News

Israel, Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire to End Bloody 11-Day War

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas have announced a cease-fire to end a bruising 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and brought life in much of Israel to a standstill. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced late Thursday that his Security Cabinet approved the Egyptian-mediated proposal. Hamas quickly followed suit and said it would honor the…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine to Give ‘State of the City’ Address Next Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine will deliver his ‘State of the City’ address next week. Paine is scheduled to address the Superior community at 7:00 p.m. next Thursday at the Earth Rider Brewery’s outdoor space. This will be Mayor Paine’s third State of the City address. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin

Republicans Reject Body Cameras for Wisconsin Capitol Police

  MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee have voted against buying body cameras for state Capitol police officers, rejecting a proposal from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The panel on Thursday voted 12-4, with all Republicans in support and Democrats against, to reject spending up to $100,000 over two years on between 35 to 50…

Wisconsin Republicans Reject Funding to Fight Homelessness

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans have voted to reject more than $70 million in funding to combat homelessness, a move that Democrats called a missed opportunity to address a problem that worsened due to the pandemic. Gov. Tony Evers had proposed spending around $73 million over two years on a variety of initiatives designed to help homeless people, including…

Bezhik Wildfire Exits BWCA Impacting Private Property

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service says the Bezhik wildfire has moved out of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness and is encroaching on private property in the area. The fire, which is believed to have been started on Sunday by a lightning strike, has burned roughly 950 acres. On Wednesday, the Superior National Forest ordered a Minnesota…

Midday Update 5-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 20, 2021

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

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist Encouraging Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations

According to St. Luke's, Demand for Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations Has Been High Since Approval was Given

DULUTH, Minn. – Although fewer children and teens have been infected with COVID-19, they can still become infected and also spread the virus to others. Local infectious disease experts with St. Luke’s are encouraging parents to bring their teens aged 12-15 in for the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at St Luke’s, says parents are coming in…

Masks No Longer Required in State Buildings Beginning June 1

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — New guidance from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration says people vaccinated for COVID-19 will no longer be required to wear masks in the state Capitol and most other state facilities beginning on June 1. The updated guidance for state government follows advice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that those who are fully vaccinated…

Chef Arlene Coco Shares Recipe for Refreshing Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad

Cooking Connection: Fresh Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad -- Great For Summer Meals!

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, regional cooking instructor, Chef Arlene Coco, shares a quick, easy recipe to toss together for a refreshing dinner this summer. Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice noodle Salad Rice sticks can be bought at most grocery stores these days. Mung bean thread noodles are also great, they are smaller and more translucent. Mung…

Morning Update 5-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 20, 2021

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

Appeals Court Hears Case of 3 Ex-Cops Charged in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys for the state and for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd are making oral arguments Thursday before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Prosecutors will seek to add an additional charge of aiding and abetting third-degree murder to the case. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao are already charged with…

US Jobless Claims Decline to 444,000, a New Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to 444,000, a new pandemic low and a sign that the job market keeps strengthening as consumers spend freely again, viral infections drop and business restrictions ease. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that applications declined 34,000 from a revised 478,000 a week earlier. The number…

Standoff In Superior Ends Safely With Arrest

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A standoff situation in Superior ended peacefully with a felony arrest of a man. The call for help came in around 5 p.m. Wednesday for a disturbance at a residents on the 1600 block of Cumming Avenue. During the investigation, authorities learned a male suspect with several warrants for his arrest, including one for a felony charge,…

City of Duluth Employees Still Mandated to Wear Masks, City Hall’s Reopening Date Not Clear

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly a week since the city of Duluth said it would no longer enforce the citywide mask mandate following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement to do the same across the state. But that doesn’t mean Duluth city employees have been allowed to ditch their masks while on the job. Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman released a…

AICHO Recieves $500K Grant

DULUTH, Minn-The American Indian Community Housing Organization was recently the recipient of a $500k grant from the McKnight foundation. The award was given to them for all they’ve done helping different cultures across the community including supporting the artistic expressions from a variety of backgrounds. “I’m just really excited for what it means for representation, obviously if their funding an…

Pro-Palestine Demonstrators March Through Downtown Duluth Amid Middle East Violence

DULUTH, Minn. – Roughly 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators marched through downtown Duluth Wednesday to make their voices heart involving the bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. The Duluth march comes as Hamas officials are hoping for a ceasefire soon as world leaders dial up pressure on both sides to end the fighting. And what’s happening thousands of miles away is…

Two Harbors’ Burlington Station to Open Soon

More additions will be coming to the model train room throughout the summer.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A new attraction will soon be opening in Two Harbors. The Burlington Station is currently still under construction with plans of having a gift shop, a gourmet candy store and a train room showcasing the communities rich railroad history. More additions will be coming to the model train room throughout the summer. “Which will have 5,000…

Duluth Fire Department Continues Training For Major Fires

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Fire Department is training this week with some of their largest hoses, making sure they are prepared if a massive fire breaks out. The 2.5-inch hose lines can deliver large volumes of water with up to 325 gallons a minute. Those training say it helps them learn about how they can become more efficient, including teaching the…

DTA Launches New App Which Includes Payment System

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Transit Authority has launched a new app which allows riders to purchase mobile fares anytime they want. As part of the project, 80 validation devices have been installed across DTA’s bus network. Passengers tap their phone when boarding, which scans their mobile passes and identifies the ticket as valid. “We took a look at what we can…

Music Community Saddened by Closure of Duluth Electric Fetus

Reactions Ring Online, Throughout Downtown District As Duluth Electric Fetus Announces Closure After 33 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The reaction is pouring in online, and through the downtown district of Duluth after Electric Fetus announced Tuesday the permanent closure of their Duluth location. Those with the local radio station, KUMD, say the closure deals a large blow to the local music scene in the Northland. They say not only did the business provide a wide…

VIDEO: Alpacas Get Sheared for Clothing at Local Farm

DULUTH, Minn.-This week has been a busy one at the Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm located along Maple Grove Road in Duluth, as dozens of Alpacas were sheared to be turned into clothing. For more, check out Fox 21 photojournalist Adam Jagunich’s story above. To find out more about Frosty Ridge Alpacas, click here. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Wisconsin Judge Jailed After Appearing on Child Porn Charges

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin juvenile court judge accused of possessing and distributing child pornography was taken into federal custody after making his initial appearance in court. The lawyer for Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Brett Blomme, charged in federal court with two counts of distributing child pornography, said in court Wednesday that Blomme decided on his own not to seek…

Gilbert Man Arrested, Charged for Exposing Himself to Children

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Police say a 27-year-old Gilbert man was arrested Monday after exposing his genitals to multiple children and hitting a woman on the buttocks as she mowed her lawn in Virginia. According to the criminal complaint, Logan Andrew Smitherman has been charged with fifth-degree non-consensual sexual contact and two charges of fifth-degree lewd exhibition with children under 16…

Duluth School Board Approves Sconiers Settlement Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Duluth School Board approved a settlement agreement with former Denfeld high school principal Tonya Sconiers. According to the settlement agreement, Sconiers will receive $329,000 in exchange for a release of all claims. Duluth Public Schools and its insurance company will pay $229,411.33 to Sconiers with the remaining $99,588.67 going to her attorneys. Additionally, the…

Midday Update 5-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Update: BWCA Wildfire Estimated at 950 Acres

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – Officials with the Superior National Forest say the wildfire burning at the BWCA is currently estimated to be between 920 to 950 acres in size Wednesday morning. Weather conditions have moderated the fire which officials say did come out of the BWCA and reached the southwest edge of the Moose Loop Forest Road. A Minnesota…

Minnesota Native, Actor Paul Cram Discusses Shooting New Movie on the North Shore

"Abroad" is a Bilingual Film Currently Being Shot Across Areas in Duluth and the North Shore

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lights, cameras, and action are filling communities along the North Shore as crews work to shoot a new movie called, “Abroad.” One actor starting in the film is Paul Cram. He’s a native of Wyoming, Minnesota, who has been traveling the nation working on movies. Cram says he’s thrilled to be performing back in his home…

Registration Now Open for Upcoming Humane Society of Douglas County Fundraiser

Kickin' It For Animals Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, July 17, 2021

SUPERIOR, Wis. – You have the chance to help support the Humane Society of Douglas County this summer. The shelter is hosting their first Kickin’ It for the Animals Golf Scramble & Foot Golf Tournament. Participants will enjoy a beautiful day on Saturday, July 17 on the green at Norwood Acres Golf Course in Lake Nebagamon. A 9-hole golf scramble…

Wisconsin Republicans Want to End $300 Unemployment Bonus

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Republicans say they want to end the $300-per-week federal unemployment supplement because it hurts businesses that are struggling to fill vacancies as customers return amid loosened coronavirus restrictions. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Sen. Howard Marklein, chairman of the Legislature’s budget committee, called on Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to support the bill they unveiled…

Morning Update 5-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Smokable Medical Marijuana in Minnesota Expected to Cut Cost

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Those enrolled in Minnesota’s medical marijuana program are expected to have a more affordable option to the liquid, oil, and pills currently allowed under one of the nation’s most restrictive medical cannabis laws. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz was expected to sign the bill that passed the House and Senate this week to relax the program by including…

NorthlandAlert Used For First Time To Alert Public Of Loose NERCC Inmate

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn. — If you ever want to be aware of emergency situations unfolding in St. Louis County as they happen, you can sign up for NorthlandAlert. It’s a free warning service you can subscribe to and get alerts through emails, texts, and phone calls. It covers many types of emergency situations in the county, and was used…

Duluth Businesses Adapting to New Mask Guidelines with no State, City Mandates

Duluth businesses adjust their masking policies since the mask mandate has been repealed.

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth businesses adjust their masking policies since the mask mandate has been repealed. “I want my customers to feel safe and comfortable when they’re here,” said Bill Miller, Owner Of Two & Co. in Canal Park’s Dewitt Seitz Building. “If people are coming in without a mask, I’m not going to be the ‘mask police.’ I think everybody…

BWCAW Wildfire Grows To 1,500-Plus Acres

Photo is from Monday when the fire started SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – A wildfire continued to burn Tuesday night in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Forestry officials believe a lighting strike ignited the fire Monday evening. The fire has grown from 10 acres Monday to more than 1,500 acres and was located about 16 miles north of Tower….

City of Superior Drops Mask Mandate

SUPERIOR, Wis. —  The Superior City Council voted Tuesday night to immediately lift the city’s mask mandate. Councilor Craig Sutherland said it was a unanimous decision by councilors. This comes as the state of Wisconsin hasn’t had a mask mandate for more than a month, and after the CDC announced last week that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks…

Duluth Huskies Pitch Plans for Hosting Fans, Players Ahead of May 31 Season Opener

Changes Are Coming to Wade Stadium to Ensure Safety of the Fans, Players

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies are revealing more about what the future of the summer season will look like amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite safety guidelines in place, officials with the team are simply thrilled to be bringing a grand-slam of a good time back to Wade Stadium after the 2020 season was canceled. “Everybody is like on…

It is Once Again Mosquito Season in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn-With the snow being gone and temperatures on the rise, all the standing water that is left behind means it is once again mosquito season. Mosquitoes typically will come out around the second weekend in May, but with the wet April that we had, they came out a few weeks early this year.  Despite how dry it has been…

Allergies Bring Obstacle for Northland Summer Season

As the summer goes on, ragweed and outdoor molds will become a factor.

DULUTH, Minn. —  Allergy season is upon us and as Northlanders make their way outside there are some things you should be aware of. Experts say, May is usually a tough month for allergies as there is an overlap between tree and grass pollen. As the summer goes on, ragweed and outdoor molds will become a factor. Doctors recommend starting…

Excitement Builds as Lakewalk Project Nears Completetion

DULUTH, Minn-While the Lakewalk remains closed in Canal Park, it is noticeable through the chain link fence that the project is getting close to being completed. In the meantime, tourists and locals continue to be relegated to a gravel path adjacent to the Lakewalk to enjoy the scenery, but excitement is building for when the Lakewalk finally reopens. I am…

Electric Fetus to Permanently Close Duluth Location

(courtesy: Facebook/ElectricFetusDuluth) DULUTH, Minn. – Electric Fetus says they will be closing their Duluth location permanently after 33 years in business. The business says they made the difficult decision after having been closed since the beginning of the pandemic last March. “It’s been incredible to be a part of the very special Duluth community and music scene, and we have…

Duluth Man on Parole for Murder, Now Charged in Kidnapping, Rape

DULUTH, Minn. – A 62-year-old Duluth man currently out on parole for first-degree murder has been charged for the kidnapping and rape of a woman over the weekend in St. Louis County. Reports state that Dennis John Hannuksela has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of kidnapping. According to the criminal complaint, the…

Evers Announces $100 Million to Expand Broadband

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that the state will be using $100 million in federal coronavirus stimulus funding to award grants for expanding broadband internet access in Wisconsin. The federal funding is in addition to nearly $200 million in broadband expansion proposals Evers made in his state budget, which…