Minnesota

Housing Forum Addresses Needs in Minnesota

Governor's Housing Task Force Met with Northeastern Minnesota Housing Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say there is not enough housing for the growing workforce in Minnesota. Members of the Governor’s Housing Task Force met with Northeastern Minnesota housing leaders at the DECC in Duluth. They discussed ways to solve the problem like lowering rent costs, offering more down payment assistance, and providing help building single family homes. “The construction industry…

Twin Ports Takes On the City Nature Challenge

You can document most species of birds, bugs, animals, plants or any wild living things.

DULUTH, Minn. – For a second year, the Twin Ports is participating in a friendly competition among cities about nature. The City Nature Challenge is for anyone interested in what lives and grows around them. You can get involved by simply taking a photo and submitting it to the iNaturalist app using your smartphone. Data collected helps scientists identify the…

Sex Offender Relocates to Virginia

Level 3 Offender Moved to Virginia Last Week

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia Police Department is notifying the public that a Level 3 sex offender has relocated to Virginia. Timothy David Paige moved to the 300 block of Chestnut Street in Virginia on April 19. According to the Notification of Release, Paige has a history of “sexual contact with a 6-year-old male. Contact included penetration. Offender gained access…

DFLer Stages House Floor sit-in, Wants Stronger gun Laws

Rep. Erin Maye Quade Began the Protest

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Democratic lawmaker is holding a 24-hour sit-in on the Minnesota House floor to protest the lack of action on gun legislation this year. Rep. Erin Maye Quade began the protest Tuesday morning. Several Democratic colleagues and one suburban Republican joined at the start to share stories of Minnesotans who were fatally shot. Maye Quade…

Father Drops Infant From Balcony to Firefighter

The Three Month old Baby Landed Safely

NORTH ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A North St. Paul father dropped his infant daughter from a second-story balcony to a firefighter below as a fire burned in his apartment building. Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Kalis says both father and daughter are fine, but it was a precarious situation Sunday when the fire broke out. Kalis says there was no…

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Celebrates 20 Years

Local Musician and Brewer Share Homegrown Memories

DULUTH, Minn. – Springtime brings a music festival to Duluth that no one wants to miss. Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is starting up on Sunday, April 29 celebrating 20 years. Many Duluthians have been part of every festival. Dave Hoops, the owner of Hoops Brewing, has been brewing for Homegrown since the second year. While he was working as the…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Practicals, Collectables & Antiques

Practicals, Collectables & Antiques is located at 5437 Scenic North Shore Drive in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Halfway between Duluth and Two Harbors is a hidden gem located on the iconic North Shore. The shop owner says he initially wanted to open a a junk shop or thrift store. He didn’t think it would grow and become what it is today. You never know what you’ll find at Practicals, Collectables & Antiques. “Books are…

Fourth Arrest in Hibbing Armed Robbery

Three Other Suspects in Custody

HIBBING, Minn. – A fourth suspect has been taken into custody for involvement in the alleged armed robbery on April 18 in Hibbing. The suspect is expected to be charged with 2nd Degree Assault and 1st Degree Robbery according to the Hibbing Police Department. The armed robbery took place in the 800 block of East 41st Street in Hibbing. A…

Trains Begin Chugging Along North Shore Scenic Railroad

DULUTH, Minn. – As more birds are chirping outside, there’s also another sound that’s a sure sign of Spring, the whistle of a train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The trains are starting two weeks earlier than usual this year, running at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. As the full season gets underway starting Memorial Day weekend,…

One Injured in Walker Hit and Run

The Investigation Into the Crash Continues

WALKER, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hit and run that took place Sunday on County Road 13 in the Onigum area of Turtle Lake Township, rural Walker. The Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a pedestrian being hit by a motor vehicle, which was no longer at the scene. The female victim was treated…

Residents Prepare For Potential Flooding From Melted Snow

The flooding possibilities for this spring depend a lot on where you live and whether we get a lot of rain over the coming weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth is no stranger to flooding. The massive flood in 2012 is a prime example. And with a lot of snow now melting around the area some residents are worried about potential flooding problems this spring. These recent warm spring temperatures are helping melt the snow, but this big melt could cause water to enter some area homes….

Seniors Take A Strike Against Strokes at UMD

The two most common types of strokes are Ischemic and (clots) Hemorrhagic (bleeds).

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health show strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the state. A group of seniors came to UMD to strike back against strokes. Health experts led a discussion focused on ways to prevent a stroke and just how common they are. Guests were even able to see a real…

Native American Health, Resiliency, Highlighted in New Exhibition

"Zoongide'ewin" Opens Thursday at Karpeles Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – This week an exhibition is debuting at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum focused on Native American resiliency, health and perspectives in the Great Lakes region. A reception featuring the work is being held on Thursday, April 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. “Zoongide’ewin: An exhibition on Native American Health & Resilience in the Great Lakes Region,” is…

Fireplace Corner Heats up Grills for Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Now that the warm weather is here, it’s safe to say it is officially Springtime. As many Northlanders agree, there’s no better way to welcome the warm weather than with a good old-fashioned barbeque. The Fireplace Corner in Duluth spent Friday afternoon outside grilling and showcasing their new products, reminding us all of the importance of grilling…

Junior League of Duluth Introduces Inaugural Spring Fundraiser

Coffee Conversation: Festival of Spring

DULUTH, Minn. -A new tradition is starting this Spring with the Junior League of Duluth. The inaugural “Festival of Spring” event will celebrate the season. More than 40 local artisans, gift and outdoor-themed vendors will be selling goods, along with six topics for learning sessions on gardening. Additionally, there will be a Q&A table to ask questions of Duluth Master…

Volunteers Cleanup the City On Earth Day

Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – On this Earth Day dozens of earth friendly Duluthians took in the spring day to pick up trash along some of the city’s most treasured pieces of land. Earth Day is of course recognized every year to raise awareness about protecting the environment. Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020. Here in Duluth volunteers of all ages were out showing their commitment to…

GOP tax Bill Includes Small Income tax Rate cut

House Republicans are Proposing a Modest Income tax Rate cut

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – House Republicans are proposing a modest income tax rate cut as part of their effort to sync Minnesota’s tax code with federal breaks. The proposal released over the weekend is drastically different from Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s plan. The GOP’s plan would also increase the standard deduction $13,000 to $14,000 from and protect property tax…

UMD Students Go Green at Glensheen For Earth Day

Students also heard from speakers, did a sweep of the grounds at Glensheen and had a bonfire.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from UMD hosted the first ever Go Green at Glensheen in honor of Earth Day. Students worked on this as part of an event marketing class. Go Green at Glensheen focuses on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. 22 million pounds of plastic are found in the Great Lakes each year. “We’re hoping that people can…

AICHO Preps New Rooftop Garden

A solar rooftop garden unveiling is scheduled for June 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – The rooftop of the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) will soon be filled with a new garden. AICHO staff and Leadership Duluth team members were working earlier today to construct about 25 garden beds. Once complete there will be programs on gardening and seed saving so AICHO tenants can learn where their foods come from. This…

Wheels Up For 12th Annual Bike Swap

In 2017 $12,000 was raised from the bike swap

DULUTH, Minn.- Every year people line up around the block looking to score a deal on a new bike and this year was no different at the 12th Annual Continental Ski & Bike Shop Bike Swap in Duluth. Some people were also there to donate or  sell their bikes. There was something for everyone like tricycles, BMX bikes and things you…

Volunteers Do Spring Cleaning At Bayfront Festival Park

Different volunteer groups showed up for the cleanup

DULUTH, Minn. – These warmer temperatures were just right to do some spring cleaning at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Volunteers stepped up and spent their time picking up trash and others items left behind. One volunteer says he was surprised with how clean the park was and how people take pride in keeping it that way. “When we have…

Going For A Run At the Fitger’s 5K!

The race started in downtown Duluth, went through Canal Park and ended near Fitger's

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people woke up bright and early and were ready to go for a run. The 29th Annual Fitger’s 5K took place this morning and had more than 2,100 participants. The race started in downtown Duluth, went through Canal Park and ended near Fitger’s. Proceeds from the 5K benefit the Young Athletes Foundation, a program that promotes…

U of M President Visits UMD Campus

President Kaler tries to get to all campuses at least once a year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler checked in on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. Kaler who is also an engineer visited an engineering lab to test the strength of some of the concrete. Kaler says he was excited for the opportunity to have some fun and break some concrete. “We’re deeply embedded in this community and we think UMD is an…

New Shingles Vaccine Available

Medical professionals say you should receive the shingles vaccine whether you remember having chicken pox or not.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a common disease in elderly adults, medical professionals warn, shingles can be painful and cause many side effects. But now a new vaccine is on the market. The new shingles vaccine Shingrix is %90 effective. Medical professionals recommend it for anyone over 50. The vaccine is given in two doses, then lasts for a lifetime. Studies show by…

UMD’s Food Court Transforms Into Nearly Waste Free Dining

In 2016, UMD's sustainability efforts included students producing 40,000 pounds of food locally.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earth Day is on April 22 and already the food court at University of Minnesota Duluth’s Kirby Student Center has transformed into becoming nearly waste free. There are now compostable lids, straws and cups available while dining. Students are now helping educate others so they can compost. It’s called “trash talk.” “Students are really receptive to learning more about what goes…

Twin Cities School bus Driver Removed After Leading Prayer

Nathaniel Says he Never Forced Students to Pray

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis-area church pastor who also drives a school bus says his rights to free speech and to practice his religion were violated when he was taken off his route for leading students in prayer. It is not the first time George Nathaniel has faced consequences for leading prayers. Nathaniel was fired from driving children in the…

Zoo Hosts “Party for the Planet” Ahead of Earth Day

Event Supports Snow Leopard Trust

DULUTH, Minn. – Tonight it’s going to be a big party at the Lake Superior Zoo and everyone is invited! The Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day and gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after hours. It’s taking place Friday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest can check out the animals and meet endangered species…

BWCA School Trust Lands Dispute Moves Closer to Resolution

Minnesota and the U.S. Forest Service are Closer to Colving a Decades-old Dispute

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota and the U.S. Forest Service are closer to solving a decades-old dispute over 83,000 acres of state-owned land locked up inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The state has been unable to use the “school trust lands” to generate money for public schools since 1978. But $4 million from the $1.3 trillion government funding…

Working Out with XMT-3 Training Studio

Active Adventures: Why Weight and Resistance Training is Vital for Runners

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm, more and more people are heading outside to enjoy the nice days. Many are doing their first runs outside, while some are training for Grandma’s Marathon. One local personal trainer believes private training can be a game-changer for those looking to get in shape. Eric Franklin, the owner of XMT-3 Training…

21-Year-old Charged With Killing Woman, son Near Perham

Hillman Told Investigators the Victims "Were Just Weird"

PERHAM, Minn. (AP) _ Prosecutors say a 21-year-old man with a history of mental illness and violence killed a woman and her adult son who had taken him into their home in Otter Tail County. William Hillman has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of 42-year-old Denise McFadzen and 21-year-old Dalton McFadzen. Their bodies were…

Northlanders Work Toward Increasing Minnesota’s Recycling Rate

In recent years the Minnesota recycling average has hovered around 50 percent.

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States has an average recycling rate of almost 35 percent. In recent years, the Minnesota average has hovered around 50 percent. With Earth Day happening April 22, experts are reminding folks it’s not too late to do a little more recycling for the benefit of the environment. This is what a typical day looks like at…

Additional Exposure Charges Filed Against Ex-Superintendent

Staska was Arrested and Released on March 21

(courtesy of Fox9)COLD SPRING, Minn. (AP) – The former superintendent of the Rocori School District is facing additional charges of indecent exposure. Eight more counts have been added to 10 previous charges of indecent exposure filed in Stearns County against Scott Staska. The St. Cloud Times says the additional charges are connected to incidents that happened in St. Cloud between…

CSS Students Working To Pass Resolution On Plastic Bags and Straws

The organization, Bag it Duluth is hoping schools like University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Wisconsin–Superior and Lake Superior College will follow suit with this initiative.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from the College of St. Scholastica (CSS) are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to the use of plastic on its campus. Students are working with school administration to pass a resolution called “Building a Sustainable CSS.” It includes a fee of $0.10 for plastic bags that students would be responsible for paying…

Local Student Discusses Gender Neutrality at State Tournament

The Denfeld High School speech team qualified for the state tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Students at Denfeld Highschool are speaking out for what they believe in at a state level competition. The Denfeld Highschool speech team qualified for the state tournament. The five students are competing in St. Paul on Friday, April 20th. One student is using this platform to speak-out on gender neutrality. “It’s really nice to be able to share…

Education Leaders Discuss Helping Kids Experiencing Trauma

Organizers believe educating a variety of organizations using the same message, helps with consistency.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a common concern for educators trying to find the best way to reach students facing tough situations in their lives. Education leaders from across Northland spent Thursday learning how to better handle these students. The conference is not only a space for educators to learn as a team but also a chance to share experiences. The Early…

Enbridge Line 3 Protesters Attend Pretrial

This comes after protesters locked themselves inside Wells Fargo back in January.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The controversial Enbridge Line 3 battle continues as three protestors attended a pretrial hearing on Thursday, after chaining themselves to Wells Fargo back in January. Protestors Michael Niemi, Ernest Burbank, and Scot Bol are facing misdemeanors of disorderly conduct, trespassing, and obstructing the legal process. They pleaded not guilty at St. Louis County Court. Defendants say they aim…

Father Charged With Causing Death of 3-Year-old son

Authorities say the boy Died of Homicidal Violence

BRECKENRIDGE, Minn. (AP) – The father of a toddler who dies last week in Wilkin County has been charged with causing his son’s death. WDAY-TV reports 35-year-old Tracy Brant is charged with felony murder, third-degree assault and malicious punishment of a child in the death of 3-year-old Winter Barker. The child was found not breathing at the Breckenridge apartment April…

Prosecutor Closes Prince Death Case; no Charges

Evidence Shows Prince Thought he was Taking Vicodin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The prosecutor in the Minnesota County where Prince died says he’s filing no criminal charges in the musician’s death. The announcement Thursday from Carver County Attorney Mark Metz means the state’s investigation into how Prince got the fentanyl that killed him is closed. It came hours after documents revealed a doctor accused of illegally prescribing an opioid…

Chef Creates Award-Winning Stuffed French Toast

Cooking Connection: Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local restaurant is touting a new title after a successful run at an international competition. Farley’s Family Restaurant got Second Place at the World Food Championships with their Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuff French Toast with Bananas Foster and Candied Bacon recipe. Kelly Trumpold, the Owner and Executive Chef of Farley’s Family Restaurant, showed FOX 21’s…

UW-Superior Students to Perform Comedy Musical

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re looking for a laugh in the coming weeks, you may want to check out UW-Superior’s performance of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical will be performed April 27-28 and May 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Manion Theatre on the UWS  campus. Written…

Legal Leaders Take the Stage for Law Law Palooza

Fundraiser Supports Volunteer Attorney Program

DULUTH, Minn. – Local leaders found enforcing the law and fighting for justice during the day are letting their hair down for some fun. It’s the 6th Annual Law Law Palooza event at the Duluth Depot on Friday, April 20. The event supports the Volunteer Attorney Program. The event features musical performances by local judges, attorneys and justice partners, as…

One Injured in Virginia Drive-by Shooting

The Virginia Police Department is Asking for the Public’s Assistance

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Saturday evening the Virginia Police Department responded to Essentia Health in Virginia where an adult male presented for a gunshot wound to his lower leg. The male told investigators that he was shot at from a car driving by while he was walking on 2nd Avenue South. The incident took place around 8:45 p.m. Saturday evening. Authorities…

Northland Fishing Season Update

Duluth is one place ready to prove that a little ice won't get in the way and stop people from fishing.

DULUTH, Minn. – The fishing opener in Minnesota is May 12. A day many have been planning for to kick off their summer fishing season. But with Minnesota lakes still filled with ice, getting those boats out could be tough. But one shop in Duluth is showing us how it’s not too late to get a head start and is gearing…

Meteorologist Talks Weather with Future Scientists

FOX 21's William Seay spoke with second graders at Wrenshall Elementary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- Our very own William Seay informed our future scientists what it’s like as a meteorologist. William spoke with second graders at Wrenshall Elementary School. Students are currently learning about weather in class. Their teacher says hearing from an expert gives students a better perspective. Weather is taught in the spring because here in the Northland, you never know…

Sammy’s Pizza Celebrates 64 Years with Discount and Donation

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, Sammy’s Pizza will be selling pies for a good cause. Celebrating 64 years, Sammy’s Pizza is looking to give back to the community. When customers who purchase any 14′” or larger pizza can buy a 12′” one-topping pizza for only 64 cents. On April 19, in honor of those who have served in the armed forces,…

CASDA Officially Launches Pet Foster Program

Donations and Foster Families Needed as Program Launches, Gains Popularity

DULUTH, Minn. – On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by a partner in the United States, according to the National Center Against Domestic Violence. Officials say it can be difficult to escape an abuser, especially when animals are involved. However, a new program at The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior is looking…

College Campus Sparks Conversation for Sexual Assault Awareness

Nearly 500 universities across the U.S. are taking part in the It's On Us campaign.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students at St. Scholastica are joining in on a national movement to end sexual assault on campus. April is sexual assault awareness month and the saints are joining the It’s On Us campaign to address on-campus issues. The It’s On Us movement started back in 2014. Now nearly 500 campuses across the nation are involved. On Tuesday St….

Handcrafted Bowls Raise Thousands of Dollars for Local Food Bank

This is the 25th annual Empty Bowls Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 25th annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser took over the depot Tuesday in downtown Duluth. Hundreds of handcrafted bowls are on display and sold to the public to help raise funds for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Nearly $60,000 are raised through the Empty Bowls event. Artists and students have been crafting pottery all year long for this fundraiser. “I…

Students Create Customizable Shin Guards

The product is made using a 3D printer.

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of student-athletes are creating a product they say isn’t available in the current market. At St. Scholastica students are creating shin guards by using a 3D printer. A group of four soccer players are making fully customizable shin guards. The students say this is the only product like it on the market and they can be made in nearly…

Dayton Appoints Democratic Rep. Thissen to Supreme Court

Thissen Replaces Justice David Stras

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed Democratic state Rep. Paul Thissen to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Tuesday’s announcement means Dayton has appointed five of the high court’s seven members. Thissen replaces Justice David Stras, a Republican judge who was confirmed to the federal bench earlier this year. Thissen will hop from one branch of government to…