Special Reports Archives

Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project Creates Concern for Indigenous Community

Enrbidge Reports All of the Workers on the Line 3 Replacement Project Have Gone Through Extensive Human Trafficking Awareness Training

March 8, 2021

Brett Scott,

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – After six years of work to acquire the proper permitting, ground broke on the highly controversial Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project in Dec. of 2020. Of the total 1,100 miles, a stretch roughly 340 miles long will run through Minnesota. Enbridge has conducted many hours of training with more than 5,000 workers on the project, but…

Construction Prompting Continued Backlash for Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project

Ground Broke for the Final, Minnesota Portion of the Project in December of 2020

March 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – A project six years in the making has officially broken ground. It was back on Oct. 24, 2014, when Enbridge Energy filed its notice plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to begin moving forward on a massive 2.9 billion dollar replacement project of its Line 3 pipeline responsible for transporting crude oil. Ground broke on…

Special Report: Inside Duluth’s 2020 Surge In Gun Violence

One-one-ones with police Chief Mike Tusken, the head of Duluth's Major Crimes Bureau, the medical director at St. Luke's ER and Mayor Emily Larson

December 1, 2020

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re in the final month of a pandemic-ridden 2020 that’s created a lot of pain, unknowns and problems of all types for so many in the Northland. For the Duluth Police Department, the challenge has not only been navigating the virus but facing a record number of shootings — 36 of them this year alone — something…

Special Report: Suicidal Thoughts Resulting in “The Final Journey”

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

February 17, 2020

Brett Scott,

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – It’s one word surrounded by stigma and often never discussed — Suicide. Nationally, the number of people taking their lives continues to dramatically rise year-after-year. So how do the numbers break down locally? The number of suicides reported along the North Shore of Minnesota have spiked over the past ten years. Many people have come from…

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2019-2020

The Northland Gears Up for Another Long Winter

November 18, 2019

Anthony Peoples,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s time for the 2019-2020 Winter Weather Outlook from our Fox 21 Meteorologists! While we’re still a month away from the official start of winter, snow arrives earlier in the Northland and sticks around beyond March! We’ve already seen big snow events this season with a “Winter Storm Warning” across the Snowbelt with more than a foot…

Special Report: Professionals Helping Prepare For, Study Different Aspects of Grief

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

November 6, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a topic many shy away from, talking about what happens after we lose a loved one, and are left to live in the physical world without them. FOX 21’s Brett Scott examines how grief is studied on an academic level, and prepared for with the help of hospice professionals. “I think that mostly why I’m in…

Special Report: Finding “The New Normal” After the Loss of a Loved One

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

November 5, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Moving on after the loss of a loved one can be a very tough experience. Many choose to keep quiet, dealing with emotions alone instead of reaching out for support and guidance when moving forward. It’s been just over three months since FOX 21’s Brett Scott lost his mother. She battled cancer with grace and courage for…

BWCA Trip Brings Peace, Tranquility to Local Veterans

Click Below if You'd Like to Donate to the 2020 Veterans to the BWCA Trip

July 23, 2019

Brett Scott,

LAKE ISABELLA, Minn. – More than a dozen area veterans recently returned home after experiencing a life changing getaway. The annual Veterans to the BWCA excursion started in 2018 after Hayes Scriven, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, wanted to come up with a way to give back while also helping disabled veterans and…

Ely Resort Impacts Veterans, People Living with Disabilities

Veterans on the Lake Resort is Located at 161 Fernberg Road; The Resort is Open Year-Round

May 21, 2019

Brett Scott,

ELY, Minn. – Recent studies show up to 20 percent of military veterans will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning home from war. While these numbers may seem small, the grim reality shows nearly 20 veterans commit suicide every day. One secluded resort in Northeastern Minnesota is looking to shed positive light on the reality, one visit at…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part III

Trapper's Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Offers Luxury Ice Fishing at its Finest!

February 28, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

WALKER, Minn. — Ice fishing has come a long way from sitting on a bucket, in fact now you can kick back, relax, fish from a recliner, a couch, even a bed and more! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes inside the deep history of Trapper’s Landing Lodge, “Kept the original bar top that was here back in the 40’s! Even…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part II

Father & Son Head To The Ice To Build A Lasting Bond

February 27, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

WATERSMEET, Mich. — For some families, there is no excuse to stay inside all winter long. In fact for some, it’s time to head out on the ice and do some fishing! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on the ice, in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Joining a father and son that are building life long memories and…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part I

Importance Of Guides On Lake Superior: Safety, Convenience & Reeling In The Big Catch

February 26, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

WASHBURN, Wisc. — After the polar vortex overtook the Northland, ice on Lake Superior rapidly formed! As of right now, over 80% of the great lake is frozen. With more ice this year, people are excited and heading to the shores. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on a trip across the ice on Chequamegon Bay, with Houston’s Guide Service….

Thursday At 9: Jail Dangers

January 30, 2019

Dan Hanger,

Coming up Thursday on FOX 21 News at 9 p.m., a two-part special report – Jail Dangers. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes you inside the Douglas and St. Louis county jails. Corrections officers describe what it’s like to face hundreds of inmates a year, the dangers that arise and the training they go through to keep the peace. Categories: News,…

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2018-2019

Wondering What This Northland Winter Has In Store? Check Out The Fox 21 Weather Teams Forecast

October 29, 2018

Anthony Peoples, Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is right around the corner. Along with the parties, kids are getting ready for trick-or-treating. But, Northlanders know that the weather can very well be more of a trick rather than a treat. Last year, just in time for Halloween weekend, more than ten inches of snow fell in Duluth. While an inconvenience, that pales in…

Special Report: The Fight Against Distracted Driving

Throughout Distracted Driving Awareness Month, 83 Citations Were Given to Distracted Drivers in the Duluth District

April 29, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the organization We Save Lives, millennials find distracted drivers scarier than public speaking, spiders, snakes and even death. It’s why local advocates and law enforcement are continuing to spread a strong message to drivers who chose to engage in other activities while behind the wheel. “When you’re driving, just concentrate on driving,” said Lt. Jason…

POSTGAME INTERVIEWS: Minnesota Duluth Wins Second National Title in School History

UMD is College Hockey's 2018 National Champions

April 7, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

ST.PAUL, Minn.- On a historic night at the Xcel Energy Center the University of Minnesota Duluth captured their second National Championship in program history 2-1 over Notre Dame, outshooting the Irish 35-20. In front of a home-state crowd of 18,303 UMD struck first as Senior Captain, and Esko native, Karson Kuhlman scored the game’s first goal on an assist from Jade…

Special Report: Flying High With Life Link’s Life Savers

February 26, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Police, fire and medical are three professions where people are trained to help us – often during the worst times of our lives. In a special report called “Life Savers,” FOX 21’s Dan Hanger introduces you to some of the men and women who not only help on the ground but also thousands of feet in the air….

Monday Night At 9: “Life Savers”

February 26, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergency calls in the Northland can be tricky because of our landscape and rural areas. But Life Link III is designed to help save lives in those very places. In a special report Monday night at nine, FOX 21’s Dan hanger introduces you to a high-flying team of medical and aviation experts who go on the front…

Northlanders Take on Extreme Freeze for Cold Camping

Special Report: Extreme Camping

February 22, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – On a cold winter day, heading out to camp may not be the ideal way most people would want to spend their time. However, hundreds of people live to get outdoors during the wintertime. Cold camping is a passion of Brian and Miranda Gustad and their friends. “Not too many people get out and do this so…

Special Report: Preparing for Performance at the NorShor

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

February 7, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1914, the Duluth Playhouse has managed to captivate audiences from around the world. Now, they’re hoping a new venue they manage known as the NorShor Theatre, will help attract thousands more to the area for years to come. Recent revitalization is proving to be meaningful for many as the production of Mamma Mia! takes center stage….

Special Report: Behind the Curtain at the NorShor Theatre

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

February 6, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – After years of anticipation and countless hours of hard labor, the NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth is now officially open. On Thursday, February 1, the Duluth Playhouse along with the City of Duluth and Sherman Associates welcomed the community to the next chapter of life at the historic theatre along Superior Street. “Here we are! Eight years…

FOX 21 Year in Review 2017 Part 3

A look back at the top stories from 2017

December 28, 2017

Site Staff,

Categories: News, News – Latest News, Special Reports

FOX 21 Year in Review 2017 Part 2

December 27, 2017

Brett Scott,

Categories: News, News – Latest News, Special Reports

FOX 21 Year in Review 2017 Part 1

A look back at the top stories from 2017

December 27, 2017

William Seay,

Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Special Reports

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Looks Forward to New Year with New Hope

Almost two years after the fire, Gloria Dei plans to rebuild

December 24, 2017

Adrienne Robbins,

DULUTH, MINN.- It’s been almost two years since Gloria Dei Lutheran Church caught fire but this Christmas they are looking forward to the future, instead of the past. This week the church is expected to receive their permit from the city to begin construction and to celebrate Gloria Dei held a groundbreaking prayer on Christmas Eve. Categories: Community, News,…

FOX 21 Exclusive: Jim Carlson Breaks Silence From Prison

After more than four years in prison, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson speaks to FOX 21 in his first television interview.

November 20, 2017

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a FOX 21 exclusive, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson breaks his silence to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger. It’s his first television interview since he went to prison four years ago and since he got his lengthy sentence a year after that. In part one, we talk about Carlson’s life behind bars, if he…

Special Report: Finding Pet Friendly Housing in the Northland

Landlords and Pet Owners Open Up Regarding Pet Friendly Rules and Regulations When it Comes to Renting in Duluth

November 16, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 85 million families in the United States own a pet. As more and more people are purchasing animals, many are also deeming it difficult to find their family a forever home. Every year, thousands are descending on Duluth; human beings constantly on the move in today’s ever changing world….

Special Report: Early Education

State Funding Sends Thousands of Young Minnesotans to Preschool

November 10, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

MINNESOTA – More than 20,000 of Minnesota’s 4-year-olds are heading to preschool this year because of state funding. This has been great news for some rural Northland areas. However, it is having an impact on area child care centers. As a result of the 2017 Legislative Session, Minnesota lawmakers are providing $50 million in new, one-time funding to 59 school…

Special Report: Investigating Lake Superior Mysteries

Is Lake Superior An Open Door for the Paranormal?

October 30, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

Lake Superior has taken the lives of roughly 10,000 people with fierce weather, and ever-changing conditions out on the water. There are said to be about 350 shipwrecks in her waters, but what’s very unsettling are the dozens of ships that disappeared without a trace and still are yet to be found. It’s said the lake never gives up her…

Duluthians Share First Hand Experience During Vegas Shooting

October 2, 2017

Joey Norton,

LAS VEGAS, NV- FOX 21 sat down with two Duluthians via Facebook messenger earlier this afternoon, who described first hand the horrible events from last night’s attack. 28-year-old Briana Hess and 32-year-old Jolene Luczak share their story. “It started again, da da da da da da da and Jason Aldean, he kind of hesitated and then he turned around and…

New Strategies In Place For Missing Duluth Couple Case

Command Center And Agencies State Wide Are Now On The Case

August 5, 2017

Joey Norton,

Saturday August 5th, It was day 8 of the missing Duluth couple Ron and Mary Tarnowski. Saturday hundreds gathered at the Tarnowski home in hopes that a search party would bring them home. “We are not giving up hope. We’re keeping our heads held high, we’re going to be strong, and we’re going to bring mom and dad home. But…

Special Report: Final Farewells

Rural Northland Towns Struggle to Staff Honor Guards

July 26, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of a life can be one of the hardest experiences for a family to get through. The presentation of military honors at a veteran’s funeral can give that last bit of pride to the deceased. Unfortunately, across America, there is a struggle to keep honor guards staffed, and it’s even harder in rural areas. “They…

Special Report: The Science, Madness Behind Potholes

July 23, 2017

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the same old problem that plagues the Northland year after year – those tire- eating, car-breaking potholes. In a special report, FOX 21’s Dan Hanger introduces you to MnDOT workers who work tirelessly to prevent and patch our crumbling roads. And you’ll also get an inside look at the science behind this type of never ending…

Surviving The Boundary Waters Severe Weather

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness When The Weather Turns Severe.

July 19, 2017

Brittney Merlot,

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us back into some remote Boundary Waters locations that were in the direct path of severe weather. While talking to two survivors of the 1999 and 2016 blow down that brought 70-80mph winds through the wilderness and how they survived. “On my way to the lake a very large trees went over and it went over…

Inside the Boundary Waters

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness To Prepare For All Types Of Weather.

July 18, 2017

Brittney Merlot,

The vast wilderness of the Boundary Waters is in our backyard with thousands of visitors a year. It has the highest point in Minnesota and some of the oldest rock on Earth. But what about the weather when you head into the wilderness? How can you prepare? Our very own Meteorologist Brittney Merlot recently spent a lot of time in…

Special Report: Exploring Shipwrecks

July 6, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is known for its natural beauty, but there’s one kind of wilderness that — to this day — remains a huge mystery. Lake Superior is a huge part of our lives here, but what lies below the surface is rarely seen. In a special report, FOX 21’s Nikki Davidson is following a crew tasked with…

Special Report: Setting Sail with Superior Pursuits

For Captain Parker Bambenek, it took a tragedy to realize what he wanted as a summer career

June 29, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people, whether local or visiting, love to fish in the Northland. However, adventure seekers are now taking to the big lake more than ever before, boosting the local economy. One Captain we caught up with says it’s not always easy for charter fishing companies to make a go of it in a competitive…

Tim Magnuson’s Race to the Finish

June 26, 2017

Adrienne Robbins,

Categories: News, News – Latest News, Special Reports, Sports

Special Report: The Toxic Chemicals In Modern-Day Fires

Firefighters Need Funding For Equipment to Limit Exposure

May 16, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

They risk their lives to save ours every day, but as time passes we’re losing a lot of firefighters to the invisible danger of cancer. According to a study from the CDC, about 68 percent of firefighters end up getting cancer compared to around 22 percent of the general public. At this point there isn’t a lot of information yet…

Special Report: What’s Killing Our Firefighters

Duluth Firefighters Remember The Ones Lost To Cancer

May 15, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

It takes a certain kind of person to run toward a fire, to answer a stranger’s call for help. Firefighters spend their lives putting themselves in harm’s way, and to the general public they almost seem invincible. They come back out of burning buildings seemingly unscathed time and time again. Fairly new information now suggests the real danger for firefighters…

Wish Babies Bringing Happiness to Homes

Carol Pederson Has Dealt With the Loss of Her Daughter, a Cancer Diagnosis, and Life's Unforgettable Lessons

May 10, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth woman, living through a roller coaster of unfortunate events, is now looking to brighten her mood by bringing smiles to others’ faces. Wish Babies were born, after one life was lost. New Jersey Native turned Florida girl, Carol Pederson has dealt with a strong dose of reality over her lifetime. “My husband, Greg, was diagnosed…

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Home Opener

Anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning

May 6, 2017

,

It’s that time of year again when anglers are arriving in schools, launching their boats at Lake Namakagon. Motors tilt into the water for the first time of 2017 as anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning. “It’s always fun to get out fishing it doesn’t matter if it’s cold or warm or whatever any day…

How Northland Photographers Share Their Art in the Digital Age

Special Report: Top Photographers, Part Two

May 4, 2017

William Seay,

EVELETH, Minn. – With just a gentle breeze blowing through newly-budding trees, we are walking a trail around Fayal Pond near the town of Eveleth. There are turtles mating on logs near the edge of the pond. We’re walking toward a bridge that Paul Pluskwik has taken photos near many times. This is just one of the places in northern…

Sharing the Beauty of the Northland One Photo at a Time

Special Report: Top photographers give an inside look at how they capture stunning scenes throughout northern Minnesota

May 3, 2017

William Seay,

NORTH SHORE, Minn. – It’s an absolutely perfect sunny day on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Just a day shy of a major storm, the wind is calm but the waves are crashing against the rocks on the shoreline. “It’s just raw beauty,” says Christian Dalbec, clad in a wet suit and a pair of pants he shyly admits…

Storm Claims Four Lives: 50 Years Later

Special Report: Deadly Storm

May 1, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – 50 years ago wicked weather caused a tragedy that is still breaking hearts today. “I didn’t know what was happening up here and the tragedy that was unfolding,” said Capt. Tom Mackay, a friend of storm victim Edgar Culbertson. As Sunday, April 30, 1967, came to a close it took four lives with it. Three young men, 16-year-old…

2017 American Birkebeiner Cancelled

Birkie Fever Continues Despite the Cancellation

February 24, 2017

,

For only the second time in 44 years all ski races set for this weekend’s Annual American Birkebeiner have been cancelled. The only other time this happened was in 2000. Organizers for North America’s largest cross country ski race held out hope for this weekend as a potential snow storm was on the horizon. Last minute efforts started early as…

Special Report: Long Wait Part Two

Meet the People in Charge of Clearing Duluth's Backlog of Untested Rape Kits

February 23, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Meet the team in charge of working through Duluth’s backlog of untested rape kits.

PREVIEW: A Long Wait Part Two

Join us on FOX 21 News at 9

February 23, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Special Report: A Long Wait Preview

A Long Wait: Untested Sexual Assault Kits Part 1

Duluth Ranks No. 1 in the State for Untested Sexual Assault Kits

February 22, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2015 Duluth earned a notorious title, one that put a dark spot on hope for sexual assault survivors. Out of the entire state, the city is No. 1 in the amount of untested rape kits sitting shelved in the evidence room, 578 kits to be exact and some 23 years old. The information came out after…

SPECIAL REPORT: A Long Wait, Rape Kits Unprocessed

Join us for Part One, Wednesday after Star and Part Two, Thursday after My Kitchen Rules

February 21, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

There’s a major backlog when it comes to processing rape kits in St. Louis County. It’s a problem throughout the state, but the number of pending kits is the highest, right here, in St. Louis County. Approximately one of every five untested kits is waiting in St. Louis County; some of them dating back to the 1980s. We’ll discover the…

Special Reports

Enrbidge Reports All of the Workers on the Line 3 Replacement Project Have Gone Through Extensive Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Ground Broke for the Final, Minnesota Portion of the Project in December of 2020

One-one-ones with police Chief Mike Tusken, the head of Duluth's Major Crimes Bureau, the medical director at St. Luke's ER and Mayor Emily Larson

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

The Northland Gears Up for Another Long Winter

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

Click Below if You'd Like to Donate to the 2020 Veterans to the BWCA Trip

Veterans on the Lake Resort is Located at 161 Fernberg Road; The Resort is Open Year-Round

Trapper's Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Offers Luxury Ice Fishing at its Finest!

Father & Son Head To The Ice To Build A Lasting Bond

Importance Of Guides On Lake Superior: Safety, Convenience & Reeling In The Big Catch

Wondering What This Northland Winter Has In Store? Check Out The Fox 21 Weather Teams Forecast

Throughout Distracted Driving Awareness Month, 83 Citations Were Given to Distracted Drivers in the Duluth District

UMD is College Hockey's 2018 National Champions

Special Report: Extreme Camping

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

A look back at the top stories from 2017

A look back at the top stories from 2017

Almost two years after the fire, Gloria Dei plans to rebuild

After more than four years in prison, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson speaks to FOX 21 in his first television interview.

Landlords and Pet Owners Open Up Regarding Pet Friendly Rules and Regulations When it Comes to Renting in Duluth

State Funding Sends Thousands of Young Minnesotans to Preschool

Is Lake Superior An Open Door for the Paranormal?

Command Center And Agencies State Wide Are Now On The Case

Rural Northland Towns Struggle to Staff Honor Guards

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness When The Weather Turns Severe.

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness To Prepare For All Types Of Weather.

For Captain Parker Bambenek, it took a tragedy to realize what he wanted as a summer career

Firefighters Need Funding For Equipment to Limit Exposure

Duluth Firefighters Remember The Ones Lost To Cancer

Carol Pederson Has Dealt With the Loss of Her Daughter, a Cancer Diagnosis, and Life's Unforgettable Lessons

Anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning

Special Report: Top Photographers, Part Two

Special Report: Top photographers give an inside look at how they capture stunning scenes throughout northern Minnesota

Special Report: Deadly Storm

Birkie Fever Continues Despite the Cancellation

Meet the People in Charge of Clearing Duluth's Backlog of Untested Rape Kits

Join us on FOX 21 News at 9

Duluth Ranks No. 1 in the State for Untested Sexual Assault Kits

Join us for Part One, Wednesday after Star and Part Two, Thursday after My Kitchen Rules

Latest News Update