Minnesota

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ To Host Taco Eating Contest Friday At Blacklist

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth restaurant Tacos Tacos Tacos is inviting taco lovers to come out to Blacklist Brewing Company this Friday for a taco-eating contest. It’s happening at 7 p.m. at the brewery at 206 E. Superior Street, which is next to the upcoming location for Tacos Tacos Tacos. For more information on all the fun, watch the video above…

Swatting Calls At Minnesota Schools Came From Same Person, Officials Say

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The swatting calls at more than a dozen Minnesota schools on Wednesday appeared to come from the same person, according to authorities on Thursday. There were at least 14 schools in Minnesota targeted with fake active shooting reports, and there could be more, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said on Wednesday. This came after a rash of swatting calls across the…

Bell Bank Hosts Trail Bike Ride and Fundraiser for Duluth DEVO

DULUTH, Minn.–Forty mountain bikers took to the trails with hopes to raise funds that will support younger riders. Bell Bank hosted a group of biking enthusiasts to support Duluth DEVO, a local non-profit with a mission to help kids build strong minds and bodies through the sport of biking. Throughout the year they engage in the community through bike trail…

Bentleyville Prepares for 5 Million Light Village

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville is gearing up for the holidays and preparations are taking place at Bayfront Festival Park. 17 semi trailers currently fill the lot, holding lights and display pieces that will make the 5 million light show come to life in just a few short months. Bentleyville draws in thousands of people from all over and has a…

Bus Driver Shortage Reaches Northland Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — Millions of parents count on the yellow bus to get their kids to and from school everyday. So what happens when there are not enough drivers to match the demand? Some bigger school districts in the northland, like Duluth and Superior, say they’re fully staffed behind the wheel. Meanwhile, other schools are struggling to recruit and retain…

Multiple Fake School Shooting Reports At Minnesota Schools

(FOX 9) – There have been multiple incidents this week of people reporting active shooters at schools across Minnesota, with authorities calling these “swatting” incidents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says it is aware of “multiple swatting incidents involving active shooter events or mass casualties at schools across Minnesota.” Local law enforcement are responding to these reports, but no incidents…

Ex-Cop Lane Gets 3 Years In Plea Deal For Aiding Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Minneapolis police officer who pleaded guilty to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd was sentenced Wednesday to three years. Thomas Lane is already serving a 2 1/2-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights. When it comes to the state’s case, prosecutors and Lane’s attorneys had…

EXPLAINER: How Alleged Plot Exploited Pandemic To Net $250M

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Department of Justice has charged 48 people in Minnesota in what prosecutors have called a $250 million scheme to defraud a federal meals program. Prosecutors said just a fraction of the money went toward feeding kids, with the rest laundered through shell companies and spent on property, luxury cars and travel. Here’s a look at how the alleged…

City Of Duluth Celebrates Tree City USA Status With Arbor Day Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday, City of Duluth staff held an Arbor Day event to recognize Duluth’s Tree City USA status. Arbor Day 2022 took place at the Wheeler Athletic Complex Tuesday afternoon where attendees learned about the role of trees in the city, upcoming forestry projects, and more about Duluth’s Climate Action Work Plan. Duluth has been receiving Tree City…

Duluth Airport Temporarily Offering TSA PreCheck Options

DULUTH, Minn. — If you have ever envied those at the airport that get to skip the security line, now’s your chance at our local airport. Duluth International Airport is inviting passengers to enroll in the TSA PreCheck, expedited screening program. A program present at over 200 airports nationwide. Now through September 23, those interested in the expedited screening option…

Feds: Minnesota Food Scheme Stole $250M; 47 People Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal authorities charged 47 people in Minnesota with conspiracy and other counts on Tuesday in what they said was a massive scheme that took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to steal $250 million from a federal program that provides meals to low-income children. Prosecutors say the defendants created companies that claimed to be offering food to tens…

Wildcat Sanctuary In Sandstone Welcomes Home New Tiger Cub

SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone rescued a brand new furry friend last week. Her name is Nova and she is a spunky tiger cub. She came to the Sanctuary through their “Tiger Amnesty Program.” A program allowing owners or authorities to surrender a wildcat without making their background public. This encourages owners who have made a mistake…

Seawall Work Behind DECC Delayed, Vehicle-Free Harbor Plaza No More

Downsized plans behind the DECC with Harbor Drive DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s dream to transform Harbor Drive behind the DECC into a vehicle-free public plaza is no more. And rising construction costs are being blamed. The original plan for Harbor Plaza included zero traffic, all land, walking and bike paths, places for food trucks and a large…

Cirrus To Turn Duluth Maintenance Facility Into ‘Innovation Center’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft said Monday it’s expanding its recently purchased maintenance base at the Duluth Airport. The company says it will hire an additional 80 engineers over the next three years to support the current team of 300 engineers, scientists and technicians. The maintenance base is the former AAR and Northwest Airlines facility. Cirrus says the 189,000-square-foot…

Governor Walz And Lieutenant Flanagan Unveil New Climate Plan

MINNESOTA — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Peggy Flanagan have announced 6 goals as part of a new climate action framework unveiled Friday. Some of the goals include building out the electric vehicle infrastructure such as more charging stations, enhancing use of wind and solar energy, and strategies to build carbon storage in the forests and soils. They are…

Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Skaters are rolling in to the northland for this weekends 26th annual Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest. It’s known as the nations largest skating race, with over 2,000 people competing in the many rollerblading, roller skiing, and running events. The full-marathon race is more than a glide, racers will straight-line 26.2 miles by the end of…

Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch Opens for Fall

DULUTH, Minn. — How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch. Despite the rainy weather, Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch officially opened for picking. From short and round to tall and lean, there is a pumpkin for everyone in the greens. In addition, you can also find smaller, decorative pumpkins, winter squash, and even some veggies. So whether…

UPDATE: Duluth Police Investigating Shooting At Speedway Gas Station, Suspect Found

The Speedway gas station shooter has been found and is in custody.

UPDATE (September 16, 3:30 p.m.) — The search for the Speedway gas station shooter has ended and the vehicle in question has been found. Friday, 31 year-old Joseph Butler was taken into custody in Bloomington in connection with the Sunday shooting that occurred at the Speedway gas station on East Fourth Street and 6th Avenue East, next to the Whole…

Minnesota High Court To Hear Debate On Cameras In Courtroom

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court will arguments on whether to permanently allow cameras in the courtroom, following trials by ex-police officers Derek Chauvin and Kim Potter that were watched by millions of people around the world. An advisory committee made up of Minnesota judges, attorneys and court personnel is recommending the court continue its routine of…

Oliver Bridge In Gary New Duluth To Close For Inspection

The bridge will be closed September 21-23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — A heads up for people who use the Oliver Bridge in Gary New Duluth. It will be closing for inspection September 21 for a few days. The bridge is located above the St. Louis River at the junction of Highway 39 and Wisconsin Highway 105. It will be closed daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There…

Minnesota Jobless Rate Edges Up To 1.9% In August, Still Near Record Low

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota’s unemployment rate ticked up to 1.9% in August as hiring slowed, though the jobless rate remains near a historic low amid a tight labor market. The state lost 3,100 jobs in August, according to Minnesota Employment and Economic Development officials. State officials also revised July’s gains downward to 17,100 from their initial estimate of 19,100. Minnesota had…

Local Fire Departments Provide Parents with Car Seat Safety Clinics

Car seat clinics are held in Duluth, Superior and Cloquet, you can find a clinic close to you by visiting your local fire departments website.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three out of four car seats in America are not properly installed, which could potentially lead to your child not having enough protection in a crash. At a firehall in Duluth on Thursday, St. Luke’s provided parents an opportunity to learn how to properly install a car seat. The safety clinic is something provided every month in a…

University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday marks year 50 for the medical school within UMD’s campus. For the past 5 decades, the medical school has given Bulldogs the opportunity to gain medical training to become future physicians. Thursday, campus and city leaders came together to celebrate the milestone. Duluth’s campus provides a unique focus on rural family medicine, as well as Native…

One Building Deemed Total Loss after Duluth Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, downtown Duluth was smoke-filled after a building caught fire in the Central Hillside neighborhood. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, a fire was reported on 522 East Fourth Street at 5:37pm. Engulfed in the flames was the Lake Superior Medical Equipment building and four apartment units above it. 38 Duluth firefighters worked to distinguish…

Uncle Loui’s Café Survives Next-Door Building Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, one building was engulfed in flames in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood and many expressed concern for Uncle Loui’s, a beloved Café next door. Uncle Loui’s Café has been around Duluth since 1993. It’s a fan favorite brunch hub, and it wouldn’t be the first time Loui’s had faced fire. In April of 2007, the café…

Nearly 15,000 Nurses Return to Hospitals after MNA Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, nearly 15,000 nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association returned to work after their historic three-day strike. The strike came after months of unresolved contract negotiations between the MNA and 15 minnesota hospitals, with nurses expressing frustration over what they say are unsafe staffing levels and not enough pay. Here in the Twin Ports, St. Luke’s…

Man Found Dead In Work-Related Accident In Industrial Township

INDUSTRIAL TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A 40 year-old man died in a work-related accident Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened in the Industrial Township in St. Louis County. First responders got the call just before 3 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. It is unclear what happened, but the Sheriff’s Office says the 40 year-old Brad Wojtysiak from Culver…

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Inline Marathon Route From Two Harbors To Duluth

DETAILED ROAD CLOSURES FROM THE DULUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT:  “On Friday, September 16, at 3:00 p.m Harbor Drive between the Irvin slip and the Aquarium will close to traffic for Kid’s Inline Sprint Races. The Great Lakes Aquarium lot will remain accessible during this time. It will open at the conclusion of the Inline Marathon on Sunday, September 18 at 8:00…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Oktoberfest Takes Over Bayfront Park Sept. 16-18

DULUTH, Minn. — Dust off your lederhosen and lace up your dirndl, Duluth’s Oktoberfest is back this weekend at Bayfront Festival Park. The fun starts Friday, Sept. 16 with cold German beer, Bovarian food, all types of games and activities, and of course authentic live music. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger got a flavor of that music on the morning show…

Thousands Of Striking Nurses Return To Work In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Thousands of nurses returned to work Thursday at Minnesota hospitals following a three-day strike over wage increases and staffing and retention made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the Minnesota Nurses’ Association at 15 hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports walked off the job Monday. Nurses could soon learn what impact the strike may have had…

Mixed Income Cottage Rentals Coming to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A new option for rental housing is coming to the northland, and it’s not one size fits all. Cottage villas will be up for rent, priced for mixed income households. Tucked within the trees of a West Duluth neighborhood, the Fairmount Cottage Development is planting multiple new housing seeds. “There’s one word that I know that we…

Final Day of MNA Nurse Strike: What Next?

DULUTH, Minn. — For the past two days, nearly 15,000 nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association have been on strike. The strike comes after months of unresolved contract negotiations between the MNA and 16 minnesota hospitals, with nurses expressing frustration over staffing levels and not enough pay. Here in the Twin Ports, S. Luke’s and Essentia Health say MNA nurses…

St. Paul Man Who Targeted 1,100 Victims In Sextortion Scheme Sentenced

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The man who targeted hundreds of girls in a sextortion scheme has been sentenced to 43 years in federal prison. Yue Vang, 31, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of production of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort. He was sentenced to 516…

Coffee Conversation: Learning & Libations Fundraiser, ‘Trombone For Two’ Performs

DULUTH, Minn. – Music group Trombone For Two will be playing tunes at the Duluth Library Foundation’s 11th annual Learning & Libations fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6:45 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the downtown branch. Trombone For Two helped preview the event on the morning show Wednesday by playing three fantastic songs.  See those below and hear more about…

Law Enforcement Nabs 10% More Drivers For DWIs During Summer Safety Campaign

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says an 18-day stretch of extra patrols at the end of August into early September netted more DWI arrests compared to last summer. From August 19th through September 5th, more than 1,200 drivers were arrested for being impaired. Last year, that number was a little more than 1,100. There were almost 300…

Everything Looking Up For Hawk Ridge Bird Migration

DULUTH, Minn. — Some people may be sad that summer is over, but fall also brings a lot of excitement and anticipation to others. This was the familiar and wonderful scene at Hawk Ridge today. Mother nature and the great migration are underway. Hawks in all sizes and species filled the sky and watching from below were the viewing faithful….

KOOCHICHING CTY: FEMA Denies Individual Flood Help / SBA Offers Loans

KOOCHICHING COUNTY — After months of historic flooding near International Falls, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, says it will not be assisting individual residents in fixing the damage. Koochiching County Emergency Management says FEMA found not enough individual property damage to qualify for the assistance program. County Sheriff Perryn Hedlund says, they were told the protective measures put…

Inside the Hospital amidst MNA Nurse Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — As thousands of nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association walked out and hit the picket lines, many are left wondering what’s going on inside of the hospitals now. Tuesday was day two of the three-day MNA nurse strike. The strike comes after months of contract negotiations between the MNA and 16 Minnesota hospitals, with nurses expressing frustration…

New Superior National Forest Supervisor Announced

DULUTH, Minn. — A new Superior National Forest Supervisor was announced Tuesday afternoon. Tom Hall is coming from Washington D.C. where he served in the USDA Forest Service. He has over 20 years of experience in sustainable land management principles. Hall said in a press release, “I am looking forward to helping the Forest, Tribes and Partners continue to manage the…