News

Thinking Ahead with Health Insurance Before Traveling Abroad

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is Reminding Travelers to Think About Purchasing Travel Insurance Before Vacationing Abroad

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to spring break and summer vacation, it’s easy to forget about the scariest things that could happen, but insurance agents at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota say it’s important to always be prepared. Insurance agent Jeremy Hoglund stopped by FOX 21 Local News to offer tips and advice for planning ahead before…

Police Investigate two Deaths in Orono

Officials say There is no Apparent Risk to Public

ORONO, Minn. (AP) – Police say they’re investigating the deaths of two people at a home in Orono. Authorities say bodies of a male and female were discovered at the home about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police are being assisted by Hennepin County sheriff’s investigators and the state Crime Lab. Officials say there is no apparent risk to the public in…

Liberal Candidate in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Concedes

Unofficial Results Showed a Nearly 6,000 Vote Lead

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The liberal candidate in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race has conceded to her conservative rival, deciding against a recount in a contest where the two were separated by just half a percentage point. Lisa Neubauer’s conceded Wednesday to Brian Hagedorn. Unofficial results showed Hagedorn with a nearly 6,000-vote lead after the April 2 election. That didn’t measurably…

Adopt-a-Duck Fundraiser Happening Now at Animal Allies

The Fundraiser will Help Support the Humane Education Program at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Animal Answers takes Northlanders deep into the pocketbook. Animal Allies is encouraging families across the area to consider adopting a different type of creature all for a good cause. “There’s no ducking around at Animal Allies,” said Michelle Sternberg, Development Officer at Animal Allies. Staff and volunteers at the Duluth shelter cannot stop quacking up….

Morning Update 4-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a look at today’s top headlines and weather. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Duluth Man Charged with Threatening Violence to Police and East High School

One charge of Threats of Violence, and one of Possession of a Machine Gun Conversion Kit.

DULUTH, Minn.- Serious charges are now filed against a Duluth man accused of threatening to shoot up East High School and any Police Officers who entered the building. 35-year-old Travis Busch, who had access to East High School as a job coach for a student with special needs, is charged with one count of “Threats of Violence,” and one count…

Community Preps to Sew Bags, Rid Duluth of Plastic Bags on Earth Day

Bag-A-Thon event happening city wide on April 20th.

DULUTH, Minn.- To raise awareness about the climate impacts and pollution caused by plastic bag use, the Bag It Duluth campaign is preparing for a city wide event on Earth Day. “Bag—A—Thon” will occur at locations across the city on April 20th. Different locations will accept donations until the 17th. Then people would be invited to come and sew reusable…

Duluth Police Hold Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks

Conversations held between police and community.

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth Police officers heard from their community in a unique way on Tuesday. They hosted a Coffee with a Cop session at Starbucks in downtown Duluth. Officers say they wanted to provide a casual and welcoming opportunity for law enforcement and the community to come together. “A large part of law enforcement and the job we do is knowing…

One Suspect in Custody After Suspected Home Break-In

Two young males tried kicking in door in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department arrested one male suspect and detained three others, after responding to reports of an attempted home invasion at about 5 p–m last night at the thirteen hundred block of Lincoln street. There two young males were accused of trying to kick a door in. Police arrested the suspect on possible charges of bail jumping and…

Great Lakes Aquarium Host Second Community Day

Guests were offered free admission and parking all day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth is giving back by hosting its second Annual Community Day for everyone in the Northland. Guests were offered free admission and parking all day. Also, engaging programming was held every hour. Some guests were even lucky enough to catch the volunteer divers feeding fish in the big tank. Great Lake Aquarium staff…

Research Study Uncovers Potential Workforce Issues and Opportunities in the Region

They are hoping for more community engagement to address the workforce issues in the region.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 400 interviews were conducted in the region uncovering a potential workforce shortage in various industries. The talent forecast research team presented results to other industry professionals, identifying workforce challenges in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Results show there is a need to fill positions in several areas like health care and aviation, but there are…

St. Louis County Promoting Driving Vigilance for Work Zone Awareness Week

Drivers more at risk than construction crews, experts say.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. With the construction season just around the corner, St. Louis County Officials are sharing driving tips on how to make it through those construction areas. Officials ask drivers to remain extra vigilant on their normal routes, looking out for lane closures and changes due to construction. Not only for the…

College of St. Scholastica Students Showcase Ideas at Trade Show

Students also created websites for their products and innovations.

DULUTH, Minn. – The creativeness of College of St. Scholastica Business students was on full display during a special trade show. Students worked in groups during the semester to come up with ideas for products and innovations, which were presented at the show. Students feel this event was an opportunity to get an interactive learning experience outside the classroom. “It’s…

Property Taxes Projected to Increase Under Evers’ Budget

The Budget is Expected to Undergo Significant Change in Legislature

MADISON, Wis. – Property taxes on the owner of a median-valued home are projected to increase under Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal, but not as much as they would under current law. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released its estimate for property taxes Tuesday. Under the Evers budget, property taxes are projected to go up 2 percent in 2019 and…

Update: City Council Approves First Street Traffic Study

DULUTH, Minn. – A resolution authorizing an agreement with Alliant Engineering to perform a traffic study for the First Street two-way traffic conversion project, was approved unanimously on Monday night. The study will look into converting First Street between Mesaba Avenue and 24th Avenue East from on-way to two-way traffic. City officials say the study would cost $84,344. Categories: News,…

Level 3 Predatory Offender Moving to Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department is releasing information to the public regarding a Level 3 predatory offender moving to Cloquet. Authorities say Steven James Hayes, 33, is moving to the vicinity of Allen Street and Big Lake Road on April 10. According to reports, Hayes held several known and unknown adult female victims against their will. Hayes physically…

Oneida Chairman Warns of Climate Change, CWD in Speech

Hill Also Lamented Tribal Drug Addiction, Poverty and Health Care Costs

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The chairman of the Oneida Nation is calling on Wisconsin lawmakers to eliminate remaining American Indian high school mascots, protect the environment and aggressively fight chronic wasting disease. Tehassi Hill spoke Tuesday during the annual State of the Tribes address before the Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers. Hill said 31 Wisconsin schools still use American Indian…

Judge Relents on Video Evidence at Cop’s Trial

Body Camera Footage Will be Shown to Entire Courtroom

(Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The judge hearing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in the fatal shooting of an unarmed woman has reversed a ban on what video evidence may be viewed by the media and public. Judge Kathryn Quaintance ruled Tuesday that body camera video introduced as evidence in the murder trial…

Man Charged in Duluth School Threat

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has been formally charged with threats of violence and possession of a machine gun conversion kit following his arrest on Friday at Duluth East High School. According to the criminal complaint, 35-year-old Travis John Anthony Warner Busch was in the cafeteria at Duluth East High School supervising an individual as part of his work…

Midday Update 4-9-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

House Democratic Bill Hikes Corporate Taxes to Help Schools

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education. Leaders of the House Democratic majority said Monday that most individual Minnesotans would see tax cuts under their proposal. The bill would…

Charges Pending in Wisconsin Crash That Killed Three

The Pickup was Traveling at About 100 mph When it hit the Jeep

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – An Illinois man is behind bars and facing possible reckless homicide charges in the deaths of three family members from Kenosha. Authorities say the pickup driver was intoxicated and speeding when he slammed into the back of an SUV in Salem Lakes, killing a doctor, a dentist and the dentist’s wife, a nurse. The doctor and…

Superior Police: Four Detained Following Attempted Home Invasion

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is investigating an attempted home invasion that occurred Monday evening in the 1300 block of Lincoln Street. According to police, officers responded to the area following a 911 call from the resident saying two young males attempted to kick in her door. Authorities say four people were detained shortly after the incident and…

Duluth Community Days Continue with Free Aquarium Admission

The Great Lakes Aquarium will Offer Free Admission Tuesday, April 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The second year of the “Duluth Community Day” initiative continues Tuesday, April 9 with free admission to the Great Lakes Aquarium. The initiative started with the hope of highlighting and showcasing some of Duluth’s best attractions for residents and visitors. During the specified days, special programming, free events and activities are offered. At the Great Lakes Aquarium, visitors…

Walz Administration Renews Challenge to Line 3 oil Pipeline

The Appeal Should not Delay the Permitting Process

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says his administration has renewed its challenge to a regulatory panel’s approval of Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. Walz told reporters Monday that the Commerce Department refiled its appeal last week with the Minnesota Court of Appeals, which had dismissed earlier appeals…

A Century Old Theatre That’s Trying to Make a Comeback

The Lyric Center for the Arts was built in 1911

VIRGINIA, Minn. –  A century old theater is making a come back. The arts play a significant role in any town, especially one like Virginia, Minnesota. “The theater opened in 1912, in January, and to a full house and rave reviews,” Lyric executive directory Mary McReynolds said. In 1912, the Lyric Center for the Arts was one of several stops…

Morning Update 4-9-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Knowing Your Neighbors: Reimagined by T. Underwood

Home staging store in Duluth helps you transform your home.

DULUTH, Minn.- For some, it can be hard to make your house or apartment feel like home. The owner of Reimagined by T. Underwood says her philosophy can help with that. Tammy Underwood once ran her store out of her garage and storage units, but now has a place of her own. “When this spot become available I signed the lease…

Martha’s Daughter Restaurant Closes In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A downtown Duluth restaurant that’s been open for only about a year has announced it is closing its doors for good and solely offering a “pop-up service.” Martha’s Daughter opened in the former Coney Island location on East Superior Street in early 2018 to serve locally sourced and sustainable food. A GoFundMe created by the owner, Nyanyika Banda,…

Kennedy Announces Run For Duluth City Council Dist. 5

DULUTH, Minn. – A life-long resident of West Duluth is running for the 5th District City Council seat currently held by Jay Fosle. Janet Kennedy made her announcement Monday at Beaner’s Central in West Duluth. Kennedy says she’s focused on community centered economic development, decreasing health disparities, and improving infrastructure and transportation. Kennedy ran against Fosle in 2015 with roughly…

Chisholm Teachers Ratify New Contract

Education Minnesota-Chisholm and the Chisholm School District have ratified teacher contracts for 2017-19 and 2019-21.

CHISHOLM, Minn.-Education Minnesota-Chisholm and the Chisholm School District have ratified teacher contracts for 2017-19 and 2019-21. The 2017-19 contract includes a one percent salary increase for both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. The 2017-19 contract includes a one percent salary increase for both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. The 2019-21 contract restructures the pay scale to increase starting salaries…

Spend Spring Break Playing Sports at Heritage Sports Center

Open gym and skate held all week,

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring Break has just begun for some area schools. Sometimes figuring out ways to entertain the family can be challenging. Duluth Parks and Recreation thinks they can help with that. During this week, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center will have different sports available on their turf from 11 to 1, followed by an open ice skate from 1:30 to…

Ski Season Successful, said Spirit Mountain

Officials say profits are good, but not as good as previous year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The end of season numbers have come in, and it appears it’s been another successful one for Spirit Mountain. According to the resort’s General Manager, they’ll be rounding out the fiscal year with a profit of $180,000. This is a bit short of their $302,000 profit from the previous year. They say they’re happy with business despite the…

First Street to be Evaluated for Two-Way Traffic

City proposes traffic study to city council Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the city starts work on the reconstruction of Superior Street, they’re also looking ahead to a possible redevelopment of First Street. On Monday night the Duluth City Council is expected to vote on whether to have a traffic study done. The study would look into converting First Street between Mesaba Avenue and 24th Avenue East from one-way…

Phase Two of Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Kickoff event held with Mayor Larson and City Officials.

DULUTH, Minn.- The barricades are up on Superior Street as construction season begins. While the ground was broken for the project on Monday, the real heavy work will start next week. Until then crews will be focused on staging and preparation for a project that will include improving utilities, adding a closed loop hot water heat system, and other streetscape amenities….

Wild State Cider Set to Welcome Customers for Soft Opening on April 16th

The official grand opening weekend is April 26th and 27th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wild State Cider is taking pride in making cider as opening day quickly approaches. The cidery will offer four delicious flavors including a semi dry and fruit infused options. Customers will have a chance to enjoy meat and cheese plates as pairings for the cider. After a long journey of getting prepared the Wild Cider team is very…

Duluth City Council Passes Motorized Scooter Regulations

Ordinance Passed as Proactive Measure

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the growing nationwide popularity of motorized scooters and E-bikes, the City of Duluth is taking proactive measures to regulate any potential new rental businesses in Duluth. Monday night, the City Council passed an ordinance 7-1 to regulate any businesses that plan to offer scooter and e-bike rentals. The ordinance would also put limitations on speed…

Volunteer Returns Favor to Heart Surgery Patients in the Duluth

Art volunteers about two to three times a week with the Mended Hearts program.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Volunteer Week, which means its time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their time and energy to help others. One volunteer in Duluth is returning a favor by lifting the spirits of heart surgery patients and their families as  a member of the Mended Hearts program. Art Bringe  has been a volunteer at Duluth…

City of Duluth to Implement New Lighting Policy

-The city of Duluth is announcing a change to its street lighting policy regarding the “color temperature” of lighting – that is, what color the light source appears to the human eye.

DULUTH, Minn.-The city of Duluth is announcing a change to its street lighting policy regarding the “color temperature” of lighting – that is, what color the light source appears to the human eye. New residential streetlights installed within the Duluth will have a color temperature of 2700K. This excludes lights at controlled intersections. As part of efforts to reduce energy…

Felicity Huffman to Plead Guilty in College Scam

Actress Felicity Huffman has agreed to plead guilty in the college admissions cheating scandal.

SAN FRANCISCO-Actress Felicity Huffman has agreed to plead guilty in the college admissions cheating scandal. Court documents made public Monday show Huffman and 12 other prominent parents will plead guilty in the scheme. Huffman was accused of paying $15,000 to have a proctor boost her older daughter’s SAT score. Huffman was among 50 people charged in what authorities have described…

House Democratic Bill Hikes Corporate Taxes to Help Schools

Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled a tax bill that includes $1.2 billion in higher taxes, mostly on corporate foreign profits, and they propose to spend about three-fourths of the new revenues on education. Leaders of the House Democratic majority said Monday that most individual Minnesotans would see tax cuts under their proposal. The bill would bring the state’s…

Police Dog Stabbed During Encounter With Suspect in Green Bay

A Green Bay police dog has been stabbed during an encounter with a suspect.

GREEN BAY, Wis.-A Green Bay police dog has been stabbed during an encounter with a suspect. Officers responded to a call about a man with a gun Sunday around 8 p.m. Police say they surrounded a house and the man came out. The police dog Pyro bit the man as officers attempted to arrest him and he stabbed the animal….

Community Raises Funds for Northland Law Enforcement

The 2019 Police Fundraiser had a goal of over $26,000

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders had their chance to ‘Back the Blue’ at the 2019 Police Fundraiser. The event is the only fundraiser put on by local non–profit Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 to raise money for surrounding police forces in the area. That money goes toward uniforms and equipment but also goes to support officers and the families of those who…