News

Body of Missing Woman Found in Virginia Lake

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The body of a woman reported missing on Tuesday by the Virginia Police Department was found in a lake in Virginia Thursday evening. According to Virginia Police, a distraught caller contacted St. Louis County dispatch on June 29 to report that Amanda Bjork, 30, had not had contact with her family since June 26. Authorities were told…

DTA Looking for Feedback on New Transit Routes

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is continuing the Better Bus Blueprint, which is a re-design of its transit route to be more accessible for new housing and employment areas around the city. In the public outreach part of the process, the DTA is looking for feedback from the community about what they think of the recommended draft…

Visit Duluth’s Future Uncertain As Mayor Larson Reevaluates City’s Tourism Marketing Vision, Dollars

The city has typically given Visit Duluth $2 million in tourism tax revenue every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth, the city’s main tourism marketing arm since 1935, could be no more when its contract is up with the city at the end of the year. This comes after Mayor Emily Larson and her administration opened the job up through a new application process for a one-year contract through 2022. The “request for qualifications,” as…

Bayfront Festival Park Preparing for a Busy Fourth Fest Weekend

Up to 30,000 people are expected to come through Bayfront Festival Park this weekend for three days of live music and celebratory events.

DULUTH, Minn.– Big preparations are underway for one jam-packed 4th of July weekend at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Bayfront Festival Park is expecting between 20,000-30,000 people for Fourth Fest Weekend. We stopped by to find out what they’re doing to prepare, and how they plan on getting these large crowds through the gates. “We’re very excited. By losing a…

67th Spooner Rodeo Starts Next Week

Event goers can expect big crowds after the cancellation of the 2020 rodeo.

SPOONER, Wisc. — Yeehaw! The 67th Annual Spooner rodeo is just around the corner. Thursday, Friday and Saturday next week competitors from all over the world will be in Spooner participating in annual tradition complete with live music and a parade at noon on Saturday. Event goes can expect big crowds after the cancellation of the 2020 rodeo. “We are…

UMD College of Liberal Arts Changes Name

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth is changing the name of their College of Liberal Arts. After the College of Fine Arts and College of Liberal Arts merged into one school in 2020 a name change was brought forth. As of today, the school is officially known as the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Those with the…

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Opens

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center has reopened after closing for more than a year due to the pandemic. Their museum and gift shop is fully open just in time for summer travelers after a year of doing virtual tours they are ready for visitors to come in. “It feels great,” said director Sara Summers-Luedtke. “It’s really nice to…

Housing Development Plans for Duluth’s Enger Park Golf Course Driving Range Area Are On Hold

DULUTH, Minn.- The city is pausing the residential development idea for the Enger Park driving range due to the cost of moving and building the range in a new location. New estimates show it would cost around $1.2 million for a new driving range. Because that is much higher than anticipated, the Public Golf Committee is planning to keep that…

Authorities: Man Stabbed in Gary New Duluth, Suspect Arrested

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say a suspect was arrested around 4:32 p.m. in connection to the Gary-New Duluth stabbing. The investigation remains ongoing. DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they are investigating a stabbing in the Gary-New Duluth neighborhood. The stabbing happened Thursday around 2:18 p.m. outside of Reed’s Pine Board Lodging on the 100 block of West…

Woman Rescued in Park Point Water Emergency

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a water emergency Thursday afternoon just before 4:00 p.m. on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue. According to reports, a woman was heard calling for help roughly 40 feet from the shore. Authorities say the woman was successfully pulled from the water and received medical treatment. Earlier today the Duluth Fire…

Judge Orders Release of Wisconsin Woman in Slender Man Case

(left: Anissa Weier, right: Morgan Geyser) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin judge says a woman convicted of stabbing her classmate to please the Slender Man character in 2014 can be released from a mental health facility. Nineteen-year-old Anissa Weier asked Waukesha County Judge Michael Bohren to release her from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, arguing she was no longer…

Brighton Beach to Close for Construction Beginning Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Thursday that Brighton Beach will close to users beginning Tuesday. The closure is due to the upcoming construction of the Lakewalk extension through the park. According to a recent press release from the city, “The Brighton Beach Mini-Master Plan calls for extension of the Lakewalk relocation of the roadway from the shoreline,…

Duluth Salvation Army Monetary Donations Matched Through July

DULUTH, Minn. -Throughout the month of July, monetary donations to the Duluth Salvation Army will be matched thanks to a partnership with Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless. “There is no reason anyone in Duluth needs to go hungry, especially kids,” said Captain Bryan Ellison, Duluth Salvation Army Officer. “Summer should be a time for family and vacations,…

Midday Update 7-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Seafood Satisfaction with Italian Flare at Dolce Vita in Superior

Cooking Connection: Seafood Alfredo with Dolce Vita Restaurant

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new restaurant has opened in Superior on the 5800 block of Tower Avenue. Dolce Vita cooks up all different types of European cuisine. “It’s a blessing,” said Zudi Maksutoski, owner of Dolce Vita. “You know, I kind of grew up in the kitchen from a little baby and then now to actually get to do this…

Court OKs 3rd-Degree Murder Against 3-Ex Cops in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals says prosecutors may file aiding and abetting third-degree murder charges against three former Minneapolis police officers in the death of George Floyd. The appeals court on Wednesday sent the case back to Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill. He denied prosecutors’ motion to add the charges against former officers J Kueng, Thomas…

Morning Update 7-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

US Jobless Claims Fall to 364,000, a New Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell again last week to the lowest level since the pandemic struck last year, further evidence that the job market and the broader economy are rebounding rapidly from the coronavirus recession. Jobless claims dropped by 51,000 to 364,000. Applications for unemployment benefits have fallen more or less steadily since…

Trump Organization CFO Surrenders Ahead of Expected Charges

(AP) – The Trump Organization’s longtime chief financial officer has surrendered to authorities ahead of an expected court appearance on the first criminal indictment in a two-year investigation into business practices at Donald Trump’s company. Allen Weisselberg was photographed walking into the complex that houses criminal courts and the Manhattan district attorney’s office at around 6:20 a.m. Thursday. New York…

Minnesota Lawmakers Avoid Partial Shutdown as Final Budget Passes

The Final Budget Bill Was Sent to Gov. Tim Walz's Desk Late Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers averted a partial government shutdown at midnight Wednesday by sending the final budget bill to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk. The Senate unanimously approved the $21 billion K-12 education funding agreement, the last must-pass bill before the midnight deadline. Walz has now signed eight budget bills into law and has four others on his desk….

Chamber of Commerce Names Matt Baumgartner Next President

DULUTH, Minn.– With the retirement of Duluth Area Chamber Of Commerce President David Ross, the organization’s next president has been named. Matt Baumgartner will be taking on the role, who’s been on Chamber’s Board of Directors since 2016. He’s been with Grandma’s Restaurant Company for the last 14 years, along with serving as the canal park business association president. As…

Free Reading Glasses for Readers at Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn.– As people return to the Duluth Public Library, a new program hopes to help those who have trouble seeing. The library now has around 30 free reading glasses for visitors after a donation from the Duluth Lions Club. The non-prescription spectacles can be borrowed or kept for those who don’t have glasses or just forgot theirs at home….

Independence Concert Kicks-Off 4th of July Festivities

DULUTH, Minn.– An outdoor concert in Gary-New Duluth played some Fourth of July-themed tunes Wednesday night with the holiday right around the corner. “We have a great partnership here with the rec center. They’ve always had us out for the 4th of July. Last year we couldn’t come because of schedule and because of Covid. So this is the first…

Minnesota Lawmakers Avoid Government Shutdown As Final Budget Passes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers averted a partial government shutdown at midnight Wednesday by sending the final budget bill to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk. The Senate unanimously approved the $21 billion K-12 education funding agreement, the last must-pass bill before the midnight deadline. Walz has now signed eight budget bills into law and has four others on his desk….

Wilderness Experience Pioneer Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– A day camp through Wilderness Experience for kids kindergarten to 2nd grade, is teaching the youth this week about pioneering by getting them involved working with farm animals and preparing garden beds to plant seeds. The Director of Wilderness Experience explained why it’s so important to teach kids about the outdoors, “It’s important to the development of kids…

REACH Program Gives Carlton County Youth Summer Activities

The program is geared towards helping youth who need mentors in their lives.

CLOQUET, Minn. — Reach Mentoring and AmeriCorps partnered together to help program participants and students get a little send-off after their summer classes. The program is geared towards helping youth who need mentors in their lives. “With our mission with of working with young people in our community. It ties well with them going into the schools. Working on tutoring,…

New Thrift Store Opens in Cloquet

Northern Lights Community Action is a non-profit thrift store and a community center with all of the profits going back to the community and low-income families.

CLOQUET, Minn. —  A new thrift store opened in Cloquet in the beginning of June. Northern Lights Community Action is a non-profit thrift store and a community center with all of the profits going back to the community and low-income families. With other thrift stores in the area closing, the executive director saw a need for the area… the majority…

American Indian Education Department Makes Meal Kits for Indigenous Community

  DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Education Department for Duluth Public Schools is on their third week of “Boozhoo Fresh” programs. The group is providing two different recipes and healthy ingredients to students and their families to keep them engaged during the summer break. All while giving out meal kits to twenty indigenous families each week. “As American Indian programming…

COVID-19 Update: Vaccinations, COVID Tests and New Variants

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 restrictions have loosened quite a bit in recent weeks, but wearing masks and social distancing are still good ways to stay safe, especially for unvaccinated people. Essentia Health administered more than 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines over the past few months, having more people vaccinated is keeping case numbers down. Fewer people are also coming in for other seasonal…

MDH: Unvaccinated People Should Get Tested for COVID-19 After Any Summer Travel

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials have outlined recommendations for COVID-19 testing this summer, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, while case numbers have dropped, the virus is still circulating in communities. Health officials reported 81 new COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths statewide on Wednesday. Health officials urge eligible Minnesotans to get…

Duluth Police Asking for Public’s Help Locating Burglary Suspect

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a male responsible for a Wednesday morning apartment burglary. According to police, officers responded to the 1100 block of GLen Place Drive just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on reports of a burglary. The resident told police that when they arrived home they found that a male…

Gov. Walz Emergency Powers to End Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has reconvened to finish its remaining work on a $52 billion, two-year budget. Education and tax bills need passage before the current budget expires Wednesday night. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol after working into the early hours Wednesday to pass a bill that ends Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency powers effective Thursday. The Democratic governor…

UPDATE: Man Arrested for Manslaughter in Virginia Released From Custody

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia Police Department announced Wednesday that the 31-year-old male arrested Saturday on preliminary charges of manslaughter has been released. According to a recent press release, the police department was advised by the Saint Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office of the release pending further investigation. Authorities responded to reports of an altercation and an unresponsive man around…

Family: Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Dies at 88

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Rumsfeld, the two-time defense secretary and a one-time presidential candidate whose reputation as a skilled bureaucrat and visionary of a modern U.S. military was soiled by the long and costly Iraq war, died Tuesday, his family said in a statement. He was 88. Regarded by former colleagues as equally smart and combative, patriotic and politically cunning,…

Midday Update 6-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Bill Cosby’s Sex Assault Conviction Overturned by Court

(Montgomery County Correctional Facility via AP) PHILADELPHIA (AP/Fox 9) – Pennsylvania’s highest court has overturned comedian Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction. The court said Wednesday that they found an agreement with a previous prosecutor that prevented him from being charged in the case. The 83-year-old Cosby has served more than two years at a state prison near Philadelphia. He has…

Bayfront Festival Park Prepares to Host Three Days of Jam-Packed Entertainment

The Live Entertainment Begins Friday with Country Jam at Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year full of cancellations and disappointment, Bayfront Festival Park is coming back strong for the 4th of July. Starting Friday, July 2, Bayfront Country Jam will bring the sights and sounds of Aaron Tippin, Thompson Square, and more. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, July 3, Hairball will bring their newly restored performance to…

Keeping Fido Calm Ahead of Fireworks This Independence Day

Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Animals Stress-Free as Bright, Loud Booms and Bangs Illuminate the Sky this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The 4th of July is always a fun, festive time. However, for pets, it’s quite the opposite. Local veterinarians are urging pet owners and residents to be mindful of their furry friends ahead of the holiday weekend. “Stress can actually decrease their immune system,” said Brianna Piechowski, shelter veterinarian at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Independence…

Charges Expected Thursday for Trump’s Company, Top Executive

(AP) – Donald Trump’s company and his longtime finance chief are expected to be charged Thursday with tax-related crimes stemming from a New York investigation into the former president’s business dealings. That’s according to people familiar with the matter who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The charges against the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer,…

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Selects Next President

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced Wednesday that Matthew Baumgartner has been selected to serve as their next president. Baumgartner will be taking the seat of long-time president David Ross who is retiring on July 31. “Thanks to the leadership and legacy of David Ross, the Duluth Area Chamber, and Duluth’s business community,…

Morning Update 6-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather