Minnesota

Truck Driver Killed After Rolling Tanker, Explosion

A 31-year-old man from Grand Rapids died Saturday afternoon after the semi truck he was driving rolled and caught fire in New Independence Township, which is in St. Louis County. The crash happened around 1 p.m. near the intersection of highways 53 and 33. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Xavier Ryan Henson, 31, was traveling north on Hwy 33…

Annual Bike Swap at Continental Ski & Bike

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday Duluth’s Continental Ski and Bike hosted its 15th annual bike swapping event, just in time for “Bike to Work Month” in May. Over 500 bikes were sold or donated in the past few days to Continental Ski and Bike as they prepared for the event. Starting this morning over one hundred people lined up for the…

Legalized Marijuana Bill Passes State Senate

Recreational marijuana is now one step closer to being legal in Minnesota. After debating the bill for hours, senators took a vote. As expected, the vote was straight along party lines with the Democrats all voting in favor of the bill while Republicans were unanimous in their opposition. The final vote was 34 in favor, 33 opposed. In past years,…

Portland Malt Shoppe Opens for the Season

DULUTH, Minn. — After a long winter, the one and only Portland Malt Shoppe opened back up for the season Saturday, and was already bringing in lots of customers. Because of recent weather, the popular Duluth ice cream shop had to push back its original opening date, but the day has finally come for the windows to be opened for…

Northland Honor Flight Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — The All American Club in Lincoln Park hosted a fundraiser Saturday to support the Northland Honor Flight by raising funds for the veterans going on the trip. The fundraiser was a spaghetti dinner for $10 a person, with funds helping raise money for the honor flight. There was even a silent auction with all kinds of goods,…

Minnesota Senate Passes Bill Legalizing Marijuana

DULUTH, MINN. — It’s been years in the making…but recreational marijuana is now one step closer to being legal in Minnesota. After debating the bill for hours senators finally took a vote this afternoon. As expected the vote was straight along party lines with the Democrats all voting in favor of the bill while Republicans were unanimous in their opposition….

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad Practicing Swift Water Rescues

DULUTH, MINN.  –In some years, the all-volunteer St. Louis County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad is paged out to assist more than 400 times per year. The squad can be called out for any number of events, ranging from automobile crashes, and missing persons to swift water rescue.  And it’s the possibility of swift water rescues that members were training for Friday…

City Releases Annual Housing Indicator Report

DULUTH, MINN. — The Annual Housing Indicator Report for the City of Duluth was released and it shows overall things have not considerably changed in the last year. Duluth’s population is just about the same as it has been over the past three decades, nearly 87,000 people. The city has added 176 net housing units in 2022, which includes 167…

DAV Convention in Duluth

DULUTH, MINN.  — Hundreds of Disabled American veterans are in Duluth this weekend for the group’s annual convention. They are from the 32 DAV chapters across Minnesota. As its name says, these people are all veterans who have been injured or wounded while serving in the armed forces. One of the major services offered by the DAV is free transportation…

Ursa Minor Brewery Expanding

DULUTH, MINN. —  What’s the appropriate amount of space you need to make beer? Ursa Minor Brewery in Duluth thinks they have figured it out. They are transitioning to a new facility right around the corner from their taproom in West Duluth. They found themselves slowly adding tanks and capacity, but they were also limited a bit by their taproom…

Marijuana Legalization Passes Minnesota Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – After several hours of debate, the Minnesota Senate voted to approve a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for adult use in Minnesota. The Minnesota House earlier this week passed its version of a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana. Lawmakers discussed more than 20 amendments throughout two sessions spanning two days prior to passing the legislation. Several contentious changes…

Fox Along the North Shore: Gooseberry Falls

TWO HARBORS, Minn — There are eight state parks spread out along the scenic North Shore. One landmark in particular started to gain popularity among tourists during the 1920s. Then, in 1937, Gooseberry Falls became the first designated state park along the North Shore. Nearly 100 years later, Gooseberry Falls remains a popular stop along the shore as we wake…

Duluth Public Schools Graduation Rate Increases

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools reported good news Thursday regarding four-year graduation rates. For the school year of 2022, 76.66% of Duluth Public School seniors graduated in four years, and that exceeds the pre-pandemic level. Superintendent John Magas sees the graduation rates as “significantly improved.” Only one measured group, White students, scored higher than the average. But all groups…

Duluth Celebrates The Life Of Judge Sally Tarnowski

A day of fond memories, professional achievements, and deep friendships

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth born-and-raised attorney and judge was remembered by friends, family and colleagues Thursday during a memorial at the DECC. Judge Sally Tarnowski died unexpectedly in March when she was struck by a vehicle while jogging on vacation in Florida. Tarnowski was 63 years old. Thursday’s reflections included her Duluth public school roots, her going to law…

MN House, Senate Pass ‘Northern Lights Express’ Funding In Transportation Bills

DULUTH, Minn. — For the first time ever, the Northern Lights Express project now has financial backing from the Minnesota House and the Senate. The Senate has approved $50 million toward the passenger rail service between the Twin Ports and Minneapolis. This comes after the House Transportation Committee set aside full funding for NLX in its omnibus bill and was…

Safety Training for Companies That Work Near Trains

DULUTH, MINN. — Safety training is an important part of just about everyone’s employment. For companies that respond to train derailments, safety training can literally mean the difference between going home and being seriously hurt or killed. Nearly two dozen employees from a handful of environmental companies were training at the train yard behind the North Shore Railroad. The training covered…

Washington, Minnesota Become Trans Refuges, Shield Abortions

SEATTLE (AP) — Democratic governors in Washington state and Minnesota on Thursday signed into law legal protections for people who travel to those states seeking reproductive and gender-affirming procedures and treatment. They are the latest blue states to enact safeguards against bans or limits on transgender and abortion healthcare in Republican states. In Seattle, Gov. Jay Inslee wore a pink tie…

Duluth Breweries Do Well in Statewide Competition

DULUTH, MINN. — Four Local Breweries were recently named as winners in the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Award Program. Canal Park Brewing Company placed first in the American Wheat & Cream Ales category, with its ‘Clear Waters Cream Ale’. In the Dark Lagers category, Fitger’s Brewhouse’s, ‘Brewhouse Bock’ finished first. Fitger’s also won first in the Strong Ales category for…

Coffee Conversation: Law Day 5K Fundraiser in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (LASNEM) is holding a Law Day 5K on April 30 to raise funds for its mission; providing civil legal services to low-income individuals and families. Nate Grizzle with LASNEM joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. It’s a family-friendly run/walk event open to…

Rambler Food Truck Opening Day

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s that time of the year again, after a long winter it’s finally food trucks time, they are back on the street, serving up delicious menu items in the Northland. The Rambler Food Truck is back for their 11th season, holding their opening day at St. Luke’s hospital. The roaming truck has a wide variety of food…

Brother, Sister Of Fire Victims Thank Duluth Firefighters, Community

DULUTH, Minn. – A brother and sister who lost their sister and nephew in a weekend apartment fire in Duluth are thanking the firefighters who tried to save their relatives and for the outpouring of community support with the unexpected funeral costs. Fatal fires are not common in Duluth, especially fires that take the life of more than one person….

Childen’s Mental Health Focus of Conference in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –The DECC was the site of the 27th annual conference of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health. There were 85 different breakout sessions covering issues children are facing.  Three days of educational opportunities offered time to hear from, and talk with, others who work with children and discuss the issues they face. The Communications Director for the…

Recreational Marijuana Bill Passes Minnesota House, Heads To Senate

(FOX 9) – Recreational marijuana is a step closer to becoming legal under state law in Minnesota, with lawmakers passing the marijuana omnibus bill by a vote of 71-59. “We know Minnesota’s current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” said Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids), the bill’s sponsor. “Over the last three years, DFLers in the Legislature have worked and listened to build…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Students Look for Support of Humanitarian Project in Kenya

DULUTH, Minn. — Students of UMD’s Engineers Without Borders chapter turn to community members for support of their well and water distribution system project in Nyansakia, Kenya. Alison Olson-Enamorado, Cody Barrett, Yohanis Hundessa, and Allicia Petrich joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the project and its purpose, along with an upcoming fundraiser. The well and water distribution…

Task Force to Improve Downtown Duluth Reports Progress

Increasing concerns had prompted a search for solutions

Concerns about downtown Duluth’s future and its direction prompted a task force last fall to look at the issues. Monday, members said they feel good about what has happened so far. The task force said progress has been made in several areas, including dealing with the issues of mental health resources, selecting businesses for improved lighting, a meeting in May…

Minnesota Officer Who Mistook Her Gun For Taser And Killed Daunte Wright Released

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — Kim Potter, the former Minnesota police officer who said she mistook her gun for a Taser when she shot and killed Daunte Wright in 2021, was released from prison early Monday. The Minnesota Department of Corrections said Potter was released at about 4 a.m. “out of an abundance of caution” for Potter’s safety. The department confirmed Friday she would…

Victims In Fatal Duluth Apartment Fire Were Mother, Son; Firefighters Union Releases Statement

DULUTH, Minn. — We’re getting a new look at just how intense the flames were for firefighters and residents of an apartment building early Saturday morning in Duluth that killed two people and injured two firefighters. The fire victims were a mother and son who lived together, and that son, according to family, actually helped save lives in a 2020…

Last Twin Ports Grizzly’s To Close, ‘Boulder Tap House’ To Replace

SUPERIOR, Wis. — After 25 years in its Superior location, Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill is closing later this year to make way for a new eatery that owners hope will be just a popular, or more popular for the locals for years to come. Grizzly’s co-owner Rick Lampton told FOX 21 the 1969 building is starting to fail structurally. He said…

Therese Wisocki Joins List Of Candidates For Duluth City Council

DULUTH, Minn. – Another candidate has announced her run for the Duluth City Council. Therese Wisocki told FOX 21 on Sunday that she’s a retired telecommunications professional who has never run for political office before. Wisocki said she’s hoping to focus on improving public safety downtown and bringing new development there. Rising property taxes and low wages are also on…

DPD Opens Doors for Recruitment Open House

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Police Department held an recruitment open house on Sunday for anyone with an interest in law enforcement to go behind the scenes. Those who took part had a guided tour of the Public Safety building in Duluth and had the chance to learn more about other opportunities that the Duluth Police Department has to offer. “This…

People Take a Step Forward for Autism Awareness Month

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One in 36 kids is affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years autism has had a bad reputation from being a highly misunderstanding neurological condition that affects millions world-wide.  “So autism is a spectrum. Our main goal is to raise awareness and acceptance for kids no matter where they fall on that spectrum,” said co-organizer of Autism…

Bloody Mary Festival Returns for a 2nd Year

HERMANTOWN, Minn.–Bloody Mary’s have been becoming quite popular in the Northland with another Sunday brunch dedicated to the tomato-y drink. Polished Pineapple Events held a Bloody Mary festival at the AAD Shrine. Bloody Mary makers from around the Midwest and one from Florida gathered for a casual day sampling all the different mixes. “The interesting thing about this event is…

The 34th Fitgers 5K Run

DULUTH, MINN. — The 34th Annual Fitger’s 5K was held this morning. Literally, hundreds of people took part in the event. In the Men’s division, Scott Behliing won for the fifth time in the last eight years. He finished the 5K in 15:56 – 20 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. In the women’s division, a first-time winner of the…

Fire in Duluth Kills 2, Injures 2 Firefighters

DULUTH, Minn. — A fire at an apartment building in the Hillside neighborhood at 631 E 3rd Street Saturday morning left two people dead and two firefighters injured. When firefighters arrived on the scene at about 6:30 a.m., they saw smoke coming from the building and began work to fight the fire and rescue people inside. The name of the…

Duluth Denfeld Robotics Team Enjoying Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS –The Denfeld Robotics team continues to enjoy its time in Houston at the World Robotic Championships. The team competed both yesterday and today. However, they won’t know if they compete on Saturday until Saturday. The whole team and the driving team gathered outside the convention center for a group photo. We heard from Sarah Shaffer a junior who…

Gary-New Duluth Rec Center Raising Money Through A Rummage Sale

GARY-NEW DULUTH, Minn. — The Gary-New Duluth Rec Center is hosting a rummage sale in West Duluth Friday and Saturday. The rummage sale is open and affordable to everyone. Prices are not marked on the items. Instead, people can pay whatever they are comfortable with. Thanks to the generosity of the surrounding community the Rec Center has received many donations…

Special Olympics Minnesota Hosts Unified Indigenous Games At Cloquet High School

CLOQUET, Minn. — A fun event took place at the Cloquet High School bringing students of all abilities together by playing games. Special Olympics Minnesota hosted the Unified Indigenous Games combining students with and without disabilities to play, learn, and grow together. The traditional indigenous games come from all over the world and have always been adaptable and accessible to…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musicians Austin Castle & Cole Mikel

DULUTH, Minn. — Two local musicians, Austin Castle and Cole Mikel, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast (Friday, April 21) to talk about an upcoming album release and play some tunes live in-studio. Castle was on the morning show back in November 2022 to talk about his album, “Northwoods.” This time around, Castle enlisted the help of his friend and…

High School Robotics Teams in Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS — High school students from three area high schools are in Houston taking part in the World Championship for Robotics. The team from Denfeld has been sharing some video and photos of what they’re seeing and experiencing in Houston. There are more than 450 teams from across the country taking part in the competition. You can get an…

Man Accused Of Online Threats That Put Twin Ports On Alert Is Charged

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth man accused of Facebook threats earlier this week that put the Twin Ports on alert has been formally charged. Trevor Billings, 30, is facing two counts of Threats of Violence. Trevor Billings Each felony charge comes with a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The criminal complaint says Billings used a Facebook page called…

Zenith Digital Marketing Conference Brings in Hundreds of People

DULUTH, Minn. — The 10th Annual Zenith Digital Marketing Conference in Duluth Thursday brought in hundreds of marketers and business people from across the country. Over a dozen professionals spoke about marketing practices and other business topics, but the big subject was the development of Artificial Intelligence. The conference focused on effects of A.I on businesses and jobs. Speakers reassured everybody…