Business

General Electric Laying off 200 Workers at Turbine Plant

GE Laid off 130 Workers in January

(AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) – General Electric says it’s laying off 200 hourly workers at its upstate New York plant that produces steam turbines for the company’s power unit. Boston-based GE announced Tuesday that the layoffs include unionized manufacturing and assembly employees at its facilities in Schenectady, where Thomas Edison co-founded the company in 1892. Another 25 unfilled…

Apple surges to $1 trillion in market value

Apple is the First Publicly Traded Company to hit $1 Trillion

(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is worth $1,001,679,220,000. The maker of the iPhone and other gadgets became the world’s first publicly traded company with a market value of $1 trillion on Thursday. The company reached the milestone a couple of hours into the trading session when its shares reached $207.04. They closed with a gain of 2.9 percent to…

Wells Fargo to pay $2.1 Billion for Role in Housing Bubble

NEW YORK (AP) — Wells Fargo is agreeing to pay a $2.1 billion fine to settle allegations it misrepresented the types of mortgages it sold to investors during the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis. The amount is smaller than fines paid by Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and other big banks in the years following the financial…

Duluth Para Pup Helping Create Colorful Canines and Cats

Connect With Duluth Para Pup On Facebook to Place Your Customizable Order

DULUTH, Minn. – A marketing degree with a minor in business management is now helping one Northland woman create a business she’s always dreamed of becoming a reality. “I’ve met a lot of different people that I never knew before,” said Alyssa Burr, Owner of Duluth Para Pup. Socializing and social media go hand-and-hand for Burr. “I get to see…

New Restaurant Soon to Open Downtown Two Harbors

An American style restaurant called McQuade's Pub and Grill will be located on the corner of 1st Avenue.

TWO HARBORS, Minn- Downtown Two Harbors is growing, starting next week a new restaurant will be added to the mix. An American style restaurant called McQuade’s Pub and Grill will be located on the corner of 1st Avenue. The menu has everything from fish to wraps. All sauces are made in-house but the flavors may be familiar to some, as the spices come…

NBA Strikes Deal With MGM Resorts to Provide Data to Bettors

This is a Multiyear Arrangement

NEW YORK (AP) – The NBA and WNBA will now share official data with MGM Resorts, a major win for the leagues as they prepare for the anticipated growth of sports betting across the country. MGM will pay the NBA for that data to use in determining outcomes of various bets. The NBA’s stance has been that getting accurate stats…

Video of Abuse at pig Farm Also Highlights Common Practices

the Video was Released Earlier This Month by Mercy for Animals

(Mercy For Animals via AP)DENVER (AP) — Recently released undercover video showing pigs being kicked, hit and punched at a Kentucky supplier for the world’s largest meat producer drew prompt condemnation from animal rights groups and the agricultural industry alike. However, the images sandwiched in between — adult pigs in cages barely bigger than their bodies and a piglet squealing…

States Suing Trump Administration, Company Over 3D Guns

At Least 1,000 People Have Already Downloaded AR-15 Blueprintes

(Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File) (AP) – Eight states are filing suit against the Trump administration over its decision to allow a Texas company to publish downloadable blueprints for a 3D-printed gun, contending the hard-to-trace plastic weapons are a boon to terrorists and criminals and threaten public safety. The suit, filed Monday in Seattle, asks a judge to block…

Wild State Cider Coming Soon to Lincoln Park

Cidery is expected to join other Duluth craft beverage makers sometime in 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Another new craft beverage maker is coming to Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Wild State Cider is planning to open later this year. Wild State will soon become the second craft cider maker in Duluth. Their storefront in the growing Lincoln Park Craft District is only a block away from the upcoming Ursa Minor Brewing and two blocks…

Inside the Minnesota Brewers Convention

In recent years more and more craft breweries are popping up on the map, but brewery owners say Duluth hasn't had one too many just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- The brew creators that make it all happen are already working to better their next batch. In recent years more and more craft breweries are popping up on the map, but brewery owners say Duluth hasn’t had one too many just yet. “We’re still only 12 percent of the entire beer market in the U.S. so there’s a…

URSA Minor Brewery Steps Closer to Opening its Doors

URSA Minor Brewery will serve up nearly eight beers on tap, but they're not ready just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new brewery preparing to open in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is making a lot of progress. URSA Minor Brewery will serve up nearly eight beers on tap, but they’re not ready just yet. The craft brewery is now installing its brand new equipment and getting all the finishing touches to open in the near future. “That first…

US Economy Surges to 4.1 Percent Growth Rate in Q2

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy surged in the April-June quarter to an annual growth rate of 4.1 percent. That’s the fastest pace since 2014, driven by consumers who began spending their tax cuts and exporters who rushed to get their products delivered ahead of retaliatory tariffs. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that…

Facebook Market Value Plunges $119 Billion

Grappling with Privacy Issues has Sent Stocks Tumbling

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)NEW YORK (AP) — The 19 percent loss in Facebook’s stock chopped $119 billion off its market value. It was the company’s worst trading day since going public in 2012, and among the biggest one-day losses of market value in U.S. stock market history. The loss came a day after Facebook revealed that its user base and revenue…

United Natural Foods to buy Supervalu for $1.26 Billion

The Company is Paying $32.50 per Share in Cash

(David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)(AP) – United Natural Foods is buying Supervalu for $1.26 billion, creating a grocery food wholesaler with a diverse customer base. United Natural Foods of Providence, Rhode Island, said Thursday it’s paying $32.50 per share in cash, or a premium of 67 percent, for each share of Supervalu Inc. Including the assumption of debt, the deal…

Shop Till You Drop This Friday in Downtown Duluth

Hucklebeary and Duluth Made Market are Teaming Up to Host a Pop-Up Market Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Eager shoppers will want to check out downtown Duluth this Friday evening. The owners of Hucklebeary and Market Day Duluth have teamed to provide the Northland with a pop-up market, complete with many local vendors listed below. Pretty Gritty Body Atelier and Stone Lange Pottery Wooley Wearables Hucklebeary is located at 106 East Superior Street in Duluth….

Barbie Maker Mattel to cut More Than 2,200 Jobs

A Spokesman Said job Cuts Will Affect Mainly its Office Workers

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)NEW YORK (AP) — Mattel, hurt by the closing of Toys R Us stores, said Wednesday that it will cut more than 2,200 jobs as the maker of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars seeks to save money. Like other toy companies, Mattel has lost sales as Toys R Us faltered. The toy retailer filed for bankruptcy…

Farmers Prefer Trump do Trade Deals Than Hand Them Cash

Farmers Feel This is a Short Term Solution

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Many farmers remain critical of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the damage done to commodity prices and markets but were appreciative Tuesday that he offered to provide some cash to help offset their losses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $12 billion three-part plan that would borrow money from the U.S. Treasury to pay…

Fraser Shipyard Improving Safety with Help from Federal Grant

Fraser Shipyard is also spending $168,000 on the project.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A shipping yard cited with several safety violations in recent years is now putting funding toward extra safety, thanks to a grant from the federal government. Fraser Shipyard will be receiving a half million dollar grant from the U.S. Maritime Marine Administration. A Superior Shipping Yard cited with several safety violations in recent years is now putting funding toward extra safety….

Small Businesses Worry Bustling Construction Could Turn Away Tourists

The construction includes replacing traffic signals and pavement in Two Harbors and north of the city

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Construction is continuing to buzz along on Highway 61 on the North Shore. The construction includes replacing traffic signals and pavement in Two Harbors and north of the city. Earlier this summer the paving project began outside of Two Harbors but now the project will be right in the city along Highway 61. Although summer is construction season…

McDonald’s Removing Salads from 3,000 Stores After Illness

The Illness is Caused by the Cyclospora Parasite

(AP Photo) CHICAGO (AP) — McDonald’s is stopping the sale of salads at 3,000 restaurants after people became sick from a parasite causing intestinal illness. The Chicago-based fast-food chain said Friday it’s acting “out of an abundance of caution” until switching to another supplier. Health officials in Illinois and Iowa say they’ve identified roughly 100 combined cases of cyclosporiasis apparently…

Toppers Pizza to Open Two More Locations in the Twin Ports

Duluth's Lincoln Park neighborhood and North Tower Avenue in Superior will soon be home to Toppers

DULUTH, Minn. – A pizza chain that just arrived in the Twin Ports already has plans for opening two new locations. Toppers Pizza will open a Lincoln Park Store at 1905 West Superior Street and a Superior store on North Tower Avenue. They are expected to open by the end of the year. Toppers management says they’re excited to bring…

CBD Hemp Oil Store Opens in Superior

Apple House CBD Wisconsin is located at 1613 Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Northland’s first specialty hemp-based CBD oil store is officially open for business. It’s called “Apple House CBD Wisconsin” and is located at 1613 Tower Avenue. The store sells CBD edibles, lotions, creams, and under the tongue products. CBD water will also soon be for sale. None of the products contain detectable amounts of THC, which is…

NorShore Clothing Opens Local Shop

What started as a small online shop is growing into a local treasure.

TWO HARBORS- Minn.- A locally owned clothing store is helping show off your North Shore pride. NorShore Clothing Company started nearly a year ago as a small online shop, as of this month, it’s now a retail store in Two Harbors. The shop is packed full of a variety of products dedicated to northern Minnesota. “My favorite part is if I’m out…

Colleges ask for a share of future salary in lieu of loans

The Contract is Known as an Income Share Agreement

(AP Photo/David Jordan)MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) – More colleges are beginning to offer income share agreements, in which colleges receive a percentage of the student’s future salary, in place of some student loans. Vermont’s Norwich University has become the latest school to offer this type of agreement. The school says the program will “reduce financial barriers to degree completion.” The school…

In the Battle for Twenty-First Century Fox, Comcast Blinks

Fox Made a $32.5 Billion Offer for Sky it Doesn't own

(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)NEW YORK (AP) — In a battle among media giants for control of Twenty-First Century Fox’s entertainment business, Comcast has blinked. The cable and media company said Thursday that it is dropping its bid, instead focusing on its pursuit of the European pay-TV operator Sky. Fox owns 39 percent of Sky and has also been trying to…

Baldwin Bill Would Let All Wisconsin Watch Packers

MILWAUKEE (AP) – U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin has introduced a bill that would allow all of Wisconsin to watch the Green Bay Packers.  She released this video about it on Facebook. Currently a dozen counties in northwestern Wisconsin are relegated to watching Minnesota Viking games whenever they play at the same time as the Packers. Florence County is in the…

McKenzie’s Bar and Grill Under New Ownership

Owners tell us menu favorites will stay the same.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-  A staple American food pub in Hermantown is under new ownership, but don’t worry your favorites will stay the same. McKenzie’s Bar and Grill is celebrating under new ownership. New owners tell us the American style menu featuring pulled pork tacos and burger, that are favored by locals will stay the same. “Keep the specials all the same…

Kari Toyota Celebrating 50 Years of Service

The 50 milestone means a lot to the Kari family and employees.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Exciting news for a Twin Ports business Kari Toyota in Superior is celebrating 50 years of service. The dealership is family run, the 50 milestone means a lot to the Kari family and employees. Toyota came to congratulate the business. “Well it’s not just another day, it’s just kind of a milestone for us it’s just kind of…

4th Street Market Reopening Under New Ownership

Currently, the Duluth Central Hillside Neighborhood has no grocery stores nearby.

DULUTH, Minn.- Exciting news for residents in an area that some refer to as the food desert. The 4th Street Market is under new ownership and will be serving the community once again. The 4th Street Market closed it’s doors last February but the American Indian Community Housing Organization now purchased the building. Currently, the Duluth Central Hillside Neighborhood has no grocery stores…

Freaky Friday the Thirteenth with Psychic Lady Ocalat

Professional Psychic Lady Ocalat Offers Many Services in Downtown Duluth at 31 West Superior Street, Suite 304

DULUTH, Minn. – It rarely happens, but when it does, many people stay home, away from mirrors, and run past ladders. Friday the thirteen is today, and many will be spending a good amount of time visiting with Duluth’s professional psychic Lady Ocalat at her office on West Superior Street. Lady Ocalat says triskaidekaphobia is fear or avoidance of the number…

Students Prepared for Jobs After Completing Welding Program

15 students received a certificate of completion and tools to help them in future jobs

DULUTH, Minn. – After completing a short summer program, 15 welding students are now prepared and equipped with the necessary tools to fill jobs in the Wisconsin area. The “Weld Now” program, partnered through Northwest Wisconsin CEP and WITC-Superior, is fully funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, allowing these students to participate in the program for free….

Planning Ahead to Cope with Market Volatility

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial in Duluth Offers Tips to Manage Your Money for the Future

DULUTH, Minn. – Ongoing market volatility is the new reality in 2018. Massive swings in both directions have occurred multiple times in the last five months leaving investors nervous and unsure about their financial plan. Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News to explain how local residents can manage this ongoing volatility and create a plan…

With Frequent Flooding, Fact Check Your Insurance Policy this Summer

Duluth Agent Pat Shelton with Farmer's Insurance Agency Offers Advice to Remember When it Comes to Your Home Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer brings storms and storms bring roof and siding damage and even flooding basements. Duluth insurance agent Pat Shelton says it’s important to be covered correctly so when disaster hits, your agency is there to pick up the pieces. Shelton says his agency is equipped with “Farmer’s Friendly Reviews” on renewals to make sure everyone knows what their policy covers…

Summer Technology with Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless near the Miller Hill Mall Offers Summer Tech Tips to Keep You Entertained and Savvy

DULUTH, Minn. – Hanging out in the backyard with the barbeque going is a summertime favorite for many. But with today’s technology, it can be easier to sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself thanks to the latest gadgets offered by Verizon Wireless. Solutions Specialist Tayler Miller stopped by FOX 21 Local News to show off a few of the latest…

Starbucks is Ditching Plastic Straws

The Elimination Will Happen Within two Years

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks will eliminate plastic straws from all of its locations within two years, citing the environmental threat to oceans. The company becomes the largest food and beverage company to do so as calls to cut waste globally grow louder . Plastic straws have become a flashpoint. A week after its hometown banned…

CBD Oil Store to Open in Superior

Store sells oil derived from hemp that contains none or very small amounts of THC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new store in Superior will soon be selling hemp-based CBD products. CBD is said to treat everything from pain to epilepsy to anxiety and doesn’t give users a high like marijuana. Cannabidiol or CBD oil was recently approved by the FDA to treat epilepsy through a doctor’s prescription, but many users say the product derived from…

Meet The Owners Of ‘Duluth Cider’ Opening Soon In Lincoln Park

The Couple Wants To Expand Palates Past Sugary, Sweet Ciders

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re taking you inside the beginnings of Duluth’s first-ever hard cider company set to open this August in the growing Lincoln Park Craft District. The husband and wife team recently moved back to Duluth from Boston where they say cideries are booming — and that there’s no better place for true cider than Duluth, as FOX 21’s…

Minnesota AG Swanson Sues OxyContin Manufacturer

Opioid Painkiller Deaths Jumped from 54 in 2000 to 401 in 2017

Photo: Douglas Healey / Associated PressST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is suing the major painkiller producer of OxyContin, alleging the pharmaceutical company misrepresented the medication and contributed to overdose deaths. Attorney General Lori Swanson filed the lawsuit against Purdue Pharma on Monday. It comes amid ongoing negotiations between Purdue and several states, including Minnesota. But Swanson tells the Star…

Community Supported Farms Fill Niche in Minnesota

CSA Farms are Sustained by Memerbs who Subscribe

(Elizabeth Nida Obert/The Rochester Post-Bulletin via AP)SPRING VALLEY, Minn. (AP) — Community-supported agriculture farms in the Midwest have been putting fresh boxes of produce on the doorsteps of their urban and suburban neighbors since the 1990s. The volume of farmers trying their hand at the cooperative-based business formula has mushroomed, and CSA-grown boxes are getting delivered in all types of…

Delta Bans pit Bulls as Service Dogs, Sites Safety Concerns

The Change Will Take Effect July 10

(AP Photo/David Goldman)ATLANTA (AP) — Delta Air Lines says it’s no longer allowing passengers to fly with “pit bull type” dogs as service or support animals, a policy that’s being met with criticism by groups that train service dogs and the people who use them. The Atlanta-based airline describes its ban as an “enhancement” to its policy on animals in…

Farley’s Restaurant Closing After Seven and a Half Years

Owners' other business, Lake Superior Catering, will remain open

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Farley’s Family Restaurant is closing on August 1st after seven and a half years serving the community. Owner Kelly Trumpold tells us the decision to close was very difficult but it will give him more time to spend with his family and focus on his other business, Lake Superior Catering, which will remain open. Many of the…

‘Duluth Cider’ Coming To Lincoln Park’s Craft District

DULUTH, Minn. — A husband and wife have announced they are opening a cidery in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood this August called Duluth Cider. The fermenting warehouse and taproom is under construction at 2307 West Superior Street. Owner Jake and Valerie Scott are from Duluth and are moving back to the area to start the business after living in Boston. …

Amazon to Acquire PillPack

PillPack Delivers Medications in Pre-Sorted Dose Packaging

SEATTLE & BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jun 28, 2018–Amazon and PillPack today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire PillPack. PillPack is a pharmacy designed to provide the best possible customer experience in the U.S. for people who take multiple daily prescriptions. PillPack delivers medications in pre-sorted dose packaging, coordinates refills and renewals, and makes…

Move Over UPS Truck: Amazon Delivery Vans to hit the Street

The Trucks Allow Amazon to not Rely on FedEx or UPS

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE (AP) — Your Amazon packages, which usually show up in a UPS truck, an unmarked vehicle or in the hands of a mail carrier, may soon be delivered from an Amazon van. The online retailer has been looking for a while to find a way to have more control over how its packages are delivered. With…

Another Lawsuit Challenges Proposed Mine Near Wilderness Area

Twin Metals Wants to Build Near Ely

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Environmental groups have filed two more lawsuits challenging the Interior Department’s decision to reinstate the federal mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. One of the lawsuits was filed Monday by three national groups: The Wilderness Society, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Izaak Walton League of America. The other…

Ryan, Walker React to Harley Moving Production

Gov. Scott Walker is Echoing Comments

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin’s top Republican leaders are not criticizing President Donald Trump’s trade policy or Harley-Davidson’s decision to shift the production of motorcycles headed for Europe from the U.S. to factories overseas. The Milwaukee-based company said Monday it’s making the move because of a spike in European Union tariffs on its motorcycles exported from the U.S. A spokeswoman for…

Starbucks to Accelerate Store Closings Next Year

Shares Have Slipped Nearly two Percent

NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks says it will accelerate its store closings in the U.S. next year as it tries to boost sluggish sales. The Seattle-based company announced Tuesday that it will close 150 under-performing stores in heavily penetrated markets, up from the usual rate of 50 closings a year. The company also said it expects 1 percent growth in…

Minnesota Cafe Hears it From Both Sides for Hosting “Fox & Friends”

Owner, Supportive Comments Eventually Outweighed the Negative

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The small Duluth diner is getting an earful from commenters and callers for hosting Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” morning show a day after President Donald Trump visited the city. Uncle Loui’s Cafe, a local favorite in the city, drew both criticism and support after the conservative morning show announced plans for the broadcast. Owner Debra…