News – Latest News

Former Esmund Building Leveled To Dirt, Ready For Housing, Retail Development

DULUTH, Minn. – The Esmond Building in Lincoln Park began getting demolished just under a month ago, and now there’s no sight of the structure – just dirt. The flattened lot now makes room for a new multi-story housing unit to be constructed. DLH Clothing, which is located across from the now-vacant lot, moved from downtown Duluth to Lincoln Park…

SkyView Domecar Rehabilitation Project Underway

DULUTH, Minn.-The Northshore Scenic Railroad’s newest train car is getting some major repairs. The SkyView Domecar was bought by the railroad last year and still needs a lot of work to make its first-class space an elegant experience for passengers. The Domecar features seating upstairs in what the railroad likes to call the “treetop level.” On the first level, the…

‘Superior Roux’ Joins ‘Venue in the Park’

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Venue in the Park, a new venture in Superior, is opening its doors for small businesses in the area. The building previously known as the Billings Park Café was purchased by the Sutherland family in an effort to resurrect it as a commercial kitchen rental and event space. Superior Roux, a new pop-up, will be the first restaurant…

Republican Candidate Wants ‘New Voice’ For MN House Dist. 3B

A Republican is stepping up with the hope to take longtime Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy’s DFL seat. Natalie Zeleznikar, a 30-year resident of Northeast Minnesota announced Wednesday she is entering the race for Minnesota House Dist. 3B. Zeleznikar is a mother of two adult sons, an accomplished author, and has spent decades as an executive for assisted living facilities. “I…

Cause Of Superior Warehouse Fire Ruled ‘Undetermined’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department has ended its investigation without a cause of a massive January warehouse fire that took down two historic buildings on the city’s North End near the Blatnik Bridge. Camron Vollbrecht, battalion chief for the Superior Fire Department, said investigators were able to determine the fire appears to have started in the northern half…

Duluth Grill Back in Full Swing After Recent Renovation

DULUTH, MN – After undergoing a brief renovation at the end of January, Duluth Grill was able to get back up and running without a hitch despite various supply chain issues other establishments may have faced.  This is due to their utilization of a variety of local farms to continue to provide them with ingredients such as eggs, meat, and…

As COVID Cases Drop in Douglas County, Health Officials Adjust Messaging

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After seeing a surge in COVID cases in January, Douglas County say they have dropped to levels not seen since last summer.  That is allowing health officials to change their focus on how they respond to new cases, as well as their messaging to slow its spread. “We’re seeing definitely a decline in cases overall, which has been…

Winter Weather Doesn’t Slow Work at Marina

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The ice on area lakes, rivers, and streams have kept boats off the water the past several months.  That doesn’t means companies that help keep boats in top shape have been enjoying an off season. Barker’s Island Marina says this winter has been their busiest on record, having their largest staff ever to help repair and touch up…

Viking Mississippi Cruise Ship Touches Water for First Time

HOUMA, La. (AP) – A Swiss company’s cruises along the length of the Mississippi River are a step closer to reality – its new 386-passenger ship has touched water for the first time. Viking River Cruises of Basel celebrated the “float out” of the Viking Mississippi on Monday at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. Two U.S. companies…

Midday Update 3-9-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Lawyer: Man Charged in Whitmer Plot Swayed by FBI Informant

(Michigan Office of the Governor via AP File) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) – A lawyer for one of the men charged with plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 has told jurors he was a near-homeless, pot-smoking “misfit” who was influenced by an FBI informant whom he met at a protest. Defense attorney Christopher Gibbons on Wednesday refuted…

Morning Update 3-9-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman, Breanna Ellison Announce Run for Minnesota House

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman and Duluth resident Breanna Ellison announced their run for the Minnesota House of Representatives. Both candidates are running for the seat currently held by District 7A Rep. Jennifer Schult, DFL. Due to redistricting in the state, the seat will now be District 8B. “Serving the people of Duluth on the…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Lands New Location In Downtown Duluth For Better Mexican Vibe

Owner Robert Giuliani recently spent three months in Mexico to visit family and explore all types of Mexican dishes to improve the menu in the new Duluth location.

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner behind Duluth’s Tacos Tacos Tacos is preparing to reopen in a new location in downtown Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theatre District as the business model begins to expand into the Twin Cities. Tacos Tacos Tacos will open in the former T-Icy Roll location later this year Robert Giuliani has secured the new location in the…

KornerStore Owner, Former Duluth City Councilor Purchases 7 Northland Minit Marts

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved, who owns the KornerStore gas stations in the Northland, says gas prices have been changing by the hour.  And it comes as he recently purchased multiple Minit Marts in the area. KornerStore in Gary Medved is a bit frustrated with rising gas prices, but in a different way than consumers. He…

Dist. 709 Supt. Talks Central H.S. Property Sale Falling Through

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday, we heard from the Duluth Schools Superintendent John Magas after the sale of Central High School fell through. This past summer, a developer called Saturday Properties from St. Louis Park in Minnesota intended to buy the property for $7.4 million. The company planned to create 400 units of townhomes and apartments from the property, which overlooks…

UWS Hosts International Women’s Day Event

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS hosted an event on Tuesday to celebrate accomplishments made by women through social, economic, cultural, and political efforts. There were also tables set up for people to stop by and learn about issues that women still face today, along with a speech delivered by the NAACP Duluth chapter president. One of the organizers talked about what the…

Bent Paddle Celebrates International Women’s Day

DULUTH, Minn.-Tuesday was international women’s day, which recognizes the many achievements of women around the world, and some local businesses got in on the celebration. Breweries are one industry that can typically be male-dominated, but the ownership at Bent Paddle in Lincoln Park is split between a woman and a man. They recognized this day with trivia related to women’s…

Harbor Rail Pub Ready to Serve the Two Harbors Community

TWO HARBORS, MN – Harbor Rail Pub has opened its doors in Two Harbors after the 1st Avenue building was purchased in June of 2020.  After being the home to many pubs over the years, the new owner originally purchased the building with the intent of remodeling the upstairs into a 3 bedroom loft and having the downstairs area be…

North Star Academy Shows Ukraine Support Through Anthem

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at North Star Academy showed their support for Ukraine this morning through a performance of the country’s national anthem. Members of the combined eighth grade band, choir, and North Star Singers started learning the music and words last Thursday.  It is part of the school’s overall approach to teach students about what is happening in Eastern Europe….

Cloquet Police Identify Victim in ‘Suspicious’ Death

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department has identified the possible victim of a suspicious death. On Tuesday, authorities in Cloquet confirmed 33-year-old Amanda Cadotte as the victim found dead last Thursday. The Cloquet Police Department, Fond du Lac Police Department, and Cloquet Fire District responded to a medical call on Thursday around 7:24 a.m. at 956 Trettel Lane. When…

‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Passes in Florida, Goes to Governor

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida lawmakers have passed a bill to forbid instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. The proposal, which opponents have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, now moves to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law. Since its inception, the…

AP Source: Biden to Ban Russian Oil Imports Over Ukraine War

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia’s economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, according to a person familiar with the matter. The move follows pleas by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to U.S. and Western officials to cut off the imports. Energy exports have kept a steady influx…

Minneapolis Teachers Strike After Failing To Reach Contract

(Hannah Hobus/Pioneer Press via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Teachers in the Minneapolis School District have gone on strike after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. Tuesday’s move idles some 29,000 students in one of Minnesota’s largest school districts. Meanwhile, the teachers in neighboring St. Paul reached a deal late Monday to avert their own strike….

39th Annual First Ship Contest Now Underway

DULUTH, MN – While the Twin Ports gets ready for a new shipping season, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority along with Visit Duluth have opened up submissions for the annual First Ship Contest. While the Twin Ports will likely see several ore bearing ships at first, the arrival of the first ocean going vessel, or “Saltie”, is the symbolic start…

Local Flower Shops Getting Ready for Spring

DULUTH, MN – With astronomical spring just around the corner, greenhouses and flower shops are getting busy as people are preparing to beautify their homes and yards. Living in northern Minnesota can be a challenge for outdoor gardening as the threat of a freeze looms well into May. With Palm Sunday, Easter, and Mother’s Day all possible before the final…

Burrito Union ‘Stands With Ukraine,’ Offers UNICEF Promotion

DULUTH, Minn. – Burrito Union says it “stands with Ukraine” after the owner said the restaurant’s Russian-themed cantina raised a few eyebrows recently. Rod Raymond said Burrito Union’s strong soviet-style art deco appearance and branding has always been in good fun and in no way supports Russia’s war on Ukraine. Raymond, who has friends in Ukraine and Russia, and has…

Essentia Health To Open New Outpatient Surgery Center At Miller Hill Mall This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is getting ready to open its new outpatient surgery center at the Miller Hill Mall this summer. The Miller Hill Surgery Center will take over the empty building that sears left behind. The 41,000 square-foot building will have 12 operating rooms. The goal is to offer a place where patients can go home in less…

Saturday Properties Decides Not To Move Forward With Purchase of Central High School

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth Public Schools announced that the developer of the Central High School property off of Central Entrance had pulled out of the deal. In a recent news release, the district said Saturday Properties, located out of St. Louis Park, notified district officials on Friday that it would no longer be moving forward with the deal….

Cloquet Police Investigating ‘Suspicious Death’

CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities in Cloquet say they are investigating the death of a woman that is being considered suspicious. The Cloquet Police Department, Fond du Lac Police Department, and Cloquet Fire District responded to a medical call on Thursday around 7:24 a.m. at 956 Trettel Lane. When officers arrived at the scene they found an unresponsive female. She was…

Last-Ditch Talks Seek To Avert Teacher Strikes in Minnesota

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Last-ditch talks are underway in the Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts. Teachers could strike as soon as Tuesday morning over wages, class sizes, and mental health services for a collective 63,000 students. State mediators were trying Monday to facilitate the negotiations in both districts. The teachers’ union in Minneapolis has…

39th Annual First Ship Contest Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority have teamed up once again for the 39th Annual First Ship Contest. To submit your guess for the exact date and time the season’s first “saltie” passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to visitduluth.com/firstship or click here. The contest closes at midnight on March 24. This year, the…

Coffee Conversation: ShamROCK the House with 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities

DULUTH, Minn.- March is here, and so are some favorite green seasonal treats. 225 McDonald’s Restaurants in the upper Midwest are back with the 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser, “ShamROCK THE HOUSE!” From March 7-17 McDonald’s owner/operators in MN, western WI, and Ironwood will donate 25 cents of every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry sold to Ronald McDonald House…

Hundreds Rally at State Capitol in Support of Ukraine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Hundreds of Minnesotans rallied at the state Capitol to show support for Ukraine where more than 1.7 million people have been forced from their country because of Russia’s invasion nearly two weeks ago. Luda Anastazievsky, chairman of the Minnesota Ukrainian American Advocacy Committee, called on the state Legislature Sunday to divest of any funds benefiting…

Renee Van Nett Announces State Senate Run

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett is announcing her run for State Senate District 8. Van Nett was first elected to the city council in 2017 and represents Duluth’s 4th District. In January 2021 she was elected as the first Indigenous woman to serve as Duluth City Council president. “Renee believes Duluth priorities are ‘Nuts…