Minnesota

Tiger Dies at Minnesota Zoo

12-year-old Amur Tiger Dies Wednesday At Minnesota Zoo

  FOX 9–The Minnesota Zoo is mourning the loss of 12-year-old Amur tiger, Putin. The tiger died Wednesday when he experienced cardiac failure during a preventative health exam, the zoo announced Thursday. Putin, who was born in the Czech Republic, had been at the Minnesota Zoo since 2015. Before that, he lived at the Denmark Zoo for six years. He…

Midday Update March 24th, 2022

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 24th, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 24th, 2022 Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Retired Tugboat Remains Partially Submerged In Duluth Port

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Coast Guard released new information Wednesday about the retired tugboat partially sunken in the Duluth Harbor since Monday. The tugboat called Lake Superior remained partially under water Wednesday. The Coast Guard in Duluth said contractors are keeping the boat afloat and working to remove all potential pollutants like diesel fuel and oil. There have been…

Port Of Duluth-Superior Pulls Out Of Hibernation With Arrival Of Cutter Vessels

DULUTH, Minn. – The Port of Duluth-Superior is pulling out of hibernation with the Soo Locks opening in just days and ice cutting now underway. Two ice cutting vessels arrived in the port Wednesday and will focus first on freeing tugboats so they can free five domestic ships that have been docked all winter. The arrival also means the return…

Midday Update March 23, 2022

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Morning Update March 23, 2022

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Visit Duluth’s New President A Native Of Italy, Ready To Move Forward ‘Like A Rocket’

DULUTH, Minn. – The newly configured Visit Duluth officially has a new president to lead its convention and visitor center operations. This comes as Twin Cities marketing firm Bellmont Partners now handles all marketing for the city. Daniele Villa was born and raised in Italy, most recently managed luxury shows and conventions in Dubai and has lived in Duluth the…

Duluth Sister Cities International Won’t Drop Sister City Petrozavodsk, Russia Amid War

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Sister Cities is speaking out in support of Petrozavodsk, Russia, which is one of Duluth’s sister cities, as that country’s leader continues to pummel Ukraine. In an email Tuesday to Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors, Sister Cities board members said they condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and they stand in solidarity of the people of…

Minnesota DNR: Line 3 Work Harmed Groundwater More Than We Knew

The state Department of Natural Resources says Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile pipeline across northern Minnesota last year.

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9/AP) – The damage to public groundwater resources in Minnesota from missteps during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline is more severe than previously known, state environmental regulators said. Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile (550-kilometer) pipeline across northern Minnesota last year and the company faces…

Duluth’s Second Harvest Food Bank 41% Toward Fundraising Goal During FoodShare Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, a campaign through the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. From now until April 10th, donations made to food banks will be reported to the GMCC FoodShare program, which will turn around and match a portion of what they raised. The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth not only has its…

Babbitt Mayor Running As Republican For District 3 State Senate Seat

BABBITT, Minn. — The mayor of Babbitt is launching her campaign for the District 3 Minnesota State Senate seat. Andrea Zupancich, who has served as Babbitt’s mayor since 2014, is running as a Republican. She also held a seat on Babbitt’s city council for two years before becoming mayor. Her announcement comes on the heels of State Senator Tom Bakk…

Tugboat ‘Lake Superior’ Partially Sinks In Duluth Port

The U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring the situation but has not seen any environmental impacts, according to officials.

DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating after a retired tugboat partially sunk in the Duluth Port Monday morning. At this time, there are no reports of any pollution impacts to the environment, according to Lt. Joseph McGinnis, with the Coast Guard. McGinnis said the partial sinking was reported around 9 a.m. near the Compass Minerals dock off…

U of M Asks Lawmakers for $30M for Scholarships

Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their first year and $1,000 to $2,000 in each of their next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota officials are asking legislators to approve $30 million for scholarships for students who attend regional campuses. The Star Tribune reports the proposed Greater Minnesota Scholarship Program would go give money to Minnesota residents who enroll as freshmen at the university’s Duluth, Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses. Each student would get $4,000 to $5,000 in their…

Comedian, Podcast Host Tom Segura Headed to DECC this September

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- In September, comedian and podcast host Tom Segura will be performing at the DECC, as part of the third leg of his world tour. According to a spokesperson with the DECC, Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business.  He recently performed to sold-out audiences on his 100+ city Take It Down Tour. He is best…

Family, Friends Remember Eveleth-Native Jimmy Hill, Killed While Caring for Sick Partner in Ukraine

68-year-old Jimmy Hill was confirmed to be one of ten people gunned down by Russian forces while waiting in line for bread in the city of Chernihiv.

The war between Russia and Ukraine hits closer to home as last week after Eveleth native Jimmy Hill was killed while waiting in line for bread – a harsh reminder of the far-reaching impacts of the conflict. “When I’d wake up the first thing I would do is check and his message would be ‘made it through the night, still…

UMD Students Root for Bulldog Women in Frozen Four with Gear from UMD Stores

Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the UMD Women’s Hockey Team lost to Ohio State after a hard-fought game, leading up to the championship excitement was bubbling on the UMD campus and merch was flying off the shelves at the school’s Store. Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four. And…

Saint Fennessey 4k Returns To Normal Operation

A record 728 runners took off Saturday morning for the first Grandma’s race of 2022.

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On a beautiful blue sky day, came a sea of green as a record number of racers came out for the annual Fennessey 4k “We are thrilled that we can be back here it’s been a long couple years for everybody,” Zach Schneider, Marketing and PR Director For Grandmas Marathon said. A record 728 runners took off…

Gearheads Rev Their Engines at DECC’s Motorhead Madness

The event featured 150 classic cars, trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, race cars, and more, which require lots of work and restoration.

DULUTH, Minn.- Gearheads gathered at the DECC for the return of Motorhead Madness — back for the first time since 2019. The event featured 150 classic cars, trucks, 4x4s, hot rods, race cars, and more, which require lots of work and restoration. One car owner worked on his dream car, a 1966 Pontiac GTO for three and a half years!…

Kids Have Fun with ‘Maggot Art,’ Planetarium Visit at UMD’S STEM Discovery Day

Kids learned about microplastics, electricity, carbon, and visited the Allworth Planetarium.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday middle and high school students interested in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM got hands-on with some experiments and activities with the help of some bulldogs. UMD’S Swenson College of Science and Engineering brought its annual Stem Discovery Day back to campus. Kids learned about microplastics, electricity, carbon, and visited the Allworth Planetarium….

Preservation Alliance Rallies to Save Former Hotel Astoria Building from Demolition After Businesses Forced Out

The Duluth Preservation Alliance said this is part of an attack on the Historic Arts and Theater, or HART District.

DULUTH, Minn.- Historic preservationists in Duluth met to call on the City not to demolish the former Hotel Astoria building months after the small businesses inside were forced out by a California-based developer. Hall Equities, a real estate investment, and development company announced plans to demolish the Hotel Astoria building on Superior Street across the street from the Duluth Candy…

Gov. Walz Orders Minnesota Flags at Half Staff in Remembrance of U.S. Rep. Don Young

Photo: AP/File MINNESOTA- In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Governor Tim Walz ordered all flags statewide at half-staff until midnight Saturday, in honor and remembrance of U.S. Representative Don Young, who passed away Friday night. Sometimes called the Dean of the House, the 88-year-old Alaska Congressman was the longest-serving member, serving 25 terms, and was about…

Early Morning Fire Destroys Side Lake Liquor on Iron Range

Photo: Friends of the Northland FireWire FRENCH TWP., Minn.- Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire Saturday that burned an Iron Range Liquor Store down. According to a spokesperson with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, around 7:05 a.m. Saturday, deputies and several fire departments responded to a structure fire at the Side Lake Liquor store in French township….

UMD Grad Calls Eveleth-Native Killed in Ukraine ‘helpful guy, open-minded person’

Hill was staying in Ukraine to support his partner who was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

MINNESOTA- We’re learning more about the Eveleth native killed waiting in line for bread in Ukraine as his friend shares some of her memories. Jimmy Hill was identified Thursday as one of several people killed when Russian forces opened fire on civilians in Chernihiv. Hill was staying in Ukraine to support his partner who was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Sasha…

City of Duluth Spent $1.6 Million on Water Main Breaks, Leaks In 2021

According to Duluth's Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Water main breaks in the City of Duluth this year have not only been gushing out water but they’ve been forcing the city to gush out money for repairs. According to Duluth’s Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks. The record…

Cloquet Police Investigating Shooting Threat Made to Cloquet Middle School

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Police Department is currently investigating emails threatening a shooting at the Cloquet Middle School. According to a spokesperson with the department on Wednesday, 2 staff members reported getting emails indicating the school was targeted for a possible school shooting on Thursday. Officers immediately began investigating the source of the threat. As of Friday the spokesperson said,…

Bomb Threat Prankster Creates Large Evacuation At Esko Public Schools

No explosive device was located after an extensive search by authorities.

ESKO, Minn. – Some scary moments unfolded for more than 1,000 students and staff at Esko Public Schools Wednesday after a bomb threat at the High School. The threat was called in to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office around 12:50 p.m. The anonymous 911 caller said an explosive device was seen in an Esko High School classroom, according to authorities….

Canada To Drop COVID Tests For Vaccinated Visitors: Official

TORONTO (AP) — Canada will no longer require a pre-arrival COVID-19 test for vaccinated travelers as of April 1.A senior government official confirmed the change Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly ahead of the announcement this week.Last month, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced that travelers coming to Canada would be able to present a…

Esko Schools Evacuated Over Anonymous Call Of A Bomb Threat

UPDATE – ESKO, Minn. –The evacuation on Thursday afternoon at Esko Public Schools was due to a bomb threat that was made by an anonymous caller, according to the school administration. The school district says that Carlton County 911 dispatchers received a call from an unknown person claiming that an explosive device was spotted inside one of the high school’s…

Minnesota-born Jimmy Hill Killed In Ukraine While Trying To Find Food

(FOX 9) – The American killed during a military strike by Russia in Ukraine has been identified as Jimmy Hill. Family members confirm to FOX 9 that 68-year-old Hill, who was born in Eveleth, Minnesota and graduated from Mahtomedi High School, was killed in the city of Chernihiv in Ukraine while trying to find food. “He was only going out to try and find…

New Walz Plan For Surplus Includes Bigger Tax Rebate Checks

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has released an updated plan for how to spend the state’s enormous budget surplus, including a proposal for income tax rebate checks of $1,000 per couple. His revised supplemental budget proposal, released Thursday, follows last month’s announcement that the state’s budget surplus has grown to $9.25 billion. It formalizes an idea he…

Gordon Ramsay Becomes Third Candidate For St. Louis County Sheriff

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay was in Hibbing and Duluth Wednesday to announce his run for St. Louis County Sheriff. Ramsay was raised in Duluth and got a Bachelor’s degree at UMD and Master’s at CSS. He served as police chief from 2006 to 2016 before becoming chief of police in Wichita, Kansas. Ramsay said his…

Barn Fire Kills 70 Sheep In Carlton County

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office does not suspect foul play in a fire that killed 70 sheep in Thomson Township. The fire was reported in a pole building around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 300 block of Koski Road. The property owner wasn’t home at the time to try to save the animals, according to…

Fire Officials: Stay Off Lake Superior’s Ice As Temps Rise Above Freezing

DULUTH, Minn. – The deadline to get those ice fishing shelters off the water for the season may be Monday, but the boost in melting air and more of it to come this weekend have officials hoping they don’t have to respond to any emergencies, especially on Lake Superior. “There’s never really a safe time to be on the ice….

Essentia Health Creates “Education-To-Employment” Scholarships And Opportunities For Rock Ridge Students

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Essentia Health is teaming up with Rock Ridge Public Schools in Virginia to create what they call “education-to-employment student scholarships.” Essentia is setting aside $300,000 for scholarships for students who pursue education after high school for certain career opportunities in healthcare. Those jobs range from respiratory therapists to radiology, surgical, and medical lab technicians, and more. The…

Catalyst Story Institute Hires Anna Tanski For Leadership Role

DULUTH, Minn. — The Catalyst Story Institute has hired the former president and CEO of Visit Duluth, Anna Tanski, as the new Head of Festivals And Events for its organizations. It also hired four other women for leadership roles in New York and Los Angeles. The Institute’s headquarters are in Duluth, and is known for holding its Catalyst Content Festival…