News – Latest News

City of Duluth Celebrates Emergency Nurses Week

DULUTH, Minn.- It is Emergency Nurses Week, and the City of Duluth is honoring its nurses in multiple ways. Other first responders and city officials show their appreciation of Duluth nurses with cards, an appreciation video, and a light display.  Starting tonight, Enger Tower will be lit up with purple lights through Sunday. Last year, purple was established as a…

Duluth Retailers are Now Charging for Bags

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting today, retail stores in Duluth will begin charging shoppers five cents for each plastic bag needed for their purchase. To improve the city’s environmental waste, the Duluth City Council passed the ordinance to be effective April 1st of last year but is only now going into effect due to the pandemic. The Duluth City Council decided after…

Walz to Deploy National Guard to Help Ease COVID-19 Surge

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll use the Minnesota National Guard to help alleviate staffing shortages at care facilities that are struggling with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The governor announced plans Friday at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale for alleviating bottlenecks caused by staffing shortages that prevent hospitals from moving recovering patients to transitional and…

Midday Update 10-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Intersection Closure to Impact Essentia Health’s Downtown Campus

The Intersection Closure will Begin Tuesday, Oct. 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says an intersection closure near the downtown Duluth campus will be impacting traffic for the next several weeks. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 19, the intersection of Second Street and Sixth Avenue East in Duluth will close. The intersection will reopen the week of Nov. 22. Ahead of the closure, crews will complete paving work on Fifth…

Biden to Discuss Proposed Plan, Lowering Cost of Child Care for American Families

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to highlight his plan to lower the cost of child care for most American families as he makes the case for his stalled social spending bill during a visit to Connecticut. Biden will visit a child development center in Hartford on Friday to promote his proposal to make such carefree for lower-income families….

Morning Update 10-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Design Expo Projects Architectural Design Trends

DULUTH, Minn. — The fourth annual Duluth Design Expo took place today at Clyde Iron Works and brought regional and Midwestern designers together to showcase their ideas. Organizers say this event allows different creative minds to come together and express their ideas and creations to one another while being able to network and connect. They also had a guest speaker…

Spooky Halloween Treats At Rocky Mountain Chocolate

DULUTH, Minn. — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Canal Park is getting in the Halloween spirit with black cat and monster caramel apples, among other creepy characters. They have about 6 different designs for these staple holiday sweets, but also offer a wide variety of other fall treats like pumpkin fudge, pumpkin spice caramels and toffees, and different fall themed…

Two Harbors Burlington Station Hosting Free Fall Fun Saturday

Burlington Station and Callie's Sweets is Located at 320 7th Avenue in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – If you’re looking for a little family fall fun to take part in Saturday, Oct. 16, you may want to head north. Burlington Station and Callie’s Sweets in Two Harbors, which first opened during Memorial Day weekend, are hosting a free festival. They’re calling it the ‘All Together Autumn Festival.’ The fest will feature a farmers…

Blacklist Brewing Company is Expanding

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Blacklist Brewing Company is expanding with a new taproom on East Superior Street. The brewing company began its expansion plans this past spring and is expected to open by the end of the year. “With that, brings in more people into town and in your space, and we love our local regulars and other people that show…

New Duluth Catholic High School Underway

DULUTH, Minn.- The Stella Maris Academy has officially found a new home for a Catholic high school, using the former Woodland Hills Youth and Family Services building. The academy was able to secure the 140-acre property for $4 million with help from private donations. The property features the main campus building, a gymnasium, and multiple outdoor amenities. “We felt this was…

Animal Allies Warns Northlanders About Cat Virus

DULUTH, Minn.- Animal Allies in Duluth are alerting cat owners of the highly contagious fatal disease, Panleukopenia, as they notice several incoming stray cats have the disease. The animal shelter is asking people to temporarily hold off on bringing in stray felines while they quarantine their sheltered cats and sanitize the facility. Animal Allies will be reaccepting stray cats in…

Blacklist Brewing Company Expansion Underway

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Blacklist Brewing Company is expanding with a new taproom on East Superior Street. The brewing company began its expansion plans this past spring and is expected to open by the end of the year. “With that, brings in more people into town and in your space, and we love our local regulars and other people that show…

Holiday Shipping Deadlines Announced for 2021

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (CNN) – The nation’s three largest package delivery services are out with their holiday shipping deadlines. The recommended final shipping days for the US Postal Service, Fed-Ex, and UPS are pretty much the same as they were in 2019 and 2020. For UPS three-day select delivery and Fed-Ex three-day freight arriving by December 24, you…

Midday Update 10-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

4 Students Hurt in Northwestern Minnesota School Bus Crash

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Four children were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening after the school bus they were riding in crashed with a pickup truck in northwestern Minnesota’s Clay County. Sheriff Mark Empting said the crash happened at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday in rural Clay County. Empting said the preliminary investigation shows the driver of…

Duluth Children’s Museum Hosting ‘A Night at the Brewseum’ Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, Oct. 16 from 7 - 10 p.m. in Duluth's Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents have the chance to support the Duluth Children’s Museum Saturday, Oct. 16 from 7 – 9 p.m. The facility is hosting its annual ‘A Night at the Brewseum’ fundraiser, helping to support play and learning for years to come. This adults-only event includes craft brew samples, music from ‘The Trash Cats,’ a silent auction, and…

Morning Update 10-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Modified Weapons Showing up at More Minneapolis Crime Scenes

MINNEAPOLIS – Authorities say handguns and rifles that have been modified into fully automatic weapons that can fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute have been involved in a string of Minneapolis shootings and have been showing up at more crime scenes. Police data show the city’s ShotSpotter network has recorded 78 automatic gunfire activations of 935 total rounds, compared…

US Wholesale Prices Rose Record 8.6% Over 12 Months

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke) WASHINGTON (AP) – Inflation at the wholesale level rose 8.6% in September compared to a year ago, the largest advance since the 12-month change was first calculated in 2010. The Labor Department reported Thursday that the increase in its producer price index, which measures inflationary pressures before they reach consumers, was 0.5% for September compared to a…

St. Luke’s, Gateway Clinic to Open New Surgery Center in Moose Lake

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – St. Luke’s and Gateway Clinic have partnered up to create a new multi-million dollar surgery center in Moose Lake called Northern Lakes Surgery Center. It’s happening in the former Shopko building on County Road 10. Project officials say the new facility will allow people in the Moose Lake area to stay closer to home and still…

One-On-One: Now-Resigned Proctor Football Coach Calls District ‘Toxic’ Amid Investigation into Players

Parendo has been the target of backlash on social media for the investigation into criminal activity by his former players.

PROCTOR, Minn. – “I resigned because of the toxic environment at Proctor,” former football coach Derek Parendo said. Parendo says the school was no longer a safe place for him to be after misconduct allegations against some of his football players became public. He told FOX 21’s Sam Ali about a specific incident that happened outside of the school that…

Senator Klobuchar Positive About Border Opening For Trade With Canada

MINNESOTA — Senator Amy Klobuchar tells us she’s thrilled to see the Canadian border opening back up and says the financial impact goes far beyond tourism. Klobuchar says Canada is the best trading partner in Minnesota, so it’s important to keep communication and relationships open with them to do business. Nationally, about $1.4 billion worth of goods goes back and…

Tonight At 9: Now-Former Proctor Football Coach Speaks Out Amid Criminal Investigation Into Some Players

PROCTOR, Minn. – In his first sit-down TV interview, former Proctor football coach Derek Parendo speaks out to FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali about what led him to resign his position amid the ongoing criminal misconduct investigation involving players of the Rails football team.  The video above is a preview from the 5:30 p.m. newscast.  See the full story…

Minnesota Zoo searches for lost owl

(courtesy: MN Zoo via Twitter) APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Zoo is searching for a lost owl. KFGO reported Wednesday that Gladys, the zoo’s Eurasian eagle owl, flew off during a routine exercise and training session earlier this month and didn’t return. Zoo staff believes Gladys is probably still within the zoo’s 485-acre, heavily forested grounds. They’re asking…

Minnesota Court: Workers’ Comp Can’t Cover Medical Marijuana

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court says workers’ compensation for injured employees doesn’t cover medical marijuana because the drug remains illegal under federal law. The high court issued a pair of rulings Wednesday that overturned lower court orders for employers to pay for medical marijuana to treat work-related injuries. Federal law prohibits the prescribing and possession of marijuana regardless…

UWS Hosting Best High School Musicians for Tri-State Jazz Festival

Aside from the Tri-State Jazz Festival, the Tri-State Band Festival is Also Happening Oct. 21 at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is preparing to host some of the best high school jazz musicians from throughout the Northland for the Tri-State Jazz Festival. The event is happening on Thursday, Oct. 14. “It’s a really fun event, and it’s not just me saying that,” said Greg Kehl Moore, professor of music and jazz program director. “Everyone…

Midday Update 10-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Animal Allies to Host Virtual ‘Fur Ball Fundraiser’ Beginning Friday

Animal Allies Virtual Fur Ball Fundraiser is Happening Oct. 15 - 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies Humane Society is preparing to host a virtual fundraiser with the goal of raising more than $100,000 to help support their mission of finding pets new homes in the Northland. The virtual ‘Fur Ball Fundraiser’ will begin with an auction kicking off at 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. The auction will end on Sunday, Oct….

Judge Won’t Block Vaccine Mandate for Minnesota Workers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A federal judge won’t block a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for scores of Minnesota health care workers, at least for now. Nearly 200 Minnesota health care workers filed a lawsuit in September challenging the requirement from President Joe Biden’s administration that all workers in most health settings get vaccinated or lose their jobs. The workers argued…

Morning Update 10-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Social Security COLA Largest in Decades as Inflation Jumps

WASHINGTON (AP) – Millions of retirees on Social Security will get a 5.9% boost in benefits for 2022. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows a burst in inflation as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of the coronavirus pandemic. The COLA increase amounts to $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released…

US To Reopen Land Borders in November for Fully Vaccinated

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration says the U.S. will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel next month, ending a 19-month freeze due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International visitors will need to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Vehicle, rail, and ferry travel between the U.S. and Canada, and Mexico has been largely restricted to essential travel, such as trade,…

Beds, Staff at Duluth Hospitals Stretched Thin Under St. Louis County’s COVID Surge

COVID patients take up 59 of the hospital beds at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center -- the highest they've seen since last winter. At St. Luke's, 25% of the ICU beds are filled with COVID patients.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County continues to see an uptick of COVID-19 cases, while the country overall is seeing a dip. The surge is continuing to fatigue health systems according to experts, as they urge more to get vaccinated and mask up. “Now, while much of the country experiences a decrease in COVID transmission following the latest peak, there’s some…

Lake County Ambulance Service Provides Update on Supplies, Staff

Right now, Shepersky said they're not facing a critical shortage of workers, but losing even one employee could impact services.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Lake County Ambulance service, covering Two Harbors and Silver Bay is seeing higher demand for services. According to Executive Director Julia Shepersky, ambulance medical supplies PPE, and certain medications are all in high demand, making them harder to get at times. Right now, Shepersky said they’re not facing a critical shortage of workers, but losing even one…

Volunteers ‘Desperately’ Needed For Bentleyville Setup

DULUTH, Minn. – America’s largest free walk-thru Christmas light display, Bentleyville Tour of Lights, is facing a serious lack of volunteers to get everything set up. Owner Nathan Bentley said volunteers are “desperately” needed every weekend before opening in November. He’s averaging 10 volunteers on Saturdays and Sundays, which is 90 people short of what’s needed to put up millions…

It’s Time for Furnace Preparations

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Temperatures are dropping in the Northland, meaning more people will be using their furnaces to heat their homes and businesses. Advantage Air Heating and Cooling is seeing an uptick in clients looking to repair, clean, or install heating systems as we move into the colder seasons. Experts from Advantage Air recommend people begin changing thermostat batteries and furnace…

Mighty Mississippi Exhibit Attracting New Visitors to Itasca County Historical Society

The Historical Society is Celebrating the Opening of a New Exhibit Showcasing the Mississippi River in Itasca County

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – According to Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, annually, tourism brings nearly $76 million and over 1,500 jobs to Itasca County. Now one new attraction featuring the mighty Mississippi River is attracting tourists to the region. “Our advertising is a turtle named Patty, and a snapper named Sandy,” said Lilah Crowe,…

Local Ski Shop is Selling Out Fast

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders have been preparing for winter in more ways than one, and it seems several people got a head start during the summer. Since the pandemic led to more people picking up outdoor activities, sporting goods stores keep busy with customers. Ski Hut in Duluth has been continuously selling out of skis all summer long, and the sales…

Minnesota Wild Return to Duluth for Practice Session at Amsoil Arena

Nearly 1,000 fans packed Amsoil Arena to watch their favorite Wild players on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the UMD Bulldogs hosted a very special guest at Amsoil Arena. The Minnesota Wild were in town for a practice session that was open to the public to allow fans to come and watch their favorite players. It was a day Northland hockey fans had circled on their calendar since it was announced last month as…