News

Truck Driver Used Smartphone Before Fatal Crash

Facing Criminal Charges

LAKE ELMO, Minn. (AP) — A Wisconsin truck driver accused of using his smartphone before causing a fatal accident in eastern Minnesota is facing criminal charges.Washington County prosecutors say 28-year-old Wayne Hicks, of Independence, Wisconsin, is charged with criminal vehicular homicide in Tuesday afternoon’s crash that killed 54-year-old Robert Bursick, of Amery, Wisconsin. Prosecutors say Hicks admitted to texting with…

Study: Minnesota Patients say Medical pot Helps Reduce Pain

Medical Marijuana

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say many medical marijuana users report significant reductions in pain. More than 60 percent of the more than 2,200 patients surveyed by the state report benefits from using marijuana in inhaled or pill forms during the first five months after Minnesota approved cannabis to treat pain. The report surveyed patients who used…

New Report Shows Minnesota has met 25 Percent Renewable Energy Goal

Meeting Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard seven years ahead of schedule.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new report released today by Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows that 25 percent of Minnesota’s energy now comes from renewable sources, meeting Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard seven years ahead of schedule. Last year, Governor Mark Dayton’s Administration and a group of bipartisan lawmakers called for an increase in Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard from the current…

Minnesota Cops Seize More Meth, Prescription Pills in 2017

Authorities saw a notable increase in meth, prescription pills, heroin, and marijuana.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota authorities saw notable increases in the amount of meth, prescription pills, heroin and marijuana they took off the street last year. Data provided Thursday from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety says more than 214,000 prescription pills were seized by drug and gang investigators in 2017. That’s up from nearly 59,000 pills in 2016. The huge…

Gun Control Measures Tabled at State Capitol

Democrat backed gun bills quickly sidetracked

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republicans in the Minnesota House have put on hold a pair of Democratic-backed bills meant to restrict guns. The House Public Safety committee voted Thursday to table bills that would have expanded background checks and allowed family members or police to temporarily take a gun from someone suffering a crisis. Nearly every Republican voted to…

Public Meeting Scheduled for Woodland Avenue and Calvary Road Project

Significant road and utility improvements are being planned for portions of Woodland Avenue, Calvary Road in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – A public meeting has been scheduled to gather input and inform property owners in the area about what’s being planned and how their access and utilities will be affected during the construction period.   The meeting will be held today at 6 p.m. at the Woodland Community Recreation Center.   Representatives of both St. Louis County Public…

Wise Fool Theater Presents “Treasure Island” and First-Ever Sensory-Friendly Performance

Treasure Island's Dr. Livesey and Long John Silver Visit FOX 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Wise Fool Theater is gearing up to kick off their next production. Treasure Island begins shows Friday, March 2 and they run through Sunday, March 18. For the first time ever, Wise Fool Theater will be offering a special Sensory Friendly performance – specially geared towards children on the autism spectrum and other patrons who might not…

Flower-Infused Chocolate Cream Puffs to be Featured at Chocolate After Dark

Cooking Connection: June Apple Kitchen

DULUTH, Minn. – Arc Northland is once again holding their Chocolate After Dark Fundraiser. The 21st annual event will include sampling chocolate creations from featured local chefs, a silent auction, a gift card wall and a cash bar. All proceeds from the event go to supporting and expanding Arc Northland’s advocacy and educational programming for individuals and families with disabilities….

The Latest: Expect Trump tariffs on imported steel, aluminum

The Latest on President Donald Trump and trade penalties on steel and aluminum imports

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has told steel and aluminum executives that he’ll impose import tariffs ‘next week’ in a bid to boost U.S. manufacturers. His words to the executives: “You will have protection for the first time in a long while.” The president spoke at a hastily called meeting at the White House after hours of…

Hermantown Police Seize 26 Pounds of Marijuana, Two Arrested

Seven pounds of Butane Hash Oil, or "Wax," also seized.

(Still Awaiting Mugshot for Williams)HERMANTOWN, Minn. – On February 21 the Hermantown Police Department and Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the 4100 Block of Meadow Parkway in Hermantown. Officers seized approximately 26 pounds of marijuana, 7 pounds of Butane Hash Oil, also known as “Wax,” and $27,000 in cash. Two loaded handguns,…

Walmart, Dick’s expand corporate rift with gun lobby

Walmart follows Dick's in saying it will no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21.

(Photo by Scott Dalton/Invision for DICK’S Sporting Goods/AP Images)NEW YORK (AP) — The rift between major U.S. companies and the gun lobby is growing.. Retail heavyweights Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods have taken steps to restrict gun sales. That follows moves by several other major corporations, including MetLife, Hertz and Delta Air Lines, that have cut ties with National Rifle…

Governor Dayton Urges Passage of MinnesotaCare Buy-In

WillgGive Minnesotans Another, More Affordable Choice for Health Insurance

ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today urged state legislators to support and pass a “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” option this session. The proposal would allow all Minnesotans the choice to purchase their health insurance through MinnesotaCare – a state program that for 26 years has provided some eligible working Minnesota families a more affordable choice to purchase their health care….

Jason Metsa Announces Run for Eighth Congressional District

Rep. Jason Metsa announced today that he is running for the open seat in Northern Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District

Virginia, Minn. — Rep. Jason Metsa announced today that he is running for the open seat in Northern Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District.   “I am running for Congress because I know that we only make progress for Northern Minnesota families when we have each other’s’ backs and stand up to fight for each other,” said Metsa.   Metsa, a three-term…

Local Students Hold Peaceful Protest Asking for Change

The students at Superior Middle School held a walk-out to honor the students who were shot and killed in Florida

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Students at Stoneman Douglas High School returned to classes for the first time since the shooting massacre, Superior Middle School students made their voices heard. The students at Superior Middle School held a walk-out to honor the students who were shot and killed in Florida. It was also a time to talk gun regulations, mental health, and school safety….

Community Voices Opinion on Potential Police Riot Gear

Purchasing the equipment has been put on hold until public comment has been heard.

DULUTH, Minn.- The potential purchasing of riot gear for Duluth Police Officers is an on-going controversial topic. Wednesday night the Duluth Citizen’s Review Board and the Duluth Police Department listened in on concerns and support. Officials with the Duluth Police Department say the riot gear would only be worn during a violent protest, not on a regular assignment. Wednesday night…

Courage Kenny Mono Ski Madness Begins at Spirit Mountain

Today kicked off the fifteenth annual Great Lake Mono Ski Madness.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ski hills at Spirit Mountain are welcoming a group of special guests this week. Today kicked off the fifteenth annual Great Lake Mono Ski Madness. It’s a camp that focuses on the mono-ski, which allows folks with disabilities to shoot down the hills at top speed. The event is put on by Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute….

Adopt a Hydrant Program Offered in Duluth

Resident Can Shovel or Mow Around Hydrants to Help Out Fire Department

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeowners in Duluth can now adopt a fire hydrant in the city to help fire fighters access hydrants in case of a fire. Adopters will maintain their hydrants by cutting grass around it in the summer and shoveling snow around it in the winter. The clear hydrants can cut down on Fire Department response time. “You could…

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Minnesota

Students at Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy Celebrated

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is school bus driver appreciation day in Minnesota. Students at the Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy are going the extra mile for their favorite bus drivers. Classrooms are making posters, thank you cards, and treat jars for their drivers who work hard every day. “The drivers really do a great job of getting them home…

Local Gun Stores to Keep Selling Modern Sporting Rifles

Other Local Groups Focused on Regulating Unlicensed Gun Sellers

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dicks’ Sporting Goods decision to stop selling what they’re calling “assault style rifles” is getting a lot of attention, including from other stores in our area that do sell those types of guns. One store in Superior tell us they won’t be following in Dicks’ footsteps, it’s a choice they feel strongly about. Superior Shooter’s Supply carries…

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks resigning

The news comes a day after Hicks was interviewed for Russia interference

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON (AP) – White House Communications Director Hope Hicks, one of President Donald Trump’s most loyal aides, is resigning. In a statement, the president praises Hicks for her work over the last three years. He says he “will miss having her by my side.” The news comes a day after Hicks was interviewed for nine hours by…

Parents Urged to Talk With Kids About “Spoofing”

Hermantown police respond to suspicious calls made to juvenile

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown Police responded to a call about suspicious activity today in the 4700 Block of Arrowhead Rd. Upon arrival officers learned that a juvenile girl had received multiple suspicious phone calls from a number she did not recognize. The male caller stated that she needed to come outside as he was there to pick her up and…

Georgia Teacher Fires Gun in Classroom

No One Hurt

(AP Photo/Jeff Martin)ATLANTA (AP) — A social studies teacher barricaded himself inside a classroom at a Georgia high school on Wednesday and fired a handgun once in what may have been a warning shot, authorities said. No students were in the classroom at the time, and the only injury reported was a student who hurt her ankle running when Dalton…

Two Arrested in Ashland Homicide

A male and female were arrested today

ASHLAND, Wis. – Two suspects, a male and a female, were arrested today and are in custody awaiting initial court appearance. On Sunday Ashland police responded to a request for a welfare check at 222 12th Avenue East in the City of Ashland. Officers forced their way inside the home after unsuccessful attempts to make contact with the resident of…

Minnesota State’s Registration System Needs $10 Million Infusion

MNLARS says it needs $10 million in immediate emergency funds by Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – MNLARS says it needs $10 million dollars in emergency funds by Thursday. The state’s newly appointed IT Commissioner telling lawmakers if they “Don’t get the money, critical workers could be laid off or leave immediately.” The cost of MNLARS has already ballooned to more than $100 million dollars, and officials say the end cost could be…

Afternoon Stabbing Sends one to the Hospital

Suspect Has Now Been Taken into Custody

UPDATE: The suspect has been located and is in custody. ————————————————————— CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet police officers responded to a stabbing this afternoon that occurred at the Washington Avenue Laundromat. Officers located an adult male bleeding from his torso and abdomen areas. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later transported to a hospital in Duluth. The injuries…

Shots Fired in Eveleth Leads to Arrest

EVELETH, Minn.-The Eveleth Police Department made an arrest at about 8 p.m. last night after a report of a bullet striking a home there. The police were dispatched to 618 Adams Ave. after a homeowner heard a loud “bang.” Officers were able to locate a bullet that penetrated an upstairs window, went through a hallway, and into a bedroom. Several…

Foxconn Plant Could Reduce Road Funding by $90 Million

Funding for Wisconsin state roads projects possibly reduced.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Funding for state road projects could be reduced as much as $90 million by mid-2019 in order to pay for roadwork related to the $10 billion Foxconn Technology Group plant in southeast Wisconsin. That’s the determination of the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau in a memo sent to Democratic lawmakers that they released Wednesday. Assembly Democratic Minority…

St. Cloud University Lawsuit

Class action status granted in Title IX lawsuit

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – A judge has broadened the scope of a lawsuit filed by female student athletes who claim St. Cloud University has offered more opportunities for men in athletics than for women. Chief U.S. District Judge John Tunheim has granted class-action status in the Title IX lawsuit against the university in a case initially brought by women…

Adopt Julie the Cat Today!

Julie is Available for Adoption at Animal Allies Humane Society; Located at 4006 Airport Road in Duluth, Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year on the last Tuesday of February, animal activists join forces to advocate for World Spay Day. This annual campaign shines a light on the power of affordable, accessible spay and neuter to save the lives of many animals. Animal Allies Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to discuss the…

Supreme Court hearing Minnesota polling place apparel case

The Minnesota law prohibits residents from wearing political clothing at polls

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)WASHINGTON (AP) — A Minnesota law that bars residents from wearing political clothing at the polls — from Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hats to Democratic Party T-shirts and union buttons — is being debated at the Supreme Court. Opponents say the law is overly broad. But Minnesota has defended it as a reasonable restriction that keeps…

Dick’s to Stop Selling Assault-Style Rifles in its Stores

Dick's Won't Sell Guns to Anyone Under Age 21

Image Courtesy of Fox NewsNEW YORK-Dick’s Sporting Goods will immediately end sales of assault-style rifles in its stores and won’t sell guns to anyone under 21 years old following the school massacre in Parkland, Fla. Dick’s Chairman and CEO Edward Stack said on “Good Morning America” Wednesday that after the shooting the company “felt it needed to do something.” Stack…

Thousands Expected at 10th Annual Duluth Women’s Expo

The Annual Expo is This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The 10th Annual Duluth Women’s Expo is taking place this weekend and this year it’s expected to be even bigger and better than ever before. On Saturday, March 3 thousands of women will fill the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to attend the event. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors, attendees can find anything relating to security and self-defense,…

Minnesota has $329 Million Budget Surplus

The latest on Minnesota's Projected Budget Surplus

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers have $329 million budget surplus for the year. Wednesday’s update on the state’s financial standing will be welcome news to state lawmakers who had previously been warned of a small budget shortfall. State officials were expected to explain the situation later Wednesday afternoon. A previous estimate in December projected a $188 million deficit for…

Nine-Year-Old Pianist and Composer to Perform at KTWH Variety Show

Cabin Fever Reliever Radio Variety Show Support Two Harbors Radio

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A local radio station in Two Harbors is hoping to rid Northlanders of their cabin fever with an annual event. The Cabin Fever Reliever Radio Variety Show is taking place Sunday, March 4 at Two Harbors High School. This is an annual fundraiser for KTWH Radio. The event features 10 acts of various ages and several…

Despite Nolan Retirement, Mills Says no New Bid for Congress

Pete Stauber, of Duluth, Running on GOP Side

MINNEAPOLIS-Republican Stewart Mills says he won’t run for Congress again despite Rep. Rick Nolan’s retirement. Mills said in November he wouldn’t challenge Nolan, a Democrat, for a third time. When Nolan recently announced plans to retire, Mills said he was reconsidering. But Mills said in a Facebook posting Tuesday that he’d decided against it. Several Democrats have expressed interest in…

Registration for Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Opens Thursday

Camp is Designed to Give Young Players the Highest Level of Instruction in the Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Young hockey players in the Northland will once again get the chance to skate with and learn from professional hockey players. The 3rd Annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is coming up June 25-29. Professional hockey players Andy Welinski, Brett Olson, Mike Sislo, and Adam Krause will be instructing the players. The camp is for boys and…

Students Help Celebrate Minnesota School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Students throughout Minnesota are showing their bus drivers how much their appreciated

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is Minnesota School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Students throughout Minnesota are finding special ways to show their school bus drivers how much their appreciated. One Duluth School is showing appreciation to their humble heroes by displaying Thank You posters outside the school. Duluth Edison Charter Schools Raleigh is hanging the student’s artwork to give a big…

Twin Ports Mayors Declare Gold Medal Day

Celebration Held For U.S. Olympians at the DECC

In case you haven’t heard Tuesday is officially “Gold Medal Day” in the Twin Ports. Duluth and Superior’s mayors gave the U.S.A Men and Women’s Curling Team members keys to the cities has hundreds watched on. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Ashland Snowmobile Trails Look Strong

ASHLAND, Wis. – With winter officially ending in less than a month, you still have a little bit of time to hit the snowmobile trails. One great place to do it is in Ashland as their trails are all covered with fresh powder due to some recent storms. Officials from that region tell us that it’s been some of the…

Paddle Park Proposal Approved

The park will have an easily accessible kayak and canoe launch.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new park dedicated to non motorized watercraft will be put in place near the bottom of Spirit Mountain on the St. Louis River it was approved by the Duluth City Council Monday night. Some community members spoke out at the city council meeting last night saying the park catering to non motorized vehicles will fill a niche…

Construct Tomorrow Gives Students Hands-On Career Guidance

More Than 1,000 Students Expected at the Two Day Event at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Area students have the opportunity to learn all about construction and trades careers at the Construct Tomorrow job fair at the DECC in Duluth. More than a thousand high school students from across the Northland are getting a hands-on look at sixteen kinds of in-demand careers. Students are hammering, brick laying, and climbing with local professionals at…

Sen. Tom Bakk Invites Delta Air Lines to Minnesota Amid Gun Debate

Bakk to Delta Air Lines: You can always come home

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus Leader Tom Bakk is encouraging Delta Air Lines to move its corporate headquarters to Minnesota.  Delta absorbed Minnesota grown airline Northwest in 2008 and consolidated operations in Atlanta, Georgia.  This invitation comes on the heals of a threat Georgia lawmakers made to Delta to vote down a $50 million sales tax exemption…

Squash the Hunger Drive Begins

Event Sponsored by Multiple Local Organizations

DULUTH, Minn.-The Squash the Hunger Campaign has kicked off in Duluth. The program is aimed at getting more businesses and groups to host food and collection drives throughout the community. Last year the program raised nearly $100,000 and 28,000 pounds of food. This year’s goal is to raise $110,000 and 31,000 pounds of food, which local food shelves could go…

UWS Administrators’ Emails About Program Cuts Released

AFT Wisconsin Union Says Emails Prove Administration Broke Rules

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The AFT Wisconsin Workers Union has released emails which they say prove UW-Superior Administration knowingly broke rules when they suspended twenty-five academic programs last October. The union, which some UWS faculty members are a part of, made an open records request for the emails as part of a lawsuit they were considering. They will not follow through…

Teen Taken Into Custody After School Shooting Threat

North Star Academy Went On Lockdown During Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police area a 14-year-old boy after they were notified of social media threats regarding a possible school shooting. An investigation was made and the teen was taken into custody for “threats of violence.” A search of the suspect’s home was conducted and no firearms were located, according to police. Police say that although previous comments had been…

Plane Search in the Canyon Area Called off

A search for a possible downed aircraft has ended

CANYON, Minn. – The search for a possible downed aircraft has been called off in the Canyon area. The search started at about 10 a.m. this morning when a person reported seeing a low flying plane and then a plume of smoke. Throughout the day DNR had a plane searching for possible wreckage as well as a Minnesota State Patrol…

MN High School Graduation Rate Hits Record High

MN Class of 2017 hit the highest graduation rate on record

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Education today released new high school graduation rate data, which show that the Class of 2017 posted the highest graduation rate on record at 82.7 percent. The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton: “I congratulate Minnesota’s students, teachers, administrators, and parents for their tremendous achievements! This report is great news…

MN Power and SWLP Teams Help get the Lights on in Puerto Rico

The crews restored lights to more than 340 customers on Friday

DULUTH, Minn – After more than a month in Puerto Rico, the line workers weren’t sure they would be there when power was restored where they’d been working in Maricao, a remote, mountainous area hit hard by Hurricane Maria. But, on Friday February 23, just 4 hours before they were set to leave, the lights came back on. “It was…