News

Lowest US Birth Rate in Three Decades Could Pose Risk to Economy

U.S. Babies Born Dropped two Percent From 2016

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — Women in the United States gave birth last year at the lowest rate in 30 years, a trend that could weigh on economic growth in the coming decades. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics said Thursday that the number of U.S. babies born last year fell 2 percent…

Senate Confirms Gina Haspel as new CIA Director

Haspel is the First Female Director of the CIA

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Gina Haspel as the first female director of the CIA following a rocky nomination process that reopened debate about one of the darkest chapters in the spy agency’s history. Thursday’s vote was 54-45. Republican John McCain was absent. Haspel’s nomination was contentious because of her role in a former…

Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…

Duluth to Celebrate Music and Passions of Bob Dylan

Duluth Dylan Fest to Kick-Off Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Saturday and lasting through the following week, Bob Dylan and his music will be the talk of the town. It’s all part of the Annual Duluth Dylan Fest. The week-long celebration honors Bob Dylan’s music, passions and influence on the Northland. Events will be taking place throughout the Northland May 19 – 27 in conjunction with…

Adding Heat to Your Salad with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm there are more and more vegetables available to take advantage of in the kitchen. For this week’s cooking connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed William Seay how to make a warm salad using those vegetable options. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in…

St. Cloud man Struck, Killed by Semitrailer on I-94 After Crashing car

The Semi Driver has not Been Charged

CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) – A Minnesota man is dead after he crashed his car in southeastern North Dakota and then was struck by a semitrailer while walking on the highway. The Highway Patrol says the 36-year-old man from St. Cloud, Minnesota, crashed his car on Interstate 94 west of Casselton early Thursday. A semitrailer came upon him shortly after 3…

Tree Worker Killed in on-the-job Incident in Richfield

The Worker was Killed by a Flying Piece of Metal

RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) – A landscaping company employee is dead after an on-the-job incident in Richfield. Authorities say the 51-year-old worker was killed Wednesday by a flying piece of metal from a wood chipper. It happened while another employee with Victory Tree Service was working on the clogged machine. The worker who died was identified by family as 51-year-old Bill…

Multiple People Hurt After School bus, Dump Truck Crash in New Jersey

Mount Olive Mayor Says 'It's a Horrific Scene'

(Jay Faltings via AP) MOUNT OLIVE, N.J. (AP) — A school bus and dump truck collided on a New Jersey highway Thursday, ripping apart the bus, knocking it on its side and injuring multiple people, according to police. The school bus was on the median of Interstate 80 in Mount Olive and the front end of the bus appeared to…

Man Accused of Pulling Down Pants of Sleeping Woman on Train

Authorities are Investigating the Incident

Photo: Ramsey County Correctional CenterST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A criminal sexual conduct charge has been filed against a man accused of pulling down the pants of a woman sleeping on a light rail train heading into downtown St. Paul. Authorities allege a 39-year-old woman on the train awoke on March 10 to find 70-year-old Kenneth Logans pulling down her…

Dayton Vetoes tax Bill

Dayton Said the Bill Favored the Wealthy and Corporations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have aligned Minnesota’s state tax code with federal changes passed last year. The Democratic governor rejected the bill passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature with about 20 grade-school students standing behind him at a St. Paul school. Dayton said the bill tilted toward the wealthy and corporations….

7-year-old boy Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Head

The boy was Pronounced Dead at the Scene

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) — Police say a 7-year-old boy has died after being shot in the head in suburban Minneapolis. Plymouth police say officers were called around 3 p.m. Wednesday on a report that a child was bleeding from a wound in the head. When officers arrived at the Plymouth home, they discovered he had suffered a gunshot wound. Efforts…

Minnesota Officials Denounce EPA’s Planned Limits on Science

The Change Will Increase Transparency in Decision-Making

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top environmental and health officials have denounced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to restrict the types of scientific studies that regulators can use to determine human health impacts. In a blistering letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Linc Stine and Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm say the limits…

Fit-N-Fun Run Held in Northland

DULUTH,Minn. – Nearly 2,000 Duluth elementary students hit the track at public school stadium for the annual Fit-N-Fun Run. Students ran a quarter of a mile during the event which is aimed at teaching younger kids about healthy lifestyles. Directors of the race said this event could stop some bad habits that young people develop at an early age. “It’s…

Fire Rips Through Home on Chester Parkway in Duluth

One Resident was Transported to a Nearby Hospital for Minor Injuries; Official Cause Unknown

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 114 Chester Parkway. Officials say crews found a heavily engulfed front porch on a two-story single family home. One of the occupants was reportedly still inside the structure, while the other had safely made his way out. Responders were able…

Daughter Remembers Father Who Died Working At Sappi Paper Mill

Cause Of Death Under Investigation

CLOQUET, Minn. – FOX 21 learned more about a worker at Cloquet’s Sappi paper and pulp mill who died on the job Tuesday. He’s 53-year old Ryan Martin of Duluth. Circumstances surrounding his death were not made available Wednesday. Authorities are investigating. A Sappi spokesperson said the company is “shocked and saddened.” Martin’s daughter, Melissa Martin, said her father was…

First Responders Return to Chetek for Anniversary Ceremony

About 20 Team Rubicon volunteers spent five days taking down trees and removing them resident's homes.

Chetek, Wis. – The Barron County Sheriff’s Office says within one hour of the tornado hitting the ground 100 first responders came to the scene. Another 100 arrived within the second hour. Those who helped in the disaster relief efforts were invited back like volunteers from Team Rubicon who helped out. About 20 volunteers spent five days taking down trees…

Chetek Community Reflects On Historic Tornado One Year Later

The tornado hit Barron, Polk, Rusk and Rice counties, winds were estimated at 130 mph and caused more than $10 million in damage.

Chetek, Wis. – One year ago a violent EF-3 tornado struck and ripped apart Chetek, Wisconsin and surrounding communities changing lives forever. and now the rebuilding process continues. Most of the damage from the tornado happened here at the Prairie Lakes Estates Trailer Park. You can still see much of them destruction and the piles of trees that still remain. When tragedy strikes it’s something you can’t forget. On…

The Bedrock Bar Transforming into the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub

The revamped expansion sports bar will have virtual golf simulators.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bedrock Bar is under new ownership, a new name, and adding a new feel to Lincoln Park. The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf is expanding at what use to be the Bedrock Bar. The property will now be called the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The new owners tell us they wanted to keep their business in the…

Painting Unveiled That Honors Military

Painting on Display at Depot Until May 22

DULUTH, Minn.-A special painting was unveiled today at the Duluth Depot honoring those who served in the military. The temporary exhibition, organized by the Veterans Memorial Hall, features an eight-by-ten foot oil painting that pays tribute to the Marine Corps. Part of the painting on display today, by Charles Capsner, even includes sand from Iwo Jima, the site of an…

Roads to Improve in Two Harbors

Nearly $2 Million Dedicated to Roads in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-The roads throughout Two Harbors are going to be getting some big improvements this summer as the city has decided to invest nearly $2 million in restructuring them. The capital improvement plan was approved earlier this week to fix roads, alleys, and sidewalks in the city this summer. The Two Harbors mayor said this is just the beginning…

Romaine Lettuce Outbreak Update: 172 Sick in 32 States

Health Officials Say the Lettuce Should no Longer be in Stores

PHOENIX (AP) – Health officials say nearly two dozen more cases of a food poisoning outbreak linked to romaine lettuce grown in Arizona have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that the total number of people sickened by a strain of E. coli is now 172 across 32 states. At least 75 people have been…

Heating tools Suspected in Fire at Historic Milwaukee Church

The Church was Built in 1878

(Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) – A Milwaukee fire official says heating tools apparently caused a fire that destroyed a historic downtown church. Deputy Fire Chief Dave Votsis says the tools placed on adjacent scaffolding may have ignited the roof of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Votsis estimates damage to the structure at $13 million and an additional…

Senate Passes Bill to Greenlight Enbridge Line 3, Bypass PUC

The Bill Would Bypass the State Public Utilities Commission

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Senate has voted 35-32 to pass a bill that would kick-start construction of Enbridge Energy’s proposed replacements of its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The House passed the legislation Monday, but the Senate on Wednesday added a two-word amendment that the House must concur with before sending the bill…

DA Says Kids Shot With Crossbows, Waterboarded

FAIRFIELD, Calif. (AP) – California prosecutors say 10 children rescued from a filthy, abusive home were subjected to `waterboarding,’ shot with crossbows and had scalding water poured on them. Solano County prosecutors included the details in a motion to increase the bail of Ina Rogers, who was charged with nine counts of felony child abuse Wednesday. She has not entered…

Senate Backs Effort to Restore ‘Net Neutrality’

Final Vote was 52-47

(Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has voted to kill a Federal Communications Commission rule that repealed the Obama administration’s ban on internet providers blocking or slowing down certain content. Back in December, the FCC repealed “net neutrality” rules that ensured equal treatment for all web traffic. The Obama-era rule prevented providers such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon…

Another Mistrial in Humphreys Murder Case

Humphreys Will Head to Trial Again on July 17th

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday Judge David Johnson declared yet another mistrial in the Aaron Humphreys murder case. Humphreys, 44, has been on trial twice in the past year for the death of 47-year-old Eric Wayne Burns who was shot outside of Duluth’s Bedrock Bar in October of 2016. The first mistrial took place in January due to the untimely…

Death at Sappi Paper Mill

Authorities Continue to Investigate

CLOQUET, Minn. – Officials at Sappi North America have confirmed the death of Ryan Martin at Sappi North America’s Cloquet facility. The company did not provide specific details about the cause of death. In an official statement from Sappi Manager of Corporate Communications: “We are shocked and saddened to confirm the death of Mr. Ryan Martin at Sappi North America’s…

Dayton Vetoes Bill on Ultrasounds Before Abortions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have required Minnesota physicians to tell pregnant women they have the option of viewing an ultrasound before having an abortion. The Democratic governor vetoed the bill Wednesday after it passed the Legislature largely on party lines last week. Several Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the…

Students Praised After Wednesday Morning School Shooting Incident

The 19-year-old Gunman was Taken Into Custody

(Rachel Rogers/Sauk Valley Media via AP)DIXON, Ill. (AP) -Authorities say students did exactly as they were trained to do when a school resource officer and a former student exchanged gunfire at a northern Illinois high school. Officer Mark Dallas shot and injured the 19-year-old gunman at Dixon High School and took him into custody Wednesday morning. At a news conference…

Tulsa mom Stabbed Eldest Daughter up to 70 Times

Ahmad Stabbed, hit Daughter in Head with Pickaxe and set Home on Fire

(Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office via AP) TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A Tulsa mother stabbed her eldest daughter 50 to 70 times, struck her head with a pickaxe then set their home on fire, before fleeing the scene with the youngest of her three daughters, according to police. Taheerah Ahmad, 39, was arrested in downtown Tulsa Tuesday afternoon. Authorities accuse her…

Explosion Targeted California Office

One Woman was Killed and Three Others Injured

(Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP)LOS ANGELES (AP) – Two officials have told The Associated Press that an office in a Southern California medical building was targeted by an explosive package. The officials were briefed on the investigation but not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity. One woman…

Simon Asks Lawmakers to Free up Election Security Funds

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and other elections officials are calling on the Legislature to free up federal funds for election security. The federal government has given Minnesota $6.6 million to bolster its election cybersecurity efforts. But the secretary of state’s office can’t spend that money until the Legislature passes an authorizing bill. Time…

Proposal Would Expand Places for Liquor Purchases

Opponents Worry Small Businesses Can't Compete

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A year after repealing a ban on Sunday liquor sales, Minnesota lawmakers are taking another look at where people can buy their booze. Lawmakers on Tuesday debated a proposal that would allow people to buy beer, wine and certain spirits in places like grocery stores and corner stores. Minnesota and Utah are the only two…

GOP Expecting Veto on tax Bill as Dayton Seeks School aid

Legislators Have Until Sunday Night

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican Party leaders say they expect Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton to veto a tax bill squaring Minnesota’s tax code with sweeping federal changes. The House passed its bill Tuesday and the Senate was expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. But Dayton has said he won’t sign a so-called tax conformity bill unless lawmakers set…

FOX 21 to Host Blood Drive Inspired by Young Boy’s Cancer Battle

Bennett's Blood Drive to be Held at FOX 21 on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Everyday patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever. Donated red cells last only 42 days. That’s why FOX 21 is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive this weekend. Bennett’s Blood Drive is being held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FOX 21….

Time to Register for Summer Camp at Animal Allies

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Advise Signing up for Summer Camp Sooner Rather than Later

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days remain before summer camp will be full at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about what your child will take part in during camp. Aside from getting to pet animals and work to make sure they’re happy and healthy on…

Michigan State and Nassar Victims Reach $500M Settlement

Nassar Also Possessed Child Pornography and is Serving Decades in Prison.

(Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP, File) EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University has reached a $500 million settlement with hundreds of women and girls who say they were sexually assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar in the worst sex-abuse case in sports history. The deal was announced Wednesday by Michigan State and lawyers for 332 victims….

Edina Takes Steps to Correct ‘Long-Term Racial Inequalities’

EDINA, Minn. (AP) – Edina’s City Council has approved a task force report recommending steps to correct “long-term racial inequities” in the city. City officials assembled the task force in response to an October 2016 incident involving a white police officer handcuffing a black man. A bystander video went viral, with some viewers objecting to what they saw as rough…

Chester Creek Restoration Almost Complete

Chester Bowl Welcomes a New Landscape Nearly Six Years After Historic Flooding Wiped out Parts of Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people stroll through Chester Bowl along Duluth’s scenic Skyline Parkway, but six years ago, massive flooding made for a big mess in the park. Now, reconstruction work is close to being complete. “Just that gurgling noise you can hear in the background, people love that as a relaxing sound,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive…

Ashland man Threatens Neighbors with Pistol

The 68-year-old is Facing Multiple Charges

ASHLAND, Wis. – According to the Ashland Police Department officers responded to a report last night of an intoxicated male threatening his neighbors while carrying a revolver pistol. The neighbors state they were cutting down a tree in their yard when the upset neighbor came outside yelling about the noise of the chainsaw while carrying the pistol. After failed attempts…

Hands-Free Cell Phones Push Appears Over in Legislature

The Bill Stalled in the Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A move to require Minnesota drivers to use only hands-free cell phones looks like it’s finished for the current legislative session. Rep. Mark Uglem, the Champlin Republican sponsoring the bill in the House, says leaders told him his bill won’t get a vote as the session heads toward a finish this weekend. Uglem tells Minnesota…

North Korea Threatens to Cancel Trump-Kim Summit Over Drills

Sanders Says Threats From North Korea to Scrap Meeting Were 'Fully Expected'

(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Wednesday threatened to scrap a historic summit next month between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and U.S. President Donald Trump, saying it has no interest in a “one-sided” affair meant to pressure the North to abandon its nuclear weapons. The warning by North Korea’s first vice foreign minister came hours…

Lake Nebagamon Man Creates Custom Rides

Walt Moss Shares Passion for Custom Vehicles

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis. – A Wisconsin man is known around his small town for his custom creations. They’re vehicles not seen before, because they’re creations Walt Moss has come up with himself. Moss is the owner of Walt Moss Trucking, Inc., but his obsession with going fast started many years ago. “Probably when I was about 12 years old when…

Emergency Preparedness Training in the Northland

The 2019 Under One Roof Conference is scheduled for May 14 & 15, 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye and the Northland is no stranger to that. Being prepared in case of an emergency is the big theme at a unique conference in Duluth this week. Organizers say the husky refinery explosion and fire were still on many people’s mind as disaster response and management experts took part…

Companies to Classrooms Has Been Helping Teachers for Five Years

Organization has a free school supplies store for Northland educators

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization in Duluth has spent five years giving free school supplies to area teachers. Companies to Classrooms recently moved to a new location in the basement of the Old Central High School building. It is a free store filled with new and slightly used items donated by people and businesses to help students’ educational experience. “This…

Marinas Busy After Sudden Summer Weather

After a later than expected winter, boaters are all getting on the water at the same time

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ice was still in the Duluth harbor until the first week of May. With spring finally here, local marinas are filling up with boats. Barker’s Island Marina in Superior has been busy with everyone bringing their boats at once. They say it may be a short boating season this year, but they hope the recent sunny weather…

Duluth Celebrates National Salvation Army Week

Two-thirds of the Salvation Army's meals in Duluth go toward the food shelf.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Salvation Army Week and Duluth is among the places marking the occasion. Staff members came to the Salvation Army thrift store in Duluth to say thank you to the people who support them. National Salvation Army week recognizes what the Salvation Army has done in communities all across the country. More than 150 years later…

Council Members Deny Vacation Rental Extension

The vacation rental cap will remain at 60 units.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council voted again adding additional vacation rentals. At the City Council meeting Monday night, the ordinance to add more vacation rentals in the city of Duluth was turned down 5-4.  Currently, the city allows 60 vacation rental units. The ordinance would have increased the rentals to 114. Council members Anderson, Russ, Sipress, Van Nett, Westerlund voted against….

Parklets Taking Over Downtown Duluth

Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Parking spots in downtown Duluth are being taken over, not just by tourists, but being transformed into spaces known as “parklets.” Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Zeitgeist Café is constructing its own parklet right now and plans to utilize the space every way they…