News

Ariana Grande to Return to Manchester for a Benefit Concert

A man stands next to flowers for the victims of Monday’s bombing at St. Ann’s Square in central Manchester, England, Friday, May 26, 2017. British police investigating the Manchester Arena bombing arrested a ninth man while continuing to search addresses associated with the bomber. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) MANCHESTER, England (AP) – American singer Ariana Grande says she will return to…

Two-Year Study Proposed for Copper-Nickel Mining in BWCA

Study Still Up in the Air

ST. PAUL, Minn.-U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum says she has won assurances from the Trump administration that it will proceed with a two-year study on whether copper-nickel mining should be permitted on federal lands in the watershed that flows into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The Minnesota Democrat pressed Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on the scientific review, which was launched under…

Finland Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Murder

Kirk Bigby GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – A Finland, Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to Felony Murder in the shooting of a Bloomington man in December 2015. Sixty-two-year-old, Kirk Lee Bigby, pleaded guilty to the murder of 35-year-old Marcus Roberts Bigby. The shooting happened at the Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, Minnesota after an altercation between the two men. Full details…

Last Inmate Apprehended in Minneapolis

  LINO LAKES, Minn. – The last offender has been apprehended following a inmate van theft in Lino Lakes. James Douglass Mitchell was found just before 4:30 p.m. in Minneapolis at the 35W and 8th Street SE bridge. Earlier in the day, an offender transportation van was driving from Minnesota Correction Facility – St. Cloud with stops at several other…

Summer Lift Schedule Begins for Aerial Lift Bridge

DULUTH, Minn. – The Aerial Lift Bridge will commence its summer lift schedule beginning today, May 26. The bridge will lift on the hour and half hour from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week until the Tuesday after Labor Day. Exceptions for this include lakers, government, and commercial vessels. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Workout Group Provides Fitness & Support for Northland Mothers

Active Adventures: Stroller Strides

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms around the country are encouraging each other to be healthy through a group fitness program. Fit4Mom is a nationwide program with a branch here in the Twin Ports. The goal is to support moms through every step of motherhood. The company offers several classes: Stroller Strides Stroller Barre Body Back Fit4Baby Running Club For this week’s…

Minnesota Legislature passes $46B budget in special session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s Legislature has finished passing a $46 billion budget in a special session. It took three extra days and some horse-trading to win crucial Democratic votes. But the Republican-controlled Legislature passed its final budget bills early Friday morning. The overtime began Tuesday morning after lawmakers passed the constitutionally mandated deadline to finish a budget by…

Baby Lemur Makes Debut At Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new addition at the Lake Superior Zoo. The zoo welcomed a brand new baby lemur to its exhibit on Thursday. The baby lemur was born at the zoo recently, and is now available so see in the primate section “It’s always fun having someone new to welcome to our animal care group here,” lead zookeeper…

Duluth Public School Dist. Celebrates Retirees’ Careers

DULUTH, Minn. – Sixty employees of the Duluth Public Schools celebrated their retirements together on Thursday. From teachers to maintenance workers, to office staff, they all had the chance to honor each others careers at a reception at East High School. “I really like working with students,” retiring special education teacher Al Chepelnik said. “I liked helping them find jobs in…

Art and Science come together at the Duluth Art Institute

An artist and a scientist talk about oceanic pollution

DULUTH, Minn. – Art and science came together at the Duluth Art Institute on Thursday. Artist Kimberlee Roth teamed up with scientist Tom Hollenhorts to discuss ocean pollution, and how art can raise awareness for the problem. “As scientists, sometimes we have a hard time conveying information in an understandable way,” Hollenhorts said. “And working with artists is really an…

Major Cuts At Northland College

Millions To Be Scaled Back Affecting Sports And All Employees

Ashland, Wis. In a letter sent out to Northland College students and staff by the board of trustees will hit the pocket books of many. The school is making some big budget cuts totaling around 3.5 million dollars. Many areas of the school will see some type of cuts, affecting some athletes and 100% of the schools employees. As of…

Coast Guard Reminds Boaters to Stay Safe

As Thousands Prepare for a Long Memorial Day Weekend, Others are Thinking Safety

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands will be driving to the cabin or favorite summer destination this Memorial Day weekend. With that, the United States Coast Guard is looking to make sure safety comes first. The Coast Guard in the Twin Ports is busy making sure they’re up to date on rescue techniques and procedures. One Officer we spoke with say boaters,…

ReUSE Minnesota Explores Duluth Network

Group has been Operating in the Twin Cities Since 2012

DULUTH, Minn. – A successful Twin cities re-use program Is coming to the Twin Ports. Representatives from ReUSE Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency met with local re-use businesses to create a network to share resources. Officials say they’re targeting businesses like thrift stores, habitat restores, and consignment shops. “These are the stores that allow the rest of us…

IRRRB Announces Ilmenite Breakthrough

New Processing Method Produces Nearly Pure Samples

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials from the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute announced a breakthrough in ilmentite processing Thursday. NRRI partnered with Canadian firm Process Research Ortech to find a way to separate titanum dioxide and iron oxide from ilmenite deposits. The results, nearly pure samples of both titanium oxide and iron oxide.  But, officials say they’re a long…

New Publication Highlights Community Connections

Magazine Insert Links Duluth and Iron Range

DULUTH, Minn. – The Iron Range and Duluth are connected by more than geography, and officials are proud to showcase those connections. A new magazine insert published by the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board and other partners showcases the entire region, from the Range to Duluth. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips says the connection between the communities affects everyone even…

EMS Workers Treated to Cookout

St. Luke's Emergency Department Thanked its EMS Partners

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Emergency Department said thanks to EMS workers with lunch Thursday. Burgers and hot dogs were on the menu, as the first respsonders were treated to a cookout in the hospital’s emergency garage. The director of St. Luke’s Emergency Department says he and his staff appreciate everything EMS does. “We are fortunate in this region to…

21 Charged in Global Sex Trafficking Ring

RING HAD PROSTITUTION HOUSES IN MINNEAPOLIS

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) – Investigators from Minnesota assisted in breaking up an international prostitution ring that trafficked women from Thailand to cities across the United States, including Minneapolis, acting U.S. District Attorney Greg G. Broker announced Thursday. Twenty-one people have been charged with their role in the organization. Of the people charged, 10 were Thai nationals and 11 were U.S….

Trump Travel Ban Blocked; Fight Headed for Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban “speaks with vague words of national security, but in context drips with religious intolerance, animus and discrimination,” a federal appeals court said Thursday in ruling against the executive order targeting six Muslim-majority countries. Trump’s administration vowed to take the fight to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 10-13 vote, the 4th…

Minnesota Budget Discussion Continues

Transportation Infrastructure Money Comes Forward

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Legislative leaders have released a bill to borrow more than $1 billion for public construction projects that includes more than $250 million for transportation infrastructure. The bonding bill is expected to the final piece of legislation that lawmakers take up during the special session, which was envisioned as a one-day event for Tuesday but entered its third day…

Finance Committee Approves UW Tuition Freeze

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Legislature’s Republican-controlled budget committee has ditched Gov. Scott Walker’s call to cut University of Wisconsin tuition by 5-percent. The Joint Finance Committee instead voted 12-4 Thursday to continue a tuition freeze for two more years. It’s been in place for four years. Walker said earlier Thursday that continuing the freeze would be a “huge victory”…

Wisconsin Budget Hits Snag

Budget Still Likely to Pass

MADISON, Wis.-A Republican state senator plans to vote against the state budget as it currently stands, complicating passage of the spending plan. A spokesman for Sen. Steve Nass said Thursday that as the budget stands now, Nass would vote against it. Nass spokesman Mike Mikalsen says elimination of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed 5 percent University of Wisconsin tuition cut and…

DMV Offering Temporary Services Near Chetek

CAMERON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles will open a temporary DMV service center for those in Barron County affected by last week’s storms. “Having proof of identity, like a driver’s license or ID car is often the first step to rebuiliding lives after such a tragedy,” said Administrator Kristina Boardman. “With the generous assistance…

Heading into the Kitchen with the A.G. Thomson House

Cooking Connection: Cranberry Wild Rice Strata

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we cooked with the A.G. Thomson House. The A.G. Thomson House was built in 1909 in Duluth and now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. Tim and Angie Allen own the establishment and do all the cooking for guests. Angie makes a several breakfast dishes and showed FOX 21 how to make a Cranberry…

Veterans Historical Center Honors Fallen Heroes

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Offering Free Admission to Veterans

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of Memorial Day, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center will be part of many Memorial Day activities, including free admission for Veterans and active military all weekend. Tonight, the historical center is hosting a program about the release of a new book written about shipbuilding in Duluth. The author, Gerald Sandvick, will be there to sign copies…

Birch Trees Cut Down Illegally in Cook County

Looking for Suspects That Were Driving a Blue Van

COOK COUNTY, Minn.-The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is searching for three or four men who were seen cutting down birch trees illegally in the Tom Lake area. Witnesses said they were driving a blue van and had about 25 birch trees piled up. Those trees are usually sold to craft manufacturers. “Unfortunately, it seems there is a highly profitable market…

One Teen Killed in Plane Crash in Chetek, Wisconsin

One Other Teen in Critical Condition

CHETEK, Wis.-Hospital officials say the teen who survived a fatal plane crash in northwestern Wisconsin is in serious condition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Eighteen-year-old Hunter Gillett was a passenger in the two-seat plane that crashed into the Red Cedar River near Chetek Wednesday evening, killing the pilot, 17-year-old Owen Knutson. Cameron School District Administrator Joe Leschisin says Gillett…

Part 2: Downtown Duluth: What’s Next?

DULUTH, Minn. – In Part 2 of a special report, Downtown Duluth: What’s Next?, you’ll meet a new generation of business developers who are determined to make their mart on West Superior Street – all during a time when the retail industry is feeling the pressure of online shopping an e-commerce.  FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. A renaissance, a boom,…

South Pier Inn Celebrates 15 Years

Staff Attributes Their Success To The Relationships Built Over The Years

Duluth, Minn. The South Pier Inn celebrated 15 years in business today. The hotel that’s located just feet away from the aerial lift bridge is known for its pristine views of the canal. The staff attributes their success to the relationships built over the years. “We’ve really gained so wonderful friendships and relationships with our guest. During that time we’ve…

Korean Veterans Memorial Vandalized, Just Months Apart From Vietnam Memorial Vandalism

Red Lines Can Be Seen Drawn On Military Badges

Duluth, Minn. Vandals have struck again. This time defacing the Korean Veterans Memorial marking red lines through the badges of 4 branches of military carved into the granite stone. It’s unknown at this time what was actually used to deface the memorial. This isn’t the first time this year a war memorial along Duluth’s Lake Walk has been struck by vandals….

Community Foundation Working to Close Opportunity Gap for Twin Ports Children

The foundation has already provided 10 grants, totaling $1.5 million to local non–profit organizations helping tackle this issue

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation held its annual celebration Wednesday. This year’s theme was” Opportunity Rising.” A panel discussion centered around how groups locally are working to close the opportunity gap between rich and poor children. The foundation has been working since 2015 to make the community more aware of this issue and helping create more…

Earth Rider Brewery Set To Break Ground In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A well-known Twin Ports brewer and owner of the Cedar Lounge in Superior is moving closer to opening a brewery. The signage for Earth Rider Brewery is now up on the Cedar Lounge building on North Tower Avenue. Owner Tim Nelson says construction for the brewery will begin around June 1 at the neighboring building. Equipment will…

“I’m a Tourist Too” Training Session Readies Businesses for Summer

Customer Service Workers Had a Chance to Brush Up on Their Skills Before Tourist Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth businesses got a chance to brush up on their customer service skills before kicking off the tourist season. Duluth has six to seven million visitors every year which makes the hospitality business vital to the local economy. Customer service workers got a special free training session today to help them get ready for summer. The Duluth…

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Celebrated at His Childhood Home

Fans Ate Birthday Cake and Listened to Dylan's Music

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is Bob Dylan’s 76th birthday and fans took the time to celebrate as part of Duluth Dylan Fest. A local artist performed some of Dylan’s music right on the porch of the legendary musician’s childhood home, while fans in attendance celebrated by eating birthday cake. “Lots of fabulous artists live in this region and we get…

New Security System at Duluth International Airport

The New Technology Could Cut Down on Airport Wait Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Some potentially good news for travelers; new airport security systems may make flying out of Duluth a faster process. The advanced imaging technology screener has already been installed at the TSA checkpoint. Once the screener is being used, officials hope random pat-downs will be reduced and that the airport’s seven minute wait time will be improved. “Security…

Judge Throws Out Transgender Lawsuit

DULUTH, Minn.-We have an update tonight about a lawsuit involving a Northland transgender case. Annmarie Calgaro, a mother who has been trying to stop her 17–year–old son from getting transgender services, had filed a number of lawsuits including one against St. Louis County. She claimed her son couldn’t go through with the transition as he didn’t have her permission because…

Lincoln Park Students Walk to Promote Overall Health

Walk to School Wednesday Helps Students, Staff and Community Leaders Build a Stronger Community

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a beautiful Wednesday morning for a group of Duluth Lincoln Park Middle School students to hit the sidewalk and make their way to class as a group. It’s all part of a local campaign known as Walk to School Wednesdays. Organizers started the weekly routine at the beginning of May and say they’re seeing growth…

Officials Unsure of Biwabik City Hall Future

City Council Recently Voted to Board the Nearly 110 Year Old Building

BIWABIK, Minn. – Biwabik’s old City Hall was built in 1908 and on the outside the building looks to be in great shape. Since 2009 the building has housed a substation for the Gilbert Police Department.  However, recent inspections turned up some dangerous conditions and the city council voted to board up the nearly 110 year old structure. “I understand…

Duluth Police Investigating Phone Scam Posing as Police Chief

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Chief’s secretary received a call from a Duluth resident who was being scammed over the phone, according to the Duluth Police Department. The report indicates that the caller was posing as Police Chief Mike Tusken and informed the person they had won $1,000,000 from Publisher’s Clearing House, but that someone had claimed their prize….

$50 Million Bond Set in Forced Abortion Attempt

Manishkumar Petel (Photo: Clinton Co. N.Y. Sheriff’s Dept) APPLETON, Wis. (WLUK) – A judge in Outagamie County has set $50 million bond for a man accused of trying to cause his girlfriend to miscarry her child nearly a decade ago. The former Kaukauna man forfeited a $750,000 bond when he disappeared in January 2008. He was found in January of…

FDA: Controller for Heart Pump Recalled over Deaths

(AP) – Federal regulators say nearly 29,000 controllers for implanted heart pumps are being recalled after reports of 26 deaths linked to malfunctions. The recall covers the external power supply controller for the HeartMate II, made by Abbot’s Thoratec unit and distributed from July 2012 until last March. The ventricular assist device helps the heart’s main pumping chamber circulate blood….

Gardeners Hoping for Warmer Planting Conditions

Bending Birches Greenhouses has seen some eager gardeners, but the cold, rainy weather has impacted sales

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average conditions around the Northland have led to a slow start to planting season. Bending Birches Greenhouses opened up May 1st and have seen some eager gardeners, but overall the weather has impacted sales. Jahn Hibbs, the greenhouse manager and grower at Bending Birches says it’s best to wait until the first week of June, when…

Walker Signs Bill Allowing Minors at Music Festivals

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that makes clear that unaccompanied minors can attend music festivals where alcohol is being served. Walker signed the bill Wednesday. he says it makes sense to allow the exemption, which also exists for hotels, grocery stores, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and sports stadiums. Supporters in the Legislature introduced the…

Graco Recalls More than 25,000 Car Seats

Amazon DETROIT, Mich. (FOX NEWS) – Graco Children’s Products is recalling more than 25,000 car seats because the harness webbing can break in a crash and may not keep children restrained. The recall affects certain My Ride 65 convertible seats with model numbers 1871689, 1908152, 1813074, 1872691, 1853478, 1877535, 1813015, and 1794334. The seats were made on July 22, 2014…