News

DOJ: Minneapolis Lacked Coordination, but Kept Peace in 4th Precinct Protests

(Ted Haller / Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – The Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) on Monday released its after-action report of the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department’s response to the protests and demonstrations at the MPD’s 4th Precinct following the November 2015 shooting death of Jamar Clark. The DOJ review was requested by…

House GOP Envisions Big Tax Cuts, Some Government Cuts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Republicans are cuing up cuts to some health care programs and state government agencies while drumming up nearly $1.4 billion in tax relief. House legislative leaders offered up few details on their budgetary plans Monday, while outlining a broad framework of a proposed two-year budget. They’re envisioning a roughly $45 billion budget. That…

$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Duluth

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold at the Holiday Stationstore at 5430 Grand Avenue in Duluth for the March 18, 2017 drawing. The winning numbers were 13-25-44-54-67, Powerball 5. The holder has yet to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters in Roseville. The winner is highly encouraged to sign the back of the ticket and…

Zack Filipovich Vying for Duluth City Council Re-Election

Filipovich Was the Youngest Council President in Duluth History

DULUTH, Minn.- City Councilor Zack Filipovich announced he is running for reelection to the Duluth City Council at Large. At the age of 25, Filipovich was the youngest council president in Duluth History. If re-elected, Filipovich plans to continue to focus on public safety, infrastructure, environmental issues, and economic equity in Duluth. “After being on the council now for over…

Northland College Working to Serve 80% Local Food

The First Phase to be Completed This Spring

ASHLAND, Wis.- Around 50 percent of Northland College in Ashland’s food supply is sourced locally. But Northland College is working to have even more local food available, and plans to have its cafeteria serve 80 percent local food by 2020. The college launched what they call the Food Systems Center to help reach that goal. “We have a lot of very…

Nikki’s Notebook: Northland College Pledges Sanctuary

The School Pledges to be a Sanctuary School for Immigrant Students.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland pledged to be a Sanctuary school for Immigrant students. College President Michael Miller says Northland college has a history of commitment to social justice and diversity.  The college promises students that the school will not voluntarily share student information with immigration enforcement officials, unless it is legally required. “The policies primarily focus on us…

Boxers Fight to Knock Out Bullying

Program Helps Educate Youth About Bullying

HIBBING, Minn.- A program in Hibbing is working to knock out bullying It’s a campaign by Iron Range Boxing to help fight bullying. Youth groups attend a 30-minute class to learn about bullying, and how to stop it. The classes feature different guest speakers. Some of the speakers were bullied in their life, and some were the former bullies. Topics…

Ely Man Seriously Injured In Snowmobile Accident

ELY, Minn. – An Ely man is fighting for his life after crashing his snowmobile. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 48 years old. The accident happened. Around 3 p.m. Sunday on Shagawa Lake north of Ely. The man was listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries Sunday at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth….

Children Get a Taste of Being an Engineer for 1 Day

The Event was Put on by UMD Students.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 40 3rd, 4th and 5th graders had a small taste of what it’s like to be an engineer. The Society of Women Engineers at UMD hosted the Spring into Engineering event, where children tried out hands on activities, that put their problem solving skills to the test.  The goal behind the event is to “If we can…

Registrations Opened for Family Freedom School

It's a Program That Started in the Civil Rights Movement Era

DULUTH, Minn.- The Family Freedom center opened up registrations for the Family Freedom school, a 12 week program designed to engage and empower black families and community members. The program addresses internalized racism, economic isolation, and structural racism that can affect black families. The program also helps educate people on the civil rights movement, cultural values, and youth development.   A…

Saint Fennessy 4K Run A Success

600 Runners Including Children Participated

DULUTH, Minn. – No walk up registrations welcome at this year’s St. Fennessy 4k fun run as it sold out for the first time ever. 600 racers laced them up early this morning for the first leg of the 3 race KP challenge. The challenge is for runners to commit to 3 races including the Fennessy, the Fitgers 5k and…

Take Action Duluth Wants Paid Sick Leave

Could Sick Leave Become A Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – How would you like to earn paid sick leave from work no matter your yearly earning’s? Take action Minnesota met in 6 locations state wide today to join resistance efforts and take action on pressing issues including paid sick leave. According to recent surveys, employees not earning paid sick leave makes those on low income based salaries…

Figure Skaters Show Off Talents

Big Crowd At Lake View Ice Arena

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of skaters of all skill levels put on a performance for friends and family today at Lake View Arena. Celebrating 90 years the show was also a reunion from performers dating back 30 years. Skaters were of all ages male and female and some of the performances included parents skating with their children. One skater says…

Son of Alleged Nazi Wants Evidence Released

Andriy Karkoc Insists His Father is Innocent

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The son of a Minnesota man sought by Polish authorities in a Nazi massacre is asking that evidence against his father be released. A court in Poland recently issued an arrest warrant for Michael Karkoc, opening the way for his possible extradition on war crimes charges. Karkoc’s son, Andriy Karkoc, said Saturday that his 98-year-old father is innocent….

Secret Service Stops White House Intruder

Incident Was Second Security Breach in a Week

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) A Trump administration spokesman says an individual was apprehended near the White House, a week after an intruder was caught on White House grounds. Press secretary Sean Spicer wrote on Twitter on Saturday that the individual “jumped bike rack on Pennsylvania Ave” but did not make it onto White House property. Spicer added, “Great response by…

St. Urho’s Day Celebration Returning to Finland, MN

Town Will Honor the Fictional Saint for the 42nd Straight Year

FINLAND, Minn. – Finns across the Northland and beyond observed St. Urho’s Day yesterday. St. Urho’s celebrates the man who chased the grasshoppers out of Finland. Finland, Minnesota holds an annual festival celebrating the fictional saint. The event returns this weekend for its 42nd straight year. This year’s celebration features a musical theme called Urho–Palooza, including a parade, talent show,…

Veteran Celebrates 102nd Birthday

Rogenald Keller Showed Family and Friends Why He's Going Strong at 102

SILVER BAY, Minn. – One hundred years is a milestone most of us will never reach. Rogenald Keller celebrated his centennial two years ago and today showed why he’s still going strong at 102. There was quite the celebration at the Silver Bay veteran’s home Friday, and the party wasn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. “Dad’s 102nd birthday and the…

Cloquet Police Chief Placed on Leave

City Council Voted to Put Steve Stracek on Leave at Thursday's Meeting

CLOQUET, Minn. – There was controversy Thursday, as Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek was placed on paid administrative leave at the city council meeting. That was confirmed to FOX 21 by one city councilor who asked not to be identified.  However, the councilor couldn’t confirm Why Stracek was placed on leave, as the matter is being investigated. At Thursday’s meeting,…

4th Saint Fennessy 4K Kicks Off Saturday

The Race Starts at Hermantown High School

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Runners are preparing for The 4th Saint Fennessy 4k that kicks off Friday. The race is named after a former employee of Grandma’s marathon that passed away, and has been increasing in popularity each year. This year, the race registration has reached its maximum capacity of 600 people. The Race starts at Hermantown High School and Ends at…

Mentor Duluth Celebrates Match of the Year

Awards Were Given at a Luncheon Held in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Mentor Duluth celebrated the Mentor Mentee match of the year at the Making a Difference Luncheon at Holiday Inn in Duluth today. Past and present mentors, local leaders, and others involved with Mentor Duluth honored Mentor Duluth’s 20th birthday at the Luncheon, where they also recognized the Match of the year. Every year, Mentor Duluth honors a mentor…

Shipping Season Around the Corner

Shipping Season Starts Again March 25th

DULUTH, Minn.- Shipping season is starting back up next week, and Duluth could be seeing ships coming in, as soon as Next Sunday. The St. Lawrence Seaway and the Welland canal which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are opening on Monday, and the locks at Sault Ste Marie are opening on Saturday.  This means the twin ports maybe seeing…

Local Leaders Hold Round Table to Discuss Healthcare

DULUTH, Minn.- Local leaders discussed healthcare at the MNsure round table event at Generations Health Care Initiatives in Duluth, Friday. Leaders like MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole, and area representative Jennifer Schultz attended an in-depth discussion on the current state of MNsure and the affordable care act, and what the future of Minnesota healthcare may look like, with legislative changes. One…

Duluth Pack Remodel is Finished

Has More Modern Look

DULUTH, Minn.-The remodel at Duluth Pack is over. After a seven-week process, the downstairs of the store has a new look with more of a cabin-theme. It’s all part of their goal of making the store look more modern. “A lot of people were attached to the feel of the old store, so we wanted to keep that same outdoorsy-woodsy…

Mayo Clinic Faces Questions After CEO Comments on Insurance

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Mayo Clinic is facing some questions from the state of Minnesota after its CEO told employees that if patient conditions are equal, its hospitals should prioritize the privately insured patients over those under government-subsidized programs like Medicaid. John Noseworthy’s comments came late last year in a videotaped speech to staff but surfaced only this week, after a…

Lt. Gov. Smith Won’t Run for Governor in 2018

Opens Field up to Numerous Candidates

Courtesy of Minnesota Governor’s OfficeST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Democratic Lt. Gov. Tina Smith says she will not run for governor in 2018. Smith has long been viewed as a top contender for in the gubernatorial given her visible perch as Gov. Mark Dayton’s second-in-command. Outside Republican political groups frequently singled out Smith while laying the groundwork for the 2018…

MPCA Chief Sounds Alarm About Trump Cuts to EPA Grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota official who heads a group that represents state environmental agencies nationwide says the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency grant programs would cripple their ability to protect air, land, and water. The Environmental Council of the States says Categorical Grants to states would take a 44.5-percent hit. Those grants support…

NCAA Tournament Could Generate $6M for Milwaukee

(ESPN) MILWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) – The sold out NCAA men’s basketball tournament could mean millions in revenue for Milwaukee. According to Visit Milwaukee, the economic impact of the last time the city hosted the games in 2014 was $4.6 million. Visit Milwaukee spokesman Kristin Settle tells Wisconsin Public Radio that the fact that four of the eight schools playing in…

Dayton Devotes Budget Surplus to Preschool, Savings

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton wants to put much of a growing budget surplus toward expanding a new preschool program. Governor Mark Dayton released his retooled budget proposal Friday that capitalizes on a surplus that’s grown since previous estimates of $1.4 billion. State budget officials now project the Legislature has a $1.65 billion budget to work…

Updegrove Announces At-Large City Council Run

DULUTH, Minn. – Rich Updegrove, a high school social studies teacher, announced his candidacy Thursday evening for Duluth City Councilor, At-Large. Updegrove is a co-facilitator of Our Revolution – Duluth, a grassroots political organization that arose out of Bernie Sanders’ campaign. He was recently elected to leader positions on several legislature committees. He is also active in the Duluth Federation…

Pay Increase for Minnesota Legislators in Limbo

Last Week Independent Council Approved $14,000 Increase for Lawmakers

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The chairman of the independent council that approved $14,000 raises for Minnesota lawmakers says lawyers will have to decide whether Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt can block the pay increase. Minnesota voters created the Legislative Salary Council through a November constitutional amendment that removed lawmakers’ ability to set their own pay. That council on Friday affirmed its…

Duluthians Say ‘No More’ to Mother Nature

Shorts Against Winter Happens Annually the Friday Before the First Day of Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – A hardy group of Duluthians were sending a strong message to Mother Nature Friday morning. The 5th Annual Shorts Against Winter event is a chance for Northlanders to wear shorts to work before the official start of spring on Monday, March 20. Shorts Against Winter started by Swim Creative Advertising Firm employee Kevin Cain, and has since…

Minnesota Officials Aim to End Chronic Homelessness by 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Thousands of people in the Twin Cities have been homeless for years, despite a coordinated effort by city, state, and nonprofit leaders that has cut chronic homelessness nearly in half since 2010. The Pioneer Press reports the number of chronic and “unsheltered” homeless people in Minnesota has dropped 48-percent in recent years, falling from over…

Trump Administration Fights Syrian’s Travel Ban Lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Justice Department attorneys say a judge shouldn’t block President Donald Trump’s travel ban in the case of a Syrian family trying to relocate to Wisconsin. A Syrian man who settled in Wisconsin filed a lawsuit last month saying his family remains in Aleppo and the ban could jeopardize their visa chances. U.S. District Judge William Conley…

Registration Now Open for Hartley Summer Camps

Since Wednesday, More than 600 Children Are Already Signed Up for Camps

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration for Hartley Nature Center Summer Camps is underway. Staff at Hartley tells FOX 21 over 600 kids have registered in just two days. Although a fresh coat of snow blanketed the Northland on Friday, Brett Amundson, Director of Operations at Hartley Nature Center says kids love to spend their summer days at Hartley. Amundson says Hartley…

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Focuses on Culture

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks around the country have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for about a week, and the holiday is finally here. Duluth’s Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is happening this evening at Clyde Iron Works. The family-friendly event, featuring McInnis’ Kitchen, brings top Irish music and colorful cultural tradition to the Northland. There will also be an indoor…

JCPenny Closing 19 Stores Between Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan

Retailer JCPenny has announced that 138 stores nationwide will begin closing in mid April. In addition to the closure of retail locations, the company will be closing one of its supply chain facilities in Florida, and relocating another to California. Stores closing in Minnesota include Baxter, Fairmont, Faribault, Hibbing, Hutchinson, Red Wing, Thief River Falls, and Winona. Wisconsin locations include…

Duluth YMCA Adds Lumberjack Tradition to Aquatic Activities

Active Adventures: Log Rolling

DULUTH, Minn. – A lumberjack sport is now offered at the Duluth YMCA. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tried out Log Rolling. Log rolling is available for people of all ages. According to aquatic instructors, not only does the sport preserve the rich history of lumberjack sports in North America, but it’s fun and good for…

Minnesota tops voter participation list in 2016 election

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota leads the nation once again in voter turnout for a presidential election. It’s the second consecutive presidential election that the state had the most voters going to the polls, and the eighth time in the past nine presidential elections. Nonprofit VOTE and the US Election Project compiled the numbers. About 75 percent of eligible voters in…

‘Great Harvest’ To Expand To Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular Great Harvest Bread Company in Duluth is expanding to the downtown area. Owner Lee Davidson tells FOX 21 the second location will be in the Medical Arts Building on West Superior Street – across from Starbucks. The new space is the former location of How Sweet It Is bakery. Great Harvest plans to feature mostly…

‘Visit Duluth’ Moving To Holiday Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s convention and visitor’s bureau, known as Visit Duluth, is preparing to move to a new downtown location. That location is in the former Brownie Furniture building in the Holiday Center on West Superior Street. Anna Tanski, Visit Duluth’s CEO, tells FOX 21 the new 5K square-foot facility will have a better skywalk connection with great visibility…

Duluth Armory Building Redevelopment Shoots For ‘Rooftop Dining’

Plans also include turning the space into a mixed-use commercial building, along with some additional multifamily housing

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2001, the Duluth Armory was condemned by the city after sitting vacant for more than 20 years. Now, a new developer out of the Twin Cities is working to bring new life back to the historic site. Over the last two years, the Boisclair Corporation has been working through a due diligence phase, after signing a…

Russ Campaign Kickoff

Barbara Russ Hits The Campaign Trail

Duluth, Minn Current City Council member Barbara Russ is getting an early start on the campaign trail. Tonight she hosted her campaign kickoff at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth. She wanted to let those who came know how she felt about her first 3 and a half years on the council and what she wants to work on if…

Art Of Local Food

Good Food And Art All In One Place

It was all about good food, local artist, and great company tonight at Clyde Iron Works. It was the 6th annual Art of Local Food fundraiser to benefit the Duluth Community Garden Program and the Arrowhead Professional Chefs Association. It was 40 years ago that a few gardeners saw the need for fresh locally grown food and now 220 families…

Washburn County Humane Society Suffers Devastating Fire

Courtesy: WCAHS SPOONER, Wis. – The Washburn County Area Human Society suffered a devastating fire early Thursday morning. Crews were called to the scene around 1:30 a.m. Animals that survived have been sent to Northwoods Humane Society in Hayward. It has been reported that three cats perished in the fire. No other information is available at this time. A GoFundMe page…