News

Police: No ‘Obvious Trauma’ in Deaths of 7 Minnesota People

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say preliminary autopsy results show seven people whose bodies were discovered inside a Minnesota home did not die from “any obvious trauma.” Police say all seven victims, including three minors, lived at the residence in south Moorhead. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul conducted the autopsies but did not determine a cause…

Midday Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

With Christmas in the Balance, Nations Eye UK Omicron Surge

LONDON (AP) – Britain’s main nurses’ union has warned that exhaustion and surging coronavirus cases among medical staff are pushing them to the breaking point. That is adding to pressure on the government for new restrictions to curb record numbers of infections driven by the omicron variant. The warning Monday throws into stark relief the unpalatable choice Prime Minister Boris…

Intertribal Agency Faults Wisconsin Review of Line 5 Reroute

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An intertribal agency says Wisconsin’s draft environmental review for a reroute of an oil and gas pipeline is incomplete and flawed. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released its draft environmental impact statement last week for a roughly 40-mile reroute of Enbridge’s Line 5 in Ashland and Iron counties. The pipeline carries up to 23 million gallons…

Midwestern Journalist, Comedian, Actor, Charlie Berens Coming to Duluth

Berens will be Performing at the DECC March 24 & 25

DULUTH, Minn. –  Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute, Charlie Berens, is making a stop in Duluth. Berens will be performing at the DECC Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to showtime. The Wisconsin native has been featured on FOX, CBS, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV…

Prosecutor: Minnesota Cop Negligent in Daunte Wright’s Death

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A prosecutor is telling jurors that the suburban Minneapolis police officer who says she meant to use her Taser instead of her gun when she shot and killed Black motorist Daunte Wright knew what she did was wrong. The jury will get the case against Kim Potter following Monday’s closing arguments. Prosecutor…

Morning Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

‘Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive’ Makes Sure Hundreds Have Presents to Open on Christmas

500 gifts went to families in the Twin Ports who may have been experiencing hardships before and because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- T’ was the weekend before Christmas, and all through Shake It juice shop were hundreds of toys, and just outside sat a line of rides for the Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. “I think holidays are hard for everybody and especially the last 2 years with COVID and hardships,” said Tara Aase, volunteering for her second year…

Live Outdoor Nativity Returns to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts available inside

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday’s cold weather didn’t stop one Duluth church from bringing their live nativity scene back outside. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Superior Street held their live nativity scene outside for the second year in a row to keep things COVID-safe. People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts…

Gordy’s Gift and Garden Center Goes All Out For Holiday Shopping

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s always a busy time of year around the holidays especially for local businesses who provide just what people are looking for. Gordy’s Gift and Garden on Miller Trunk Highway in Duluth offer an array of products like thousands of house plants, local and regionally made gifts and Christmas trees too. They go all out during Christmas,…

4 Adults, 3 Children Found Dead Inside Moorhead Home, Police Say

MOORHEAD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Police say that seven people were found dead inside a northwestern Minnesota home Saturday night. According to police, family members were conducting a welfare check when they found the individuals and called 911. The Moorhead Police Department and Moorhead Fire arrived around 7:50 p.m. Saturday at the 4400 block of 13 Street South, and first responders confirmed…

Manchin Can’t Support Dems’ $2T bill, Potentially Dooming It

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Joe Manchin says he can’t back his party’s signature $2 trillion social and environment bill. That would deal a seemingly fatal blow to President Joe Biden’s leading domestic initiative heading into an election year when Democrats’ narrow hold on Congress was already in peril. The West Virginia senator said on “Fox News…

Educational Event Held About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn. — An event was held Saturday evening at the Radisson Hotel to continue the conversation of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to educate the public about the domestic violence that many of them face. “There are quite a few people in our city that have gone missing or have been murdered, my cousin being one of them…

Grad Walk Ceremony Celebrates UWS Fall Graduates

Around 50 students participated in the grad walk at the Yellowjacket Union.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Saturday, dozens of UWS Yellowjackets walked in their cap and gowns to receive their diplomas in person for their fall graduation ceremony. 327 students graduated Saturday and even though the university is not back to traditional ceremonies just yet, they still wanted to recognize students in some way for their accomplishments. Around 50 students participated in the…

First Great Hall Marketplace Held at The Depot

Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas.

DULUTH, Minn. — The first-ever Great Hall Marketplace was held Saturday at the Depot, covering three different floors, and welcoming hundreds of people through its halls. Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas. Since starting at 10 AM Saturday morning, hundreds went through doing some last-minute holiday shopping,…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Last Makers Market at Hoops Brewing

The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints.

DULUTH, Minn.-. It was a day full of local holiday shopping on the last weekend before Christmas as Hoops Brewing in Canal Park hosted the last of their Saturday makers markets. The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints. “Shopping with emotion, it’s like feelings,…

OSHA Vaccine Mandate Penalties to Start Jan. 10

The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9.

UNDATED (AP)- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says it will not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10. This will give companies time to adjust to and implement the requirements. The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9. Saturday’s announcement came after the U.S….

Leader of Planned Parenthood in Upper Midwest Stepping Down

The five-state organization provides health care to more than 100,000 patients each year.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The president of Planned Parenthood’s affiliate in the upper Midwest says she is stepping down from her position next year. Sarah Stoesz oversaw the organization for nearly 20 years and grew it into one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country as it expanded from Minnesota and South Dakota to incorporate North Dakota, Iowa, and…

Sun Country Airlines Officially Takes Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Travelers celebrated with the Duluth International Airport Friday as they held a ceremony, introducing Sun Country’s new flight service. Sun Country Airlines officially opened at the Duluth International Airport, offering direct flights from Duluth to Phoenix, or Fort Myers. This is the first time the airline has been offered in Duluth, giving people the chance to escape…

Duluth Officials: Mask Mandates Don’t Look To Make a Comeback

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Omicron variant and others continue to threaten the US including the Northland, people are starting to wonder if mask mandates will make a return. Multiple states have already re-instated their indoor mask mandates like California and New York, but with cases rising, and Minnesota seeing a larger surge of the virus, the question lingers of…

UMD Students Head Home After Last Day of Last Semester of 2021

The first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students wrapped up their final day of classes for the semester today. It was the first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season. It was a quiet last day on campus, as many students wrapped up their final tests and prepared to head home…

‘Thrifters’ in Duluth Seeing Calmer Business After Busy Early Holiday Shopping Season

Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour.

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday crowds are starting to die down at one local thrift store in Duluth, which has plenty of options for those last-minute gifts. Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour. Staff there say…

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re still looking for a fresh Christmas tree this holiday season you may be out of luck. That’s because after starting to sell them in mid-November, Hoffbauer Tree Farm saw a large rush during the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though they sold the same amount of trees as last year, they sold out by December 11th which…

Depot Hosting ‘Great Hall’ Marketplace

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot is preparing to host their first-ever Depot Great Hall Marketplace on Saturday. There are over 60 artists and vendors spanning three floors of the depot. Organizers hope to create a lively and festive atmosphere, all to help the local craft community who will be offering attendees a little bit of everything. “From…

Businesses Brace For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and businesses in Canal Park are bracing for holiday shoppers to come in for their last-minute gifts. Over at Lake Superior Art Glass, they are continuing to host their design your own snowmen and design your own ornaments sessions until the end of the month. The popular events have been bringing…

Midday Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

74-Year-Old Babbitt Man Dies in Morse Township Accident

74-Year-Old George Amitrano Was Pronounced Dead on the Scene

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports 74-year-old George J. Amitrano of Babbitt died Thursday, Dec. 16 shortly before 3:30 p.m. after a single-vehicle accident. First responders and law enforcement responded to reports of the crash in the 1900 block of Highway 21 North in Morse Township. When crews arrived, they determined the vehicle contained only…

Morning Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

New Owner, New Vision: Three Downtown Duluth Businesses Forced Out

The City of Duluth Has Not Received Any Applications from Hall Equities

DULUTH, Minn. – During what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, heartbreak this evening from three business owners in downtown Duluth. Chinese Dragon is now set to close. Hucklebeary and Old Town Antiques and Books, forced to relocate. All this news comes within less than two months. “It’s like a family,” said Carol Jouppi, owner of…

Duluth Public Library Launches ‘Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book’

DULUTH, Minn. – “Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book” is on display at the Duluth Public Main Library. In the spirit of the holiday season, the display features a selection of wrapped books targeted for teens, with each book giving a small description of what to expect inside. As people walk by the display, library staff encourage visitors to…

Team Shuster’s Chris Plys Talks Family Charity “Project Joy”

The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local fundraisers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chris Plys will be pulling double duty next month at the 2022 Winter Olympics as he will compete for Team USA in mixed doubles and team curling. In the meantime, he’ll be spreading the word about his family’s charity called “Project Joy”. The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local…

December-Soaked Storm Thaws Rinks, Quickens Slopes

While outdoor rinks lost ice to the rain, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed faster slopes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…

Babbitt Man Dead After One-Vehicle Crash; ‘Slippery Road’ Contributing Factor

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 74-year-old Babbitt man is dead after a one-vehicle accident Thursday in Morris Township, and authorities believe it was weather related. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Highway 21 North. The driver, whose name was not released Thursday, died at the scene.   Nobody else…

New Recording Studio Opens In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new place for musicians to record in the Twin Ports. Spoon’s Studio recently opened near Lake Superior Zoo. It’s named after the owner Solomon Witherspoon, who says he has always wanted one.  He’s hoping to make the space a place where the city can come together and welcome everyone. “Regardless of who you are, where you…

Duluth Fire Department Takes Part in Annual Toy Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department went on a little shopping spree at Target on Thursday to support The Salvation Army and Toyland Express. To make this all happen, they collect money from retired and active firefighters which allows them to help support the community. Every year they eclipse their fundraising goal. This year, they raised nearly $7,000 all…

One Roof Bringing Back Tool Library Program

DULUTH, Minn. — If you have a home project you’re working on, you can borrow the free tools over at One Roof Community Housing. The non-profit is now relaunching its tool lending program. First started back in 2012, one roof is now updating its tool lending library courtesy of a $5,000 grant from the Northland Foundation. The library will have…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Gov. Walz Announces Increased COVID Testing Through the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday Governor Walz announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays. “Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these…

Wisconsin Unemployment Ties Monthly Low of 3%

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s unemployment rate tied a record low of 3% in November, a number last hit exactly three years ago, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday. The state rate is below the national unemployment rate of 4.2% for November. The state rate was down from 3.2% in October. Wisconsin gained 12,300 private-sector jobs over the…

Midday Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Bentleyville to Reopen Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be reopening tonight after forecasted inclement weather caused organizers to close the popular holiday lights display Wednesday night. Bentleyville will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Organizers are reminding visitors to bring food items and toys for the Salvation Army. There was no mention of storm damage to any of the…

Morning Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather