News

Justice Dept. Sues to Stop AT&T’s $85B Time Warner Deal

NEW YORK (AP) – The Justice Department is suing AT&T to stop its $85 billion purchase of Time Warner, setting the stage for an epic legal battle with the telecom giant. The government claims that consume cable bills will rise if the merger goes through, saying the deal would “substantially lessen competition, resulting in higher prices and less innovation for…

UMD Announces Romano Gym Renovation Plans

Three Phase $10 Million Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics department has announced plans to renovate Romano Gymnasium. The athletics department is working to raise an additional $2 million, as part of the $10 million renovation project. Romano Gym has been the hub for UMD women’s volleyball; men’s and women’s basketball; recreation space; as well as community programming for over six…

98 Percent of Employees Have Received Flu Shot for Essentia Health

If Employee Doesn't Get Flu Shot by the End of the Day, They Will be Terminated

DULUTH, Minn-Today is the last day that Essentia employees can get the flu shot, otherwise they will be terminated. A spokesperson for Essentia told Fox 21 that at least 98 percent of employees have got one so far. The requirement includes vendors, volunteers, and students who work at their various sites. Those exempted are employees who have a certain medical…

Minnesota Fish Houses and Wheelhouses Require License Purchase This Season

MINNESOTA – Beginning this ice fishing season, anglers using a wheelhouse type of ice or dark house shelter are required to purchase a license to place the shelter on the ice, even when occupying it, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A new definition for portable shelters has been provided in law, which states that a portable shelter…

Five Taken to Hospital From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Buhl

Incident Occurred at Apartment Connected to Billy's Bar in Buhl

BUHL, Minn.-Iron Range fire officials are reporting that five people have been taken to area hospitals due to carbon monoxide poisoning in an apartment connected to Billy’s Bar in Buhl, Minnesota. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. Crews from Buhl, Chisholm, Hibbing and Virginia responded to the scene after the building owner, Gary Gamer received a disturbing…

Group Submits Signatures to Legalize Marijuana in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – A ballot committee proposing to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes in Michigan has submitted more than 360,000 voter signatures in a bid for a statewide vote in 2018. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol turned in the signatures to state election officials in Lansing on Monday. Michigan already allows for the use…

Cult Leader Victor Barnard Wins Appeal, Sentence Will Be Reduced

Victor Barnard (FOX 9 – KMSP) – Minnesota cult leader Victor Barnard’s has won an appeal of his criminal conviction, throwing out the upward departure of his 30-year prison. Barnard’s sentence will be reduced to 24 years. The court ruled “the case law on this issue is clear: when a district court fails to provide reasons for a sentencing departure on the record…

Wisconsin Biologists Catch Old Trout During Assessment

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’s Brad Ray holds the lake trout that they’ve been referring to as “Old Fish.”Photo courtesy of Brad Ray/Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources via WPR MADISON, Wis. (AP) – State biologists say a lake trout caught this month was the oldest they’ve found in northern Wisconsin in recent history. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the fish…

Second Woman Accuses Sen. Franken of Touching Her Inappropriately in 2010

Allegations First Surfaced Last Week of Sen. Franken Harassing Radio Host in 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is renewing his call for the chamber’s ethics committee to investigate Sen. Al Franken after a second woman came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment. Lindsay Menz told CNN that the Minnesota Democrat grabbed her bottom as the pair posed for a photo at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010. Menz’s allegation comes…

Technology Tips to Help with Holiday Travels

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders will be taking to the skies and the roads to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give tips for keeping the home and vehicle safe during these trips. Some technology that can be picked up at Verizon Wireless includes: Arlo Cam: Protect your home…

Charles Manson Dies in Prison at 83

Cult Leader Killed Seven in 1969

LOS ANGELES- Prison officials say it’s “undetermined” what will happen with the remains of cult leader Charles Manson. Manson died Sunday night after nearly a half-century behind bars. He was 83. Vicky Waters, a spokeswoman with the California Department of Corrections, says he died of natural causes. Prison officials previously said he had no known next of kin. State law…

Duluth Sends 100 Sexual Assault Kits to BCA For Testing

578 Untested Rape Kits Down to 187 Kits

A few years ago Duluth received a title that no police department would ever want. They had the highest number of untested sexual assault kits out of every department in the entire state. There were 578 kits, some from the early 90’s that were never sent into the state crime lab for testing. Currently there are 187 kits that are…

Northland Breweries Helping Habitat for Humanity

Northlanders can grab a cold one for a good cause.

DULUTH, Minn.- Breweries in the Northland are teaming up to help out a local non–profit. The Suds for Shelter Benefit is giving craft brew lovers a good reason to grab a cold one. Participating breweries are donating a portion of pint sales to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. This Tuesday, Nov. 21st.  the benefit will be held at Blacklist Brewery….

Shuster Skates to Fourth Winter Olympics

Shuster Joins Multiple Duluthians Headed to South Korea

OMAHA, Neb- Chisholm native John Shuster is heading back to the Winter Olympics for an incredible fourth time. Shuster bested Heath McCormick in the final of a best of 3 series to win the U.S. Olympic trials. Duluth natives, and teammates Tyler George and John Landsteiner, as well as Wisconsin native Matt Hamilton, will join him. The 2018 Winter Olympics will…

Christmas Trees Take Over Duluth Farmers’ Market

Northlanders can now decorate for the holiday season before Thanksgiving.

DULUTH, Minn.- Are you eager to spruce up your house for the holiday season? Christmas trees are now for sale at the Duluth Farmers’ Market.  This is the first year Hoffbauer Tree Farm is selling Christmas trees before Thanksgiving. At the market, Northlanders can pick out the perfect tree for their home with sizes ranging from eight feet high to a…

Marshall Hockey is a Family Affair with the Staubers

Levi and Willy Stauber are both seniors this year at Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Levi and Willy Stauber couldn’t be more different but a couple things they have in common are their name and their work ethic. “I remember like it was yesterday when they first started in ninth grade with us and we could tell right away these Staubers were hockey players. You know what you’re going to get when you…

Northlanders with Twins Gather for Support

Mothers with little Northland twins gather sharing experiences.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 32 people out of every 1,000 are a twin, according to the Center for Disease Control. One group in the Northland meets specifically to discuss raising twins.  The Twin Ports Mothers Multiples Club is a support group for moms in the Northland. It also gives twins a chance to meet other twins. According to one mother having someone who…

Mounted Patrol Disbanded by Duluth Police Department

Officials Say This Will Allow the Department to Put More Resources into Other Areas

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is no more. On Saturday, Police Department officials confirmed to Fox 21 that the unit has been disbanded. They say the decision was made so they could increase staff in other areas, like sexual assault, child abuse, and child pornography investigators. The Mounted Patrol had been around since 2014. Categories: Crime,…

Love–A–Pet Day Gives Animals a New Home

Local event highlights animals up for adoption.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Saturday was one for the dogs at Miller Hill Subaru. Dogs and cats from Animal Allies Humane Society and Lake County Humane Society found their new families at Love–A–Pet day. It’s Animal Allies largest off site adopt event. If you’re looking for a furry friend more pets will available on Sunday. “Adoption is so important because when you…

Festival of the Season Held in Duluth

Northlanders prepare for the holiday season at the last farmers market of the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmers Market is filled with Christmas spirit during the 11th annual Festival of the Season. vendors show off their holiday decorations at the market. Although some Northlanders may be holding off on decorating for the Christmas season, one vendor told FOX21 it’s never too early to decorate. “It’s never, especially a year like this year when winter…

Firearms Deer Season Opens in Wisconsin

Kids Under Ten With Adult Supervision Can Hunt for the First Time

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin’s firearms deer hunting season opened Saturday, and hunters from across the state hit the woods for the nine day season. This year, if accompanied by an adult, kids under the age of ten are allowed to hunt for the first time. Kids will still have to be at least fourteen and have passed a hunter’s safety…

Northlanders Help Create Gingerbread City

Families learn Nordic and Minnesota Christmas traditions while constructing the Gingerbread City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Little Northlanders gathered Saturday constructing a Gingerbread Village. The 6th annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City is on display at the Nordic Center. Families got in to the holiday spirit making traditional Nordic crafts. Art education students from the University of Minnesota Duluth volunteered, helping create the winter wonderland. “I find it very interesting because a lot of this information I…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Officially Open

Northlanders attended the first opening night of Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is now open to shine throughout the holiday season. Duluth is beaming with holiday spirit; families, couples, and friends stayed warm with hot chocolate while admiring the bright lights. With so many different attractions picking a favorite light display can be tough. What’s your favorite display at Bentleyville Tour of Lights? “The big…

Nightclub Owner Opening Hostel in Duluth

The Hostel Will Give Also Guests Convenient Access to the Skywalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Bob Monahan who also owns the Red Herring Lounge is going into the hostel business. It’ll be located in downtown Duluth at the old Garon Brothers jewelry store. I think that if people know that there’s a sort of a cost effective and affordable option, that they may stay in Duluth and spend some time and money…

Duluth Hits the Trail For National Take a Hike Day

Duluth Has More Than 10 Trails Including: Park Point Trail and the Western Waterfront Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – Hiking in Duluth is a big deal, rain or shine, so when it’s National Take A Hike Day it calls for a celebration. The Duluth Experience was at Chester Park helping promote the city’s parks and trails. They encourage people to go outside and become familiar with exploring their city. “There is this day where we should…

Flower Shop Hands Out Free Roses For Animal Mission

DULUTH, Minn. – Roses are red and violets are blue, by supporting an animal shelter you get roses too. Both Engwall Florist & Gifts locations are handing out half a dozen of roses to anyone who contributed. “I think the community is real excited about helping, so we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Engwall Florist & Gifts…

45 Foot Tree Lit For The Season

Christmas Tree Is Located In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn- Let there be light in downtown Duluth! The official lighting of the Christmas tree took place Friday evening. The ceremony is a 33 year old tradition for the city of Duluth. This year the white spruce tree is about 45 feet tall. 26 nominations from the community were received before this beauty made the final cut. After the…

Police Pursuit in Cloquet Ends in Drug Arrest

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet Police have arrested a 47-year-old male after attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle related to a drug investigation. (Cloquet Police Dept.) Cloquet PD reports that a Carlton County Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle of an adult male who had been transporting large quantities of meth and heroin into the city. The driver…

Morgan Park Middle School Demolition Starts Monday

The Housing Development That'll Replace the School Will Have Eight 12-plex Buildings For a Total of 96 Units

DULUTH, Minn. – In just a few days the historic Morgan Park Middle School will no longer stand. On Nov. 20 demolition will begin to make room for Morgan Park Estates, which will be townhomes. Crews have already been inside starting with the abatement process. It will cost almost $18 million and the developer says he wants to bring back…

Northlanders Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 5,000 meals are given out on Thanksgiving at the 28th annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet. Preparations to feed Northlanders at the Thanksgiving feast, begin back in August. Friday volunteers brought in 2,200 pounds of turkey and nearly 1,900 pounds of mashed potatoes. The group of volunteers lending a hand, come from many different backgrounds. “We really all…

Bentleyville Brings in New Attractions

This year Northlanders are encouraged to use their cameras and capture moments at Bentleyville.

DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers are working on the final preparations for Bentleyville, before the holiday season kicks off Saturday. Final touches are being perfected, before Santa parachutes in Saturday night. This year families and friends can cherish Bentleyville memories for years to come. The light festival has a variety of new photo spots set up as you walk through the Winter Wonderland….

Fighting Domestic Violence in the Northland

One local organization gives locals an opportunity to make a direct impact on abuse within the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The organization Men as Peacemakers, aims to make a  direct impact on the domestic violence within our community. The organization is hosting domestic violence restorative circles, which rely on community support. The classes needed to be a volunteer are currently underway this weekend. Around four to six community members are needed during each circle meeting. This weekend the training…

Rape Survivor Wants Franken’s Name Off Bill

Bill Would Fund Training for Law Enforcement Officers Working With Trauma Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C.-A Minnesota woman and rape survivor who worked with Sen. Al Franken to craft legislation for fellow survivors says the senator should take his name off the bill. Abby Honold, 22, was brutally raped by a fellow University of Minnesota student in 2014. Her rapist was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty in 2016. She worked…

Governor’s Christmas Tree Harvested near Willow River

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Christmas tree that will adorn the Minnesota governor’s residence this year has officially been harvested. The state Department of Natural Resources says the 30 foot tall white spruce was cut down Friday in the General C.C. Andrews State Forest, near Willow River. DNR staff and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota cut down the governor’s…

Arrest Warrant Issued for Suspect in Billings Park Shooting

29-Year-Old Man Left With Non-Life Threatening Injuries

Edward Isaiah Austin (Superior Police Dept.) UPDATE: Authorities are searching for a 24-year-old man suspected to be involved in a shooting that took place in the Billings Park neighborhood of Superior, Wednesday night. A warrant has been issued by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for Edward Isaiah Austin, 24, for attempted homicide, according to Superior Police. Austin should be…

Give to the Max Day Raises $20.6 Million for Minnesota Organizations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota set a new record during the state’s annual giving holiday. Roughly 5,400 nonprofits and schools across the state raised $20.6 million during the ninth annual Give to the Max Day. The day’s total was approximately $500,000 higher than the previous record set in 2016. Donations were made from 87 Minnesota counties, all 50 states, and…

West Superior Street to Temporarily Close on Nov. 20

DULUTH, Minn. – The eastbound lane of Superior Street heading into downtown Duluth will be temporarily closed on Monday, Nov. 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The project is part of a large water valve replacement project, which is a necessary preparation for the Superior Street reconstruction next year. Access to downtown will be via West Michigan Street, Mesaba Ave, and…

Local Farmers Prepare for Holiday Decor Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving just next week, many Northlanders are close to purchasing their fresh Christmas tree. Derek Hoffbauer, Owner of the Duluth Flower Farm, says they have been busy preparing for the holiday season. Already they’ve received several orders online for wreaths, garland and more. Their products can be picked up in person at Dan’s Feed Bin in…

Working Out with Kettlebells

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA in downtown offers several options for exercise. They have offerings from group classes, rock climbing, racquetball, to swimming lessons, pickleball, basketball, and much more. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to work with kettlebells. Alisha Bradley, Director of Healthy Living for the YMCA, says it’s a strength training device…

Lost Hunter Found Near Cook

Man Found His Way Back Using Compass

COOK, Minn.-A missing hunter in northern Minnesota prompted a search involving officials with multiple agencies, before the hunter made his way back on his own using a compass. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the man got lost while hunting with others on Thursday. The hunting party searched for about four hours before contacting authorities. Authorities searched for a…

Duluth Organizations Take Advantage of Give To the Max Day

Most of the Organizations Set A Goal and Donors Can Match It

DULUTH, Minn. – When you add thousands of people and they give millions of dollars in donations that equals to Give To the Max Day in Minnesota. It’s the ninth year for the campaign where anyone can donate to causes they support. More than $14 million have been raised so far and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime…

Northlanders raise money for hurricane victims in the Virgin Islands

The benifit was held to raise funds and awareness of the rebuilding efforts in the Virgin Islands

DULUTH, Minn. – A couple of Northlanders with ties to the virgin islands are hosting a fundraiser for hurricane victims there. It featured many live musical acts, as well as a silent auction. Organizers hope that this event can bring awareness to the recovering efforts that are still going on in those heavily affected areas. “The U.S. Virgin Islands is…

City of Duluth hosts open house to discuss Superior Street reconstruction

The Superior Street reconstruction project is set to begin in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. -Plans for the major Superior Street reconstruction project in the Duluth is one step closer to being finalized. The city held an open house on Thursday for the public to see the plans for the downtown project. Residents, Superior Street business owners were on hand to share their input about the upcoming transformation. “This is the transition from…

Lincoln Park Business Business Group hosts annual Turkey Bingo

It was the 69th annual Turkey Bingo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park community came together a the VFW for the annual Turkey Bingo. It was the 69th year for the Turkey Bingo. The event is put on by the Lincoln Park Business Group as a way to bring people together, share some laughs, and hear about all the ways Lincoln Park is growing. “We got some…

Workforce Housing Project Coming To Duluth

The Property Is An Energy Star Rated Apartment Building

DULUTH, Minn – Imagine coming home after a long day of work to your 50 inch Smart TV or cooking on stainless steel appliances. Those are some of the several amenities you can expect at the District Flats at Miller Hill. “Think about all the retail and all the businesses that have been built that need housing as well,” said…