News

Capital One Target of Massive Data Breach

The Breach Will Cost Capital One up to $150 Million

SEATTLE (AP) – Capital One says a hacker broke into a database containing details likes home addresses and birth dates. The bank reported the breach is affecting 100 million people that tried to open credit cards. Investigators say 140,000 social security numbers have been compromised and 80,000 bank account numbers were also stolen. The company claims that based on their…

Wisconsin Conservatives Back Away From Redistricting Rumors

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A leading conservative attorney says he has never heard anyone in the Legislature say there were plans to circumvent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to enact redistricting without his approval. The comment Tuesday from Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty leader Rick Esenberg comes a day after he was quoted in a story by the liberal online…

Musician Shows Educators how to Involve “Play” in Their Teaching

Jim Gill teaches "Joyous Way to Learn" workshop at the Duluth Public Library.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Public Library had a joyous afternoon filled with music and teaching educators fun new ways to help children learn and grow. The Joyous Way to Learn workshop involved singing and dancing games to show childcare providers how to interact with kids through “play.” Musician Jim Gill, who led the workshop, says kids use play to learn and…

Fox 21 Goes to Summer Camp

Sam Ali and Alexandra Burnley stopped by UWS in Superior for the Little Yellow Jackets Summer Camp. The educational summer camp is wrapping up their eight week adventure. The kids were able to learn about how the sports and news departments work. Counselors say, planning different activities like this allows the kids to learn about the different opportunities they have…

Kids Discover Their Voices at Singing Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – About 30 second through six grade kids discovered their voices during the Lake Superior Youth Chorus camp at First Lutheran Church today. This year’s camp theme is inspired by the award winning film The Greatest Showman. The kids get an introduction to musical skills and practices. But they don’t sing all day long. They also get to…

Filling the Boots for Muscular Distrophy

Monday kicked off the boot filling on six busy streets around Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 13 years now Duluth firefighters have been on busy street corners filling the boot once a summer in support of the Muscular Distrophy Association (MDA). Monday kicked off the boot filling on six busy streets around Duluth. Each year the Duluth Fire Department raises on average $40,000 from the boot fillings. Along with organizations statewide, money…

Prep Work Begins For St. Louis County Fair

Rides, tents, and even food vendors begin setting up shop Monday afternoon ahead of the festival

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Preparations have begun at the Northern St. Louis County Fair as it begins on Thursday in Chisholm. Tents are being set-up, while rides for all ages are arriving, organizers of the event say their fair serves a bigger purpose than most because of all the familiar faces you will see. “It’s kind of a gathering point in summers…

Slow Drivers Clogging Left Lane Could Face Fines

Fine could reach up to more than $100.

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you ever encountered a “slow poke” in the passing lane that just wouldn’t get out of the way? Well you’re in luck. You might get some relief from those “slow pokes” thanks to a new Minnesota law. The “Left Lane” law targets those drivers clogging up what is supposed to be the passing lane by driving…

Hibbing Community College Receives Upgrades

An 11 million dollar project wrapped up at the college recently

HIBBING, Minn.- Recently, Hibbing Community College completed an eleven million dollar project of much needed upgrades to buildings on campus. A project ten years in the making is finally completed to better meet the needs of those attending the college. A brand new library, a modern student service area right when you walk into the building, and even a bookstore…

Man Pleads Guilty to Threats of Violence at Duluth East High School

Sentencing is set for September 23

DULUTH, Minn. – A man accused of threatening to shoot up Duluth East High School earlier this year has pleaded guilty to one count of Threats of Violence and one count of Possession of a Machine Gun Conversion Kit. 35-year-old Travis Busch was arrested on April 5 after texting an acquaintance threats which included shooting police with machine guns and…

Superior Police: Two Squad Cars Involved in Crash, Severely Damaged

No Other Vehicles Were Involved in the Crash

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two Superior Police Department squad cars were severely damaged after crashing into each other while responding to a possible drug overdose on Sunday evening. According to the Superior Police Department, three officers in separate squad cars were responding to the East End neighborhood around 10:10 p.m. when two of the squad cars crashed into each other. Authorities…

Midday Update 7-29-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 29, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 29, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Coffee Conversation: Preparations Underway for City on the Hill Music Festival

The City on the Hill Music Festival is Happening August 2 - 3 at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Tickets are now on sale for the annual City on the Hill Music Festival. The event was created five years ago after organizers realized there wasn’t a Christian music festival being offered in the region. Twin Ports Entertainment helped bring this dream to a reality. Niki Corbin with Life 97.3 stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat…

Duluth Fire Department Local 101 Looks to ‘Fill the Boot’ for MDA

The Annual Fill the Boot Campaign is Happening July 29 - 31

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time once again to help Duluth Fire Department Local 101 ‘Fill the Boot.’ The annual fundraising campaign supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related muscle-debilitating diseases. The dedicated men and women of Duluth Fire Department take to the streets every…

Worker Trapped in Sand When Minneapolis Trench Collapsed

This is a Developing Story

(courtesy: Fox 9) UPDATE: MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A worker has been freed after being trapped for three hours in a trench that collapsed at a construction site in downtown Minneapolis. Deputy Minneapolis Fire Chief Todd White says the worker was talking, alert and in stable condition when he was lifted out in a stretcher-basket around 11 a.m. Monday. The man…

Five Dead, Two Injured in Residential Shootings in Wisconsin

The Suspect in Both Shooting is Among the Dead

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) – Authorities in northwestern Wisconsin say shootings at two homes have left five people dead, including the suspected shooter, and two others injured. Chippewa County sheriff’s officials say deputies responded to a 911 call about a shooting at a residence in Lake Hallie about 10:30 p.m. Sunday and found a man and woman dead. Two other…

Morning Update 7-29-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 29, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 29, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Two Possible Tornadoes Leave Trails of Damage

No Injuries Were Reported

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – At least two possible tornadoes caused damage in northern Washington County and McLeod County as severe weather swept across Minnesota. The National Weather Service says one tornado was reported near Scandia and another was spotted east of Silver Lake Sunday. Both left a trail of downed trees and power lines as well as some structural damage. Heavy…

Three Killed in Garlic Festival Shooting, Including 6-Year-old

Police Have Killed the Suspect

GILROY, Calif. (AP) — A 6-year-old boy described by his grandmother as always kind and happy was one of three people killed and at least 15 others injured when a gunman heard to be “really angry” opened fire during the closing moments of a popular weekend garlic festival in Northern California. Gilroy Police Chief Scot Smithee said the gunman was…

Car Show and Swap Meet Crosses Finish Line

The meet is the largest in northern Minnesota and is held each year on the last weekend of July at the Itasca County fairgrounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – People from all over the country met in Grand Rapids this weekend for the annual Car Show and Swap Meet. The meet is the largest in northern Minnesota and is held each year on the last weekend of July at the Itasca County fairgrounds. “I don’t think people realizes how fun it is living up north or…

Local Artist Dedicates 30 Years to Sports, Now History

Tim Cortes has been an artist his whole life.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when sports and art collide, one Duluth man can show you a perfect example. The local took his two passions, hockey and drawing and made a career out of it for 30 years but is beginning to make a switch in his art to something he thinks is a little more…

Thomas the Train Wraps up First Weekend in the Northland

Thomas the Train is just as popular as ever, with a slight dip in attendance thanks to weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- A famous and friendly train is wrapping up his first weekend at the Duluth Depot. Thomas the Tank Engine has taken over the north shore scenic railroad. It’s such a big deal, people travel here from all over the United States and Canada to meet Thomas and his friend Percy for a ride up the North Shore. Railroad…

Father Accidentally Runs Over, Kills Son On Wisconsin Farm

TOWN OF DANE, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say a man accidentally ran over and killed his 8-year-old son on a farm in south-central Wisconsin. Dane County sheriff’s authorities say the accident happened late Friday in the Town of Dane. The initial report was that the boy apparently had been trampled to death by a cow, but authorities determined the boy’s…

8th Annual All Pints North Festival

The festival featured 120 breweries and cideries, games,and of course plenty of beer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beer and cider drinkers from around the region assembled at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth for All Pints North. The festival featured 120 breweries and cideries, games,and of course plenty of beer. This year, a new layout of tents in a circle around the park allowed for what some were saying was an even better atmosphere than…

Paddlemania on the St. Louis River

Dozens of expert and newbie kayakers get to experience the white water of the St. Louis River.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kayakers from the US and Canada rode the St. Louis River in Carlton for Paddlemania this weekend. Every year the Thomson Dam is opened wider releasing more water for maximum fun and extra flow for kayakers. Dozens of expert and newbie kayakers get to experience the white water of the St. Louis River. It has several different…

Ely Brings in Crowd of 40,000 for 39th Annual Blueberry Arts Festival

Ely celebrates with the 39th annual Blueberry Arts Festival

ELY, Minn.- It’s the biggest gathering of the year in Ely- the Blueberry Arts Festival. “We don’t miss Blueberry Fest, and we don’t miss blueberry pie,” Catherine Farley said. Ely’s premiere Summer event brings in about 300 vendors selling everything from blueberry themed art to clothes to syrups, but it’s no surprise which blueberry themed item is the crowd favorite. “Topping…

Update: Suspect in Custody After Shooting in Virginia

Victim air-lifted to Duluth, his condition unknown at this time

VIRGINIA, Minn. – 30-year-old Luke Mathias Erkkila was taken into custody by the Eveleth Police Department early Saturday morning without incident. He is being held at the St. Louis County Virginia Jail on First Degree Attempted Murder. Erkkila was arrested in connection to a Friday night shooting in Virginia. Just after 7:00 p.m. Friday night, the Virginia Police Department responded…

Thomas The Train Stops In Duluth

Thomas The Train and his friend Percy are in Duluth the next two weekends

DULUTH, Minn.- The North Shore Scenic Railroad is the only place in the Midwest where you will see not only Thomas the Tank, but also his good friend Percy as the Steam Tour continues. Families and kids packed the enterance to see Thomas roll in, get pictures with him, and also play some games while waiting for his arrival. Organizers…

Two Harbors Robotics Team Raises Money to Visit NASA Space Center

The First Lego League are representing Minnesota at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Middle school robotics students are riding a high after winning a state–wide competition, and now they’re preparing for a trip that’s going to be out of this world- they’re going to NASA! The ‘First Lego League’ is getting a behind the scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. The competition paid for 5 of the…

Wussow’s Concert Cafe Celebrates 20 Years in West Duluth

The coffee shop formerly known as Beaner's Central celebrates a a milestone anniversary.

DULUTH, Minn.- Coffee and music lovers can celebrate a milestone anniversary in West Duluth this weekend. Wussow’s Concert Café, formerly Beaner’s Central, is partying for its 20th birthday. The owner invited bands that played at the café when it first opened to celebrate just how far it’s come. “It’s amazing it’s been 20 years. It’s so great to see friends…

Teen Tries to get Back to Normal Life After Car Crash with Moose

Amaya Nelson adjusts to life at home after being released from the hospital.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The 17–year–old survivor who was injured in a car crash with a moose speaks out and shares details about how she’s adjusting to life at home since being released from the hospital. Amaya Nelson was released from the hospital Saturday, July 20 because the doctor’s said she was healed enough to go home a miraculous three weeks ahead of…

Hands-Free Law Effect On Bicyclists

Bicyclists and walkers hope this law will make the roadway safer for everyone

DULUTH, Minn.- Distracted driving continues to take the lives of Minnesota’s most vulnerable roadway users- people who walk and bike. And with the hands-free law going in effect next Thursday, both bikers and walkers are hoping it keep them safer. Once this new law goes in effect next Thursday, drivers can only use their phones via voice commands or activation…

Minnesota Ballet Shows Off Talents

30 students showed off their talents learned so far from their summer camps

DULUTH, Minn.- Thirty Minnesota School of Ballet students showed off their talents they learned from their summer classes in front of family and friends today outside of the main Duluth Public Library. From tap, to jazz, students from Minnesota and around the country learned all sorts of dance moves during the class. Organizers say seeing the dancers be themselves and…

Brewers Come to Duluth For Minnesota Brewers Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – To Kick off All Pints North Fest weekend brewers from across Minnesota were at the DECC for the 8th Annual Minnesota Brewers Conference. Brewers had the chance to hear from national and local guest speakers from the brewing industry. During the breakout sessions attendees learned more about brewing operations, marketing, and much more. In total, the event…

Legion Act fills Eligibility dates, Allows all Veterans to join American Legion

Earlier this week, Congress passed a bipartisan bill called the “Legion” Act which would allow all veterans to join the American Legion. Before, vets who weren’t involved in hostile conflicts like the cold war, were not eligible to join. “Now we really get to say, come join us. Come join the community that we provide. Come take advantage of our…

Bruce Hagen, Former Superior Mayor, Dies at 73

Hagen Served a Total of Five Terms

SUPERIOR, Wis. – According to city officials, former Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen has died at the age of 73. Hagen served a total of five terms with the City of Superior. He first served as mayor from 1975 to 1987 and was reelected in 2011 where he served until his retirement in April 2017. Hagen announced prior to stepping down…

Departed DOC Official Accused of Leaking Information

Walker Declined to Address the new Allegations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota corrections official who resigned recently is accused of leaking private internal data as well as lobbying for her husband’s nonprofit. Sarah Walker stepped down last week, just a few months after Gov. Tim Walz appointed her a deputy commissioner in the Department of Corrections. Walker this week said she was accused of improper…

Paddle The Brule River, A Clear, Cool & Spring Fed Waterway

Experience Picturesque Beauty Or Aggressive Rapids With Brule River Canoe & Kayak Rental

BRULE, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott kayak down the world-famous Brule River. It’s known as a gem among the waterways of the Upper Midwest. Flowing 50 miles north into Lake Superior, the River provides consistent spring fed water through the Brule River State Forest. (It’s cool and refreshing)! Experience the picturesque…

Midday Update 7-26-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 26, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 26, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Justice Department OKs T-Mobile’s $26.5B Sprint Deal

Sprint and T-Mobile Combined Would now Approach the Size of Verizon and AT&T

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators are approving T-Mobile’s $26.5 billion takeover of rival Sprint, despite fears of higher prices and job cuts. Friday’s approval by the Justice Department and five state attorneys general comes after Sprint and T-Mobile agreed to conditions that would set up satellite-TV provider Dish as a fourth wireless company, so the number of major U.S. providers…

Bernie Sanders Calls for Shutdown of Enbridge Line 5 oil Pipeline

Gov. Jay Inslee has Also Endorsed a Line 5 Shutdown

DETROIT (AP) – Bernie Sanders has become the second Democratic presidential hopeful to call for shutting down an oil pipeline that crosses a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. The Vermont senator said in a tweet Thursday that Enbridge’s Line 5 should be decommissioned and new fossil fuel infrastructure banned. Line 5 carries oil and natural gas liquids from…

Blueberry Festival to Benefit Iron River Lions Club This Weekend

The 55th Annual Iron River Lions Club Blueberry Festival is Happening July 25 - 28

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Food, fun and live entertainment is taking over the community of Iron River, Wisconsin Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28. The 55th annual Iron River Lion Club Blueberry Festival is set to raise money for community programs and projects. The money raised from the Blueberry Festival goes directly back into the community for vision screening…

Edina Boys Reel in 6-Foot Sturgeon

  (FOX 9) – A couple of Edina boys wrangled what appears to be a six-foot-long sturgeon right out of Minnehaha Creek. After seeing the fish sitting on the creek bottom for weeks, 12-year-old Mac Hoekstra came up with a plan to lasso the fish. “I just have seen in fishing shows when they land sharks, they do it that…