Preview: Canadian Connection Part 2
Join us tonight for FOX 21 News at 9 for part two of this special report!
Canadian Connection Part 2
News – Latest News
U.S. Appeals Court Refuses to Reinstate Trump’s Travel Ban
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. The panel of three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. An appeal to the U.S….
Appeals Court: Decision on Trump Travel Ban Coming Thursday
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A federal appeals court in San Francisco is set to issue its ruling in the legal fight over whether to reinstate President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven predominately Muslim nations. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced that it will release its decision before the end of the business day Thursday in California….
Minnesota Reports 1st Child Flu Death of Season
The flu is widespread in the state now, according to a MDH weekly update
ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota has recorded its first child death due to influenza this season. The state Department of Health said Thursday one child death related to influenza has been reported since the start of the flu season. Influenza is considered widespread in Minnesota, according to a weekly update. The Health Department says 156 people were hospitalized with flu…
St. Louis County Holds Huge Property Auction
County Makes $600,000
DULUTH, Minn.-St. Louis County had a financial windfall today. The county scored nearly $600,000 during tax forfeited land sale. Nineteen properties went up for sale and were bid on by 180 Northlanders. About 100 properties were featured in total. Those that weren’t sold can still be bought from the county. The county said this was the largest auction they’ve had…
$75K Cash Bond Set for Man Accused of Killing UW-Stout Student
Cullen OsburnMENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) – A judge has set cash bond at $75,000 for a Minnesota man accused of killing a Saudi Arabian college student in Wisconsin. Twenty-seven-year-old Cullen Osburn appeared in Dunn County court on Thursday after waiving extradition from Minnesota. He remains in jail and is due back in court March 27. The Minneapolis man is charged with…
Amendment Introduced for Recreational Use of Pot in Minnesota
Still Has a Long Ways to Go
ST. PAUL, Minn.-A Minnesota state representative from Virginia introduced a proposed amendment today to legalize recreational marijuana Democrat Jason Metsa is hoping the amendment can reach a general election ballot in 2018. If passed, it would allow those older than 21 to buy or produce the drug. Metsa does include terms for how sales would be taxed. The measure still…
Oldest American, Adele Dunlap, Dies at Age 114
(Photo courtesy Country Arch Care Center)FLEMINGTON, N.J. (AP) – A New Jersey woman who was the oldest American person has died at age 114. Martin Funeral Home says Adele Dunlap died Sunday at a hospital near Flemington. Dunlap had no explanation for her longevity. Asked last year how it felt to be the oldest American, she said she didn’t feel…
Owl Lands on Squad Car
Owl Eventually Flew Away
Courtesy of Duluth Police DULUTH, Minn.-An owl landed on the hood of a Duluth Police squad car Monday. Originally an officer was flagged down to check on it on the road, according to an officer’s Facebook post. When getting ready to check on it, the owl flew up on the hood of the car. It eventually flew away. Categories: News,…
Trump Blocks Listing Bumblebee as Endangered
One day before it was to be added to the endangered species list
This 2012 photo provided by The Xerces Society shows a rusty patched bumblebee in Minnesota. Federal officials said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, that the rusty patched bumblebee has become the first bee species in the continental U.S. to be declared endangered after suffering a dramatic population decline over the past 20 years. (Sarina Jepsen/The Xerces Society via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich….
Health Insurance Sign-ups Rise to Record Level
117,500 Residents Signed Up
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-Rising health insurance premiums and Minnesota’s novel financial help program have driven record enrollment in private health plans. Officials at the state’s exchange announced Thursday it had signed up more than 117,500 residents during 2017’s open enrollment period. That’s up by more than a third from last year. The spike in insurance signups comes amid uncertainty at…
Forest Lake Police Dog Dies After Helping Make Arrest
Dog Had Been With Department for Seven Years
FOREST LAKE, Minn.(AP)-A police dog from the Forest Lake Police Department has died in the line of duty. Authorities say the German shepherd named Ranger suffered cardiac arrest Tuesday night while helping police and the Minnesota State Patrol with a traffic stop in Forest Lake. Police say Ranger was deployed when the driver did not follow orders. The driver was…
Cliffs Announces Huge Fourth Quarter
Revenues Up 58 Percent from Last Year
DULUTH, Minn.-Final financial reports released today for Cliffs Natural Resources revealed a huge fourth quarter for them. Revenues were up to $754 million this quarter for the ore pellet manufacturer, which is an increase of 58 percent compared to last year. Overall revenues were up five percent for the company in 2016 topping out at $2.1 billion. The C-E-O of…
Proctor Referendum Passes
New Sports Facilities To Be Built
PROCTOR, Minn. – It’s good news for the city of Proctor as the referendum to build new sports facilities has passed. The vote to build a $12 million sports complex passed and will move into construction soon. Administration, coaches and students were on pins and needles waiting for the results to come in. “Yesterday was a little bit nerve–wracking. We…
High School Students Compete in Battle of Wits
This Year's Quiz Bowl Season Ends with Intense Face-to-Face Tournament
ASHLAND, Wis. – High school students from all over Northern Wisconsin faced off in a battle of knowledge today in Ashland. Competitive energy filled the air in the CESA 12 building in Ashland as the region’s top quiz bowl teams squared off in their only face-to-face tournament this season. “It’s a high stakes situation, you know?” says Phillips senior Harrison…
Special Report: The Canadian Connection | Part One
FOX 21's Brett Scott examines the Canadian Cash Flow into the Twin Ports
GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – Over 150 miles separate the Twin Ports from our northern border. Each year hundreds of thousands of Canadians travel along Highway 61, making their way down to invest in our local economy. “We see four-hundred, five-hundred, up to one-thousand packages a day.” Jaime Spry, General Manager at Ryden’s Border Store, might be decking the halls while…
Do North Pizzeria Opens in New, Larger Location
The new space is nearly three times the size and now includes a full bar, party room, and a large patio
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A popular Northland restaurant opened its doors in a new location today. Do North Pizzeria held a grand opening and ribbon cutting this afternoon. The Hermantown restaurant closed its previous location and opened up in a larger building just down the street on Miller Trunk Highway. The new space is nearly three times the size and now…
Social Emotional Learning Helps Kids After School
The YMCA in Duluth is one of 37 programs to implement a new Social Emotional Learning initiative.
The Duluth YMCA is one of only thirty-seven YMCAs across the country to be selected for a new pilot project. The program aims to help kids develop their social and emotional skills. This program is intended to help kids kindergarten through fifth grade learn more about themselves in an after school setting. They hope the lessons learned stay with them…
Girl Scout Cookies Arrive in the Northland
Orders will be fulfilled on February 11th with booth sales starting on February 16th.
DULUTH, Minn. – Girl Scout cookies have arrived in Duluth by the truckload. The Girl Scouts will begin fulfilling their orders this Saturday. They will start their booth sales next week on Thursday. The scouts use their proceeds for activities, community events, and camps. “It teaches the girls a lot of financial skills obviously customer service skills, leadership skills and…
Superior Firefighters Battle Third Fire in 24 Hours
Home is Destroyed in Fire
A busy 24 hours for Superior Firefighters who have been on the scene of three fires.
Updated Water Appropriation Permit Application from PolyMet Received by DNR
Technical experts with the DNR will now review the updated applicaion
ST. PAUL – PolyMet Mining, Inc. has submitted their updated water appropriation permit application to the Department of Natural Resources. This updated permit application includes a request for an appropriation from Colby Lake. Technical experts from state, local, and tribal governments associated with the DNR will review the updated application, and it will be considered with the previously received applications…
Job Fair Seeks to Prepare Graduates for Local Workforce
SUPERIOR, Wis. — For college students on the brink of getting a degree, preparing to enter the job market can be a scary time. But job fairs, like the one at the Yellow Jacket Student Union at UW-Superior earlier today, can help get those students ready for that first job interview. 80 potential employers greet job-seekers face to face in…
Ashland School District Building Project Moving Forward
District Reveals Final Project Plans at Community Meeting
ASHLAND, Wis. – Last April, a $34 million referendum passed allowing Ashland schools to complete a building project. The tax levy for that project went into effect as expected, but due to declining enrollment, another tax levy was introduced to increase funding, upsetting some Ashland residents. School district officials say the second tax can be removed after this school year when…
Professional Surveyors Attend Conference at DECC
DULUTH, Minn. — In just about every industry, technology has gotten more and more advanced in recent years. And for professional surveyors that is especially true. It’s a job that requires advanced math skills, knowledge of physics, engineering, and zoning laws. And professional surveyors from around the region are in town for a three day conference at the DECC in…
Canadian Forces Snowbirds Make Visit to Cirrus Aircraft
The Snowbirds are Preparing for the Upcoming 2017 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo Presented by St. Luke's
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the frigid cold we experienced in the Northland Wednesday, it didn’t stop the Canadian Forces Snowbirds from flocking into Cirrus Aviation earlier in the day. The visit by the military flight demonstration team is in preparation for their longer visit this summer when they will be performing at the 2017 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo presented…
Co-op Makes Large Donation to Food Bank
Co-op Celebrating 10,000 Members
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Whole Foods Co-op recently hit a milestone with 10,000 owners. Today they celebrated by donating $5,100 to the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. That amount of money will supply Northlander’s in need with 20,000 pounds of food. “This donation provides the ability to rescue and rehabilitate 20,000 pounds of food and to know that equals…
Governor Walker Gives State of State Address
Plans to Cut Millions in Taxes
MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker delivered his budget address today at the Capital. The Republican focused on boosting money for schools, along with large tuition cuts for college students. The governor is also looking at cutting about $600 million in taxes and fees, including $200 million in income tax cuts. “This budget includes historic investments in our priorities,” Walker said….
Preview: Canadian Connection Part 1
Tonight on FOX 21 News at 9
Canadian Connection Part One Preview
Proctor Sports Facility Referendum Passes
More coming up tonight on FOX 21 News at 9
Referendum passes
Families in Need Get Gift of Transportation
Community Action Duluth Gave Three Cars to Needy Families
DULUTH, Minn. – Families in need got the gift of transportation thanks to Community Action Duluth and local NAPA Autocare Centers who partnered to give three worthy families a new car. The cars weren’t brand new, but thanks to generous donations, Community Action Duluth was able to give Corinthian Rutherford and two other single mothers, cars. A grateful Rutherford calls…
Flu Cases on Rise in Duluth
Doctors Report Normal Surge in Cases for This Time of Year
DULUTH, Minn. – Winter may be winding down, but flu season is still going strong. Doctors at St. Luke’s in Duluth say they’ve seen an increase in flu cases over the last few weeks, which is normal for this time of year. Flu shots are still available. According to Dr. Andrew Thompson, M.D. of St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Clinic, now…
Lake Superior Surfers Hang Ten
Surfers Hit the Waves for a new Film
DULUTH, Minn. – Surfers were hanging ten on Lake Superior early Wednesday morning. About seven or eight surfers waxed their boards, and hit the water near Stoney Point. They were there… making a film about winter surfing for an upcoming student film festival. “I just think it’s so interesting, especially in the winter,” said Brad Nordin, one of the filmmakers. …
SPECIAL REPORT: Canadian Connection Part 2
Join us on Thursday, February 9 for Part Two of our Special Report: Canadian Connection
Join us on Thursday after My Kitchen Rules, for a special report on the Canadian Connection with FOX 21’s Brett Scott. We’ll take a look at how important our neighbors to the north are to our local economies, and just why they’ve chosen the Twin Ports to flock to. Categories: Business, News, News – Latest News, Special…
Fire Breaks Out in Superior Home
The fire was reported on the 2300 block of John Avenue
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Around 8:36 a.m., Wednesday morning, the Superior Fire Department and other first responders, responded to a structure fire in the 2300 block of John Avenue. When crews arrived, they found a large volume of dark brown and black smoke coming form the roof vents and eves of a single story addition on a two story home. All…
South St. Paul School District Notified of Sexual Abuse by Former Teacher
The former teacher was involved in an apparent murder-suicide back in August
Aric BabbittSOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. – The South St. Paul School District has been notified of a claim of sexual abuse by a former Lincoln Elementary School teacher. Forty-year-old Aric Babbitt, was found dead along with his husband, Matthew Deyo, in an apparent murder-suicide on an island in Washington state in August 2016. The incident came after Babbitt was placed…
Republicans Push for Carbon Tax to Fight Climate Change
WASHINGTON (AP) – A push by a group of senior Republican statesmen for a tax on carbon to help combat the effects of climate change is already meeting entrenched opposition from their own party. Former Secretary of State Jim Baker with to the White House today, looking for Trump administration support for the plan. It would place a new tax…
“Jump Rope For Heart” Joins Joy With Movement at Duluth Charter School
DULUTH, Minn. — Jumping rope is a timeless tradition for school kids wanting a fun way to exercise. But students at the Duluth Edison Charter Schools Northstar Academy (DECS) are jumping rope for a good cause. “For us the big thing is just to join joy with movement,” said P.E. teacher Sonja Riddle. “So to just try to encourage the…
Wisconsin Senate Passes Marijuana Extract Bill
Passed 31-1 Wednesday, headed to the Assembly next
MADISON (AP) – The state Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would make it legal to use a marijuana extract to treat seizures. The measure legalizes possession of cannabidiol oil with a doctor’s certification. The chapter adopted the bill on a 31-1 vote Wednesday. Republican Senator Duey Stroebel was the only senator to vote against it. Parents of children…
Dayton Says Prostate Surgery Won’t Slow Him Down
(Photo: Newsfile)ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton says he’s confident his upcoming prostate cancer surgery won’t hinder his remaining two years in office. The Democratic governor is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove his prostate on March 2. Dayton revealed his diagnosis late last month, a day after collapsing during his State of the State address. Dayton said Wednesday…
Bemidji Foster Parents Learn to Treat Opiate-Addicted Babies
BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – A new training program in Bemidji is teaching foster parents how to wean infants off opioid addictions in their homes. Minnesota Public Radio reports the program was started by Alyssa Bruning, a registered nurse at the Sanford Medical Center. The number of infants born with opioids in their systems has doubled in Minnesota in the last…
Duluth Schools Superintendent Looking for New Job
Has Sought Other Opportunities Before
DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth Public Schools Superintendent Bill Gronseth is a finalist for that same position for Independent School District 728 in the Twin Cities area. That district includes schools in Elk River, Ostego, Rogers, and Zimmerman. Five other candidates are also up for the post. ISD 728 is currently narrowing down the field of candidates to two or three. Interviews will…
Lawyers: Castile was Reaching for Gun when Officer Shot Him
ST. PAUL (AP) – Attorneys for a Minnesota police officer accused of fatally shooting a black man during a traffic stop say Philando Castile’s gun was accessible and that he was reaching for it when he was killed. The Star Tribune reports that a memo filed Tuesday in Ramsey County District Court contradicts prosecutors’ claims that St. Anthony Officer Jeronimo…
Walker Set to Deliver Budget Address
Schools Look to get New Funding
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – After years of deep cuts, K-12 public schools and the University of Wisconsin stand to be big winners under Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget. Now all Walker has to do is convince lukewarm fellow Republicans who control the state Legislature to go along. Walker was set to deliver the budget to the Legislature on Wednesday…
Minnesota Lawmaker Starts Long-shot Bid to Legalize Marijuana
Would be for Recreation Use
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-A Minnesota Democrat says it’s time for the state to legalize recreational marijuana use. The state passed a tightly controlled medical marijuana law in 2014. It bans using the plant form, and is only available to residents with a handful of severe conditions. Rep. Jon Applebaum’s said Wednesday he’s planning a bill that would add Minnesota to…
Demolisher of Home of Wetterling Killer Gives Lot to City
Won't be Developed for at Least a Decade
ANNANDALE, Minn. (AP) – A real estate developer who demolished the Minnesota home of the man who killed Jacob Wettlerling in 1989 says he is giving the vacant lot to the city of Annandale. Developer Tim Thone said Tuesday the city has agreed not to develop the quarter-acre lot for at least a decade. He stipulated that any proceeds from…
Great Outdoors: Ice Climbing
Ice Climbing With UMD Ice Climbing Instructors
DULUTH, Minn. – Ice climbing in the Northland is a sport that’s always popular during the winter. In this week’s edition of FOX 21’s Great Outdoors, we tag along with UMD ice climbing instructors to a relatively unknown ice climbing spot in Chester Park. For UMD ice climbing instructor Kevin Taralseth having ice to climb just minutes away from campus is a…
Two Saved in Superior Apartment Fire
One Resident And First Responders Make Right Decisions
UPDATE: Both victims of this fire are currently in intensive care units. A male victim, Ronald Stark, is in critical condition at the burn unit at Miller Dwan, and a female victim, Kellie Cook is listed in stable condition, but remains in the intensive care unit at Essentia Duluth. SUPERIOR, Wis. – Heroic efforts by an apartment resident and the…
Local Hospitals React to Immigration Ban
Local hospitals say that they're taking a wait and see approach to how the ban will affect them.
DULUTH, Minn. – Area hospitals are taking a wait and see approach to the temporary immigration ban and they vow to help their patients and staff in whatever ways they can. St. Luke’s said that they’re looking at the ban three different ways: how it affects their patients; their staff; and students in the area who are their future workforce….
Emergency Personnel Deal with Snowy Conditions
Fire trucks come with chains and other safety devices to get them to emergencies quickly and safely when it snows.
DULUTH, Minn. – First responders not only have traffic to deal with when heading to an emergency, but they also have to deal with less than ideal conditions when the weather gets bad. The Duluth Fire Department said that snowy roadways mixed in with Duluth’s hills and unique terrain bring some challenges. Their trucks do come with automatic chains and…
Proctor Athletic Facilities Referendum Passed
Property taxes over the next 20 years will help pay for the nearly $12 million facility
PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor residents have voted to pass a referendum to pay for a new hockey arena and multi–functional turf field. The referendum was approved with 1159 votes in favor and 909 votes against. Property taxes over the next 20 years will help pay for the nearly $12 million facility. The amount taxes will go up is dependent on…
