Minnesota

23rd ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE

Duluth, Minn. — Lake Superior played host to the 23rd Annual Polar Plunge in Duluth this afternoon.  Some 600 people were scheduled to take the plunge to help raise funds for Special Olympics. Ryan Temple of the Duluth Police Department said, “Law enforcement is the number one supporter and fund raiser for Special Olympics and the world. So to see…

AmeriCorps Members Help Local Students with SEL

Dultuh, Minn. — The pandemic had, in the words of the Brookings Institute, a devastating impact on students.  It not only affected academic levels, but with students not having interactions with other students their social skills were also impacted. True North AmeriCorps is helping 30 schools and other organizations work with children to help the students with their Social Emotional…

Duluth’s Amazing Grace To Host ‘Last Hurrah’ After 27 Years In Business

Amazing Grace Cafe & Grocery, a staple in Canal Park for 27 years, will close the doors for good at the end of February. The decision to close, according to the owner Connor riley, was very difficult to make but the right one after trying to fight through the pandemic and its aftermath. Amazing Grace has been providing locally sourced,…

Fire Destroys Two-Story Home Near Cook

Courtesy: St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office BEATTY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Fire ripped through a two-story home north of Cook Friday evening. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the fire broke out around 4:50 p.m. on the 8700 block of Raps Road in Beatty Township. When firefighters arrived, the structure was fully engulfed in flames. Nobody was inside the home…

Company Fined $387K For Hiring Children To Clean Slaughterhouses In Minnesota

(FOX 9) – The company sued by the U.S. Department of Labor for using child labor at slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities in Minnesota and seven other states paid over $1.5 million in penalties on Friday, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL said Packers Sanitation Services Inc (PSSI) paid civil penalties to facilities in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee…

Talking with IRRRB Commissioner Ida Rukavina

Duluth, Minn — It’s been just a month and a half since Ida Rukavina was appointed commissioner of the IRRRB. For most of that time, she has been in St. Paul talking with legislators and committees about the IRRRB and its needs.  Rukavina is a name most people in the area will recognize…Ida Rukavina is the new commissioner of the…

Coffee Conversation: Ojibwe Winter Games Returns to UMD

DULUTH, Minn. — Ojibwe Winter Games returns to UMD for second year, displaying traditional Ojibwe games and experiences for students and community members. Iris Carufel, Assistant Director of UMD’s American Indian Learning Resource Center, joined FOX21 on Friday’s morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. The event is taking place from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Bagley Nature Area. People can…

Bent Paddle Turns Original Tap Room Into THC, CBD ‘Cann-A-Lounge’

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz declared Feb. 16 Beer Day in Minnesota.  That means breweries in Duluth were celebrating with specials. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Associations said it’s a day to celebrate not just the past of beer in the state, but also how far it has come, and what the future holds. In the past 20-plus years, more…

56th Annual Duluth Sport Show At The DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The 56th Annual Duluth Sport Show is coming to the DECC this weekend. The show features many different opportunities truly making it feel like you are in the great outdoors. From hunting, fishing, camping, traveling gear and events, to testing your boating skills. There is even a waterskiing squirrel. This is a family friendly event with an…

Eli Hart Killing: Mom Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murdering Her Son

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Eli Hart’s mother Julissa Thaler has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering her 6-year-old son on May 20, 2022. Thaler was sentenced Thursday, Feb. 16, to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of first-degree murder. Before the judge handed down her sentence, she said she was innocent, used an expletive and called everyone…

UMD, UWS Offer Support After Fatal Michigan State University Shooting

UMD and UWS sent emails to students, faculty and staff to offer support and guidance following the fatal Michigan State University shooting. The following message was sent by UMD Interim Chancellor Dave McMillan: “The events of last evening at Michigan State University are horrifying. UMD shares in the sadness and sorrow of the Michigan State University community. We honor the…

Minnesota National Guard and Norway Sign State Partnership Program Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – “Today, the U.S. is Norway’s most important ally,” Chief of the Norwegian Home Guard, Elisabeth Michelsen says. It’s been five decades since two generals, one from the United States and the other from Norway met in Norway and shook hands to start the longest running military exchange program between two nations. “That handshake meant so much it…

Jungle Gym Announces March Pro Boxing Match In Duluth

FOX 21's Dan Hanger will be the event's ring announcer

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Jungle Boy Boxing has announced a pro boxing match at The Garden in Canal Park next month. Zach Walters, head coach of Jungle Gym in downtown Duluth told FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s more than pumped to get this fight night in front of hundreds of people March 10th. And if you’ve never been to a…

Duluth Police Ask For Public’s Help Locating Kwik Trip Robbery Suspect

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a robbery suspect who they say targeted the Kwik Trip on the 4200 block Grand Avenue at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday. The following is a post on DPD’s Facebook: “The reporting party stated that the suspected male passed a note to them and demanded money from the till….

Indigenous Families Seek Support/Understanding in Loss of Loved Ones

Feel there is more urgency when other groups need help

The effort to remember Native American women who have been murdered or are missing was the focus of a community event in Duluth Tuesday.  But the issue of violence affects not only women, but also men and entire families. Sage Matthews of Duluth still mourns the loss of her niece and nephew who died separately four years ago.  She and…

Blowing Snow In Northwestern Minnesota Leaves Vehicles Stranded; National Guard Responds

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota National Guard is responding to Clay County, Minnesota, where vehicles have been left stranded during a blizzard warning along Interstate 94 between Fergus Falls and Moorhead. In a news release on Wednesday, Sen. Rob Kupec says Gov. Tim Walz has deployed the Minnesota National Guard to assist motorists and residents amid blizzard conditions. “In light of the severe…

PolyMet Mine In Minnesota Becomes NewRange Copper Nickel

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – PolyMet Mining and Teck Resources finalized a joint venture Wednesday to complete the copper-nickel mine that PolyMet has been developing in northeastern Minnesota, and the partnership hopes to eventually build a separate mine next door in an even larger ore body that Teck controls. The long-planned PolyMet mine near Babbitt will now be known as NewRange Copper…

Felon Voting Rights: Minnesota Supreme Court Makes Decision

(FOX 9) – More than a year after hearing oral arguments, the Minnesota Supreme Court has reached a decision on a highly anticipated case regarding voting rights for convicted felons. On Wednesday, the state’s highest court published its opinion, declining to overturn a Minnesota law (Minnesota Statute 609.165) that bars felons from voting while they’re on parole or probation, essentially leaving the decision to the…

St. Luke’s Celebrates New OB-GYN Clinic And Lab

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s is celebrating the opening of a new multi-million-dollar OB-GYN clinic and lab in Downtown Duluth. The $5.2 million renovation project involved a total renovation of the third floor of the hospital’s Lakeview Building. Which is on the corner of 10th Avenue East and Superior Street. The new space is double the size of the old…

Klobuchar Applauds 148th Fighter Wing In Object Shootdown, Releases New Details

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) provided new details Tuesday from the U.S. Military involving the 148th Fighter Wing’s involvement in shooting down one of three mysterious objects recently spotted up above. “Today at our classified briefing, the Joint Chiefs and other military members specifically acknowledged the Minnesota National Guard and the Duluth airman who shot down the object over Lake…

Two Harbors Residents Vote For 2 Mayoral Candidates On April Ballot

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Residents voted Tuesday in a special primary election for mayor of Two Harbors. Former mayor and current council vice president, Robin Glaser, got the most votes at 289. Lew Conner came in second with 194 votes. Jay Cole got 15 votes and Jillouise Simonson got 10. Glasser and Conner will not head to a special election…

Complaint: Duluth-Area Man Sexually Assaulted 2 Girls, Possibly More

Clint Franklin Massie DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth-area man is accused of sexually assaulting at least two children, and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office believes more victims have yet to come forward. Clint Massie, 48, is charged with four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving young girls. The investigation started in January after a woman came forward with…

Indigenous Women Missing and Murdered Are Remembered

Family and supporters ask that women not be forgotten and encourage action.

Tuesday was a day of remembering and honoring for the Native American community. Specifically, it was a day focused on indigenous women who have been murdered or are missing. The day began at the Robert Powless Cultural Center. A cross-section of groups and people gathered to talk about the issue, remember those who are gone, and to unite in going…

Former Vice President Mike Pence To Visit Minnesota, Iowa This Week

(FOX 9) – Former Vice president Mike Pence will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday. According to an announcement, Pence will deliver remarks, “on defending parents’ rights and combatting the Radical Left’s indoctrination of children.” The speech will be given during oral arguments in Parents Defending Education v. Linn-Mar Community School District, which challenges a policy “designed to…

Local Pizzeria Offers Heart Shaped Pizza For Valentine’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for something Valentine’s Day themed to eat Tuesday, a local pizza place in Duluth is offering some romance. Vitta Pizza, a Neapolitan Pizzeria is offering heart shaped pizza upon request. Vitta is offering these love themed meals at both of their locations in Canal Park and on West Central Entrance. Check out their menu…

Duluth Welcomes New Community Relations Officer

DULUTH, Minn.– The city of Duluth welcomed a new Community Relations Officer Monday. Breanna Ellison is in her new role as she fills the vacancy of previous relations officer. Ellison shadowed Mayor Emily Larson for her first official day, and said she is thrilled to get to work. With experience as a licensed teacher, community organizer and job counselor, Ellison…

Student Led Organization Advocates For UMD Legislative Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. — Monday, UMD students were at the Capitol in St. Paul to lobby on behalf of the University. Bulldog Lobby Day is an annual student led event where students advocate for the University’s legislative priorities. The issues students talked with legislators and staff members about included renovating and updating campus facilities, as well as funding for student scholarships….

Coffee Conversation: Sibling Duo to take on Northern Pines Sled Dog Race

IRON RIVER, WI. — The Iron River Chamber of Commerce presents Northern Pines Sled Dog Race at the at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center on Feb. 18, 2023. Musher siblings Talia (22) and Morgan Martens (16), along with sled dog Keisha, joined FOX21 on the morning show ahead of the race. There will be sprint and mid-distance races,…

Sunny Days Brings Spring-Like Weather

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather was fantastic and the parking lot at Leif Erikson Park was packed with people taking the opportunity to enjoy the sunny day.  People were out with their dogs, children, and even their lunch to welcome in the spring-like weather that we’re experiencing in the Northland. “Well, we’re out and about and it was lunchtime so…

Souper Bowl Raises Money For Damiano Center

DULUTH, Minn. –It may be super bowl Sunday, but I’m here at the Pilgrim Congregational Church where we’re having a “soup-er” bowl of our own. The Souper Bowl of Caring project started in Columbia, South Carolina by the Spring Valley Presbyterian Church’s youth group in 1990, which used the widely celebrated Super Bowl as an opportunity to relieve hunger locally….

Rubik’sCube and other Twisty Puzzles at the DECC.

Duluth, Minn. –There are contests and competitions for just about eerything these day. At the DECC t on SAturday teh Midwest Cubing Association held a competition with cubes, like Rubik’s Cube, but mush more difficult. There were 100 contestants signed up for this speed cubing event. The idea is to solve the cube puzzles as fast as possible. There are…

Friends of the Light Art Projection

DULUTH, Minn.– At the ice skating rink at Bayfront Festival Park, local artists collaborated to create a one of a kind art piece. Friends of the Light was put on by the Duluth Public Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation. Friday and Saturday night, projections were displayed on the side of the ice rink warming shack. The artists created the…

Harding High School Student Fatally Stabbed By Another Student: St. Paul Police

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – St. Paul police say a 15-year-old student was fatally stabbed by another student at Harding High School on Friday. Authorities said the school followed its safety procedures and went into lockdown at approximately 11:45 a.m. Friday. Police were called to the school, and when they arrived, they found school staff members providing aid to a 15-year-old boy who had…

Coffee Conversation: “Duluth Loves Local” Utilizes Social Media to Connect Small Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Loves Local is a social media platform built on supporting and promoting local businesses one post at a time. Duluth Loves Local Team Member Mallory Moore and Dream Cloud Coffee Co-Owner Emily Comnick joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about social media and small businesses. To stay up to date, visit Duluth Loves Local’s…

Minnesota House Passes Free Breakfast, Lunch For All Schoolchildren

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Breakfast and lunch may soon be free for all Minnesota schoolchildren. This comes after the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 70-58 on Thursday to pass a bill (HF5), which would institute universal no-cost school meals across the entire state. The bill now heads to the Minnesota Senate. If the Senate votes to pass the bill, Gov. Tim Walz will surely…