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Sen. Smith Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Hearing Benefits

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D) is trying her hardest to make sure veterans have quick, easy access to obtaining care for hearing loss. Smith recently introduced legislation to reduce the red tape many vets face when trying to get care for hearing loss as a result of their service. Right now, if veterans wish to receive benefits…

Cold Front Duluth Returns to Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. – After taking last year off due to the pandemic, Duluth Parks and Recreation will be holding their annual Cold Front Duluth event at Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. “We’re just excited to be able to provide a great opportunity for people to come together in an outdoor park space,” says Megan Lidd, City of Duluth’s Recreation Specialist, “and then…

UMD Hosts Annual Outdoor Job Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at University of Minnesota-Duluth got their chance to find employment for the upcoming summer season. Around 30 organizations took part in the university’s annual outdoor job fair Wednesday, which has been happening every spring semester since the early 80s. Organizers say it’s a chance for students to connect personally with summer camps, environmental education centers, conservation groups…

Superior Police Receive Reach Bags to Help Kids at Emergency Sites

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is the latest emergency responders in Wisconsin to get a donation from Reach a Child. The Madison-based organizations gave them 35 backpacks, one for each squad vehicle.  They contain around 15 books that can be handed out to kids to help distract them from emergency calls like fires and domestic situations. “The police officer…

City of Duluth Gives Update on Gas Line Incident That Caused Thousands of Residents to Turn Down Their Thermostats

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is providing more details about last week’s gas line incident that had thousands of residents turning down their thermostats after a contractor hit a gas line within the can of worms project in Lincoln Park. According to a Wednesday joint news release between the city, MnDOT, and Ames/Kraemer Joint Venture, an Ames/Kramer contractor…

No Motive Revealed in Shooting That Killed Minnesota Student

(courtesy: Fox 9) RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say they have not established a motive in a shooting outside a suburban Minneapolis school that left one student dead and another critically injured. The students were shot Tuesday outside South Education Center in Richfield, a suburb just south of Minneapolis. Police arrested two teen suspects at separate locations later in the…

Police Shoot Man in Downtown Minneapolis

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis police officer fatally shot a male who authorities say had a loaded gun in his hand. Interim police Chief Amelia Huffman says the shooting happened at about 7 a.m. Wednesday in a downtown apartment complex. Officers from the Minneapolis department’s SWAT team were serving warrants to help the St. Paul Police Department…

Midday Update 2-2-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Trial of 3 Cops in Floyd Death Delayed by COVID-19 Diagnosis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s rights was abruptly recessed on Wednesday after one of the defendants tested positive for COVID-19. Judge Paul Magnuson says the court is in recess until Monday. The officer who tested positive wasn’t named by the court, but pool reporters in the courtroom…

JJ Astor, Bowery Bros. to Receive Rebranding, $500,000 in Renovations

Both Establishments Are Expected to Open in the Spring of 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – A Twin Cities-based restaurant company is looking to invest over a half-million dollars into the two restaurants associated with the iconic Radisson hotel in Duluth. Purpose Driven Restaurants will be taking over, and renovating the current JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge and Bowery Bros. The iconic rotating restaurant atop the Radisson will continue to spin when renovations…

Morning Update 2-2-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

(AP Photo/Barry Reeger) PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow Wednesday to perform his Groundhog Day duties. Thousands of people from around the nation and other countries gathered at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summoned him from his tree stump at dawn…

Biden Sending More Troops to Europe Amid Ukraine Tension

(Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP) BRUSSELS (AP) – President Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Poland and Germany this week and sending part of an infantry Stryker squadron of roughly 1,000 troops based in Germany to Romania. That’s from a senior administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity. Biden has…

Washington’s NFL Team Unveils New Name as Commanders

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) (AP) – Washington’s NFL team is now known as the Commanders. The new name was unveiled 18 months after the once-storied franchise dropped its old moniker following decades of criticism that it was offensive to Native Americans and under fresh pressure from sponsors. The organization committed to avoiding Native American imagery in its rebrand after being called…

Olympic Curler John Shuster to Carry US Flag at Opening Ceremony

  DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Curling Team skip John Shuster has been elected as Team USA’s male flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony at the 2022 Winter Olympics. This is the first time in Olympic history that a curler will carry the American flag at the ceremony. BREAKING: Our skip @Shoostie2010 has received the highest honor in sport, being elected…

Anderson Wins His 4th Beargrease Under Tough Trail Conditions

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – 2022’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was one to remember, with a recurring champion reclaiming his title — a rookie just behind him, and a race trail that gave teams a run for their money. Wisconsin native Ryan Anderson, this year’s champion, came through the finish line around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. First and foremost, he kissed…

Spirit Mountain Looking To Hire As One Of Many Businesses Hit By Staffing Shortage

DULUTH, Minn. – Ideal weather conditions have plenty of people going to Spirit Mountain to enjoy some outdoor fun.  The attraction is doing its best to keep everything open despite having staffing issues with fewer people employed and the impact of COVID-19 when staff has to quarantine. Interim Executive Director Ann Glumac says they are doing their best with the staffing…

Larsmont Cottages hosts Chinese New Year Meal

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – It’s officially the year of the Tiger as Tuesday kicked off the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. The Ledge Rock Grille at the Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors held a festive meal today in honor of the holiday. Classic Chinese dishes were served up such as pork spring rolls and general…

Shipping Up In the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Well the numbers are in, the shipping season bounced back this past year after the pandemic dragged it down in 2020, with almost 30 percent more tons of product coming through the port. The product that topped the charts once again was iron ore which continues to be the king cargo for the Duluth port. Iron ore…

New Business in Superior Sells Vehicle Audio Equipment, Accessories

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new business in Superior is available to help people get the best sound from their vehicles, whether it’s their car, truck, SUV, UTV, ATV, motorcycle or boat. Soundtronics offers a variety of audio products, ranging from speakers to subwoofers to batteries.  They also sell accessories such as light bars, wheels, and tires. “We offer all kinds of…

Congdon Elementary 1st Graders Enjoy Own Version of John Beargrease Race

DULUTH, Minn. – As the John Beargrease race comes to an end, students at Congdon Elementary in Duluth took part in their own version of the race Tuesday. Participants were first graders in Alaina Pilates’ class.  They were broken up into teams of four, with each taking turns either being one of the dogs pulling a sled or the musher who…

Hibbing Police Department Taking Nominations to Name Newest K9

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department is asking for the public’s help in naming its new K9. On Tuesday the department introduced its new electronic detection K9, a two-year-old female black Labrador Retriever. The department’s newest addition is currently housed with Jordan Detection K9 in Greenfield, Indiana. Name nominations will be taken until February 6 and the winning name…

Wisconsin Senate’s Top Democrat Won’t Seek Reelection

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate’s top Democrat said Tuesday that she won’t seek reelection this fall. Minority Leader Janet Bewley said she wants to spend more time with her recently retired husband and grandchildren. She said it’s time for her to make room for a new generation of “progressive and pragmatic leaders.” “Serving the people of Northern…

UPDATE: 2 Students Shot Outside Minnesota School; 1 Dead, 1 in Critical Condition

(courtesy: Fox 9) RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Two students were shot, one fatally, outside a suburban Minneapolis school on Tuesday, police said. Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne said the students were shot about 12:07 p.m. outside South Education Center. The surviving student was in critical condition at a local hospital. Henthorne said suspects fled and police searched the area. “This…

State Seeks Long Sentence for Cop Convicted in Wright Death

(Minnesota Department of Corrections via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors say the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the killing of Daunte Wright should face a sentence above the state’s guidelines. But defense attorneys for Kim Potter say she should get a lower sentence – or even probation. Potter is the former white…

City Crews Responding to Multiple Water Main Breaks in Morgan Park

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to multiple water main breaks in Morgan Park. The first break was reported around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near 91st Avenue West. This break put additional pressure on other pipes causing an additional break and water outages in the surrounding area. City officials say water has been turned off…

Midday Update 2-1-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Former Sheriff, Cop, Legislator Stanek Joins GOP Gov Field

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek has joined the Republican field for governor. In a campaign video posted Tuesday, Stanek touted his experience in law enforcement and attacked Democrats for “letting lawlessness run rampant.” Stanek is a former Minneapolis police officer, Republican state legislator, and public safety commissioner. He lost a close…

Morning Update 2-1-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Defending Champ Letzring Among 10 Scratched Beargrease Teams, More Drops Possible Officials Say

Temperatures this year are too warm and the "punchy" snow is making it harder for the dogs to run. 

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus MINNESOTA- The Beargrease Marathon’s 300-mile trail was about 10 mushers lighter Tuesday morning, with defending champion Erin Letzring among those who scratched, due to warmth and snow conditions. According to Monica Hendrickson, spokesperson for the marathon, it’s possible more will drop as the race nears its end. Temperatures this year are too warm, Hendrickson said, and the…

Tom Brady Announces Retirement After 22 Seasons, 7 Super Bowl Wins

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in NFL history, has retired after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in an unprecedented 22-year-career. “This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that…

Affordable Housing for Seniors Planned For Harbor Highlands In Duluth

The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income.

DULUTH, Minn.- More affordable housing is planned for senior residents in Duluth’s Harbor Highlands neighborhood off Central Entrance. The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income. 7 units will be reserved for qualifying homeless veterans. The $17.5 million project would be funded with a $13.9…

‘Blinking Lights for Safety’ At Proctor School Dist.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Students in Proctor will soon sport a flashy new keychain on their backpacks that helps keep them safe. The school district is partnering with St. Luke’s to attach LED blinking lights on the kids’ backpacks. With flashing strobe settings. With many students coming from more rural towns the lights help them stay safe if walking home from the…

Cove Apartments Planning to Open Phase 2 Building in Downtown Duluth this Fall

Construction is already underway on the corner of Lake Avenue and First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- Phase 2 of the Cove Apartments looking to open this Fall, as officials hope it provides a big boost to Downtown Duluth. Phase 1 of the Cove Apartments saw almost all of its 48 units filled before doors even opened back in late 2020. “So the goal with these historic rehabs is to try to be able to…

Ryan Redington Withdraws from John Beargrease Marathon 

6 dogs have to be standing in harness on the trail, according to race officials. So Redington “scratched” or withdrew from the race.

DULUTH, Minn.- For one veteran musher the Beargrease Marathon was unfortunately cut short Monday, as two-time champion Ryan Redington dropped out after holding a strong lead. Redington was among the top mushers most of the day and entered the trail center checkpoint with about 9 dogs out of 12. He left with only 6. But then he turned around about…

Military Mom Returns From Deployment, Surprises Daughter At Daycare

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  A military mother gave her 4-year-old daughter a big surprise at daycare Monday. Kaylie Gustum surprised her daughter, Natalie, after serving a nine-month deployment in Kuwait and Syria. Kaylie decided to make her return a secret after seeing reunion videos online. “It’s definitely overwhelming and it’s going to be very fun learning her again. It’s been a…

KYN: The Local Bar and Grille in Ashland is Open for Business

ASHLAND, Wis. – “We are really excited to be a part of the community here,” The Local Bar and Grille co-owner, Bradley Moullet says. A new restaurant in Ashland, Wisconsin is open for business. The Local Bar and Grille opened in December and has taken over a building known for hosting events in the community. “It has a lot of…

Warm Weather Brings People to the Dog Park

DULUTH, Minn.-On Monday, it was a beautiful day to get outside for both people and their pets. Jean Duluth Dog Park found along Jean Duluth Road offers a 3.5-acre fenced in space for people and their dogs to roam and enjoy the fresh air. Greta Borgeson and her dog Remi decided it was a good time to break the routine…

Minnesota Nice Dog Company: Duluth Themed Shirts

DULUTH, Minn. – A local pet-sitting business has started a new venture that’ll also support animals in return. The owner of Twin Ports Pet Sitters has started ‘Minnesota Nice Dog Company.’ It’s an online T-shirt company that gives 5 percent of its profits to animal charities and groups in the Duluth area. The shirts have animal-themed sayings like “Minnesota… Land…

Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Gets Full FDA Approval

(AP) – Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has been given full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a shot that has been administered to millions of Americans throughout the course of the pandemic. The approval for those aged 18 and up came after the agency reviewed more data on the safety and effectiveness of the Moderna’s shot, marketed as “Spikevax.”…

Midday Update 1-31-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 31, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 31, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather