Minnesota

Duluth Police Chief Announces Retirement After More Than 30 Years Of Service

Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken announced on Wednesday his plans to retire.

DULUTH, Minn.– Since 1992, Chief Mike Tusken has served in the city’s police department. But his time is coming to an end as the Duluth Police Department announced on Wednesday that Tusken is retiring. For the last 6 years, Chief Tusken has worked as Police Chief to bring the community together. His driving force, the love for Duluth and its…

Summer Season Takes Action at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Park is coming alive as the weather warms up, just in time for big events like festivals and performances that will be taking place. Bayfront will feature different events every weekend of the summer and on some weeknights too. Some of the most popular ones that draw in the big crowds from all over the Northland…

Coffee Conversation: Local Singer Rafe Carlson To Open ‘Bayfront Country Jam’ July 1

DULUTH, Minn. — The 4th Annual Bayfront Country Jam is coming back to Bayfront Festival Park July 1 featuring Jake Owen, Tyler Rich and show opener Rafe Carlson. Carlson is a Hermantown grad who met his producer in Nashville, Tennessee in May of 2021, and has since made dozens of trips down, writing with world-class Nashville songwriters, playing shows in…

Rubber Chicken Theater To Produce 8 ‘Chicken Hat Plays’ In 24 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – The Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing back its Chicken Hat Plays starting Saturday, June 11 at the Underground Theatre at the Depot at 7:30 p.m. The plays involve eight writers, eight directors and a whole bunch of actors who create eight short plays that are created in 24 hours. For ticket information, click here.   Categories: Coffee…

Volunteers Began Streetscape Planting Efforts in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers began planting on superior street this morning, for the 19th annual “dig in for the downtown waterfront,” tradition. Each year, the event is put on by Duluth’s Greater Downtown Council. Kristi stokes, the Downtown Council President, said that the planting event is a way for community members to be a part of beautifying the area. If…

Duluth Police Department Receives a $9,900 Grant for Youth Program

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday at Mont Du Lac Resort, the Larry and Donna Pulkrabek Foundation donated nearly 10 thousand dollars to the departments ‘get hooked on fishing’ program, an event where officers take local youth groups out for boat ventures and fishing. The program began in 2017 and continues to bridge gaps and build relationships between officers and the…

Concert for Recovery will Return to Duluth in September

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2nd annual concert recognizing those who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, will be returning in September. Leaders from Duluth Bethel and the DECC made the announcement at a news conference this morning, promoting the 2nd annual concert for recovery, which is scheduled for September 10. The month of September is dedicated to national…

Cloquet Police In Search Of Burglary Suspect

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department responded to a burglary on Boulder Drive in Cloquet on Tuesday around 4:30 a.m. The residents said the intruder physically assaulted one of them, but another person intervened causing the intruder to run. The Minnesota State Patrol assisted police officers but were unable to find the suspect. The burglar is described as a…

Bonus Pay Coming For Minnesota’s Frontline COVID-19 Workers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota residents who came into work during the height of the coronavirus pandemic will soon be collecting bonus pay. Workers who are eligible for so-called hero pay can begin applying online Wednesday morning and will have up to 45 days to sign up, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. The money be divided evenly, following a period for appeals. The…

“Free Park Day” In Minnesota Happening Saturday

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced this Saturday, June 11 is “Free Park Day”. Free admission is being offered to all of the 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. This is just one of four days that MN DNR waives requirements for permits and fees for state parks. “Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are open…

‘Her love for everyone, it was always so equal’: Family Remembers Renee Van Nett as Services Continue at DECC

Sunday started the 4 days of wakes and ceremonies, all beside the water of Lake Superior at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- While Duluth lost a city leader in Renee Van Nett this week, Frankie Graves lost a sister to whom he owes so much. “Her love for everyone, it was always so equal. Always so equal. And never with any conditions, it was just, here I am, there you are, let’s work together,” he said. An adopted one, a…

Northland Gears Up for Juneteenth Celebrations

Organizers say knowing that the whole country is celebrating what many African Heritage people call their independence day makes it more special this year. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Juneteenth is just about 2 weeks away, and the Twin Ports and the Iron Range are planning celebrations that recognize when the last slaves in America learned they were free in 1865. President Biden made June 19th a federal holiday last year. Events are commemorating the day across the Northland: Thursday, June 16th- Mayor Emily will read a…

Sen. Klobuchar, Lawmakers Working to Get Federal Disaster Relief to Flooded International Falls Area

Sen. Klobuchar said her and fellow Senator Tina Smith will make the case to President Biden to declare it a federal disaster area.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said she’s working with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to get federal aid dollars to help the home and business owners struggling to stay afloat in the flood-submerged International Falls Area. The Senators joined Gov. Tim Walz in touring the area Saturday, seeing firsthand the damages to homes and businesses, and the thousands…

Historic Flooding Continues to Affect Residents Across the Minnesota/Canada Water Basin

INT’L FALLS/KABETOGAMA, MINN. –“Mother nature has not been kind to us this year so far at all. So every week it’s like it could come up another foot, every week it could come up another foot, and it has.” Northern Minnesota residents who border Canada continue to battle historic flooding. It has devastated the area and hindered the beginning of…

59-Year-Old Eveleth Man Transported To Duluth Hospital After Stabbing

EVELETH, Minn. — The Eveleth Police Department is investigating a stabbing that happened in Eveleth occurring around 5 a.m. Sunday. Officers located a 59-year-old male victim on the 200 block of Cleveland Street. The victim had multiple stab wounds and was immediately taken to Essentia Health in Virginia, but later taken to a Duluth hospital where he is now being…

Man Convicted Of Murder In Minnesota Clinic Attack

BUFFALO, Minn. (AP) — A jury found a man guilty of murder and other counts Thursday in a shooting at a Minnesota medical clinic last year that killed one staff member and wounded four others. Jurors began deliberating Thursday afternoon, following testimony by the defendant, Gregory Ulrich, and short closing arguments by each side, KARE-TV reported. Ulrich was the only witness for the…

Gas Prices In Minnesota Jump 35 Cents In A Week

(FOX 9) – Prices at the pump in Minnesota saw the largest hike in nearly a decade this week as gas prices continue to push above record highs. The average gas price increased 35 cents since week-to-week, one of the highest increases in the country. The average cost for regular gas in Minnesota is now $4.58 per gallon. Compared to just a…

Judge Delays Trial Of 2 Ex-Cops In Floyd Killing Until 2023

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The judge overseeing the remaining case of two former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s killing ordered Monday that the trial be delayed until January to improve prospects for a fair trial. Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng had been due to go on trial next Monday on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter…

Gov. Walz, Senators Tour International Falls Flood Damage Saturday

The lawmakers toured the Emergency Operations Center, sandbagging sites, and various areas of flood damage.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- On Saturday Governor Tim Walz and U.S. senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith got a first-hand look at the damage historic flooding has caused in International Falls. The lawmakers toured the Emergency Operations Center, sandbagging sites, and various areas of flood damage. Back in April the governor authorized the national guard to support emergency flood operations in…

Batters Swing for Fences, Funds for Miracle League at Home Run Derby

Organizers hoped to raise around $6,000 at this year's derby.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday felt like summer’s finally starting, and that means the start of baseball season. And no one knows that better than the players on the Twin Ports Miracle League, kicking off the season with a home run derby at Harrison Park in West Duluth. There was only one thing on the minds of batters like Bailey Williams Sunday: “Smack…

Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival Rocks on in Lincoln Park

It was the vendors' 2nd year in a row showcasing how their art rocks.

DULUTH, Minn.– Well there was one Duluth summer market Saturday that you didn’t want to take for granite. Especially since it’s all about another rock, agates! The Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival highlighted Agate vendors and artisans at Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor Brewing in Lincoln Park. Food trucks, vendors, and Ursa Minor’s new Agate Hunter Sour beer were all featured…

Spring Into Summer at Duluth Studio’s Lakeside Market

Different activities were open to everyone of all ages like face painting, and a "build your own succulent plant" station.

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Studio Market in the Lakeside neighborhood hosted dozens of local artists and foodies for their second annual “Spring into Summer” outdoor artisan market. Different activities were open to everyone of all ages like face painting, and a “build your own succulent plant” station. The event displayed a creative shopping experience for the community. The Owner of Duluth…

Volunteers Rush To Save Items, Structures as Rainy Lake Waters Flood Mallard Island

Photo: Michael Reid, Mallard Island Board Treasurer. KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn.- The historic flooding of the Rainy River Basin near International Falls is soaking and filling buildings on Mallard Island, one of the 5 review islands used for wildlife research, education, and advocacy in Rainy Lake. According to posts on the Mallard Island Facebook Page, volunteers have been working the past…

Duluth City Leaders Mourn Passing of City Councilor Renee Van Nett

Longtime Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett lost her battle to cancer Friday morning, at 52.

DULUTH, Minn,- Longtime Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett lost her battle with cancer Friday morning, at 52. “The passion to help people ran deep within her,” City Council President Arik Forsman said. “And so yeah she’s an irreplaceable leader as far as the city council and that sort of thing goes, just really an irreplaceable friend.” Irreplaceable was just…

Protestors in Duluth Wear Orange Demanding Rep. Stauber Votes for Gun Reform

About 30 activists organized by the group the Northland Brady Chapter demanded Congressman Stauber vote yes on the Protecting Our Kids Act.

DULUTH, Minn.- Enough is enough – that was the message from protestors near Representative Pete Stauber’s (R MN-08) office in Duluth Friday, sporting the color orange for Wear Orange, or National Gun Violence Awareness Day. They join the growing calls for gun reform across the nation. Signs protestors waved included “protect kids, not guns” and quotes from the parents of…

Sun Country Airlines Seasonal Flights out of Duluth International Returning this Year

DULUTH, Minn.- Sun Country Airlines will continue flying local travelers out of the Duluth International Airport during the winter and spring later this year. According to a spokesperson with DLH, beginning December 16th, 2022 through April 17th, 2023, Sun Country will once again offer seasonal air service direct from Duluth to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida. Flights will operate…

Coffee Conversation: FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali Bids Farewell To Station

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali is leaving the station after four years to take a new opportunity closer to his family in Michigan.  Sam stopped by the morning show Friday on his last day to talk to his best friend Dan Hanger about his time at FOX 21, look at embarrassing childhood photos of himself, and…

Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett Dies At Age 52

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth shared the heartbreaking news Friday that Fourth District City Councilor Renee Van Nett passed away peacefully during the morning hours after fighting a terminal illness. Van Nett was surrounded by her family and friends in Duluth.  She was 52 years old. Mayor Emily Larson released the following statement: “Renee Van Nett was an incredibly powerful woman who lived…

Where Minnesota’s Federal Lawmakers Stand On President Biden’s Proposed Gun Restrictions

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)(FOX 9) – Ahead of President Joe Biden’s primetime speech on addressing gun violence, FOX 9 asked all nine of Minnesota’s members of Congress for interviews on what they would like to see done. Only one federal lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, agreed to an interview Thursday. “There are just so many solutions out there, and we can’t continue to…

UWNEMN Looking For Volunteers To Sign Up For “Sandbag Bus”

CHISHOLM, Minn. — United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is hoping to send four buses full of volunteers and sandbags to and from International Falls in June. The UWNEMN has been donating food and beverages to volunteers as they are almost four weeks into filling sandbags in the International Falls/Kabetogama area. “After speaking with county officials, it was clear volunteers…

Grand Rapids Student In Custody After Firearm Found In Vehicle

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — On Thursday afternoon a student from Grand Rapids High School was taken into custody after a search of their vehicle. The search was originally to find a vaping device, but the vehicle search by the Grand Rapids Police Department found a firearm and ammunition inside. After finding the firearm and ammunition the search was immediately isolated…

Coffee Conversation: Steve-O Talks XXX-Rated ‘Bucket List Tour’ At DECC, Sobriety, Life’s Lessons

Part 1: The Bucket List Tour: What to expect! DULUTH, Minn. – Steve-O is well known for his wild and crazy ride on MTV’s reality comedy series known as “Jackass” in the early 2000s followed by “Jackass” movies. See Dan’s chat with Steve-O in Part 1 above and Part 2 below. But since then, Steve-O has become much more with…

Production Crew Begins Filming New Movie In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Production began this week on a new movie called “Merry Kisscam,” where scenes are filming all over Duluth. Producer Mandy June Turpin originally became intrigued with Duluth while visiting the Catalyst Story Institute’s Content Festival four years ago. She met many community members and visited different local places, and she says that she knew they would be…

St. Louis County Encourages Residents To Apply For HomeHelpMN Assistance

The deadline to apply is June 17 at 5:00p.m.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — Residents of St. Louis County are being encouraged to apply for HomeHelpMN assistance if they need help with past due mortgage payments or other housing expenses due to the pandemic. If you would like to apply you need to own and live in a home in Minnesota and meet certain income requirements. St. Louis County…

Jury Finds Cloquet Man Guilty Of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend, Her Son

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet man has been found guilty on all eight counts for murdering his pregnant girlfriend and her 20-month-old son. Sheldon Thompson, 35, will get a mandatory sentence of life without release for the first-degree premediated murder conviction, according to the Carlton County Attorney’s Office. It was in 2020 when Thompson killed Jackie Defoe, 27, her unborn…

Minnesota Students Walk Out To Demand Gun Changes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Hundreds of students walked out of class Tuesday and gathered in downtown Minneapolis to demand state legislators adopt tougher gun laws in the wake of last week’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The Star Tribune reported the students walked out around 12:30 p.m. and gathered in Gold Medal Park. They demanded officials create a statewide…