News – Latest News

46th Anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald Remembered at Split Rock Lighthouse

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — It’s been 46 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald took off for Michigan but during its travels hit a storm and sank killing 29 sailors on board. Wednesday night, hundreds of people gathered at Split Rock Lighthouse to honor and remember this tragic event and the lives lost during it. Many are reflecting on this anniversary of…

Local Bakeries are Getting Ready with Holiday Treats

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Not only is it National Vanilla Cupcake Day, but local bakeries are getting ready for the holiday season with fall and winter-themed treats. Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse in Superior has an assortment of cupcakes, using vanilla batter as a base in their recipes. Classic vanilla, lemon raspberry vanilla, and chocolate vanilla are all big hits for cupcake lovers. The…

National Weather Service Advancements Since the Sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald

DULUTH, Minn.- Today marks the 46th year since the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior amid a storm, taking 29 crew members down with the ship. Weighing more than 13,000 tons, the American Great Lakes freighter remains the largest ship sunk in Lake Superior. Officials from the National Weather Service say the deadly storm developed quickly, producing high winds….

Malcolm Decries ‘Alarming Spike’ in Minnesota COVID-19 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached their highest level of the year. And she says hospital capacity continues to tighten across the state amid a “truly alarming spike in cases.” The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday reported 5,277 new cases and 43 new deaths. As of Wednesday, Minnesota hospitals were caring for…

Multiple Fire Departments Respond to Structure Fire in Forbes

FORBES, Minn. – Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire in Forbes just after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, when deputies arrived on the scene a residence and an outbuilding were fully engulfed in flames. The homeowners were not home when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire remains under investigation….

Judge OKs $626 Million Settlement in Flint Water Litigation

DETROIT (AP) — A judge on Wednesday approved a sweeping $626 million deal to settle lawsuits filed by Flint residents and others who were exposed to water contaminated by lead and bacteria in 2014-15. Most of the money — $600 million — is coming from the state of Michigan, which was accused of repeatedly overlooking the risks of switching Flint’s…

NFL Fines Packers, Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard for Violating League COVID-19 Rules

(FOX 9/Fox TV Digital Team) – The NFL has fined the Green Bay Packers $300,000 and franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers as well as wide receiver Allen Lazard $14,500 each for violating the league’s COVID-19 rules. The move follows controversial comments Rodgers made last week about why he didn’t get vaccinated for COVID-19, despite previously saying publicly that he was “immunized.”…

Students, Staff Evacuated at Spooner Middle School Due to Strong “Epoxy-like” Odor

SPOONER, Wis. – Students and staff at the Spooner Middle School were evacuated Wednesday morning after a “strong epoxy-like odor” was detected in the building and surrounding grounds. School District officials say the odor was detected around 8:40 a.m. when some faculty members and students began experiencing discomfort from the smell. As a precaution, the building was evacuated around 9:10…

Duluth Pack Hosting “Pups and Packs” Adoption Event

The Event is Happening Friday, Nov. 12

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack is eager to announce its upcoming event in partnership with Ruffwear and Northern Lakes Rescue for a ‘Pups and Packs’ dogs and puppies adoption at the legendary retail store location. On Friday, Nov. 12 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Duluth Pack’s event will unite outdoor enthusiasts and dog lovers alike. The event is happening at…

$100 Million Will Be Directed To Expand Broadband Internet in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state will direct $100 million in additional funding to expand broadband internet in Wisconsin. The latest round of grants is part of the recently passed $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill. The legislation provides $65 billion to expand broadband coverage nationwide. “Whether it’s going to school, working from home, or running a small business, broadband is…

Midday Update 11-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 11-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

US Consumer Prices Soared 6.2% In Past Year, Most Since 1990

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) WASHINGTON (AP) – Prices for U.S. consumers jumped 6.2% in October compared with a year earlier as surging costs for food, gas and housing left Americans grappling with the highest inflation rate since 1990. The year-over-year increase in the consumer price index exceeded the 5.4% rise in September. From September to October, prices jumped 0.9%, the highest…

Structure of Essentia’s Vision Northland Project Marked Complete with Topping Out Ceremony

According to hospital and construction officials, the project is ahead of schedule at 53% complete.

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health, city and state officials celebrated a big milestone in the multimillion-dollar Vision Northland project — the end of structural construction. The “topping out” ceremony was held Tuesday. For the construction tradition, the beam is adorned with an American flag and a small tree.“They all symbolize positive things,” said Jeff Dzurik, Executive Vice President of McGough Construction….

New Duluth Boutique Hotel in Old City Hall Brings Hope for Struggling Downtown

The Inn is named after famous Duluth architect, Oliver Traphagen, responsible for many of Duluth’s buildings still used today.

DULUTH, Minn.- As downtown businesses continue to pull themselves up through labor shortages and safety issues, officials say the arrival of a new boutique hotel, the Oliver Inn, is a light on the horizon. The Old City Hall building on East Superior Street is getting a new look and new life as the Oliver Inn. “I think each experience that…

Family Donates $63K From 5K To Fund Addiction Recovery For Those Who Can’t Afford It

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge received a tremendous donation for its Northland location on Tuesday, coming from a family that started a 5K fundraiser years ago. A couple named Stevie and Sandy Paulson, along with their children, dropped off a check for more than $63,000 to the organization, which helps people start their recovery from substance…

Essentia Health Hosting Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

The Free Event is Happening at 330 North 8th Avenue East in Duluth on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re concerned about the risk of skin cancer, a free event on Thursday, Nov. 11 might help put your mind at ease. Essentia Health is hosting the event. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with one in five Americans developing it by age 70. Health officials say the elderly…

Salvation Army is Looking for Bell Ringers

DULUTH, Minn.- As we near the holidays, Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers to work their 18 fund-ringing locations. The nonprofit organization is looking for people to fill more than 5,000 bell ringer hours throughout the holidays. Each shift can be from 2 to 4 hours, ringing bells outside and inside establishments to raise money for various food programs….

Superior School District on New FDA Vaccine Approval

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Although the FDA recently approved Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, no COVID-19 protocols are changing just yet for the Superior School District. The school district will not require eligible students at the elementary level to get vaccinated until mandated by the state of Wisconsin. However, they will continue to practice safe social distancing protocols, including…

CO2 Leak Forces Evacuation Of Red Lobster In Canal Park

UPDATE: According to the Duluth Fire Department the Red Lobster in Canal Park has fully reopened following a carbon dioxide leak reported Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews arrived at the restaurant around 12:00 p.m. and spoke with the manager who said she had shut off the carbon dioxide cylinder and evacuated the restaurant before crews got to the scene. Crews evaluated…

Pfizer Asks FDA to OK COVID-19 Booster Shots for All Adults

(AP) – Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to allow boosters of its COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 18 or older. Older Americans and other groups particularly vulnerable to the virus have had access to a third dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine since September. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it would move quickly to expand boosters to…

Midday Update 11-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Lets Public Weigh In on Adequacy of Mining Rules

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota regulators are accepting public comments on whether the state’s regulation of nonferrous mining would provide sufficient protection against environmental damage to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The comment period runs through Dec. 8. The Department of Natural Resources has established a dedicated webpage for its court-ordered review, which stems from a lawsuit that seeks to…

Morning Update 11-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, morning update, News, weather

Hospital Sued by Employees Fired for Refusing Vaccine

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Some medical professionals are suing a city-owned hospital in southeastern Minnesota after they were terminated for refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The 20 plaintiffs, which include a doctor, registered nurses, and other medical staff, filed their lawsuit in U.S. District Court Monday alleging they were fired without just cause. They claim Northfield Hospital and Clinics…

Klobuchar, MN Business Owner Celebrate Border Reopening, But New Requirements for Canadians Dampen Full Economic Rebound Stateside

Canadians visiting must complete a negative covid-19 test, regardless of their vaccination status to return home, and they have to pay for the test themselves here in the states.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. has fully reopened its borders with Canada, after almost 20 months closed due to the pandemic. But some border businesses in Minnesota are still feeling like the door isn’t fully open as some Canadians are still hesitant to travel — knowing they face testing requirements to return home. “Our biggest trading partner, one of our best…

Duluth Council Approves DEDA’s Help in Paying Rising Cost of Historic Old Central Redevelopment

Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have brought the project cost up an additional $4.3 million.

DULUTH, Minn,- Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have affected the redevelopment of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School into housing units. According to Councilor Zack Filipovich, the project cost has gone up an additional $4.3 million dollars due to those issues. With the developer covering about $2.7 million of that, Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday…

Burrito Union Unveils First-Ever Disinfecting Robot Server

Owner Rod Raymond assures it's not there to replace human servers but make their jobs easier.

DULUTH, Minn.- Stopping by Burrito Union for some food can now be like taking a trip to the future, as the restaurant is unveiling its first-ever robot server. Owner Rod Raymond tells us, “Rasputin” is the first robot in the world to both serve food and disinfect with U-V rays that even kill the coronavirus and other viruses at night…

Duluth Police Raise $2,853 For American Cancer Society

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department raised $2,853 for the American Cancer Society through its “Pink Patch Project” last month. The DPD sold pink versions of its traditional police patches during October, which is nationally recognized as breast cancer awareness month. Chief Mike Tusken said it’s important to find a cure for all types of cancer, as many people…

St. Louis County Dispatch Center is Hiring

DULUTH, Minn.- Like several other businesses, the St. Louis County 911 Dispatch Center is looking for employees. The dispatch center is currently training five newly hired dispatchers but is looking to hire more in December. With a complete 12 member team, the dispatch center will have 6-9 dispatchers working each shift. “I think a lot of people don’t remember what…

Local Fire Departments Talk National Crash Responder Safety Week

TWIN PORTS – Today kicks off National Crash Responder Safety week, and local fire departments are spreading awareness as there is a growing number of fatalities involving roadside first responders. A first responder is killed almost every week while trying to clear a roadway crash incident in the United States. 51 traffic and crash responders have been killed by ongoing…

Minnesota Pollution Officials Update Impaired Waters List

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pollution officials have released the state’s proposed impaired waters list for 2022. Fifteen water bodies in the northeast and central Minnesota were added where fish have been contaminated with a family of chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down. It’s the first time water bodies outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has…

Houston Concert Deaths Spur Calls for Independent Review

HOUSTON (AP) – The Houston police and fire departments were deeply involved in safety measures for the music festival where a surging crowd killed eight people. Now the city’s police department is leading the criminal investigation into how the deadly chaos erupted during a performance by rapper Travis Scott. A prominent local official is calling for a separate, independent review…

Eagan Fire Department Welcomes First All-Female Crew

(courtesy: Fox 9) EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Eagan Fire Department has an all-female crew for the first time in the department’s 58-year history. Captain Jessica Hoffman, Firefighter Danielle Fasching, and Firefighter Natalie Holter make up the team that will crew Eagan Engine 2. According to a release from the fire department, the National Fire Protection Association reported that…

Chester Bowl Skis, Suds, & Slices Fundraiser Happening This Week

The Virtual Auction Begins Wednesday, Nov. 10

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is proud to present its annual Skis, Suds, & Slices fundraiser beginning Wednesday, Nov. 10, and wrapping up Friday, Nov. 12 at 8:30 p.m. “At Chester Bowl, we believe that every family should be able to learn to ski or snowboard and attend summer camp regardless of their family income,” said Dave Schaeffer, executive director…

Midday Update 11-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 11-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Minnesota Highway Signs Mark Boundaries of 1854 Treaty

(courtesy: Twitter/MAKMinnesota) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Transportation crews are installing 12 highway signs in northeastern Minnesota that have significant, historic meaning. The signs, more than a decade in the making, mark the boundaries of a treaty signed in 1854 by the federal government and three Ojibwe tribes — the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte Band…

Rivet Run 5k Helps Support Pattison State Park

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More than 50 people came together for the Rivet Run/Walk 5k at Pattinson State Park, which is home to Wisconsin’s tallest free standing waterfall. Proceeds raised by the runners and organizers is helping give back to maintain the place they love so much. Pattison State Park was established in 1920, and features almost 1,500 acres of woods…

Willie Kruger Competition Celebrates One Last Dance

John D'Auria started the show to honor his cousin and Twin Ports breakdancing pioneer, Willie Kruger, who died in 2010.

DULUTH- Minn.- A decade of dance comes to an end in the Twin Ports, as the Willie Kruger Dance Competition brought the community together for one last dance in honor of the local breakdancing pioneer. “10 years with a competition that in the beginning that nobody thought that I could even get past one year by mixing all styles of…

Hundreds of Furry Friends Find New Families at Subaru ‘Love a Pet’ Adoption Event

106 animals total -- 76 cats and 30 dogs -- were adopted out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of pets went home with new loving families this weekend at Miller Hill Subaru’s “Love a Pet” adoption event. 106 animals total — 76 cats and 30 dogs — were adopted out. People were in and out the door Saturday and Sunday with new furry family members of all ages. Five different humane organizations from across the…