News

Supreme Court Tosses Wisconsin Legislative Voting Maps

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday threw out Wisconsin state legislative maps that were preferred by the state’s Democratic governor and selected by Wisconsin’s top court, making it unclear what the boundaries will be for the fall election. But while the justices in an unsigned opinion threw out voting maps the Wisconsin Supreme Court had selected for the…

Madeleine Albright, 1st Female US Secretary Of State, Dies

WASHINGTON (AP) — Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. secretary of state, has died of cancer, her family said Wednesday. She was 84. President Bill Clinton chose Albright as America’s top diplomat in 1996, and she served in that capacity for the last four years of the Clinton administration. At the time, she was the highest-ranking woman in the history…

Midday Update March 23, 2022

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Morning Update March 23, 2022

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Visit Duluth’s New President A Native Of Italy, Ready To Move Forward ‘Like A Rocket’

DULUTH, Minn. – The newly configured Visit Duluth officially has a new president to lead its convention and visitor center operations. This comes as Twin Cities marketing firm Bellmont Partners now handles all marketing for the city. Daniele Villa was born and raised in Italy, most recently managed luxury shows and conventions in Dubai and has lived in Duluth the…

Duluth Sister Cities International Won’t Drop Sister City Petrozavodsk, Russia Amid War

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Sister Cities is speaking out in support of Petrozavodsk, Russia, which is one of Duluth’s sister cities, as that country’s leader continues to pummel Ukraine. In an email Tuesday to Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors, Sister Cities board members said they condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and they stand in solidarity of the people of…

Benders Shoes Reopens at New Location in Duluth

DULUTH, MN – Benders Shoes in Duluth has moved into a new, larger location and is now open to bringing its customers a wider selection of products.  After being in its previous location for 9 years providing men’s and women’s shoes and accessories, the larger blueprint allows them the space to now offer kid’s shoes, clothing, and gifts. “We’ve been…

Birdwatching 101 at Duluth Folk School

DULUTH, Minn. – The birds are starting to come back and in preparation, the Duluth Folk School had its first Birdwatching 101 class of the season Tuesday, which is an annual class that couldn’t happen the past two years due to COVID. The class teaches how to be a successful bird watcher by learning tips on how to find them,…

Mark Anderson Memorial Concert Happening Sunday, March 27th

DULUTH, Minn. – The twin ports music scene is remembering the life of a well-respected musician with a memorial concert this Sunday. Mark Anderson, who died this month of pancreatic cancer, was a musician well known among the Duluth music community for his style and original twist on jazz renditions of pop songs. For the last couple of decades he…

UMD Grad Students Participates in Great Lakes Winter Research

DULUTH, MN – Student researchers and scientists at UMD and several other institutions recently gathered samples from across the Great Lakes to understand what is happening under the ice during the winter months.  It has been thought that the lakes lay dormant during the winter so most research is done during the summer months. The effort, known as “The Winter…

Wildwoods Preparing for Spring, Warning About Rabbit & Bird Diseases

DULUTH, Minn. – The arrival of spring weather means the emergence of baby animals in the wild. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation took their first assistance call of the season March 21, reuniting a baby squirrel with its mother.  They are reminding people to watch for nests, burrows, and dens as they begin yard, tree, and garden work.  Removing a baby animal’s home…

Late Season Winter Storm No Issues for MnDOT

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter weather is not leaving the Northland yet, and road crews have been busy prepping for the wide range of precipitation that has fallen. MnDOT says this winter has seen few days of rest with persistent light snowfalls and below zero temperatures.  Preparations for this storm have been routine, with warmer temperatures last weekend allowing them to pre-treat…

Wisconsin Dad Wants Cop Charged For Restraint Of Daughter

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin father is demanding that prosecutors charge an off-duty police officer who appears to have briefly pressed his knee into his 12-year-old daughter’s neck similar to how Derek Chauvin restrained George Floyd. Surveillance video appears to show off-duty Kenosha Police Officer Shawn Guetschow press his knee into Jerrel Perez’s daughter’s neck for about 25 seconds…

Minnesota DNR: Line 3 Work Harmed Groundwater More Than We Knew

The state Department of Natural Resources says Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile pipeline across northern Minnesota last year.

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9/AP) – The damage to public groundwater resources in Minnesota from missteps during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline is more severe than previously known, state environmental regulators said. Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile (550-kilometer) pipeline across northern Minnesota last year and the company faces…

Wisconsin Anglers Ready For Steelhead Trout Opener On Brule River

A late-season storm is on its way, but anglers are getting anxious for this weekend’s steelhead trout opener in Wisconsin. The owner of Great Lakes Fly Shop, John Fehnel, says fly fishing this early in the season isn’t the easiest because many rivers are still iced up, but the diehards will get out this weekend on the popular Brule River,…

Duluth’s Second Harvest Food Bank 41% Toward Fundraising Goal During FoodShare Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, a campaign through the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. From now until April 10th, donations made to food banks will be reported to the GMCC FoodShare program, which will turn around and match a portion of what they raised. The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth not only has its…

Park Trails Shutting Down For Maintenance

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is in the air, which means some trails will be closing soon for the season. The bi-annual spring thaw is a crucial time for hiking trails. The freezing and thawing of the ground makes activities such as biking, hiking, walking, and running, damaging. During this period, vulnerable trails will be shut down. Duluth Parks and Recreation reminds…

First Free Cone Day in Two Years

DULUTH, Minn. – Free Cone day was back Monday at Dairy Queen, after it was called off the past two years due to COVID. It was Dairy Queen’s way of kicking off spring and the warmer weather to come. The deal was limited to one free cone per person and if you wanted to upgrade, you can do so for…

Babbitt Mayor Running As Republican For District 3 State Senate Seat

BABBITT, Minn. — The mayor of Babbitt is launching her campaign for the District 3 Minnesota State Senate seat. Andrea Zupancich, who has served as Babbitt’s mayor since 2014, is running as a Republican. She also held a seat on Babbitt’s city council for two years before becoming mayor. Her announcement comes on the heels of State Senator Tom Bakk…

Local Café Helps Raise Awareness with Ukrainian Inspired Menu

DULUTH, MN – Over the weekend, Sara’s Table in Duluth was raising awareness for Ukraine by creating a menu of Ukrainian inspired dishes.  Aside from the eastern European cuisine, they shared information on how customers could get involved in donating to the Ukrainian relief effort themselves. “Well that’s sort of the mission statement of the restaurant, is to help the…

Tugboat ‘Lake Superior’ Partially Sinks In Duluth Port

The U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring the situation but has not seen any environmental impacts, according to officials.

DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating after a retired tugboat partially sunk in the Duluth Port Monday morning. At this time, there are no reports of any pollution impacts to the environment, according to Lt. Joseph McGinnis, with the Coast Guard. McGinnis said the partial sinking was reported around 9 a.m. near the Compass Minerals dock off…

U of M Asks Lawmakers for $30M for Scholarships

Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their first year and $1,000 to $2,000 in each of their next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota officials are asking legislators to approve $30 million for scholarships for students who attend regional campuses. The Star Tribune reports the proposed Greater Minnesota Scholarship Program would go give money to Minnesota residents who enroll as freshmen at the university’s Duluth, Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses. Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their…

Comedian, Podcast Host Tom Segura Headed to DECC this September

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- In September, comedian and podcast host Tom Segura will be performing at the DECC, as part of the third leg of his world tour. According to a spokesperson with the DECC, Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business.  He recently performed to sold-out audiences on his 100+ city Take It Down Tour. He is best…

UMD Women’s Hockey Falls to Ohio State in National Championship Game

The Bulldogs end the year with a 27-11-1 overall record.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Penn. – A late third period goal proved to be the difference as the Ohio State women’s hockey team won its first-ever national championship with a 3-2 win over UMD. Naomi Rogge and Elizabeth Giguere scored the goals for the Bulldogs while Emma Soderberg finished with 33 saves. Rogge, who finished with two goals on the weekend, and…

Family, Friends Remember Eveleth-Native Jimmy Hill, Killed While Caring for Sick Partner in Ukraine

68-year-old Jimmy Hill was confirmed to be one of ten people gunned down by Russian forces while waiting in line for bread in the city of Chernihiv.

The war between Russia and Ukraine hits closer to home as last week after Eveleth native Jimmy Hill was killed while waiting in line for bread – a harsh reminder of the far-reaching impacts of the conflict. “When I’d wake up the first thing I would do is check and his message would be ‘made it through the night, still…

UMD Students Root for Bulldog Women in Frozen Four with Gear from UMD Stores

Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the UMD Women’s Hockey Team lost to Ohio State after a hard-fought game, leading up to the championship excitement was bubbling on the UMD campus and merch was flying off the shelves at the school’s Store. Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four. And…

Fans Show Up to Support UMD Women’s Hockey During National Championship Game

Watch parties were held across Duluth on Sunday including on UMD's campus and at Tavern on the Hill, bringing together hockey fans of all ages to cheer on the Bulldogs. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been 12 years since Bulldog country was able to support the UMD women’s hockey team in the national championship game. But that changed on Sunday and fans came out ready and excited to cheer on their team. “Nothing feels better than watching our women who people didn’t think they were going to make it this far,…

Saint Fennessey 4k Returns To Normal Operation

A record 728 runners took off Saturday morning for the first Grandma’s race of 2022.

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On a beautiful blue sky day, came a sea of green as a record number of racers came out for the annual Fennessey 4k “We are thrilled that we can be back here it’s been a long couple years for everybody,” Zach Schneider, Marketing and PR Director For Grandmas Marathon said. A record 728 runners took off…

Gearheads Rev Their Engines at DECC’s Motorhead Madness

The event featured 150 classic cars, trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, race cars, and more, which require lots of work and restoration.

DULUTH, Minn.- Gearheads gathered at the DECC for the return of Motorhead Madness — back for the first time since 2019. The event featured 150 classic cars, trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, race cars, and more, which require lots of work and restoration. One car owner worked on his dream car, a 1966 Pontiac GTO for three and a half years!…

Kids Have Fun with ‘Maggot Art,’ Planetarium Visit at UMD’S STEM Discovery Day

Kids learned about microplastics, electricity, carbon, and visited the Allworth Planetarium.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday middle and high school students interested in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM got hands-on with some experiments and activities with the help of some bulldogs. UMD’S Swenson College of Science and Engineering brought its annual Stem Discovery Day back to campus. Kids learned about microplastics, electricity, carbon, and visited the Allworth Planetarium….

Preservation Alliance Rallies to Save Former Hotel Astoria Building from Demolition After Businesses Forced Out

The Duluth Preservation Alliance said this is part of an attack on the Historic Arts and Theater, or HART District.

DULUTH, Minn.- Historic preservationists in Duluth met to call on the City not to demolish the former Hotel Astoria building months after the small businesses inside were forced out by a California-based developer. Hall Equities, a real estate investment, and development company announced plans to demolish the Hotel Astoria building on Superior Street across the street from the Duluth Candy…

Local Businesses Preparing to Host Watch Parties as UMD Women’s Hockey Gets Set to Play in National Championship Game

There will be watch parties at the Kirby Student Center, Hoops Brewing and Tavern on the Hill for Sunday's national championship game.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Sunday, the UMD women’s hockey team will play for the national championship for the first time in 12 years, and there are plenty of places around town where you can cheer on the Bulldogs. Students can gather at the Kirby Student Center on UMD’s campus to watch the game, and there will also be watch parties…

Gov. Walz Orders Minnesota Flags at Half Staff in Remembrance of U.S. Rep. Don Young

Photo: AP/File MINNESOTA- In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Governor Tim Walz ordered all flags statewide at half-staff until midnight Saturday, in honor and remembrance of U.S. Representative Don Young, who passed away Friday night. Sometimes called the Dean of the House, the 88-year-old Alaska Congressman was the longest-serving member, serving 25 terms, and was about…

Early Morning Fire Destroys Side Lake Liquor on Iron Range

Photo: Friends of the Northland FireWire FRENCH TWP., Minn.- Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire Saturday that burned an Iron Range Liquor Store down. According to a spokesperson with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, around 7:05 a.m. Saturday, deputies and several fire departments responded to a structure fire at the Side Lake Liquor store in French township….

Video Shows Cop Kneeling on Wisconsin Student’s Neck While Breaking Up Fight

The girl’s father has called for criminal charges against the officer for using a type of restraint that was banned for Wisconsin law enforcement officers last year.

KENOSHA, Wis. – School officials in Kenosha, Wisconsin, released surveillance footage that shows an off-duty police officer putting his knee on a 12-year-old girl’s neck to restrain her amid a lunchtime fight. The Kenosha Unified School District released redacted footage of the March 4 fight on Friday. It shows Kenosha officer Shawn Guetschow intervening in the fight and then scuffling…

UMD Grad Calls Eveleth-Native Killed in Ukraine ‘helpful guy, open-minded person’

Hill was staying in Ukraine to support his partner who was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

MINNESOTA- We’re learning more about the Eveleth native killed waiting in line for bread in Ukraine as his friend shares some of her memories. Jimmy Hill was identified Thursday as one of several people killed when Russian forces opened fire on civilians in Chernihiv. Hill was staying in Ukraine to support his partner who was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Sasha…

City of Duluth Spent $1.6 Million on Water Main Breaks, Leaks In 2021

According to Duluth's Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Water main breaks in the City of Duluth this year have not only been gushing out water but they’ve been forcing the city to gush out money for repairs. According to Duluth’s Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks. The record…