News

Children’s Minnesota Ends Contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield

Allie Johnson - FOX 9 KMSP

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota announced Monday it is ending its contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota effective on July 5, unless a new contract agreement is reached. Children’s says Blue Cross is demanding a double-digit reduction in payments to the hospitals to provide care for patients insured through Medicaid. “The reductions to…

Baking Pavlova with The Exchange

Cooking Connection: The Exchange Deli, Bakery & Catering

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection Lisa Quarles, the pastry chef at The Exchange Bakery, showed the FOX 21 crew the ropes in the kitchen. Quarles showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make pavlova. The Exchange Bakery is located at 301 West 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802. Their phone number is 218-727-8836. Find them online at www.theexchangecateringanddeli.com….

New Report Highlights Impacts of Opioid on Minnesota Tribal Communities

In Minnesota, opioid deaths have increased 430-percent since 2000

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new report released Thursday, highlights the impacts of opioids on Minnesota Tribal communities across the state. The report is a summary of the Tribal-State Opioid Summit that took place last fall with Gov. Mark Dayton, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, and Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, as an effort to develop strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery….

Three Vehicles Partially go Through Ice of Leech Lake

Cass County Sheriff Urges Caution

  CASS COUNTY, Minn.-The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has received three separate reports, of vehicles partially going through the ice on Leech Lake yesterday. No injuries were reported during the incidents. Last week’s warm weather played a large role in the deterioration of the ice conditions. The sheriff’s office urges the following safety tips be followed when travelling on the…

Southbound Exit to I-35 Closed in Downtown Duluth

Will Open When Work is Finished

DULUTH, Minn.-The southbound Interstate 35 exit to downtown Duluth and Canal Park is temporarily closed. Currently, Minnesota of Department of Transportation crews are pumping water out of plugged freeway drains there. Motorists are cautioned to take alternative routes. The ramps will reopen once the work is finished. For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org. Categories: News, News…

Woman Shares Eye-Opening Experience with Police Officer Through Art

Carla Hamilton's exhibit "Targeted" is on display at the Duluth Art Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth woman is sharing a personal interaction she had with a police officer, and she’s doing it through pieces of art. Carla Hamilton’s new exhibit, called “Targeted” stemmed from an experience she had being stopped by a Duluth police officer while walking downtown. Hamilton, who is an African American woman, says the officer accused her of…

Symbolic Strike in Duluth Takes Aim at Gender Pay Gap

The rally lasted 78 minutes, representing the 78 cents on the dollar a woman earns compared to men in the workplace

DULUTH, Minn. – Collective voices added up to a roar on International Women’s Day. A sea of red gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for an equal rights amendment to the state and federal constitution. Some in Duluth chose to spend the day on strike. Men and women of all ages gathered today in Duluth to speak out….

Sen. Franken Hosts Annual Hotdish Competition

Many Minnesota Politicians Participated

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Sen. Al Franken hosted his seventh annual hotdish competition in Washington D.C. today, with many noted Minnesota politicians participating. Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson from western Minnesota won the top prize this year with his “Right to Bear Arms” hotdish. It had actual bear in it. Despite Peterson’s win, Franken said he’s not bitter. “If I don’t win it’s fine,” he said….

DEDA Selects Developer for Lot D

City Entered into Agreement with Same Firm that Developed Pier B Resort

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is ready to move forward in its waterfront development. “Lot D” is the last piece of mixed use real estate available for redevelopment on the waterfront, a process now closer to fruition. “This waterfront has been waiting 150 years for a vision like this,” said Mayor Emily Larson.  “It will combine housing with…

Miracle Eleven Provides Donations to CHUM, Other Shelters

Nearly $6,000 was Donated to Three Local Charities in Dultuh Wesdnesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf and Shelter in Duluth received a big donation Wednesday from a local non-profit organization. Miracle Eleven was created by a group of brave men and women after a skydiving plane crash happened over Superior in 2013. You may recall, nine skydivers and two pilots walked away from the incident with minor injuries. The…

Duluth Mayor Observes International Women’s Day

Emily Larson Recognizes the Importance of Being Duluth's First Ever Female Mayor

DULUTH, Minn. – March 8th is International Women’s Day. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Women’s Day means more to her since she was elected. Larson is the first woman Mayor in the city’s history.  That’s just one of the reasons she makes a point of meeting with as many young girls as possible.  Girls, Who may one day, follow in…

Duluth Coffee Company Expanding

Owners Adding Second Storefront to Serve as Roastery

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s exciting news for the Duluth Coffee Company. The company is adding a new 1,000 square foot roastery and event space two doors down from the current shop on East Superior Street. Duluth coffee currently roasts its beans right there in the store.  Those beans are then served in the shop or are shipped to stores as…

Wisconsin Men Arrested in Theft of 100,000 Diapers

FOX CROSSING, Wis. (AP) – Two Wisconsin men are accused of stealing 100,000 diapers. The Post-Crescent reports the police allege the men stole nearly 1,800 cases of diapers — valued at more than $45,000, from a charitable organization that provides goods to families in need. Authorities say the diapers were stolen during several thefts between January 3 and February 13…

102-Year-Old Rochester Man Honored with High School Diploma

(Post Bulletin/ Scott Jacobson) ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – A 102-year-old Rochester man can finally call himself a high school graduate. Leon Swendsen received an honorary diploma Tuesday, from Rochester Public Schools, in a ceremony that saw him don a cap and gown, and march to the front of the room while a small student orchestra played the traditional graduation song…

LCP Lineman in Stable Condition After Electrical Contact on the Job

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A Lake Country Power lineman is in stable condition after he made electrical contact yesterday around 5:30 p.m. The incident happened while crews were working in the Grand Rapids area to restore power. More than 4,800 Lake Country Power members were without power, as winds were gusting upwards of 60 mph. Upon contact, John Devries’ partner…

Duluth Firefighters Remind of Changing Smoke Alarm Batteries

With clocks springing ahead an hour, it's the perfect reminder to change those batteries

DULUTH, Minn. – Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoke alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Duluth IAFF Local 101 firefighters are reminding homeowners to not just change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time, but also the batteries in all smoke detectors. “Saving your life can be as simple as…

Man Struck by Tree in Iron Yesterday

Has Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

IRON, Minn.-A 58-year-old man was struck by a tree yesterday afternoon due to the high winds, while working with a crew trying to remove another tree that fell on the roadway in Iron. Robert Edblom, 58, of Britt, was injured on the 4100 block of First Avenue East. He was transported to a Duluth hospital via air transport and has…

Duluth Airshow, DARE2B to Provide Free Airshow Tickets to Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, presented by St. Luke’s and Twin Ports D.A.R.E.(DARE2B) held an event today to announce that tickets to the most anticipated event happening this summer, will be free for more than 7,500 elementary school students in grades K-5, thanks to underwriting from DARE2B. Judy Weber, the founder of Twin Ports DARE Inc,…

Court: Unemployment Benefits Depend on Attendance Situation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A state appeals court says workers can collect unemployment benefits even if they’re fired for missing their shifts, depending on the situation. The case stems form the Mequon Jewish Campus decision to fire nurse Valarie Beres for missing a shift due to illness and not calling in. The Department of Workforce Development denied Beres unemployment benefits,…

Democrats Propose Legalizing Assisted Suicide in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democrats in the state Legislature want to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill people in Wisconsin. Three lawmakers on Wednesday introduced a bill to allow someone suffering from a terminal illness to end their life if they have gotten approval from a doctor and meet other requirements. A similar proposal introduced last session failed to pass…

Animal Allies to Host Nibbles and Networking Event

Staff at Animal Allies Hope to Reach out and Connect with Local Veterinarians in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies will be hosting their first ever Nibbles and Networking event Wednesday evening, starting at 5:30p.m. The social opportunity will allow local veterinarians to connect with each other, while getting a chance to tour and speak with the medical staff from Animal Allies. Veterinarians, Vet Technicians, and Staff are welcome to attend. Animal Allies offers a…

Franken Turns Back $41K in Donations from Boston Law Firm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – U.S. Senator Al Franken has turned over nearly $41,000 of campaign contributions from a Boston law firm being investigated for improper donations. The Federal Election Commission and federal prosecutors are investigating Thornton Law Firm for after a report by the Boston Globe and Center for Responsive Politics showed the firm was reimbursing partners for campaign…

Fire in Hermantown Destroys Garage

No Cause has Been Released

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-A fire destroyed a garage on the 3800 Block of Almquist Road in Hermantown last night. Fire officials told us today, they are not sure what caused the fire, which started around 8 p.m. No one was hurt in the fire and no damage estimates have been released. The Hermantown Fire Department did tell us a vehicle and skid-loader were…

Milder Bird Flu Found in Jennie-O Farm in Wisconsin

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – Officials confirm a low-pathogenic bird flu strain has been detected in a Jennie-O Turkey Store operation in western Wisconsin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted notice of the case to the Organization for Animal Health’s website Tuesday. Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corp., which owns Willmar, Minnesota-based Jennie-O, confirmed the H5N2 strain was detected Saturday at it’s…

Duluth Police Offer Tips to Reduce Vehicle Thefts

15 vehicles were stolen in Duluth for the month of January

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is offering some suggestions to help reduce vehicle theft incidents. The most important thing one can do to prevent auto theft is to maintain control of keys and key fobs to vehicles. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that one of every eight vehicles stolen in 2015 had the key or fob…

Local Heroes to Battle on Ice

Hockey Game Supports Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Local heroes will soon be battling on the ice for a good cause. The Duluth Police Department and Duluth Fire Department are preparing for a hockey game for a good cause. Proceeds from the hockey game will go to The Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation provides grants to Northland families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. These grants can…

Teenagers Get a Taste of Trade Careers

Around 1000 Students Attend 'Construct Tomorrow' Held at The DECC

DULUTH, Minn.- Sarah Mckean is a 10th grade student at Denfeld High school. But she and her friend Cami Martin are already thinking about their future careers. And the “Construct Tomorrow” event at the DECC in Duluth, is helping broaden their horizons of what job opportunities are possible “I think these are like the jobs you don’t hear about that…

Two Harbors 7th Ave/Hwy 61 Getting Face Lift

Resurfacing Project To Start Spring Of 2018

Two Harbors, Minn Two Harbors will be getting a face lift during the summer of 2018. Construction along 7th ave (Hwy 61) will make things easier for the locals and those passing through. Currently the three lights that are along 7th Ave (Hwy 61) are the oldest set of lights in the area. By replacing the lights and adding left hand…

Strong Winds Blow Across the Northland

From Tourists in Canal Park to Aerial Lift Bridge Operators, Everybody Was Feeling the Wind

DULUTH, Minn. – A very windy day in Duluth. There were reports of downed power lines, trees, and poles. All over the Northland,  people in Duluth were coping with this gusty day. “It’s really hard to stand an d you probably should hold on to the rocks because it will blow you over,” says Yuliya Yukhimchuk, a tourist walking along the…

Pierre The Voyageur Takes A Hit During Wind Storm

20 Foot Statue Loses Arm And Large Paddle

Two Harbors, Minn Pierre, the 20 foot tall Voyageur in Two Harbors needs a hand, literally. A victim of today’s vicious winds, Pierre lost his arm and giant canoe paddle. He’s the first thing you see when you’re traveling north into Two Harbors and was created 57 years ago. One employee at the Earthwood Inn tells us that she just hopes…

Focus Group Talks Housing Issues in Duluth

A recent study showed that Duluth will need nearly 4,000 new homes by 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Community members met tonight to discuss the future of housing in Duluth. Imagine Duluth 2035 hosted a focus group tonight, addressing the topics of making homes more accessible, diverse, and affordable. Duluth poses a unique challenge with so many older homes, so city leaders are working with the community to find ways to maintain the characteristics of…

Superior Fire Department Acquires New Jaws of Life Equipment

The entire department will be trained with the new life-saving tools this week

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Firefighters in Superior got hands–on training with some new equipment today. The Superior fire department recently acquired three sets of Jaws of Life equipment for each of its engines. A $68,000 grant helped pay for the new tools. The department was previously using outdated, low pressure equipment. The new Jaws of Life use high pressure and are…

Commissioner Jewell to Chair Minnesota Water Council

Has Been on Water Council Since 2015

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Louis County Commissioner Frank Jewell has been tapped to chair the Minnesota Water Council. The council was established in 2006 to advise the legislature and governor on how to implement the Clean Water Legacy Act. “I am honored to have been nominated and elected by my colleagues as chair of the Clean Water Council,” Jewell said in a…

Two Candidates Named for Duluth Council Seats

Both are Incumbents

DULUTH, Minn.-Zack Filipovich and Barb Russ will both be running for re-election for at-large seats on the Duluth City Council. Filipovich will have a kick-off party at 5 p.m. March 19 at Black List Brewery in Duluth. Russ will kick off her campaign at the Holiday Inn at 5 p.m. March 17. Among the platforms both are running on, include public…

Duluth Recognizes State-Wide Day of Action

Domestic Violence Action Day was Designed to Raise Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. – Local leaders and community organizations answered the call on a day of action to raise awareness for domestic violence Tuesday. The event on the steps of City Hall was one of more than 80 planned state-wide. The Safe Haven Resource Center, along with other community groups organized the event designed to honor victims of domestic violence and…

Be on the Lookout for Tax Scams

Scams are on the Rise as Tax Deadline Approaches

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s tax season and local tax professionals want you to be aware of the latest tax scams. Many across the country and here in the Northland report fake calls, emails and text messages from scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Tax accountant Joshua Standley says the only way you’ll hear from the IRS is…

Damiano Center Soup Kitchen Gets New Look

Volunteers Painted the Soup Kitchen Thanks to Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – The soup kitchen at Duluth’s Damiano Center has a brand new look. Students from the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Duluth program recently toured the soup kitchen and decided to give the room a new look for their service project. Thanks to a donation from Diamond Vogel Paints, volunteers from Duluth Painters and Allied Trades as well as…

Dayton Repeals Old Sunday Liquor Sales Ban

Sales will begin in July

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – It’s official, come July, Minnesotans can begin buying liquor on Sundays. Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill on Tuesday repealing the decades-old ban. Minnesota liquor store can open their doors on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning in July. His signature is the final chapter in years of efforts to repeal the Prohibition-era…

All 5 Suspects Charged in Grahek’s Murder

  DULUTH, Minn. – Three more suspects have been charged in their involvement in the shooting death of UMD student, William Grahek on February 14, 2017. Deandre Demetrius Davenport, 21; Noah Duane Baker, 19; and Noah Anthony Charles King, 18, all of Duluth, have been formally charged in St. Louis County Court. All three are charged with Second Degree Murder…

St. Louis County Emerald Ash Borer Update

Quarantine boundaries have been formalized in SE St. Louis County

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced today, it has formalized a quarantine for emerald ash borer (EAB) in southeastern St. Louis County. The EAB quarantine limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the quarantined area of the county. This is to reduce the risk of further spreading the insect. The quarantined…