in the region since the 1940s. President of Miner’s Grand Rapids, Inc, Jerry Miner and his family have owned and operated several…

Wisconsin Unemployment Drops to 3.9 Percent in January

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  – Wisconsin’s unemployment rate fell below 4-percent in January, the lowest it’s been since January 2001. Data the state Department of Workforce Development released Thursday shows the unemployment rate in January was 3.9-percent down from 4.1-percent in December. The national unemployment rate for January was 4.8-percent. Private-sector job growth remained essentially flat between December and January, however…

Minneapolis Cop Charged with Sexual Assault of Passed-Out Woman

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – A Minneapolis police officer accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman will appear in court Thursday to face two felony charges. Thomas Robert Tichich, 47, was booked into jail early Thursday morning for the alleged December 15 incident. According to the charges, Tichich, the victim, and another woman were out drinking the night before and went back…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Card Skimmer Crackdown

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Two Republican legislators have introduced a bill that would criminalize using credit card skimmers to steal people’s identities. A credit card skimmer is an electronic device that can be attached to a card reader on a gas pump or ATM to secretly collect credit card information. Senator Robert Cowles and Representative Rob Summerfield introduced a bill…

Children’s Minnesota Ends Contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield

Allie Johnson - FOX 9 KMSP

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota announced Monday it is ending its contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota effective on July 5, unless a new contract agreement is reached. Children’s says Blue Cross is demanding a double-digit reduction in payments to the hospitals to provide care for patients insured through Medicaid. “The reductions to…

New Report Highlights Impacts of Opioid on Minnesota Tribal Communities

In Minnesota, opioid deaths have increased 430-percent since 2000

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new report released Thursday, highlights the impacts of opioids on Minnesota Tribal communities across the state. The report is a summary of the Tribal-State Opioid Summit that took place last fall with Gov. Mark Dayton, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, and Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, as an effort to develop strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery….

Three Vehicles Partially go Through Ice of Leech Lake

Cass County Sheriff Urges Caution

  CASS COUNTY, Minn.-The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has received three separate reports, of vehicles partially going through the ice on Leech Lake yesterday. No injuries were reported during the incidents. Last week’s warm weather played a large role in the deterioration of the ice conditions. The sheriff’s office urges the following safety tips be followed when travelling on the…

Southbound Exit to I-35 Closed in Downtown Duluth

Will Open When Work is Finished

DULUTH, Minn.-The southbound Interstate 35 exit to downtown Duluth and Canal Park is temporarily closed. Currently, Minnesota of Department of Transportation crews are pumping water out of plugged freeway drains there. Motorists are cautioned to take alternative routes. The ramps will reopen once the work is finished. For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org. Categories: News, News…

Woman Shares Eye-Opening Experience with Police Officer Through Art

Carla Hamilton's exhibit "Targeted" is on display at the Duluth Art Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth woman is sharing a personal interaction she had with a police officer, and she’s doing it through pieces of art. Carla Hamilton’s new exhibit, called “Targeted” stemmed from an experience she had being stopped by a Duluth police officer while walking downtown. Hamilton, who is an African American woman, says the officer accused her of…

Symbolic Strike in Duluth Takes Aim at Gender Pay Gap

The rally lasted 78 minutes, representing the 78 cents on the dollar a woman earns compared to men in the workplace

DULUTH, Minn. – Collective voices added up to a roar on International Women’s Day. A sea of red gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for an equal rights amendment to the state and federal constitution. Some in Duluth chose to spend the day on strike. Men and women of all ages gathered today in Duluth to speak out….

Sen. Franken Hosts Annual Hotdish Competition

Many Minnesota Politicians Participated

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Sen. Al Franken hosted his seventh annual hotdish competition in Washington D.C. today, with many noted Minnesota politicians participating. Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson from western Minnesota won the top prize this year with his “Right to Bear Arms” hotdish. It had actual bear in it. Despite Peterson’s win, Franken said he’s not bitter. “If I don’t win it’s fine,” he said….

DEDA Selects Developer for Lot D

City Entered into Agreement with Same Firm that Developed Pier B Resort

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is ready to move forward in its waterfront development. “Lot D” is the last piece of mixed use real estate available for redevelopment on the waterfront, a process now closer to fruition. “This waterfront has been waiting 150 years for a vision like this,” said Mayor Emily Larson.  “It will combine housing with…

Miracle Eleven Provides Donations to CHUM, Other Shelters

Nearly $6,000 was Donated to Three Local Charities in Dultuh Wesdnesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf and Shelter in Duluth received a big donation Wednesday from a local non-profit organization. Miracle Eleven was created by a group of brave men and women after a skydiving plane crash happened over Superior in 2013. You may recall, nine skydivers and two pilots walked away from the incident with minor injuries. The…

Duluth Mayor Observes International Women’s Day

Emily Larson Recognizes the Importance of Being Duluth's First Ever Female Mayor

DULUTH, Minn. – March 8th is International Women’s Day. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Women’s Day means more to her since she was elected. Larson is the first woman Mayor in the city’s history.  That’s just one of the reasons she makes a point of meeting with as many young girls as possible.  Girls, Who may one day, follow in…

Duluth Coffee Company Expanding

Owners Adding Second Storefront to Serve as Roastery

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s exciting news for the Duluth Coffee Company. The company is adding a new 1,000 square foot roastery and event space two doors down from the current shop on East Superior Street. Duluth coffee currently roasts its beans right there in the store.  Those beans are then served in the shop or are shipped to stores as…

Wisconsin Men Arrested in Theft of 100,000 Diapers

FOX CROSSING, Wis. (AP) – Two Wisconsin men are accused of stealing 100,000 diapers. The Post-Crescent reports the police allege the men stole nearly 1,800 cases of diapers — valued at more than $45,000, from a charitable organization that provides goods to families in need. Authorities say the diapers were stolen during several thefts between January 3 and February 13…

102-Year-Old Rochester Man Honored with High School Diploma

(Post Bulletin/ Scott Jacobson) ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – A 102-year-old Rochester man can finally call himself a high school graduate. Leon Swendsen received an honorary diploma Tuesday, from Rochester Public Schools, in a ceremony that saw him don a cap and gown, and march to the front of the room while a small student orchestra played the traditional graduation song…

LCP Lineman in Stable Condition After Electrical Contact on the Job

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A Lake Country Power lineman is in stable condition after he made electrical contact yesterday around 5:30 p.m. The incident happened while crews were working in the Grand Rapids area to restore power. More than 4,800 Lake Country Power members were without power, as winds were gusting upwards of 60 mph. Upon contact, John Devries’ partner…

Duluth Firefighters Remind of Changing Smoke Alarm Batteries

With clocks springing ahead an hour, it's the perfect reminder to change those batteries

DULUTH, Minn. – Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoke alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Duluth IAFF Local 101 firefighters are reminding homeowners to not just change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time, but also the batteries in all smoke detectors. “Saving your life can be as simple as…

Man Struck by Tree in Iron Yesterday

Has Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

IRON, Minn.-A 58-year-old man was struck by a tree yesterday afternoon due to the high winds, while working with a crew trying to remove another tree that fell on the roadway in Iron. Robert Edblom, 58, of Britt, was injured on the 4100 block of First Avenue East. He was transported to a Duluth hospital via air transport and has…

Duluth Airshow, DARE2B to Provide Free Airshow Tickets to Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, presented by St. Luke’s and Twin Ports D.A.R.E.(DARE2B) held an event today to announce that tickets to the most anticipated event happening this summer, will be free for more than 7,500 elementary school students in grades K-5, thanks to underwriting from DARE2B. Judy Weber, the founder of Twin Ports DARE Inc,…

Court: Unemployment Benefits Depend on Attendance Situation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A state appeals court says workers can collect unemployment benefits even if they’re fired for missing their shifts, depending on the situation. The case stems form the Mequon Jewish Campus decision to fire nurse Valarie Beres for missing a shift due to illness and not calling in. The Department of Workforce Development denied Beres unemployment benefits,…

Democrats Propose Legalizing Assisted Suicide in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democrats in the state Legislature want to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill people in Wisconsin. Three lawmakers on Wednesday introduced a bill to allow someone suffering from a terminal illness to end their life if they have gotten approval from a doctor and meet other requirements. A similar proposal introduced last session failed to pass…

Animal Allies to Host Nibbles and Networking Event

Staff at Animal Allies Hope to Reach out and Connect with Local Veterinarians in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies will be hosting their first ever Nibbles and Networking event Wednesday evening, starting at 5:30p.m. The social opportunity will allow local veterinarians to connect with each other, while getting a chance to tour and speak with the medical staff from Animal Allies. Veterinarians, Vet Technicians, and Staff are welcome to attend. Animal Allies offers a…

Franken Turns Back $41K in Donations from Boston Law Firm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – U.S. Senator Al Franken has turned over nearly $41,000 of campaign contributions from a Boston law firm being investigated for improper donations. The Federal Election Commission and federal prosecutors are investigating Thornton Law Firm for after a report by the Boston Globe and Center for Responsive Politics showed the firm was reimbursing partners for campaign…

Fire in Hermantown Destroys Garage

No Cause has Been Released

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-A fire destroyed a garage on the 3800 Block of Almquist Road in Hermantown last night. Fire officials told us today, they are not sure what caused the fire, which started around 8 p.m. No one was hurt in the fire and no damage estimates have been released. The Hermantown Fire Department did tell us a vehicle and skid-loader were…

Milder Bird Flu Found in Jennie-O Farm in Wisconsin

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – Officials confirm a low-pathogenic bird flu strain has been detected in a Jennie-O Turkey Store operation in western Wisconsin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted notice of the case to the Organization for Animal Health’s website Tuesday. Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corp., which owns Willmar, Minnesota-based Jennie-O, confirmed the H5N2 strain was detected Saturday at it’s…