Marisa Ornat
Digital Content Manager
Duluth, Minnesota
Marisa joined the team at Northern News Now in June of 2025 as the full-time Digital Content Manager. She was previously an intern, starting in October of 2024, while attending the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Marisa is finishing her bachelor's degree in journalism at UMD, minoring in Spanish and media studies. Throughout her time on campus, she played for the UMD Women’s Lacrosse Team and was a part of the university’s student news organization, The BARK.
Marisa is also a proud member of the United States Army Reserves, where she serves in the 444 Minimal Care Detachment, based at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
One thing Marisa is very passionate about is photography. She has previously worked with the Duluth Harbor Monsters as their photographer, along with shooting weddings and senior photos around the Twin Ports.
Marisa loves being outside, traveling, and exploring, and most of all spending time with her bulldog Russ, who occasionally joins her at the station.
If you have any suggestions, feel free to send them her way, marisa.ornat@gray.tv.
Authorities say a 21-year-old woman was found in her vehicle off the road with the airbags deployed, singing along to music as if nothing had happened.
Crews extinguished the fire quickly, and there were no reported injuries. The garage was deemed a total loss.
According to a recent court filing, Bryce Campbell claims there's lack of probable cause for the arson and insurance fraud charges he's facing.
The proceeds go to help fund clothing that survivors may need and many other CASDA programs.
In 2025, President Trump signed an executive order labeling the movement a “domestic terrorist organization.”
Officials say the woman and her dog were the only occupants. Both were uninjured, but the camper was considered a total loss.
All lanes in the northbound direction of travel will be closed until about 2:59 p.m. CDT.
With the race weekend comes tens of thousands of visitors to Duluth and many traffic impacts and road closures.
Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is holding a watch party for the match.
Last month, 68-year-old Jeffry Luck pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal vehicular operation.
The district is asking families to fill out a survey, sharing what they think about a possible referendum.
Jermain Wickware, 51, faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct, along with a drug possession charge.
“Kindness Campaign” raises awareness for National Mental Health Month
The list comes from a federal law that requires the Pentagon to identify Chinese military companies with operations in the U.S.
A neighbor had called 911 after hearing calls for help and seeing a man struggling in the water.
Officials say there were no injuries as a result of the crash.
According to the state patrol, the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening at Highway 169 near Highway 65 in Nashuak.
When authorities entered the house, they found Davin’s mother, Maedean Davin, 74, dead in a recliner with a gunshot wound to her face.
According to the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, all of the passengers are okay and accounted for.
The $70 billion package funds ICE and Border Patrol through the rest of President Trump’s term.
The drive is happening on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 at Pier B in Duluth.
The bill provides funding to projects statewide that are aimed at supporting public safety, clean water, transportation, and housing.
BWCAW campfire restrictions go into effect beginning Saturday morning at 12:01 a.m. on June 6, 2026, until June 30, unless rescinded or extended.
Officials have not released information on possible injuries, what caused the fire, or an estimated damage amount.
Former Chief Brian O’Hara stepped down last week after an investigation into claims that he had sexual relationships with city employees.
The project will include a new front entrance, updated restrooms, and other repairs.
Paine says a shutdown of one of the operations at the refinery led to a large buildup of pressure that needed to be released through a stack.
Residents on North Arm Road under evacuation advisory as firefighters battle flames with aircraft and ground crews
The race will set up an August primary. The winner is expected to face Amy Klobuchar, who is likely to advance from the Democratic primary.
Investigators say the suspects broke in, severed the power supply, and stole the U.S. Coast Guard-owned navigational beacon inside.
NEW DETAILS: Crews extinguish fire at old Superior Lidgerwood Mundy facility, cause of fire released
US 53 closed in both directions at Clough Avenue due to fire response
This is the president’s first trip back to Wisconsin since winning the 2024 election and comes just months ahead of the November midterms.
Authorities say the Kasterns set fire to the Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse restaurant, which they own.
Wallace is charged with attempted murder. He is accused of strangling his then-girlfriend, shooting a Superior police officer, and crashing a van into Superior Middle School.
According to Ellison, a moment of silence was held for former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for murder following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Authorities say that the man had no injuries besides cuts and scrapes.
Senator Amy Klobuchar announced on Friday that former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer will be her Lieutenant Governor running mate.
Authorities believe there may be more victims related to this investigation out there.
Thursday night’s outreach event is from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sonju Arena in Two Harbors.
The body was recovered by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Rescue Squad and identified as Seth Pipho of Minneapolis.
The ceremony will take place from 11-11:30 a.m. outside of the Visitor Center.
According to SPD, the victim was attending a prayer service at the Expo.
A bipartisan funding initiative has been approved to support communities and businesses impacted by the Brimson Wildfires and the North Shore Stewart Trail Wildfires.
Earlier in 2026, the Hermantown native won the Hobey Baker Award.
A jury convicted Chauvin of murder the next year. The killing and trial spurred racial equality protests around the U.S. and the world.
Ahead of the ceremony, thousands of volunteers placed flags at every headstone in the cemetery. That means nearly 200,000 flags in total.
Stella Maris Academy held its second Renaissance fair on Friday at the high school.
Chase Covington of Duluth is facing two felonies for second-degree assault.
Monday is West Duluth’s parade that begins at 10:30 a.m. on 59th Avenue. Parade organizers are still taking float entries.
