Minnesota

Twins, Wolves, Wild Postpone Games Following Police Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, and Minnesota Timberwolves postponed games scheduled for Monday because of safety concerns following the fatal police shooting of a Black man and the potential for unrest in the area. Major League Baseball’s Twins and Boston Red Sox were scheduled to begin a four-game series Monday afternoon at Target Field. The Twins said…

Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Grabbed Gun Instead of Taser, Bodycam Video Released

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – The police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright, 20, during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Sunday mistakenly drew her handgun instead of a Taser, according to the police chief. Officials released the body camera video of the incident Monday during a news conference. On body camera video, the officer is heard shouting “taser, taser!” but…

Judge Refuses to Sequester Jury in George Floyd Murder Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The judge in the George Floyd murder case has refused a defense request to sequester the jury, the morning after the death of a Black man during a traffic stop triggered unrest in a suburb just outside Minneapolis. The request came from the attorney for former Officer Derek Chauvin. He argued Monday that the jurors could be…

New Book Showcases Best Wildflower Hotspots in Minnesota

"Minnesota's Best Wildflower Hikes," and "Wisconsin's Best Wildflower Hikes" are Available on Amazon

DULUTH, Minn. – A new travel guidebook describes more than 100 day hiking trails to enjoy wildflowers in Minnesota, including those in the Duluth-Superior area. Minnesota’s Best Wildflower Hikes, by hiking guidebook author Rob Bignell, covers trails from the North Shore to the state’s prairies and from the pine-covered Northwoods to the Driftless Area, as well as border counties in…

Prosecution Case Nears End in Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death enters its third week Monday. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s May 25 death. Prosecutors say Chauvin pinned Floyd to the pavement outside a corner market for 9 minutes, 29 seconds. The state is near the end of a case…

Daunte Wright Death in Minnesota Traffic Stop Sparks Unrest

(AP Photo/Christian Monterrosa) BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — A Black man died after being shot by police in a Minneapolis suburb during a traffic stop and crashing his car several blocks away, sparking violent protests as officers in riot gear clashed with demonstrators and the man’s mother called for calm. The death of the man, identified by family as 20-year-old…

Volunteers Pick Up Dog Waste, Remind There’s No ‘Poop Fairy’ on Duluth Trails

City staff along with students from Harbor City International School picked up more than 50 pounds of doggie doo-doo

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Duluthians took advantage of Sunday’s stinky weather to do a crappy job — helping keep Duluth’s trials and waterways free of dog poop. City staff along with students from Harbor City International School picked up more than 50 pounds of doggie doo-doo in the first couple miles of the Hawk Ridge trail. Volunteers say they wanted to…

Residents ‘Get Flushed’ to Raise Money for Proctor High Grad Party

The All Night Grad Party committee restarted their "You've Been Flushed" fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- The porcelain is taking over Proctor, as Proctor High School’s All Night Grad Party committee restarted their “You’ve Been Flushed” fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. “It gets people’s attention, you’ll drive by and you’ll wonder why is there a really colorful toilet in somebody’s yard?” Proctor High Senior Wyatt Okstad knows the answer to that one…

Historic Old Central High School Could Become Mixed-Income Housing Units

Saturday Properties, a development company out of St. Louis Park, emerged as a front runner to purchase the school back in October.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Historic Old Central High School could soon be turned into 121 units of mixed-income housing. Saturday Properties, a development company out of St. Louis Park, emerged as a front runner to purchase the school back in October. The school is currently in danger of losing its historical tax credits, which go towards the rehabilitation of the…

Meals on Wheels Seeking Additional Volunteers

AEOA runs meals on wheels in the Twins Ports area and up on the range.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency is looking for more volunteers to help delivery meals on wheels. The program has been running in Duluth for about thirteen years. AEOA runs meals on wheels in the Twins Ports area and up on the range. Staff are looking for a few extra volunteers during the week which would take a…

Fourth and Final Phase of Superior Street Reconstruction to Begin Monday

Phase 4 of Superior Street Reconstruction will be done in two parts, with Phase 4A ending in June and Phase 4B ending in August.

DULUTH, Minn.- This summer will be the busiest road construction season in Duluth’s history with crews working on 12 miles of roadways; and Superior Street will once again be among those projects for the fourth and final year in a row. “I’m real happy with the way it turned out, so, but I’m also ready to be happy that it’s…

Eat Downtown Week Returns Highlighting 19 Duluth Restaurants

From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Going into the summer months, eat downtown week is returning to highlight local Duluth establishments. From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in. Greater Downtown Council officials say it’s more important than ever to show these businesses the community cares. “It’s just so important…

3rd Minnesotan Arrested On Charges Connected to Us Capitol Riot

LINDSTROM, Minn. (FOX 9) – A third Minnesotan has been arrested in connection to the U.S. Capitol riot that occurred on Jan. 6 while lawmakers were in the process of certifying the electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election. FBI special agents arrested Jonah Westbury, 26, of Lindstrom on Friday on charges related to the riot, according to the FBI Minneapolis Division….

Expert: Lack of Oxygen Killed George Floyd, Not Drugs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A forensic pathologist says George Floyd died from a lack of oxygen that damaged his brain and caused his heart to stop, bolstering prior testimony by other experts. Lindsey Thomas is a former Hennepin County medical examiner. Her testimony Friday also rejected the defense theory that Floyd’s drug use and underlying health problems killed him. Her testimony…

North Shore Businesses Optimistic for Strong Summer Tourism Season

From New Recreations Offerings, to Great Burgers and Brews, Two North Shore Businesses Optimistic Ahead of the Summer Season

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors venture up Minnesota’s North Shore, stopping along the way to help stimulate the various local economies in smaller communities. Two area businesses are optimistic for a better year ahead, as the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully reaches a more controllable level. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful places. You can…

Barnum Elementary School Celebrates National Unicorn Day :)

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a magical day at Barnum Elementary School Thursday. Teacher Mindy MacDonald got dressed up in a big unicorn outfit to celebrate National Unicorn Day. The actual holiday is on Friday but the kids are out of school Friday, so the celebration happened Thursday instead. “Ms. Mindy MacDonald is our lovable resident unicorn :),” said Nikki…

Salvation Army Seeking Donations as FoodShare Month Continues

The final day for monetary donations for the extended foodshare month is Sunday April 11th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s FoodShare month in March has been extended. The Duluth Salvation Army is taking advantage of the extension with the last day to match donations in-person being on Friday. The organization is hopeful they can reach their goals which will be matched by the Minnesota FoodShare March campaign. “We have a goal locally of $9,000 and 8,000…

UMD Hosts Bulldog-Themed Blood Drive

Organizers say all 41 donation slots were filled.

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross and the UMD pre-med club hosted a Bulldog-themed blood drive at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Organizers say all 41 donation slots were filled. Although there is always a need for blood donations, this drive in particular is also geared towards promoting student engagement and volunteering on campus. Organizers also hope it helps…

Minnesota Eclipses 2,500 New Single-Day Virus Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 2,500 new infections on Thursday as more infectious variants of the coronavirus drive case growth across the state. The new cases mark the highest single-day total since January as the state was coming down from the surge in infection cases late last year. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 14 more people have…

Expert Says Floyd Died From a Lack of Oxygen

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A medical expert says George Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, which damaged his brain and caused his heart to stop. Dr. Martin Tobin is a lung and critical care specialist from Chicago. He testified Thursday at former Officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial that Floyd’s breathing was too shallow to take in enough oxygen while he…

Levi LaVallee Releases Duluth Snowmobile Stunt Video

DULUTH, Minn. — After months of preparation and a week of filming, pro snowmobiler Levi LaVallee released his Red Bull video of stunts in Duluth Wednesday. LaVallee performed all over Duluth — from jumps at Spirit Mountain to flips over North Shore Scenic Railroad cars before landing in the Fitger’s parking lot. LaVallee is a native of Longville, Minnesota. His professional…

New Hotel Opens in Duluth

With 82 rooms, staff say that they are excited to host people coming up to Duluth for the upcoming summer events and beyond.

DULUTH, Minn. — A new hotel has opened in Duluth. The Fairfield Inn and Suites on Maple Grove Road across the street from the Miller Hill Mall opened on March 25th. With 82 rooms, staff say that they are excited to host people coming up to Duluth for the upcoming summer events and beyond. “Knowing that we are the brand…

CHUM Announces New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM has named a new Executive Director. In a recent press release, CHUM announced that John Cole will replace Lee Stuart as Executive Director. After eight years as the Executive Director Stuart will be retiring from the position effective June 30, 2021. Cole, who is currently the interim Director at Align Minneapolis, will begin with CHUM on…

Demolition Begins at Site of Future Lincoln Park Flats Complex

DULUTH, Minn. – Demolition has started in Lincoln Park at the site of the future Lincoln Park Flats complex. P&R Companies new development will be at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building located at 2104 West Superior Street. The company says Lincoln Park Flats will be a four-story complex that will house 74 residential apartment units including studio, one and…

Minnesota DNR Reminds Homeowners to be Mindful of Bears

There are Three Important Things to Remember if You're Looking to Avoid Bear on Your Property

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many residents in the Northland — Spring. It’s a time for new adventures when you can finally get outdoors more, and maybe even open up the cabin a little early. With the excitement, the local division of the Minnesota DNR is reminding folks to be on the lookout…

Surfers Enjoy Waves on Lake Superior

On Park Point, the waves and the sand are more forgiving than the rockier terrain as you head north.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not just the forces of Nature that call Lake Superior home. “Whenever there is a storm I definitely chase after it,” UMD RSOP Coordinator, Randy Carlson says. One of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world, It’s hard not to notice the growing Lake Superior surfing community. “We have a North Shore Minnesota Chapter…

Minnesota Hospitalizations Climb As Virus Cases Trend Upward

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials say nearly 500 Minnesotans are currently hospitalized due to the coronavirus as case numbers continue to rise despite the state’s vaccination campaign. About 497 Minnesotans are hospitalized Tuesday, including 114 in intensive care. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says the state’s efforts to prioritize vaccinations in populations most vulnerable to the virus could prevent a…

Felton Named Duluth Diocese Bishop

DULUTH, Minn. – The Very Rev. Daniel Felton, of the Diocese of Green Bay, has been named the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Duluth. His episcopal ordination and installation have been set for May 20. Bishop-elect Felton, 65, was ordained a priest in June of 1981 and has since had parish assignments at Holy Innocents in Manitowoc, St. Raphael…

Democratic-Backed Underly Elected Wisconsin Schools Chief

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Jill Underly rode support from the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage to win election as Wisconsin superintendent of schools. Underly defeated Republican-backed Deb Kerr in Tuesday’s election. Underly is superintendent of the rural Pecatonica school district and formerly worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which she will now lead. Kerr is…

Red Bull Snowmobile Rider Levi LaVallee Thrilled to Debut New Duluth Stunt Video

LaVallee Filmed Stunts in Duluth in Late February into Early March

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something you don’t see every day in the City of Duluth – a man so full of adrenaline and excitement that he wants to jump his snowmobile over a moving train, or on a busy road such as Lake Avenue. Red Bull professional snowmobile rider Levi LaVallee isn’t thrilled unless boundaries are pushed to the max….

Lake Superior College Opens In-Person Registration for Fall Semester

LSC will continue to enforce social distancing and mask wearing next semester.

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has announced that school will resume all in-person courses for the upcoming fall semester. Current students began registering for courses on Monday while incoming students can get their first crack at registering Wednesday. Faculty at the campus say, students have been excited to get back on campus, especially for the courses that deal with…

Minnesota Debuts Vaccine Outreach Campaign Aimed at Workers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday launched an outreach campaign aimed at vaccinating Minnesota workers in frontline industries in the coming weeks. The outreach effort, which is part of a broader statewide “Roll Up Your Sleeves, MN” campaign, aims to connect workers in industries like food service with opportunities to get vaccinated at state-run community vaccination sites. The…

Furniture Mart USA Buys Former Duluth ShopKo

DULUTH, Minn. – Furniture Mart USA has bought the former Shopko building in Duluth. According to public records the company bought the building and land for $3 million. The building, located in the Stone Ridge Shopping Center on West Central Entrance, was home to Shopko until 2019. In late August 2020, Spirit Halloween opened at the location for the Halloween…

Police Chief: Fired Cop Broke Policy in Pinning Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis police chief who called George Floyd’s death “murder” soon after it happened testified that Officer Derek Chauvin had clearly violated department policy when he pinned Floyd’s neck beneath his knee for more than 9 minutes. Chief Medaria Arradondo took the stand on Day Six of Chauvin’s trial in the death of the 46-year-old Black man…

Mayor Larson’s ‘State Of The City’ Core Principles: Equity, Sustainability, Community

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held a virtual State of the City address Monday night acknowledging last year’s painful struggles through the pandemic and social justice issues surrounding George Floyd’s death — while praising the city’s determination to come together peacefully with a focus on being a stronger, more equitable community. “None of this will be easy. Last…

Easter Sunday Fatal Duluth Apartment Fire Believed To Be Accidental

An accidental fatal fire in the same building less than a year ago is not related, according to officials.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is calling its investigation into a fatal apartment fire on Easter Sunday as accidental. The call for help came in around 1 p.m. Sunday on the 600 block of East 3rd Street in the city’s East Hillside neighborhood. Upon arrival, crews found fire in a bedroom of a first-floor apartment, which is…

‘Northern Lights Express’ Supporters Hopeful For Federal Funding

DULUTH, Minn. — Backers of high-speed rail service from Duluth to Minneapolis are hopeful President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure proposal could make the rail project finally happen. The Northern Lights Express project has stalled for years because of a lack of funding. It’ll cost $500 to $600 million to complete, and supporters hope $80 billion in funding for rail projects…

MnDOT Road Construction Ramps Up For Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Construction season is upon us and that means added congestion on some Northland roadways. One of the biggest construction projects is the Twin Ports Interchange. Southbound traffic on I-35 will be limited to one lane from 21st Avenue West to 27th Avenue West through Duluth during the current phase. MnDOT project managers are advising drivers to add…

Death of ‘Miracle on Ice’ Standout Pavelich Ruled Suicide

ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — Last month’s death of “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey standout Mark Pavelich was ruled a suicide, a Minnesota medical examiner said Monday. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Anoka County said in a news release that the 63-year-old Pavelich died of asphyxia. His body was found on March 3 at the Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk…

Minnesota State Fairgrounds to Serve as COVID-19 Vaccination Site

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Fairgrounds will serve as a federally-supported COVID-19 mass vaccination site, state and federal officials announced Monday. The site will administer a combination of 168,000 Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson doses of the vaccine over eight weeks, which will result in over 100,000 total people being vaccinated, according to a news release from Gov….

Trial in Floyd’s Death Expected to Turn to Ex-Cop’s Training

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death is expected Monday to turn toward the fired officer’s training after a first week dominated by emotional testimony from eyewitnesses and a devastating video of his arrest. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Chauvin, who is…

Congregants Worship In-Person Again for Easter Sunday Services

While the first in-person Easter service in a year looks different, church leaders said it's still a breath of fresh spring air

DULUTH, Minn.- Churches and other Christian-centered community groups got together to celebrate Easter Sunday in-person again, after last year’s were pushed online due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz allowed places of worship to reopen at limited capacity last May, but that was after Easter of 2020. So for many area congregations, this Easter was the first they’ve been…

Northlanders Pack Restaurants for Easter Brunch Again After Pandemic Shutdowns

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio.

DULUTH, Minn.- Easter Sunday was a busy day for restaurants in the Northland offering Easter meals or brunch. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio. Management says after a year of unknowns being closed through much of the pandemic last year it’s refreshing to have…