Minnesota

Police Shoot Man in Downtown Minneapolis

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis police officer fatally shot a male who authorities say had a loaded gun in his hand. Interim police Chief Amelia Huffman says the shooting happened at about 7 a.m. Wednesday in a downtown apartment complex. Officers from the Minneapolis department’s SWAT team were serving warrants to help the St. Paul Police Department…

Trial of 3 Cops in Floyd Death Delayed by COVID-19 Diagnosis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s rights was abruptly recessed on Wednesday after one of the defendants tested positive for COVID-19. Judge Paul Magnuson says the court is in recess until Monday. The officer who tested positive wasn’t named by the court, but pool reporters in the courtroom…

Olympic Curler John Shuster to Carry US Flag at Opening Ceremony

  DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Curling Team skip John Shuster has been elected as Team USA’s male flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony at the 2022 Winter Olympics. This is the first time in Olympic history that a curler will carry the American flag at the ceremony. BREAKING: Our skip @Shoostie2010 has received the highest honor in sport, being elected…

Anderson Wins His 4th Beargrease Under Tough Trail Conditions

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – 2022’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was one to remember, with a recurring champion reclaiming his title — a rookie just behind him, and a race trail that gave teams a run for their money. Wisconsin native Ryan Anderson, this year’s champion, came through the finish line around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. First and foremost, he kissed…

Shipping Up In the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Well the numbers are in, the shipping season bounced back this past year after the pandemic dragged it down in 2020, with almost 30 percent more tons of product coming through the port. The product that topped the charts once again was iron ore which continues to be the king cargo for the Duluth port. Iron ore…

Hibbing Police Department Taking Nominations to Name Newest K9

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department is asking for the public’s help in naming its new K9. On Tuesday the department introduced its new electronic detection K9, a two-year-old female black Labrador Retriever. The department’s newest addition is currently housed with Jordan Detection K9 in Greenfield, Indiana. Name nominations will be taken until February 6 and the winning name…

UPDATE: 2 Students Shot Outside Minnesota School; 1 Dead, 1 in Critical Condition

(courtesy: Fox 9) RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Two students were shot, one fatally, outside a suburban Minneapolis school on Tuesday, police said. Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne said the students were shot about 12:07 p.m. outside South Education Center. The surviving student was in critical condition at a local hospital. Henthorne said suspects fled and police searched the area. “This…

State Seeks Long Sentence for Cop Convicted in Wright Death

(Minnesota Department of Corrections via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors say the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the killing of Daunte Wright should face a sentence above the state’s guidelines. But defense attorneys for Kim Potter say she should get a lower sentence – or even probation. Potter is the former white…

City Crews Responding to Multiple Water Main Breaks in Morgan Park

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to multiple water main breaks in Morgan Park. The first break was reported around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near 91st Avenue West. This break put additional pressure on other pipes causing an additional break and water outages in the surrounding area. City officials say water has been turned off…

Former Sheriff, Cop, Legislator Stanek Joins GOP Gov Field

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek has joined the Republican field for governor. In a campaign video posted Tuesday, Stanek touted his experience in law enforcement and attacked Democrats for “letting lawlessness run rampant.” Stanek is a former Minneapolis police officer, Republican state legislator, and public safety commissioner. He lost a close…

Defending Champ Letzring Among 10 Scratched Beargrease Teams, More Drops Possible Officials Say

Temperatures this year are too warm and the "punchy" snow is making it harder for the dogs to run. 

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus MINNESOTA- The Beargrease Marathon’s 300-mile trail was about 10 mushers lighter Tuesday morning, with defending champion Erin Letzring among those who scratched, due to warmth and snow conditions. According to Monica Hendrickson, spokesperson for the marathon, it’s possible more will drop as the race nears its end. Temperatures this year are too warm, Hendrickson said, and the…

Affordable Housing for Seniors Planned For Harbor Highlands In Duluth

The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income.

DULUTH, Minn.- More affordable housing is planned for senior residents in Duluth’s Harbor Highlands neighborhood off Central Entrance. The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income. 7 units will be reserved for qualifying homeless veterans. The $17.5 million project would be funded with a $13.9…

‘Blinking Lights for Safety’ At Proctor School Dist.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Students in Proctor will soon sport a flashy new keychain on their backpacks that helps keep them safe. The school district is partnering with St. Luke’s to attach LED blinking lights on the kids’ backpacks. With flashing strobe settings. With many students coming from more rural towns the lights help them stay safe if walking home from the…

Cove Apartments Planning to Open Phase 2 Building in Downtown Duluth this Fall

Construction is already underway on the corner of Lake Avenue and First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- Phase 2 of the Cove Apartments looking to open this Fall, as officials hope it provides a big boost to Downtown Duluth. Phase 1 of the Cove Apartments saw almost all of its 48 units filled before doors even opened back in late 2020. “So the goal with these historic rehabs is to try to be able to…

Ryan Redington Withdraws from John Beargrease Marathon 

6 dogs have to be standing in harness on the trail, according to race officials. So Redington “scratched” or withdrew from the race.

DULUTH, Minn.- For one veteran musher the Beargrease Marathon was unfortunately cut short Monday, as two-time champion Ryan Redington dropped out after holding a strong lead. Redington was among the top mushers most of the day and entered the trail center checkpoint with about 9 dogs out of 12. He left with only 6. But then he turned around about…

Rita Wehseler Wins 2022 Beargrease 120

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus FINLAND, Minn. – Rita Wehseler took first place Monday in the 2022 Beargrease 120 race. Wehseler arrived at the finish line at 3:59 a.m. Monday morning with a total race time of 17 hours, 7 minutes, and 8 seconds. Second place went to Michael Bestgen with an arrival time of 4:11 a.m. Joanna Oberg came in third…

Former Washington County Judge Tad Jude Announces for AG

(courtesy: judgetadjude.com) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Former Washington County Judge Tad Jude on Monday became the latest Republican hoping to unseat Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison. Jude was a state lawmaker for nearly two decades and also served as a Hennepin County commissioner before being elected to the bench in 2010. He spent 10 years as a judge. Jude said in…

Mayor Larson, Fire Officials: Stop Running Over Hose Lines

DULUTH, Minn. –  Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and firefighters are pleading with drivers to stop running over their hoses at fire scenes before someone gets hurt or even killed. The latest incident happened Friday during a massive fire of a vacant building on East First Street. According to fire officials, when a vehicle drives over a hose line, water pressure…

38th Annual Beargrease Sees Larger Crowds than Normal

You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time.

DULUTH, Minn. — Who is more excited to be here, the dogs or the fans? Spectators excited to return to the start line after a quiet year due to the pandemic. You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time….

Mushers Sent Off to ‘Hike!’ on Beargrease Marathon’s 300-Mile Trail

"It feels like Beargrease, and what makes Beargrease so special," Redington said.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just follow the howls of the excited dogs Sunday and you’d find the Beargrease Marathon mushers and their fans excited to see them tackle the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. “The energy of the dogs, the energy of the fans, it’s just surreal that we’re at this point already,” said Monica Hendrickson, Marketing and…

Fans at Beargrease Starting Line Pack Surrounding Businesses Again

Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Marathon always provides a much-needed boost to businesses by the starting line on the outskirts of Duluth. Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go. This year they offered breakfast sandwiches mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a fire pit with hay bales to enjoy the race outside. After a year with no…

Damaged Duluth Gas Main Fixed, Residents No Longer Need To Turn Down Heat

Without residents' cooperation, neighborhoods were at risk of a full shutoff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth says home and business owners east of Lake Avenue no longer have to keep their thermostats low as crews have assessed and repaired a massive gas main that was damaged last week. According to the City the natural gas main was struck within the ‘can of worms’ construction site on Thursday. It’s the City’s…

Longest Sled Dog Race In Lower 48 States Is Off And Running

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Mushers and teams in the longest sled dog race in the contiguous United States have hit the trail. Courtesy: Marcus Asmus The 300-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon kicked off Sunday morning from Billy’s Bar in Duluth. The teams are headed to Grand Portage in far northeastern Minnesota. There are three other races…

Judge Upholds Minneapolis Vaccine-Or-Test Rule For Eateries

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Hennepin County judge has upheld Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s vaccine-or-test mandate for bar and restaurant customers after several business owners asked for a temporary restraining order against the initiative. The mandate that took effect this month requires customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative virus test within three days to dine at restaurants…

Vets Check Every Paw One Day Before Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Start

22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Before watching the top-of-the-line canines takeoff for Sunday’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon fans got a chance to see them get checkups before race day. 22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday. Each dog’s exam results go into the vet’s…

UPDATE: Standoff with Armed Person at Kwik Trip Ends Peacefully, Duluth Police Say

The Tactical Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to provide resources to resolve the incident quickly and safely.

DULUTH, Minn.- After nearly two hours of police surrounding the evacuated Kwik Trip on 27th Ave. W, an armed individual was arrested without incident outside the store Saturday. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, Officers responded to an armed individual at the Kwik Trip. They blocked off Michigan Street and evacuated the store. The Tactical Response Team…

Duluth Natural Gas Residents Asked to Keep Thermostats Low Through Weekend After Gas Main Break Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- All natural gas residents east of Lake Avenue are asked to maintain 62 degrees inside homes and businesses through the weekend, as City of Duluth crews continue repairing a large gas main that was damaged within the Can of Worms construction going on near Michigan street and 19th Avenue West Thursday. “Crews have been working hard to repair the…

Gas Line Break has Thousands of Duluth Homes Turning Thermostats Down

The City asked residents to turn their thermostats down to 62 degrees to lessen the pressure on the systems, and avoid the possibility of a neighborhood-by-neighborhood shutdown of gas.

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, the city of Duluth asked thousands of residents to turn down their thermostats potentially through Saturday in hopes of avoiding a shutdown of heat during bitterly cold air, after a massive gas pipe break within the can of worms project in Lincoln park. City officials say Thursday afternoon a contractor drove through a piling, hitting…

Hoops Brewing Company Open Again after Pipe Burst Earlier this Month

DULUTH, MN – Back on January 6, a pipe burst forced the temporary closure of Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, flooding part of the building.  After a cleanup effort that took a couple of weeks, there are only a few noticeable differences, but mostly they are grateful to the community for helping them during the ordeal. “We have some…

Downtown Duluth Fire Destroys Building, City Orders Demolition

DULUTH, Minn. — A structure fire that broke out around 2:05 Friday morning on East First Street of downtown Duluth was reported to be out at around 8:30 but crews are still trying to find out how it started. The Duluth Fire Department was on site responding within minutes officials report surrounding buildings were not visibly damaged, and are assessing…

Update: All Natural Gas Customers East of Lake Avenue Asked to Reduce Thermostats to 62 Degrees

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is asking all natural gas customers whose business or home is East of Lake Avenue to reduce their thermostats to 62 degrees until further notice. City officials say making this change will help the City reduce the overall load on the system and avoid the possibility of a neighborhood-by-neighborhood shutdown of gas. Last…

Rent Help in Minnesota: Applications Close Friday Night

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (FOX 9) – The mission of Golden Valley-based nonprofit PRISM is to provide social services and connections that empower people. One of the ways that mission is manifested is through their housing program. They’ve been helping people apply for Rent Help MN, the state’s COVID-19 rental assistance program, for more than a year. Each week, they receive…

Duluth Plow Drivers: Garbage Cans Left On Streets Won’t Survive

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve got your garbage cans all over the street right now, the city of Duluth’s snow plow drivers are hoping you’ll get those cans out of the way so they don’t blast through them when the next snow falls. The city says it’s actually illegal to place your garbage cans and recycle bins in the right…

Duluth Fire Dept. To Drivers: Stop Running Over Hoses At Fire Scenes

  DULUTH, Minn. – A house fire in Duluth is forcing firefighters to issue another plea to drivers to stop running over their hoses when fighting fires. It happened again Thursday morning during am electrical fire on the 700 block of West 4th Street in Duluth. Everybody got out safely. Nobody was injured. But fire officials say several vehicles ran…

Local Law Enforcement Officers Awarded For ‘Hat Trick’ Of 3 DUI Arrests in Each’s Single Shift

The Duluth Police Department had 278 DUI arrests in 2021, up from 2020, but down overall from 314 in 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many have heard about hat tricks in the game of hockey when a player scores 3 goals in one game. But 3 local law enforcement officials scored a hat trick of their own while also protecting their communities. Duluth Police Officer Todd Simmons, St. Louis County Deputy Sheriff Matt Sobczak, and Minnesota State Patrol Officer Jacob Christopherson were…

City Of Duluth Monitoring ‘Large Gas Main Break’ Affecting City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth was working on a large gas main break Thursday evening after a contractor in the Lincoln Park neighborhood “drove through a piling,” according to Kate Van Daele, the city’s public information officer. The break happened around noon Thursday. “The City of Duluth took immediate steps to shut off gas in the area, impacting…

Duluth Fire Department Hires Highest Number of Recruits in Decades

Normally recruits would spend two weeks training at Lake Superior College. this group will do that in spring if COVID-19 positivity rates go down.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a mass exodus of 12 retiring firefighters at the end of 2021, the Duluth Fire Department is finishing bringing on its largest new recruit class in decades. 12 new recruits finished onboarding this week. Normally after being hired they would spend two weeks training at Lake Superior College. this group will do that in spring if COVID-19…