Minnesota

Lake Superior Zoo bear will become first to have a metal crown

DULUTH, Minn. – A Lake Superior Zoo Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear will become a ground breaker. Tundra, an Alaskan Coastal brown bear, will become the first bear in the world to have a metal crown placement. Dr. Grace Brown, board certified veterinary dentist, recently repaired a tooth for Tundra. Dr. Brown will be installing a talladium crown made by Scott…

Minnesota cannabis tax rising to 15% in 2025 to support regulation rollout

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cannabis Taxes in Minnesota are on the rise. They’re sitting at 10-percent now, but will go up to 15-percent on July 1, 2025. The 10-percent rate was from July 1. 2023 to June 30. 2025. All sales and purchases of taxable cannabis products are subject to the new tax rate. RELATED: Minnesota issues first cannabis…

Patty Salo Downs retiring from Alworth Memorial Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Patty Salo Downs is retiring as executive director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund. She had held the role for nearly 19 years. Salo Downs helped the organization grant more than $26 million in scholarships to over 1,400 northern Minnesota high school students. She said, “Whether they’re participating in study abroad, installing a water distribution…

Minnesota issues first cannabis business license

Issued for Herb-Quest LLC ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued the first cannabis business license in the state of Minnesota. It is going to Herb-Quest, LLC. Herb-Quest is a microbusiness located in Brook Park in Pine County. Its initial primary business activity will be outdoor cultivation of cannabis plants. OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author’s New Novel Inspired by APD

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday morning’s Fox 21 newscast, local author Erika Lynn Adams joined the show to introduce her new young adult novel, Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the book follows Allie, a young girl with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), as she navigates a world that often misunderstands her. The story is semi-autobiographical, drawing…

Church’s Natural Burial Cemetery Idea Causes Controversy

BARNUM, Minn.– There is controversy tonight involving a church in Barnum and its plan to open a natural burial site. The site’s planner says natural burials are better for the environment without embalming chemical used in traditional burials. Matt Connell, cemetarian at Loving Earth Memorial Gardens, and a member of the Steelmantown Church has a passion for the outdoors and preserving…

Shelter-in-Place Lifted Following Shooting in Chisholm, MN

Chisholm, MN – A shelter-in-place order issued during an active law enforcement incident in Chisholm has been lifted. The response followed a shooting near the 100 block of 5th Street NW, prompting a large police presence and safety precautions for nearby residents. According to the Chisholm Police Department, there is no longer a threat to public safety. The Minnesota Bureau…

People impacted by Wildfires access multiple resources in one Place

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – People impacted by recent wildfires access multiple resources at an event organized by United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) established at the Hoyt Lakes Arena provides those impacted by recent wildfires with a single place to access governmental and non-government organizations. Hosted by the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, organizations at the…

Coffee Conversation: Make Music Day Returns to Superior with New Energy

Superior, WI – Get ready to turn up the volume! Make Music Day returns to Superior this weekend on June 21, bringing a fresh wave of local energy and global spirit. This year’s celebration is led by new event director Traxx Nelson-Kavajecz, who aims to make the event louder and livelier than ever. Traxx and his sister, rokkyn, are members…

Hermantown Police identify deceased couple found in Midway Road Home

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Officials identify a married couple as the two people found deceased from gunshot wounds in their home on Friday. Hermantown officials identified the two people who police found deceased from gunshot wounds in a Midway Road home on Friday. Lissette Joy Nelson, 62, was shot by her husband Bradley Duane Nelson, 63, before he took his own…

Traffic Advisories and Road Closures for 49th Annual Grandmas Marathon Weekend

  DULUTH, Minn. — With Grandmas Marathon just days away, detours and delays are expected across the city. Canal Park and the Downtown area east of Lake Avenue will see the heaviest impact within the city. Watch for No Parking signs, temporary signage, officials directing traffic, and barriers. For other race information visit GrandmasMarathon.com WEEKDAY PREPARATION ADVISORIES: Tuesday, the Northwest…

President to have “Golden Share” in future of Nippon Steel & U.S. Steel partnership

CALGARY, Alberta & DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump would have unique influence over the operations of U.S. Steel under the terms of the investment being made by Nippon Steel. Administration officials over the past few days provided additional insight into the so-called golden share arrangement that the federal government made as a condition for supporting the partnership. US Steel…

Man accused of lawmaker assassination to face federal charges

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office ST. PAUL, Minn. – The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another will be facing federal charges. The Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston and BCA Superintendent Andrew Evans will be holding a news conference at in the late morning of Monday, June 16 to…

Man Suspected Of Shooting 2 Minnesota Lawmakers Caught

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another has been taken into custody, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge. Vance Boelter was arrested Sunday evening. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed…

Gov. Walz Issues Statement On Arrest Of Murder Suspect Vance Boelter

Gov. Tim Walz released the following statement Sunday night on the arrest of Vance Boelter following the “assassination” of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the “attempted assassination” of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, according to the governor’s office: “After a two-day manhunt in which hundreds of law enforcement officials left their families to run…

Shootings of MN Lawmakers turn homes into Crime Scenes

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Shootings at the residences of two Minnesota lawmakers turn the homes into crime scenes. The homes of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park and Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin were turned into crime scenes after what authorities are calling targeted political shootings early Friday morning. Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives,…

1 Dead, 2 Arrested After Overnight Shooting In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that took place early Sunday morning in the city’s Central Hillside neighborhood. The call for help came in around 1:30 a.m. in the 100 block of East 3rd Street. When officers arrived, they located a male with multiple gunshot wounds.  He was taken to a local hospital where…

Lincoln Park Celebrates Summer Fest

DULUTH, Minn. — Lincoln Park’s annual Summer Fest kicked off the start of the season on Saturday! The festival featured everything Lincoln Park has to offer, from live music, to vendors, food trucks, activities and more. It celebrated the community, local creativity, and summer fun. “This day has been a really great combination of both highlighting Lincoln Park businesses and,…

Search Continues for Suspect Connected to Shooting of 2 Minnesota Legislators

Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. This combo from photos provided by Minnesota Legislature shows from left, Senator John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman. (Minnesota Legislature via AP)Note: This is a developing news story. We will update as new information becomes available. BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A man posing as a police officer shot and killed…

Community Leaders Mark Gun Violence Awareness Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — After recent gun violence in Minnesota, city leaders and gun safety advocates gathered in Central Hillside to discuss and reinforce gun safety measures. At the event, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert declared June 3 to be gun violence awareness day in Duluth. Gun safety advocates and local law enforcement talked about the recent tragedy that happened in Hermantown…

Statements Reacting to Fatal Shooting of Former Minnesota House Speaker

Melissa Hortman (from her MN Legislature webpage)DULUTH, Minn: – A number of Northland elected officials, Minnesota government leaders, and various organizations have been releasing statements following the shooting death of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. This shooting is currently under investigation, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife,…

“No Kings Day” Protest Highlights Federal Opposition

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people in the Twin Ports protested against President Trump’s military parade over weekend in “No Kings Day” rallies. In Duluth, People peacefully gathered along Lake Ave. and Superior St. to show their opposition against the current administration. Like recent cuts from the federal government involving health care, the environment, and family assistance. Over 1,800 “No…

Hermantown PD find Two Deceased when responding to Domestic Violence Call

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Police find two people deceased inside a home, while responding to a domestic violence call. Two people were found deceased inside a home on the 4300 block of Midway Road Friday morning. A press release from the Hermantown Police Department said officers discovered the bodies when responding to the home for a “physical domestic violence call” around…

43rd Annual Park Point Rummage Sale Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Friday was the first day of the Park Point Rummage Sale, returning for the 43rd year. The annual event sees four miles of sales throughout the Park Point neighborhood. The sales allow residents to declutter and kick off the busy summer season, which includes Grandma’s Marathon and the Park Point Art Fair. While some people shop for…

Lincoln Park Farmers Market Starts

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is back for the summer! Thursday was opening day for the Lincoln Park Farmers Market at Harrison Park. The market featured local vendors selling food, crafts, health products, and other goods. This farmers market works with those participating in the SNAP benefits and the Power of Produce program to increase access to…

Glensheen’s Beer Garden Returns on Wednesdays

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen’s Beer Garden invites locals to enjoy and learn about local craft beers. Wednesday evening, the Beer Garden at Glensheen teamed up with Castle Danger Brewery to put on a family-friendly event featuring local craft beers, food from Bowlz and Thangz, and fun activities for all ages. The event featured a brew talk where breweries shared insights…

Signatures for ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative delivered to Duluth City Hall

CITY HALL – Duluth Tenants Union deliver signatures in support of their “Right to Repair” ballot initiative to the City Clerk. Nearly 6,000 signatures in support of the Duluth “Right to Repair” ballot initiative, were presented to the City Clerk’s office Thursday afternoon. The signatures were delivered by members of the Duluth Tenants Union, a group comprised of renters and…

Pine City group home Employee Kidnapped Resident he claimed was his Son – Charges

  PINE CITY, Minn. – A group home employee kidnaps a resident, fleeing police at high-speeds, charges allege.  An employee at a Pine City group home for vulnerable adults is accused of kidnapping a resident Tuesday morning, according to the criminal complaint. Dean Michael Simonson, 58, of Cambridge, is charged with kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and fleeing police in a motor…

Hospitals say union announced strike vote prior to presenting full plans

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon (June 11) the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) announced that they will hold an Unfair Labor Practice strike vote. The strike vote will be on Monday, June 23. Chris Rubesch an RN at Essentia Health and President of the Minnesota Nurses Association said in a statement, ““Given the egregious unfair labor practices…

Coffee Conversation: The Chicken Hat Plays Return for 2025

DULUTH, MN — The 2025 Chicken Hat Plays are officially back, bringing another round of spontaneous theater from Duluth’s own Rubber Chicken Theater. Brian Matuszak, Executive Producer of Rubber Chicken Theater, appeared on the morning newscast Thursday to share more about the fast-paced, 24-hour theater challenge. This year’s event takes place Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harbor…

Duluth Police Welcomes K9 Fitz onto the Department

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is welcoming a new furry face as part of their K9 Division. K9 Fitz is a 1.5-year-old German Shephard/Malinois from Hungary. Fitz is a dual-purpose dog specializing in narcotic detection, tracking, article searching, and criminal apprehension. K9 Fitz is being handled by Officer Shane McKee and began K9 School this past February. The…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Receives Support with Fundraiser

HERMANTOWN, Minn. —  A local non-profit received community support on Wednesday for a fundraiser. First Witness provides resources and support to children, teens, and vulnerable adults who have experienced abuse, along with advocacy and prevention education. They teamed up with The Title team, a title insurance company, to host a fundraiser at Skyline Social and Games to help raise awareness…

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $20,000 to Chum

DULUTH, Minn. — Harbor Pointe Credit Union presented Chum with a check donation on Wednesday. Each year the Credit Union gives back thousands of dollars to support local organizations and programs. Through the Member Impact Fund offered by an affiliate bank, the donation to Chum was matched three times, making the total $20,000. The donation will go towards supporting everyday…

Family of Duluth Murder Victim Keeping His Memory Alive Through Memorial 5k

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly one year after the tragic loss of 25 year old Maxton Gudowski, his family, loved ones and community members are continuing to keep his memory alive. “It’s been definitely an up and down roller coaster of emotions. We’re so thankful. We have so much family and friends with support that’s truly what gets us through,” Maxton’s…

Phase 1 of Safer 6th Ave. East Reconstruction Project Now Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Duluth most dangerous Avenues is starting phase one of a safer reconstruction plan. Construction crew started resurfacing along 6th Avenue East, which connects Central Hillside to Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue. The project looks to address safety concerns for pedestrians, like students at Myers-Wilkins, as a recent study on 6th Ave. found close to 12,000…

Man pleads guilty to Inappropriately touching Children at Duluth Waterpark

DULUTH, Minn. – A man from Alexandria pleads guilty to inappropriately touching children while at the Edgewater Waterpark in Duluth. Jackson Wichtendahl, 25, of Alexandria, was handed a deferred sentence on Friday that could see him avoid jail time for two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The case stems from a…

Incline Village Developer responds to Duluth letter admitting to some breaches

DULUTH, Minn. – The lawyer for Luzy Ostreicher, the leader of Chester Creek View, LLC, sent two letters responding to the City of Duluth concerns about their development. Renderings of Incline Village On June 2, 2025 the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) sent a letter titled “NOTICE OF BREACH” to Ostreicher. Ostreicher’s companies STC Building, LLC, Chester Creek View, LLC,…

United Way Day of Caring – Volunteers Clean Up at Companies to Classrooms

  DULUTH, Minn. — Over at Companies to Classrooms, volunteers worked to do some deep cleaning inside and tidying up the garden outside. Companies to classrooms is a program that takes donations for teachers to shop for their classrooms. The extra care and cleaning helps make the spot look nicer for the neighborhood and builds connections in the community. “We’ve…