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Larson, Reinert Square Off In First Public Mayoral Debate Ahead Of Nov. Election

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s mayoral candidates were side-by-side Wednesday for their first candidate forum ahead of the general election Nov. 7. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth News Tribune are behind the forum. The mayoral race between incumbent Emily Larson and Roger Reinert is clearly the top of the closely watched races in Duluth, among council and…

Helping Teachers With Free Supplies

DULUTH, Minn. — Teachers go above and beyond to ensure their students get the best education possible. In many cases, this means teachers spend their own money on supplies or additional teaching aids for their classroom and this can add up. Amanda Techek has been teaching for 14 years in a variety of roles and schools. On Tuesday, she picked…

Southbound Lane On Garfield Avenue To Close Temporarily Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. — The southbound lane on Garfield Avenue will temporarily close Thursday morning. MnDOT says the closure is needed for the deck pour of the overpassing bridge, passing over the current ramp that takes traffic to Superior and onto the Blatnik Bridge. The closure will occur from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Go to MnDOT’s website for more information…

Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney, Former Presidential Candidate And Governor, Won’t Seek Reelection In 2024

(AP) — Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney said Wednesday that he will not run for reelection in 2024, creating a wide-open contest in a state that heavily favors Republicans and is expected to attract a crowded field. Romney, a former presidential candidate and governor of Massachusetts, made the announcement in a video statement. The 76-year-old said the country is ready for…

Defense Department Awards $20.6 Million To Support Nickel Prospecting In Minnesota And Michigan

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Department of Defense on Tuesday awarded $20.6 million to developers of the proposed Talon nickel mine in Minnesota under a program to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals. The defense funds will support prospecting work in Michigan and Minnesota, and follow a $114 million grant by the Department of Energy last year to help build Talon Metals’…

Coffee Conversation: Zeitgeist ‘Spirit of the Times’ Annual Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Zeitgeist will hold its annual Spirit of the Times fundraiser on Superior Street in the form of a block-style party on Friday, September 15. Zeitgeist Executive Director Tony Cuneo joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Onsite will be live music and entertainment, local creative talent throughout the evening, unique…

Escaped Murderer Danelo Cavalcante Has Been Arrested In Pennsylvania, Officials Say

POTTSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — An escaped murderer was captured Wednesday after eluding hundreds of searchers for two weeks, bringing relief to anxious residents of southeastern Pennsylvania who endured sleepless nights as he hid in the woods, broke into suburban homes for food, changed his appearance, and fled under gunfire with a rifle pilfered from a garage, authorities said. Authorities used thermal imaging…

City Council Approves ‘Armored Rescue Vehicle’ For Duluth Police

DULUTH, Minn. — After years of trying, the Duluth Police department has officially been given the OK to purchase its own Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) instead of continuing to borrow Superior’s armored vehicle for the city’s most dangerous calls. The council voted 8-0 Monday night to approve Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa to purchase the nearly $380,000 piece of equipment….

Superior Man Gets 40-Year Sentence In Dismemberment Case

A Superior man has received the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for murdering and dismembering his own friend. Jacob Johnson, 37, shot Ricky Balsimo Jr., 34, of St Paul multiple times while driving together in the Twin Cities. Court records said Balsimo was threatening other people in the vehicle with a knife before the shooting. Police said Johnson…

Video: Flash Flooding In Duluth Creates Muddy Mess Downtown

DULUTH, Minn. – Flash flooding Monday night in parts of Duluth sent piles of sand, dirt and other materials from nearby construction onto East Superior Street. Tuesday morning compared to Tuesday evening at First Avenue E. and Superior Street The National Weather Service said 2 to 6 inches of rain fell fast on parts of Duluth. All that water sent…

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers Has A Torn Left Achilles Tendon And Will Miss The Rest Of The Season

(AP) — Aaron Rodgers has a torn left Achilles tendon and the 39-year-old New York Jets quarterback will miss the rest of the season, coach Robert Saleh announced Tuesday. An MRI revealed the four-time NFL MVP’s injury, confirming what the Jets feared after their 22-16 overtime win over Buffalo on Monday night. Saleh said Rodgers will have season-ending surgery, but he wasn’t certain…

Superior Street Reopen After Closing Due To Monday Night Flash Flood

UPDATE (September 12, 2:30 p.m.) — Superior Street has reopened according to Downtown Duluth. The street was closed due to major erosion from a flash flood Monday night. ORIGINAL POST: DULUTH, Minn. — Superior Street in Downtown Duluth is closed due to the flash flood that happened Monday night. A press release from the City says about 1,000 cubic yards…

5 Former Officers Charged In Death Of Tyre Nichols Are Now Also Facing Federal Charges

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Five former Memphis police officers were charged Tuesday with federal civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols as they continue to fight second-degree murder charges in state courts arising from the killing. Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin and Justin Smith were indicted in U.S. District Court in Memphis. The four-count…

Speaker McCarthy Directs A House Panel To Open An Impeachment Inquiry Into President Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday he is directing a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his family’s business dealings, launching historic proceedings ahead of the 2024 election. McCarthy said the House Oversight Committee’s investigation so far has found a “culture of corruption” around the Biden family as Republicans probe the business dealings of the president’s son, Hunter…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Spirit Creek Farm

WRENSHALL, Minn. — Two farms in Wrenshall Minnesota have been growing cabbage for a Wisconsin based sauerkraut company for over a decade, and after the previous owners decided to step away from the business, the Minnesota farmers have now taken over the creation side of things as well. “Spirit Creek Farm was an existing business that was run by Andrew…

Coffee Conversation: 10th Annual Light Duluth Teal Gala

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance is holding its 10th annual Light Duluth Teal Gala on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Ovarian Cancer Survivor and Light Duluth Teal Gala Chair Kristine Greer joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the gala. The event also marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and will benefit MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and…

UWS Students Honor Lives Lost On 9/11 With Flag Memorial

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus are remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Every year the Young Americans for Freedom student organization hosts a flag memorial outside of the Yellowjacket Union. Almost 3,000 flags are placed each representing a life lost. The president of the organizations tells us that his mother was pregnant with…

Benedictine Living Community Celebrates National Assisted Living Week

DULUTH, Minn. — Benedictine Living Community in Duluth is celebrating those who live and work in assisted living with a week full of fun events. It is National Assisted Living Week and this year’s theme is “Season of Reflection” with events such as a cornhole tournament, dunk tank, special music, and barbeque throughout the week. Benedictine is recognizing those who…

The Northland Remembers Loss Of 9/11 By Climbing Stairs

Firefighters and others climb equivalent of 110 stories in Duluth

While lowered flags were a very visible way to remember 9/11 across the country, Monday in the Northland there was also a quieter, but just as serious way to honor those who died. Inside the DECC in Duluth, several groups came together and repeatedly climbed up and down the stairs. When they were finished, they had methodically covered the equivalent…

US Moves To Advance Prisoner Swap Deal With Iran And Release $6 Billion In Frozen Iranian Funds

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has cleared the way for the release of five American citizens detained in Iran by issuing a blanket waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar without fear of U.S. sanctions. In addition, as part of the deal, the administration has agreed to release five Iranian citizens…

US Approves Updated COVID Vaccines To Rev Up Protection This Fall

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. approved updated COVID-19 vaccines Monday, hoping to rev up protection against the latest coronavirus strains and blunt any surge this fall and winter. The Food and Drug Administration decision opens the newest shots from Moderna and Pfizer and its partner BioNTech to most Americans even if they’ve never had a coronavirus vaccination. It’s part of a shift…

Memorial Blood Centers Encourages Donations On 9/11

MINNESOTA — Memorial Blood Centers is encouraging the community to honor those who lost their lives on September 11 by donating blood. Memorial Blood Centers is calling Monday a day of service in remembrance of the tragedy 22 years ago. According to MBC, blood donations still have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The blood supply currently stands at a 5-day…

Bells Toll As The US Marks 22 Years Since 9/11, From Ground Zero To Alaska

NEW YORK (AP) — With tolling bells, personal tributes and tears, Americans looked back Monday on 9/11 at anniversary observances that stretched from ground zero to small towns. People gathered at memorials, firehouses, city halls, campuses and elsewhere to observe the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. “For those of us who lost people on that…

Pudge’s Pub Reopens Under New Management

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A longtime staple of East Superior is celebrating their grand reopening with a few changes. Pudge’s is now under new ownership. For the last month they’ve been cleaning up the pub.  New at Pudge’s is a Bloody Mary bar and as part of their grand opening raffle prizes were drawn all day. For Co-owner and Veteran Bartender…

Monday Marks 22 Years Since 9/11 Attacks On America

On Monday, the United States and countries abroad will remember the tragic events of September 11th that killed almost 3,000 Americans 22 years ago. Gov. Tim Walz has ordered Flags at half-staff Monday in honor of September 11th. The order is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden that all United States flags be flown at half-staff at…

Officials: Wildfire In Carlton County Started By Human

A human-caused wildfire in Carlton County is now 98-percent contained, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System. Crews were working hot spots Sunday. Heavy machinery and firefighters continued to mop up hot areas of the 82-acre fire in Barnum near County Road 11. This comes after an infrared flight Saturday located hot spots that needed attention. All evacuation orders and…

Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Gears For Busy Fall Season

CARLTON, Minn. — On the far edge of Carlton, Minnesota lies a farm and a vision. “The support from the community and friends it’s just incredible. Everybody’s just as excited as we are that we’re open again this year,” said Co-owner of Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Angela Line. Returning for their seventh year, Angela Line and her family are once again…

One Dead After Being Struck by a Train Near Sawyer Township

Carlton County, Minn. — In Carlton county, the sheriff’s office received a report of an accident involving both a vehicle and a train. This happened around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, on Lammi Road and Hwy 210 in Sawyer Township. According to the report, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train was traveling west bound. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Brock Hascall…

Two dead and one in critical condition after crash near Floodwood on Highway 8

UPDATE (September 10, 5:53 a.m.) — Authorities have released the names of those involved in the fatal Floodwood crash from Saturday morning. Authorities responded to an automated 911 call from an iPhone, stating the owner had been in a severe crash. The crash happened on the curve near the 11500 block of HWY 8, near Floodwood, Minn. Upon arrival two…

People Get Outside for Free Park Day

CARLTON, Minn. — Saturday was Free Park Day in Minnesota which allowed the opportunity to get outside and explore nature. The Minnesota DNR is offering four Free Park Days throughout the year. Which allows free admission to all of Minnesota’s 75 state parks and recreation areas. The goal of Free Park Days is to encourage people to get outdoors. Saturday…

Lake Superior Harvest Festival Returns to Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Harvest Festival returned to Bayfront Park Saturday and brought sustainability to the northland. The Harvest Festival is put on by the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association. The goal of the festival is to promote local food production and agriculture, as well as building a healthier economy. There was a farmers market and an electric…

Duluth Lions Club Hosts 2nd Annual Strides for Diabetes

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Lions Club hosted their 2nd annual Strides for Diabetes walk Saturday to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in preventing the disease. Dozens of people took their own strides in the fight against diabetes by participating in the annual walk. Money raised from each of the walkers goes towards the Minnesota Lions Diabetes…

Duluth & MN DNR Urging Residents to Conserve Water, Under Drought Warning

NORTHLAND — The City of Duluth and state DNR officials are urging residents to practice water conservation measures due to drought warning. The Lake Superior Watershed, which includes Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor and Rice Lake areas have entered the Drought Warning response phase, as described in the Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of their water use…

Community Leaders Learn All About Firefighting In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Friday, Superior Firefighters Local 74 hosted a program to show community members what it’s like to be them. It was called FIRE OPS 101, which is an interactive way to teach community members how firefighters keep our communities safe. The event was designed for local business leaders and elected officials to participate in hands-on operations. Those operations…

St. Luke’s Encourages Families To Keep Up With Vaccinations

DULUTH, Minn. — With kids going back to school and exposed to more germs, St. Luke’s is encouraging families to stay up to date on vaccinations. According to a St. Luke’s pediatrician, vaccinations can help prevent common infections such as measles, chicken pox, or whooping cough. The COVID and influenza vaccines can prevent day to day respiratory illnesses that can…

Deaths Of 3 People At Breezy Point Ruled Murder-Suicide

Investigators say man shot a mother and daughter before killing himself.

  (Updated September 8, 5:30 p.m.) — The three deaths at a Breezy Point townhouse have been ruled a double-murder and suicide, according to the Crow Wing County Attorney’s office. The two people murdered have been identified as 54-year-old Melanie Michele Jansen of Maple Grove, and her daughter, 29-year-old Hannah Nicole Parmenter of Elk River. The man who authorities say…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Harvest Festival at Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2023 Lake Superior Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 9 to Bayfront Festival Park. The Harvest Festival is a project of the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association, and was founded as an educational outreach program aimed to showcase the local agricultural production of food throughout the Lake Superior region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Festival…

Peat Soil A Challenge In Barnum Area Wildfire

Fire is now 85% contained, and 10 acres larger than first estimate.

Photo: AJ Hoffman/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service UPDATE (September 8, 2:15 p.m.) — The fire is more under control, the size is about ten acres larger than originally thought, and it may be a fire that could smolder for a while. That is the latest assessment from the Minnesota Interagency Information Center. The fire was 85% contained as of Friday…

City of Duluth’s Street Maintenance Crew Busy This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — With a record amount of snow this past winter here in Duluth, comes record road maintenance. The City of Duluth Street Maintenance crew has been busy this summer with pothole patching, crack filling, and other road repairs. There are 6 patching trucks for employees to work with and every week there is anywhere from 3 to 4-hundred…

Unity Fund Awards First Grant Of $10,000 To Support Homeless Mothers And Children

DULUTH, Minn. — A local program has awarded its first grant to support homeless mothers and children. The Unity Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation works to provide funding for those of African Heritage with business opportunities in the Northland. The first grantee is Divine Konnections, which operates Annie’s House of Refuge and Restoration. The house is a…

UMD Hosts 3rd Annual Volunteer Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students are finding new ways to give back to the community. It was the 3rd Annual UMD Volunteer Fair Thursday. The fair gives students the opportunities to find different ways to serve and build relationships in the community. The event has doubled in size from last year with around 60 organizations. One UMD students says she…

New USW Members At Northshore Mining Reach First-Ever Contract With Cliffs

Hundreds of workers at Northshore Mining in Babbitt and Silver Bay have voted to ratify a first-ever three-year contract with their employer, Cleveland Cliffs. The workers recently joined the United Steelworkers Union. USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez said the agreement “includes a lump sum bonus, annual wage increases, enhanced protections for job security and improvements in occupational health and…

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visits with students and teachers at a local school

MAPLE, Wis. — The Governor visited Northwestern High School in Maple Thursday morning. He walked the halls, speaking with students, teachers and staff. He said he enjoyed being there and spoke about the seriousness of the teacher shortage. He noted that rural schools like Northwestern have at least one unique advantage on larger city schools. Rural schools tend to have…