News – Latest News

Twin Ports ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ Happening Saturday

The Walk Begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Residents of the Twin Ports are encouraged to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 11 along the Lakewalk in Duluth. Check-in begins at 1 p.m. at the DECC. The opening ceremony of the Walk begins at 2 p.m. outside the DECC with the walk to follow along the Lakewalk. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association has…

Morning Update 9-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 10, 2021

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

Minnesota Defers OK for Permit Linked to ND Power Plant Deal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Regulators told a Minnesota-based utility that they need more information before signing off on a permit transfer necessary for the sale of a financially troubled coal-fired power plant in North Dakota. Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission voted 4-1 on Thursday to defer a decision on a permit for a power line that would be part of the planned…

Vue at Bluestone Celebrates ‘Grand Opening’

DULUTH, Minn.– The Bluestone property has continued to expand, and become a more vibrant and sought-after area to live over the past years. Today, Bluestone, which opened back in late July, held the official grand opening of its most recent luxury apartments called the ‘Vue at Bluestone’ where both residents and contributors came together to officially celebrate this new property….

Multi-Housing Conference Comes to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Landlords and housing managers are looking to improve living experiences for Northlanders. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association hosted a housing industry conference at the Holiday Inn and Suites in downtown Duluth, where multi housing professionals got a chance to learn, improve, and network within the industry.  The Building Bridges conference included four breakout sessions, offering a total of…

Judy Garland Museum Seeing Strong Visitation in 2021

A Recent $10,000 Donation from Celebrity John Oliver is Helping Keep the Museum in Good Standing Financially

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave small, non-profit organizations scrambling to pay the bills from month to month. Staff at the Judy Garland Museum are thankful for visitors, and the recent visibility they’ve received from a well-known celebrity. If you’re off to see the wizard in Northern Minnesota, you’ll end up smack dab in the middle…

Wade Stadium Hosts Local Artists in ‘Season Splash’

DULUTH, Minn. — Wade Stadium was filled Thursday evening for what’s called the “Season Splash”, bringing together all type of local artists to showcase their skills. The Lake Superior Youth Chorus, Wise Fool Theater, and Minnesota Ballet were among the performers. Organizers say being able to come together and perform on stage sheds light on the talent in the Twin…

Essentia Radiologist Expresses Importance of Annual Breast Cancer Screening

Annual Mammograms Should Begin for High-Risk Women at Age 40

DULUTH, Minn. – On the heels of Sen. Klobuchar’s breast cancer announcement, local oncologists and radiologists are taking time to express the importance of routine mammograms. At Essentia Health in Duluth, numbers are returning to normal after a pause on routine screenings from March through May in 2020. Roughly 200 mammograms are performed each day throughout Essentia facilities. The American…

Local Artists Paint Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit organization, Duluth Street Art Initiative, is teaming up with Northland artists and property owners in bringing color and creativity to a downtown Duluth alley in the next four days. The group of artists are creating murals along the walls and may even add installation pieces. “We’re trying to clean this alley up and make it…

New Snow Emergency Sign Enforcement

DULUTH, Minn.- The city recently finished installing 2,200 snow emergency signs all over Duluth to alert drivers of what streets must be cleared for snow plowing, and now it’s only a couple of months until those warning signs will be enforced.  When a snow emergency is declared, all streets with the signage must be cleared of cars. If your vehicle…

Major Solar Panel Manufacturing Facility Expansion Mountain Iron

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Solar panel assembly company Heliene is making a $21 million facility expansion with the construction of an additional 68,000 square foot manufacturing facility. State and community leaders, including State Senator David Tomassoni, gathered for the official announcement on Thursday. President of Heliene, Martin Pochtaruk is naming the new structure after Tomassoni, honoring him for his work in…

Sweeping New Vaccine Mandates for 100 Million Americans

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is announcing sweeping new federal vaccine requirements affecting as many as 100 million Americans in an all-out effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations and curb the surging delta variant that is killing thousands each week and jeopardizing the nation’s economic recovery. The expansive rules mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to…

FDA Delays Decision on E-Cigarettes From Vaping Giant Juul

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal health officials have delayed a high-stakes decision on whether to permit bestselling vaping brand Juul to stay on the market. At the same time, the agency banned thousands of lesser-known electronic cigarettes and related products from store shelves. Parents, politicians, and anti-tobacco advocates have pressured the Food and Drug Administration for years to ban Juul’s high-nicotine…

Minnesota Schools See Slight Bump in Weekly Virus Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota schools are seeing increases in weekly coronavirus cases as students return to classrooms across the state. More than 100 facilities from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade reported infections last week. That’s according to a weekly COVID-19 report released by the Minnesota Department of Health on Thursday. The figure is up from previous weeks but remains a fraction…

United Airlines Lays Out Vaccination Rules for Employees

Airline's 67,000 employees have until Sept. 27 to get vaccinated

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (FOX Business) – United Airlines says that more than half its employees who weren’t vaccinated last month have gotten their shots since the company announced that vaccines would be required. The airline’s 67,000 U.S.-based employees face a Sept. 27 deadline for getting vaccinated. United said Wednesday, however, that employees whose bids for exemptions based on…

Superior National Forest Scales Back Closures Related to the John Ek, Whelp Fires

DULUTH, Minn. – The Superior National Forest is scaling back closures associated with the John Ek and Whelp fires along the Gunflint Trail due to recent rains and moderated fire weather. “Fall weather conditions have moderated the John Ek and Whelp fires, both of which have remained within their perimeters for days. After talking with our fire, wilderness, and recreation…

Midday Update 9-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 9, 2021

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

Lake Superior Harvest Festival Returns to Bayfront Park

Lake Superior Harvest Festival is Happening Saturday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall is the perfect time of year to get your hands on locally grown, farm-fresh produce and goods. The Lake Superior Harvest Festival will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, September 11. It’s happening from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Participants are invited to enjoy the largest farmer’s market in the region as well as artisan…

Howard’s Que Sets Up Shop in Duluth’s All American Club

Cooking Connection: Chicken Vegetable Alfredo from Howard's Que

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes you to Howard’s Que in the Lincoln Park Craft District of Duluth. Owner Howard Ross now operates his business out of the All American Club. Aside from ribs, potato salad, and other traditional BBQ staples, Ross also whips up a mouthwatering chicken alfredo with mixed vegetables. Click here to see the full…

Michigan Updates Quarantine Guidance for Masked Students

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan has issued updated guidance to help schools and local health departments navigate whether asymptomatic students exposed to a coronavirus-infected student should quarantine at home or stay in school. Unvaccinated but masked students who were less than 3 feet from a COVID-positive student now can remain in school but only if they are tested daily for…

Morning Update 9-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 9, 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

Republican Kleefisch Enters Wisconsin Governor’s Race

(courtesy: Twitter/Rebecca Kleefisch) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican Rebecca Kleefisch, who spent eight years as lieutenant governor under Scott Walker, has launched her campaign for governor. Kleefisch contrasts herself with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in her campaign launch video, casting him as weak and her as ready to back police and fight special interests. The 46-year-old Kleefisch becomes the best-known…

US Jobless Claims Reach a Pandemic Low as Economy Recovers

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 310,000, a pandemic low and a sign that the surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant has yet to lead to widespread layoffs. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims dropped from a revised total of 345,000 the week before….

Minnesota’s Klobuchar Says She Had Breast Cancer; Doing Well

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced Thursday that she has been treated for breast cancer that was found in February and the treatment “went well.” Klobuchar, 61, tweeted that the cancer was detected during a routine mammogram, and eventually she had a lumpectomy to remove the cancer. She said she completed radiation treatment in May, and a checkup…

‘On Golden Pond’ to Light up Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater

DULUTH, Minn. – Live theater is returning to the Spirit of the North Theater inside the Fitger’s Complex this weekend with a brand new production. The original 1979 screenplay version of “On Golden Pond” will take center stage. It’s a romantic, funny and family oriented show. The production will run for two weekends starting this Friday at 7 p.m. The…

Bus Driver Shortage Causing ‘Very Real Concerns’ For Barnum Student Athletes

BARNUM, Minn. — A shortage of bus drivers with the Barnum School District is causing “very real concerns” about not being able to transport student athletes to their games, according to a letter from the district to parents and students Wednesday (see below). Parents are being asked to get ready to figure out how to get their own athletes to…

Judy Garland Museum Gets Big Financial Boost From John Oliver

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-The Judy Garland Museum recently received a big financial boost from an unlikely source. Comedian and HBO host John Oliver opened up applications to museums to apply to get a $10,000 donation. The museum, which is dedicated to the famed hometown actress, was eventually chosen to the surprise of staff. “The other locations that were chosen are small…

UWS Hosts Welcome Back Concert, Bayside Sounds with GB Leighton

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– UWS put on a welcome concert outside of the Yellowjacket Union with “Bayside Sounds” featuring GB Leighton. GB Leighton is an American artist and rock band, and listed among Billboard.com’s Top 10 Artists to Watch. Close to 250 students and people in the neighborhood showed up for the concert, along with food trucks and an inflatable obstacle course….

Bus Driver Shortage in the Northland

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Similar to several other businesses, school transportation services are facing an employee shortage. Northland schools are back in session, and more bus drivers are needed, especially in the Hermantown School District. The Hermantown school district usually has 19 bus drivers, including substitute drivers, but they now only have 13 drivers. “I think the hard part is there’s training…

Students Help Hermantown High School Teacher with Fundraiser

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown High School science teacher was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer this past July. Students and teachers, including his son, are coming together to raise money for the teacher’s family. Tony Dobinson is a 9th-grade chemistry teacher who could not return to Hermantown High School this fall after being diagnosed with cancer in his liver and…

Duluth Police Seeking Public’s Help in Locating Missing Person

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman. According to police, 34-year-old Raechelle Monique Long Elk was last seen in the Duluth area on Friday, September 3, 2021. Long Elk is described as a 5’1”, 130 pound Native American/Hispanic woman. Authorities say The family is concerned about her well-being as…

City of Duluth to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will host a closed indoor Remembrance Ceremony this Saturday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Members of the Duluth Police and Fire Departments will join Mayor Emily Larson, Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, and Police Chief Mike Tusken for the ceremony at the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center’s Ice Cube…

Cloquet to Implement Water Restrictions Starting Friday

CLOQUET, Minn. – Councilors in Cloquet passed a resolution Tuesday to restrict non-essential water usage in the city due to ongoing drought conditions. With 78 percent of Minnesota now experiencing at least severe drought, the Minnesota DNR has determined that the state is now in the drought warning phase of the State Drought Plan. To help conserve and protect local…

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Returns to New York City Streets

(AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, file) NEW YORK (AP) – The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to New York City’s streets this year with COVID-19 protocols including a vaccination requirement for parade volunteers. Macy’s says the Nov. 25 parade will be broadcast on NBC and will feature the traditional giant balloons, celebrity performers, clowns, and marching bands. Macy’s presented a…

Midday Update 9-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 8, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share an update on news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Spirit of the North Theater Presents Performances of “On Golden Pond”

The Performance is Being Organized by Boat Club Productions

DULUTH, Minn. – The Spirit of the North Theater inside the Fitger’s complex in Duluth is proud to be hosting performances of “On Golden Pond.” Organized by Boat Club Productions, the production takes center stage starting Friday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Showtimes:  Saturday, Sept. 11 – 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12 – 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 – 7…

Report: COVID-19 Pandemic Driving Alcohol Sales in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report suggests people are buying dramatically more alcohol as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. Revenue from state excise taxes on alcohol during the fiscal year that ended June 30 totaled $73.8 million, up almost 17% from $63.3 million the previous year, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Revenue cited in the…

Morning Update 9-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 8, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share an update on news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, Tourism, weather

Superior Council Delays Vote on Future Handling of Tourism Tax Revenue

Paine is calling for the creation of a tourism commission made up of six members to delegate the money as they see fit as long as it falls within state statutes.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Superior Mayor Jim Paine’s proposal to create a tourism commission to handle how the city spends its tourism tax revenue — a role currently held by Travel Superior — was referred to a special Committee of the Whole Meeting for more discussion. The decision was made after more than an hour of public…

Duluth ISD 709 Elementary Students Start School Year In-Person with Smiles, Masks on Faces

Face coverings are required in school and on the bus at Homecroft.

DULUTH, Minn.- The energy was high among the 1st through 5th graders after the first full day back at Homecroft Elementary, just one of many schools in the Northland opening up for the school year. “You can see it in their eyes even though we’ve got masks on most of the time that smile is there, the laughter is there,”…

Grand Rapids Police Help Get Buck Unstuck from Hammock

One of the officers nearly took a hit from a hoof before the deer's hind legs also got tangled, making it easier for them to cut it free and get that buck, unstuck.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hammocks can be tricky for some humans, but two Grand Rapids Police officers last week had to help out a deer tangled in one. In a video posted by the Grand Rapids Police Department, the two officers got a blanket normally used for accidents and medical calls and tried to calm the deer down, but he wasn’t…

DECC Parking to Double to $10 to Help Offset Maintenance Costs

DECC officials say it will help pay for on-going maintenance needs on the lots and ramps of the parking structure.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Tuesday, anyone parking at the DECC will have to pay double, as the rate will increase for the first time in 13 years. Parking at the DECC will now cost $10, up from $5 previously. The rate will also be $10 at Marcus Cinema, though you will still get reimbursed once you buy a movie ticket. DECC…

College of St. Scholastica Kicks off First Day of Classes

DULUTH, Minn.- The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth is back in session, bringing students on campus for their first day of classes. The college welcomed its first-year students with an in-person ceremony as a rite of passage to ring in its 110th year. School faculty and Saints Heritage Club alumni attended the ceremony. “Just meeting new people and experiencing…