News

Analysis Shows Depression Diagnosis Rate High in Minnesota

Minnesota has a Diagnosis Rate of 5.8 Percent

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An analysis of claims by Blue Cross Blue Shield of America finds Minnesota with one of the highest rates of depression in the country. The health insurer examined medical claims from more than 41 million commercially insured members from 2013 to 2016 and compared the depression rates by state, age and gender. Minnesota, with a depression diagnosis…

MN House Passes Line 3 Pipeline Construction

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has approved a bill authorizing construction on Enbridge’s Line Three oil pipeline. Before the 74 to 51 vote House Speaker Kurt Daudt spoke on the House floor for the first time in four years saying the proposed replacement pipeline is for the environment, for good paying jobs and for more tax revenue for…

City Councilors Approve ESST Amendments

DULUTH, Minn. – Last night the Duluth City council moved forward on the Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance that has been debated for months and even years. Two new amendments were introduced and approved last night. One amendment would change the accrual rate to one hour of earned sick and safe time for every 50 hours worked. The other…

International Music History Can be Found in Superior Museum

A World of Accordions Museum Displays Evolution of Instrument

SUPERIOR, Wis. – International music history is alive in the Twin Ports. Some refer to the Harrington Arts Center as a hidden gem. The center has featured musicians from all over the world and the World of Accordions Museum also has international flair through their instruments that are on display. “They’re all individual personalities. They play, they handle differently, but…

Fertilizer Giant, Mosaic, Moving Headquarters to Florida

There is no Word yet on how Many Employees will be Affected

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) – One of Minnesota’s largest public companies is moving its headquarters to Florida. The fertilizer giant, Mosaic Co., says it will relocate its corporate headquarters from the Twin Cities suburb of Plymouth to Hillsborough County, Florida to be closer to its phosphate mines and to accomplish long-term savings. The Fortune 500 company mines potash and phosphate and…

Duluth Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….

City Council Votes On Latest Earned Sick and Safe Time Amendments

There have been more than 18 amendment to the ESST ordinance.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been debated for months, whether to establish new minimum standards for Duluth workers to Earn Sick and Safe Time (ESST) at their jobs. The Duluth City Council is once again discussing the issue with two new amendments being introduced. Several small business owners were in downtown Duluth in support of this ordinance. They’re ready for this ordinance…

Citizens Express Environmental Concerns at Husky Fire Listening Session

UW-Extension hosted the session to collect comments and questions from residents

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community listening session at Superior Middle School got heated as community members express environmental concerns in the aftermath of April’s Husky Energy Refinery explosion and fire. The listening session was offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension for Superior and other area residents to ask questions about the refinery fire and have their comments heard. Fear…

Charges Dropped In Superior Fatal Shooting

Jamar Smith Remains Behind Bars Charged with Unrelated Crimes

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Charges have been dropped against the man arrested in connection to a fatal shooting that happened in Superior in January of 2017. The shooting happened New Year’s Day behind Third Base Bar on Tower Avenue. Jamar Smith, 26, was arrested in connection to the crime, those charges are now dropped. Smith remains behind bars charged with unrelated…

Lake Superior College Holds 2018 Commencement

More than 700 graduates walked across the DECC Auditorium stage

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College celebrated their 2018 graduating class at their annual commencement ceremony. More than seven-hundred students walked across the stage at the DECC Auditorium to get their degrees, diplomas, and certificates. As students prepare for the next steps in their lives, family members came to show their support. “We are very proud of her. Very proud….

Housing Tax Credits and Nordic Center Also On Duluth City Council Agenda

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council is also expects to make a decision on low–income housing tax credits. There are five projects on the agenda for discussion. One Roof Housing has proposed a nine percent tax credit for the Decker and Brewery Creek Apartments. The three projects under construction for a four percent tax credit include re-purposing certain floors of the Board of…

Public Invited To Listening Session On Husky Refinery Incident

The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at Superior Middle School.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of unanswered questions still remain nearly three weeks after the Husky Refinery explosion and fire in Superior. A community listening session is being held at Superior Middle School to address some of these issues. The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Community members will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about…

Pedestrian Bridge Now Open at Chester Bowl

Safety and Environmental Improvements are Being Made at Chester Bowl, One of Duluth's Most Popular Parks

DULUTH, Minn. – Safety and environmental improvements are helping to beautify Chester Bowl in Duluth. The City has finished installing a new pedestrian bridge spanning across Chester Creek. Before construction, Chester Bowl Executive Director Dave Schaeffer says there was simply an old dam visitors would use to walk across to get to the other side of the creek. Aside from safety,…

River Quest Begins in Duluth

Program Began This Week Which Teaches Kids All About Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn.-1,500 sixth graders are making their way to the Duluth waterfront all this week to learn about Lake Superior. Students will be taking one hour trips out on the Vista where learning stations are set up. Students will also go through a variety of educational programs in the DECC as well, many of which will be hands-on. “I think…

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin Receives Highest Attorney Rating

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark S. Rubin has again been awarded the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest possible rating for both ability and ethical standards. According to Martindale-Hubbell, this rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence and is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers/members of the…

GOP Races to set Field for two Legislative Special Elections

The General Election Will be on June 12

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A pair of primary elections Tuesday will determine the Republican candidates in two special legislative elections in June. Polls open at 7 a.m. in northeastern Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District and in south-central Wisconsin’s 42nd Assembly District. The winners of each contest will advance to the June 12 general election. The two districts have gone without representation…

Buildings Being Dismantled at NK Nuke Test Site

North Korea Will Dismantle its Test Site between May 23-25

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. researchers say recent satellite imagery shows that North Korea has begun dismantling facilities at its nuclear test site. An analysis Monday by the 38 North website says commercial imagery taken last week shows that several operational support buildings have been razed and rails for mining carts have apparently been removed. North Korea says it will dismantle…

Dayton Says he Won’t Pass tax Bill Without School Funding

Dayton Says Schools Need Additional Money

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he won’t sign a bill squaring the state’s tax code to sweeping federal changes if Republican lawmakers don’t include emergency funding money for schools. Dayton’s comments Monday set the stage for tricky negotiations with GOP legislative leaders as they careen toward deadlines. Passing a so-called tax conformity bill to avoid…

Lawmakers’ to-do List is Long, but Time is Running Short

The Deadline is May 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Just like they started the session, Minnesota’s Legislature is entering the homestretch with a long to-do list. But now they have just over a week to finish it. Republicans who control the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton are at odds on how to restructure Minnesota’s tax code, how to change health care programs and whether…

Johnson Names Duluth’s Bergstrom to Governor Campaign

The Announcement was Made Monday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican Jeff Johnson has chosen a running mate in his bid for governor. Johnson added Donna Bergstrom to his ticket in a Monday announcement. Bergstrom is a Republican activist and a retired lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve who lives in the Duluth area. Bergstrom ran and lost for a heavily Democratic Duluth state…

Verizon Wireless Devices to Support Training Goals for Athletes

Verizon Wireless Recommends Spring Activity Devices

DULUTH, Minn. – As Spring fully gets underway people are getting outside to exercise. With Grandma’s Marathon just over a month away, many runners are also taking advantage of this time to get active. This morning, Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to talk through gadgets that can be helpful during this training period. Bose Soundsport…

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

Fentanyl Deaths Rise in Minnesota

There Were 172 Synthetic Opioid Deaths in 2017

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The number of people who died from the synthetic opioid fentanyl surged in 2017. A preliminary report released Monday by the Minnesota Health Department says there were 172 deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2017. A total of 156, or 91 percent, of those deaths listed fentanyl as a contributing factor. The number of overall synthetic opioid deaths…

Few Minnesota Schools Test for Radon

State and Federal Guidelines Suggest Testing Every Five Years

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota television station’s investigation has found that most schools in the state don’t test school buildings for radon. KARE-TV reports that state and federal guidelines suggest schools test for radon every five years. Radon is colorless and odorless gas that’s a known carcinogen. Medical research says children are particularly vulnerable to the chemical. Minnesota Department of…

Minnesota House, Senate Strike Deal on tax Bill

The Plan Would cut Taxes for 2.2 Million Residents

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republican lawmakers have agreed on a plan they say would cut taxes for 2.2 million residents. The Star Tribune reports the deal reached Friday comes after the House and Senate reconciled differences between their two tax bills, which come in response to the federal tax overhaul. House members’ original plan reduced the tax rate…

Three men set off to Paddle Mississippi, Hope to Break Record

The Trip is More Than 2,300 Miles

ITASCA STATE PARK, Minn. (AP) – Three men have set off on what they hope will be a record-setting journey paddling down the Mississippi River. Kevin Eckelkamp, Nate Lastinger and K.J. Millhone left the river’s headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota on Thursday in their canoe, bound for the Gulf of Mexico. To break the current record of 18 days,…

UN Agency Calls for all Countries to rid Foods of Trans fat

The WHO Wants all Nations to rid Trans-fat in Next 5 Years

NEW YORK (AP) — The World Health Organization is calling on all nations to rid foods of artificial trans fats in the next five years. The United Nations agency has in the past pushed to exterminate infectious diseases, but now it’s aiming to erase a hazard linked to chronic illness. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was expected to issue the…

Supreme Court Makes Sports Betting a Possibility Nationwide

The Supreme Court Ruled 6-3

(AP Photo/John Locher) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The 1992 law barred state-authorized sports gambling…

60 Dead Cats Among 100 Animals Discovered at Minnesota Home

Neighbors Reported a Foul Smell

FARMINGTON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a Minnesota woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after investigators found about 100 animals at her home, including 60 dead cats. The Star Tribune reports that authorities removed more than 40 live cats, five dogs, one farm pig, a hamster and a dead rabbit from the single-family home in Dakota County,…

Mother Remembers Daughter Killed by Drunk Driver on Mother’s Day

Snowden Bothwell Died in A Crash Near Virginia One Year Ago

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the people in our lives, but for a mother in Virginia this day means something else. The day her life changed forever because of one man’s drunken decision to get behind the wheel of his truck. May 13, 2017 seven-year-old Snowden Bothwell was killed when the car she was in was hit by…

Moms Spend Time with Their Kids at Popular Duluth Attractions

Vista Fleet and North Shore Scenic Railroad host Mother's Day specials

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms and their kids are out celebrating Mother’s Day at some popular Duluth attractions. The North Shore Scenic Railroad offered a special Mother’s Day Luncheon aboard a dining car riding up and down the North Shore. One mom told us she lives out of town so it was a great way to spend the day with her…

Munger Trail Revamped After 2012 Flood Damage

North Shore Inland Marathon celebrates its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – A five mile section of the Willard Munger State Trail was heavily damaged in the 2012 flood. That section has now been revamped by the Minnesota DNR and the North Shore Inland Marathon celebrated its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony kicked off the Mother’s Day Skate, Ride, and Run. The seventy mile trail is…

‘Run Smelt Run’ Parade Marches Down Duluth Lakwalk

Annual celebration pays tribute to the smelt running through Lake Superior waters

DULUTH, Minn. – A tradition like no other filled the Duluth Lakewalk with colorful characters and a celebration of the smelt run. “I don’t know of anything like this anywhere else,” said Karin White, the parade’s Olympic presenter. “It’s region specific.” The parade celebrates spring in the Northland. “The smelt are running,” said John Finkle, one of the parade’s smelt…

Body Of Missing Virginia Man Found

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The body of a Virginia man missing since December has been discovered. 49-year-old David Pagel’s body was found in a creek on the 900 block of 3rd Street South. A woman walking her dog Friday evening saw a shoe in the creek, which lead law enforcement to search the water for the body. The medical examiner’s office…

Leah Vukmir Wins GOP Endorsement In U.S. Senate Race

MILWAUKEE (AP) –  Republican U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir has won the state party’s endorsement giving her candidacy a boost against challenger Kevin Nicholson. Vukmir won 73 percent of the vote Saturday at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention. Nicholson got 27 percent. It took 60 percent to capture the endorsement. The win means Vukmir can tap into the state party’s resources,…

Bent Paddle Celebrates Their 5-Year Festiversary

Craft brewery has special brews available for the occasion

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company turned five years old Saturday and they celebrated with a Festiversary. The Duluth-based craft brewery made some special brews for the annual event. While there, guests could watch live music on two stages, play games, and celebrate all the Lincoln Park Craft District has to offer. “Really this is a celebration of Duluth…

Local Organization Takes A Ride For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Billboards

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Motorcyclists in Superior went for a ride to raise money for a creative campaign on motorcycle safety awareness. About 30 riders hit the road with Abate of Wisconsin, an organization that promotes motorcycle safety. Organizers hope to put six billboards up, three in Superior and three in Duluth. “Messages on the billboard are: “Look for motorcycles. Motorcycles are everywhere,” said…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Kicks Off

Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener is finally here and it’s a day many people have been waiting for. Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend. Several people were at Island Lake in Duluth. One fisherman was looking to reel in walleye. He used the opener as a way to bond with his younger cousin….

Volunteers Help Clean Up One of Duluth’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s  most popular tourist areas has seen better days. Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up. One volunteer told me some people take the Lakewalk for granted, so coming together to help clean it up was the right thing to do. If you ask Tim Carroll what…

Community Helps Raise Funds for International Adoption

The Dalhbergs have the mounds of paperwork filled out, their hearts, and home ready for little Anna.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Nearly one year ago today a family in Solon Springs Wisconsin decided to add another member. Now the Dahlberg’s are finalizing finally bringing an 8-year-old girl home from China. The adoption process has been challenging but fox 21’s Lauren Leigh reports it has been made possible through the help of the community. The Dalhbergs have the mounds of…

Minnesota Fishing Season Opens Saturday

Mothers aren't required to have a fishing license during

DULUTH, Minn. – We are less than 24 hours away from the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Opener. Nearly 1.5 million anglers are licensed in the state and people here in Duluth and across Minnesota are getting ready to hit the water. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Males account for 65 percent of fishing license holders. Females account for 35 percent. We…

It’s A Festiversary at Bent Paddle Brewing Company

Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for Festiversary.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company is turning five years old and you’re invited to the party. It’s a Festiversary. This year’s event will be the first one held at the new taproom. You’ll find live music and other community partners. Bent Paddle staff say it’s the seventh largest brewery in Minnesota. Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for…

Mayors’ Bike Ride Celebrates Biking in the Twin Ports

Annual event includes a discussion about bike infrastructure improvements

DULUTH, Minn. – Bicycling took center stage as the leaders of both Duluth and Superior came together for the annual Mayors’ Bike Ride and Luncheon. More than a hundred bikers rode from Duluth City Hall to Clyde Iron Works for Lunch and then back to City Hall. Many riders hope the event leads to more awareness about the city’s bike…

Junk Hunting Takes Over Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center

The Duluth Junk Hunt runs from Friday, May 11 until Saturday, May 12; The Event is in It's 6th Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota fishing opener may be Saturday, but on Friday hundreds of folks started hunting for junk at the 6th annual Duluth Junk Hunt. The two day event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center at 120 North 30th Avenue West. Founder Emily Broman started the event back in 2012 because she realized there…

“Make it OK” Campaign Stops at Duluth Area Family YMCA

A Full List of Events is Planned by Northland Healthy Minds throughout the Month of May to Combat Mental Illness Stigma

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks visiting the Duluth Area Family YMCA on Friday had the chance to learn more about the stigma surrounding mental illness, and even sign a pledge to speak up about the ongoing issue. Northland Healthy Minds is a volunteer group that has come together to bring the “Make it OK” campaign to the Duluth area. The group…

White House Declines to Condemn Aide’s McCain Remark

Sanders Says the Aide Still Works for the White House

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)WASHINGTON (AP) -The White House is refusing to condemn a staffer who said during a closed-door meeting that Arizona Sen. John McCain’s opinion “doesn’t matter” because “he’s dying anyway.” Kelly Sadler was discussing McCain’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s nominee for CIA director Gina Haspel. Former Vice President Joe Biden says a White House official’s comments…