News

WLSSD Disposes Old Or Unwanted Medications

DULUTH, Minn. – The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth hosted a free collection event to help people clean out their medicine cabinets to get rid of unwanted medications in a safe and convenient way. Old or unwanted medicine can pose many risks. WLSSD began the medicine cabinet clean out in 2006 as an effort to stop the misuse…

Preparing for Bad Weather: Tips and Tricks Walking into the Season’s First Storm

Tips and tricks to stay safe walking into bad Winter-like weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fall snow storms and colder weather is nothing Northlanders can’t handle, but it’s important to remember how to stay safe during these seasonal changes. “Every year when we get our first slippery roadway, ice event, we’re busy,” Minnesota State Patrol public information officer Sgt. Neil Dickenson said. Three major things state patrol want drivers to keep in mind…

Charges: Eagan Woman Smashed Vehicle With Hatchet While Wearing Joker Mask

The Incident Occured in a Transit Ramp in Eagan

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – An Eagan, Minnesota woman was charged earlier this week for smashing the windows of a car while wearing a joker mask. Tazara Oliver, 19, is charged with one count of criminal damage to property, a felony. The incident occurred on Friday, Oct. 4 in a transit ramp in Eagan. According to the charges, the victim…

Wisconsin DNR: New Lead Contamination Rules not Good Enough

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials say the Trump administration’s proposed rewrite of lead contamination rules isn’t good enough. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced in Green Bay on Thursday that the chances will require water systems to test lead levels at schools and child care facilities, require officials to identify areas with the…

California to Require Abortion Medication at Public Colleges

The Law Takes Effect in 2023

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California will become the first state to require public colleges and universities to offer abortion medication at campus health centers. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday he had signed the legislation. It’s a reversal from his predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown, who vetoed the measure last year. The law takes effect in 2023. Democratic lawmakers who…

UW Regents OK Staff to Write Free Speech Policy

The Regents Voted During a Meeting Friday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System regents have authorized staff to begin drafting formal language implementing a Republican-backed plan to punish students who disrupt others’ free speech rights. The regents in 2017 adopted a Republican-backed policy declaring students who twice disrupt others’ free speech would be suspended for at least a semester. The policy hasn’t taken effect…

Duluth Cider Hosting Big Bad Apple Bash

The Cider Celebration is Happening Saturday, October 12 from Noon Until 11:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Cider has been operating in the Lincoln Park neighborhood for nearly one year, and the owners of the business are looking to celebrate in fall fashion. Duluth Cider’s Big Bad Apple Bash is happening Saturday, October 12 from noon until 11:00 p.m. Owner Jake Scott invites the community to bring your apples, your appetite, your friends,…

Major North Dakota Highways Closed Amid Fall Snowstorm

Winter Storm Warning are in Effect in South Dakota and Minnesota Through Saturday Afternoon

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Hundreds of miles of major highways in North Dakota have been closed due to what forecasters are calling a crippling fall snowstorm. Transportation officials shut portions of Interstates 29 and 94 and U.S. Highway 2 on Friday due to severe winter conditions and poor visibility. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for northern North…

FBI: Woman Kidnapped, Sex Assaulted Girl She Met Online

Authorities Found the GIel in Greenville With the Woman

GREEVILLE, S.C. (AP) – Federal authorities say a South Carolina woman kidnapped a girl from Minnesota and sexually assaulted her. Citing an FBI affidavit, news outlets report 23-year-old Katrina Marie Aliff was arrested last month on charges including aggravated child sexual abuse. The affidavit says Aliff met the girl, who’s younger than 12, on the messaging app Amino in March….

Prince Estate Slams Trump Use of ‘Purple Rain’

They say the Campaign Confirmed a Year Ago it Would not use Prince's Music

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The estate of musical legend Prince is objecting to President Donald Trump’s use of a Prince song before a campaign rally in Minneapolis Thursday night. The Trump campaign played Prince’s “Purple Rain” as the audience at the rally waited for the president to begin speaking. Prince’s estate released a statement after the rally…

Gardeners Learn From the Pros at Fall Garden Fest

The University of Minnesota Educators use the Italian feast theme to focus on growing things like garlic and tomatoes for sauce the right way.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 100 people celebrated the fall harvest with an Italian meal and learning session about how to make their gardens better. The University of Minnesota Educators use the Italian feast theme to focus on growing things like garlic and tomatoes for sauce the right way. They also teach the gardeners how to produce healthy food, soil…

Webster Dream Park Nears Completion

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Construction on the new Webster Dream Park in Superior is inching closer to completion. On Monday the final work on the playground began. Crews are currently finishing the landscaping, so new rubber flooring can be installed. They will also complete the walkway and add a cement barrier around the rest of the playground. Many were hoping to…

Fire Officials Warn of Electrical Fires

The Duluth Fire Marshal's Office says it is critical to plug space heaters directly into outlets and not into old power strips or extension cords which can easily overheat and catch fire.

DULUTH, Minn. – Electrical fires are on the minds of firefighters as the temperatures begin to dip and space heaters come out. The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office says it is critical to plug space heaters directly into outlets and not into old power strips or extension cords which can easily overheat and catch fire. “Look at your space heater and…

Discussions Underway to Expand Duluth Warming Shelter Options

Nearly 200 people used the shelter in West Duluth last yer during the 29 days it was activated.

DULUTH, Minn. – Discussions are underway to expand and change the city of Duluth’s warming center options after its trial run in West Duluth last year. St. Louis County and the CHUM drop-in shelter are working to finalize agreements before the deep freeze sets in. Nearly 200 people used the shelter in West Duluth last yer during the 29 days…

Art and Comedy Show Comes to UW-Superior

The show celebrates comedians of past and present along with the public getting a chance to do stand-up

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A show that celebrates comedians of the past and present, that opens the conversation of things that wouldn’t be allowed back when some comedians were performing will be discussed Friday at UW-Superior. There is also fifty portraits including Bob Saget, Ellen Degeneres, and even David Letterman. Along with those portraits the public can get a chance to look…

Costco Submits Application to Develop in Duluth

The site would include the department store, gas station, and liquor store at Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The site would include…

New Housing, Retail Development Breaks Ground

Ground has been broken in the heart of downtown Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Ground has been broken for a new housing and retail development in the heart of downtown Superior. Crews are now on site of the property along Belknap Street, where Central High School once stood. The 130 unit complex called “Central Flats” will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments beginning at $850 dollars a month. The project is…

Protesters Gather Ahead of President Trump’s Rally in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-Anti-Trump protesters are converging on the Minneapolis arena where President Donald Trump is holding his first political rally since the House opened its impeachment inquiry. Protesters are packing streets surrounding the Target Center hours before the Republican president is due to appear at Thursday’s rally at 7 p.m. Many are clutching helium-filled balloons depicting Trump as a baby. Others…

Costco Submits Application for Developing in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- A city spokesperson has confirmed to Fox 21 that Costco has submitted an application with the city to develop in Duluth. The plan would call for a store to be developed at the Haines Road and West Arrowhead Road intersection on a site of about 60 acres. The land borders between Duluth and Hermantown. The land is being…

St. Louis County Hosts 37th Annual Health and Human Services Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County held its 37th annual health and human services conference at the DECC and more than 3,000 people showed up to gain a better understanding of how to improve public health. Professionals of all sectors of public health including mental health experts, attorneys  and social workers were among all those attending the conference to find…

Northland Goodwill- The One-Stop Shop for Halloween

All seven Northland Goodwill locations are selling Halloween decorations and costumes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be pretty daunting the closer we get to the holiday. Luckily, Goodwill in the Northland says they are a one stop shop for all of your spooky needs this October. Goodwill staff says the best part about shopping secondhand for Halloween is having the ability to be creative with what you find….

Catalyst Content Festival-goers Experience Dreary Duluth Day

People visiting the Catalyst Content Festival experience a true Duluth Fall day.

DULUTH, Minn.- Day two of the Catalyst Content Festival was a cold, dreary and a little more true to a Duluth Fall day. Some of the TV executives visiting from sunny L.A. and down South say they were given a heads up to dress for colder weather. Emily Gold is visiting the festival from North Carolina and says she’s relieved…

Take a Look Inside Historic UMD Limnology Building

Building began as a fish hatchery in 1880s, was taken over by UMD in the 1940s.

DULUTH, Minn. – As you drive along Highway 61 on your way in or out of Duluth, you may notice a unique building on the Lake Superior shoreline. That’s the UMD Limnology Building, a historic estate at 6008 London Road, that many people aren’t familiar with. It got its start as a freshwater fish hatchery in the 1880s. The University…

Young Activists Protest Proposed Superior Power Plant

"Friends of the Climate" protests the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth based group of high school and college students known as “Friends of the Climate” organized in the Minnesota Power Plaza Thursday to share their thoughts on the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior. The rally was a local representation of the arguments environmental groups made to the Minnesota court of appeals. These groups are asking…

UMD Hosts Annual Sustainability Fair

Students learned about sustainable resources in the area and browse through donated winter clothes

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Campus Sustainability Month and the University of Minnesota Duluth is celebrating with a sustainability fair and a pop-up winter shop. Twenty local and regional organizations met with students about how they can get involved with sustainability efforts. Some ways are walking and biking instead of driving, and changing diet and shopping habits. “Anybody and everybody…

28 Year-Old Man Gets 12 Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting Child

ITASCA CO., Minn. – Cody Michael Porter, 28, was sentenced to twelve years in prison for felony first degree criminal sexual conduct. Porter is from Wheeling, West Virginia. He initially was charged with four counts of felony first degree criminal sexual conduct. When Porter pleaded guilty to one felony charge on October 7th, the rest were dropped. The Itasca County…

Inaugural Trick-or-Treat Event Happening at Glensheen Mansion

Trick-or-Treating at the Mansion is Happening Thursday, October 31; Gates Open at 5:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – There are five big events happening throughout October at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. For the first time ever, Glensheen will be hosting a trick-or-treating event on Halloween. The mansion is also featuring a Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt, 21+ Flashlight Tours, and a Hiki Hut event. The Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt: October 1 – 31 | 9:00 a.m….

Midday Update 10-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

UPDATE: Makinen ‘Suspicious Death’ Ruled a Homicide

MAKINEN, Minn.-More details are emerging after a body was found in a residence in Makinen Tuesday with the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office now ruling it a homicide. The medical examiner’s office has identified the deceased as Frank Gerald Meyer, 47, of Makinen. St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies located Meyer at a residence on Curt Lane at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday…

Wisconsin Assembly to Vote on Letting Kids Run Lemonade Stands

The Wisconsin Assembly is poised to pass a bill that would allow children to legally run lemonade stands.

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Assembly is poised to pass a bill that would allow children to legally run lemonade stands. The measure would allow minors to run lemonade stands on private property without a permit and without fear of running afoul of the law, which has happened in some states. The bill would limit sales to $2,000 of lemonade a year,…

Police Allege Cameras Hid at Mall of America Dressing Rooms

MINNEAPOLIS-Police are investigating a Minnesota man who allegedly hid cameras inside dressing rooms at the Mall of America in Bloomington and another Minneapolis area shopping mall. The 41-year-old Elk River man has not been charged. The Star Tribune reports details were contained in a search warrant affidavit. The affidavit alleges the suspect used cameras that could be operated remotely using…

Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar Offering Gluten Free Options

Cooking Connection: Pesto Penne Pasta

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we’re catching up with Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar located in Duluth’s Canal Park. Senior Sous Chef Chad Bloomquist demonstrates how to prepare the restaurants indulgent Pesto Penne Pasta. Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 405 Lake Avenue South in Duluth, Minnesota. Click here to see the full…

Morning Update 10-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

UMD’s Annual Take Back the Night Raises Voices Against Power-Based Violence

Dozens of people marched carrying signs and chanting for safe streets, campuses, and freedom from power-based violence.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Women’s Resource and Action Center at UMD held its annual Take Back the Night march and rally around campus. Dozens of people marched carrying signs and chanting for safe streets, campuses, and freedom from power-based violence. “It makes me happy Obviously I’m upset that we still have to do stuff like this. But I’m glad that…

Last “Summer Day” in the Northland

Sunny and 70 degrees brought everyone out to Canal Park's boardwalk Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.- With nasty weather on the way, and today being so nice, people were out enjoying the weather. Those of all ages enjoyed the boardwalk on Canal Park one final time in the 2019 calendar year. Folks were getting ice cream, feeding the birds, or just enjoying themselves on the beautiful day. People filled the park, and one visitor…

Ordinance Moves to Ban Smoking in Parks

The Parks and Recreation commission passed the ordinance Wednesday night, and will now head to the Superior City Council

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some Superior city leaders are looking to ban smoking and vaping near playgrounds at parks in Superior. The Parks and Rec Commission called a special meeting Wednesday night and passed the ordinance that originally would have banned smoking in Superior parks, but now could just ban it near playgrounds. The ban would include lighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes, vape…

Victim Identified in Suspicious Death Near Makinen

MACKINEN, Minn.-The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in the community of Makinen, southeast of Eveleth. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Frank Gerald Meyer, 47, of Makinen. St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies located Meyer at a residence at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday following a 911 call…

Giant Pumpkin Arrives at Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.-The giant pumpkin has arrived at the Lake Superior Zoo ahead of this weekend’s Boo at the Zoo. It was hauled in earlier this morning by a local gardener who says it’s one of the best he’s had in recent years. He says he’s glad that other people are going to be able to enjoy it. “I would give…

Kids Learn Mental Illness Awareness with Storytime at West Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s mental illness awareness week and a local group is doing what they can to end the stigma surrounding brain diseases. A storytime at the West Duluth Library addressed the topic in a kid-friendly way. The Northland Healthy Minds Collaborative gave families the book “Happy Sad.” It helps unpack feelings in a way little ones can understand…

New Apartments Being Developed in Downtown Duluth

The cost for units will range between $700 and $1,500.

DULUTH, Minn. – New apartments are being developed in two historic buildings in the heart of downtown Duluth. The 47–unit complex called the “First Street Lofts” is under construction at the corner of Lake Avenue and East First Street inside the old “Builders Exchange” and “Interstate Auto” buildings. The properties are owned by former Duluth Mayor Gary Doty, who is…

Catalyst Content Festival Begins in Duluth

Hundreds of Hollywood executives and creators are in the Northland for the media festival

DULUTH, Minn. – The Catalyst Content Festival kicked off Wednesday in Downtown Duluth. The festival showcases never-before-seen TV shows and other media made all around the world. Creators are hoping the festival is what they need to get their original content recognized. “The ultimate thing would be that we can be able to create the show here and have a…

St. Luke’s Celebrates Launch Of Their Comprehensive Breast Program

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Luke’s Hospital is celebrating the launch of their comprehensive Breast Program. They held a ribbon cutting to commemorate this achievement. The program will speed up the process to care, by helping patients get answers to their concerns and information for treatment at a shorter time frame. It isn’t just for patients with breast cancer. Patients with any…

Duffy’s Daughter Born With Holes in Heart, Down Syndrome

WAUSAU, Wis.-Former Congressman Sean Duffy’s ninth child was born with Down’s syndrome and will require open heart surgery in three to four months. Duffy’s wife Rachel Campos-Duffy posted Monday on Facebook that their daughter, Valentina StellaMaris Duffy, was born with two holes in her heart that will require open-heart surgery as expected. The Wausau Daily Herald Media reports that Campos-Duffy…

Wisconsin Governor: Second Monday in October is Indigenous Peoples’ Day

MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Tony Evers has declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin, following similar moves in other states away from recognizing it as Columbus Day. WLUK-TV reports that Evers signed an executive order making the designation on Tuesday at Indian Community School in Franklin. Evers says by signing the executive order the state is recognizing…

Midday Update 10-9-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather