News – Latest News

Northland Red Cross Sends Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Laura Relief, Seeking More

Officials with the Northland Chapter of the Red Cross in Duluth say so far more volunteers are needed for medical, logistics, and other roles.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Hurricane Laura nears landfall on the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is gearing up to dispatch their response teams to the hardest hit areas ready to pick up the pieces from what is projected to be a devastating hurricane. One nurse from International Falls just landed in Houston Wednesday, and four more volunteers from the Northland…

Watch Live: Republican National Convention Day Three

WASHINGTON (AP) —A speaker who had been expected to deliver remarks on the third night of the Republican National Convention has been unexpectedly removed from the program hours before airtime. Another speaker’s appearance is up in the air. The campaign confirmed that Robert Unanue, the president and CEO of Goya Foods, will not be speaking Wednesday night, citing a “logistical…

Duluth Library’s Curbside Pickup Gains Popularity

The main Duluth library's curbside pickup program has doubled its amount of users since the start of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The main Duluth library’s curbside pickup program has doubled its amount of users since the start of the pandemic. The Duluth Public Library system has been shut down since mid-March for in-person service. But they are still finding a way to serve their patrons through their curbside pickup program. Adam and Alex Albright came to the library…

Masks Wanted For Singers

One Northland choir director is asking for people to make singer-friendly masks for her choir students.

CLOQUET, Minn. – One Northland choir director is asking for people to make singer-friendly masks for her choir students. The director for Cloquet middle and high schools found it was difficult to sing through a typical cloth mask. But now, she’s found a design for a mask suitable for signers. She has the pattern for it and is asking those…

DTA Announces Upcoming Service Changes

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced upcoming services changes on Wednesday which includes pausing two routes to Park Point and West Duluth. On Wednesday, the DTA said they would be pausing routes #4 and #15 until further notice due to “current staffing realities, and the operational approach required to deliver a safe and reliable service level to the public.” Dial-a-ride…

Boycott: NBA Playoff Games Called off Amid Player Protest

(Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — All three NBA playoff games scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed, with players around the league choosing to boycott in their strongest statement yet against racial injustice. Called off: Games between Milwaukee and Orlando, Houston and Oklahoma City, and the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland. The NBA said…

Fatal Duluth Hillside Apartment Fire Deemed Accidental

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office says a fatal fire that broke out earlier this month in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood has been deemed accidental. In the early morning hours of August 11, Duluth fire crews responded to reports of an apartment building fire. When crews arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the first and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 71,236 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,793 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,406,007 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,374 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,274 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 8-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Laura Now Forecast to Be a Catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — Forecasters Hurricane Laura is now expected to rapidly power up into a ‘catastrophic’ Category 4 hurricane — an even stronger storm than previously expected — as it churns toward Texas and Louisiana, gathering wind and water that now covers much of the Gulf of Mexico. Satellite images show that Laura has become “a formidable hurricane” in…

Twin Ports Community Honors Four-Legged Soldier Lost Too Soon

Sarge Was an Honorary Member of the Superior Honor Guard

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Man’s best friend can impact humans in a unique and lasting way. On Friday, Aug. 21, the residents in the Twin Ports community took time out of the day to honor a four-legged soldier leaving a lasting impact on many in the region. This type of somber ceremony happens once in a blue moon at the Richard…

Former State Senator, Duluth City Councilor Named as DECC Interim Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center board has formally nominated former state Senator and Duluth City Councilor Roger Reinert as the Interim Executive Director. The decision was made during a Wednesday morning virtual meeting about the DECC’s status and plan for the remainder of the year. Reinert has acted as the interim liaison for the last two months…

Morning Update 8-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…

Mentors Needed To Help Support Students During The School Year

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…

Northland School Districts Switch Plans To Safely Resume Academic Year

The first day of class is September 8th for both Duluth and Proctor Public Schools.

NORTHLAND – COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike across the northland. Now several schools in the region are making adjustments to plans originally put in place for the start of the academic year. Minnesota schools were given three options to choose from to safely resume the 20-21 school year. Many Northland school districts had planned on implementing a hybrid model,…

DECC Board Parts Ways With Executive Director, No. 2 Leader To Retire

Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…

Firefighters Battle Hours-Long Fire at Historic Downtown Hibbing Building

The cause of the Moose Event Center fire is still unknown and under investigation.

HIBBING, Minn.- No one was injured fighting an inferno Tuesday that collapsed the roof of the Moose Event Center on Howard Street in Hibbing, according to fire officials. But what does hurt to the small town, is the loss of a building that houses many businesses and memories. “As I stood outside and watched it just kept, no matter how…

Virtual Roundtable Held on Fuel Standards

Local legislators met earlier today with advocates to discuss climate change's impact on Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local legislators met earlier today with advocates to discuss climate change’s impact on Minnesota. Some of the top concerns addressed include how fuel standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks will benefit Minnesotans, arguing that clean car standards could help protect the environment along with our health while also helping grow the economy. “I’m very concerned about…

World’s Oldest Hockey Player Mark “Sertie” Sertich Passes Away

Sertie became the Guinness World Record-holder for oldest hockey player at age 95 and still played at the Heritage Center multiple times a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sad news to report as Duluth native and the World’s Oldest Hockey Player Mark “Sertie” Sertich passed away on Monday morning. Just last month, friends and family surprised Sertich with a drive-by birthday parade to celebrate his 99th  birthday. “His popularity he has is just amazing. Everyone that meets him just instantly likes him and they admire…

North Shore Adventure Park Gives Visitors a Thrilling Challenge

North Shore Adventure Park has been open for a little over a year and has multiple courses for anyone to try.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – North Shore Adventure Park is challenging people of all ages. “It’s about climbing in the trees, it’s about challenging yourself. “We have a little rascals playground for kids 3-6. It’s enough for them to practice and it’s only about 6 inches to a foot off the ground. I’m 69 and I challenge any senior out there…

Cook County Leaders Address Issues of Racial Inequity

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.– Leaders in Cook County are addressing the issue of racial inequities in the county and how they can do better. The Cook County Joint Powers Group met virtually Tuesday night to talk about what each organization is doing or planning to help resolve racial inequities. One topic brought up was creating a land acknowledgement with members of…

Watch Live: Republican National Convention Day Two

WASHINGTON (AP) — The people closest to President Donald Trump — his family — are starring on the second night of the Republican National Convention as the GOP works to reintroduce the president to American voters in the midst of the campaign and pandemic. Tuesday’s program is designed around the theme of “Land of Opportunity.” Beyond the president’s family, the…

CHUM Gives Away Backpacks

CHUM held its annual backpack giveaway today after raising $25,000 to hand out 1,400 backpacks to students in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM held its annual backpack giveaway today after raising $25,000 to hand out 1,400 backpacks to students in need. Staff from CHUM say the generosity from the Northland was overwhelming this year. “It’s always great to see this sort of happening,” said Scott Van Daele, the director of distributive services at CHUM. “The community of Duluth and…

Baby Delivered!: Duluth Fire Department Receives Unique Call

The Duluth Fire Department is being celebrated after they helped with the aftermath of the delivery of a healthy baby at someone's home on a very unique call. Now the parents are giving thanks to the department for all that they do. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department is being celebrated after they helped with the aftermath of the delivery of a healthy baby at someone’s home on a very unique call. Now, the parents are giving thanks to the department for all that they do. It was last Monday at 2:45 a.m. when baby Ezra arrived to a couple of…

Lawsuit Seeks Repeal of Wisconsin Governor’s Mask Mandate

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed by a conservative law firm that seeks overturn Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. Tony Evers. The lawsuit filed by Tuesday in Polk County Circuit Court by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of three western Wisconsin residents argues…

Minnesota Plans Sharp Boost in Coronavirus Testing Capacity

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota plans to more than double its coronavirus testing capacity by partnering with a national distributor of a rapid saliva test and establishing a new lab to process the results. The governor’s office says the state is finalizing a $14.7 million deal with Rutgers University-based RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which offers the country’s first saliva COVID-19 test, and…

Red Flag Warning Issued Due to Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…

Fire Crews Battle Blaze in Downtown Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire departments are continuing to battle a fire in downtown Hibbing. The fire broke out at the Moose Event Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Northland FireWire reported around 11:30 a.m. that crews were battling a “defensive fire” and firefighters were out of the building. It is not yet known if…

WHAT TO WATCH: Melania, Pompeo and Trump on Day 2 of GOP convention

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tuesday’s program at the Republican National Convention is likely to wade into familiar waters, with a lineup expected to speak on divisive issues like abortion and “cancel culture.” What to watch at the convention Tuesday: TRUMP Trump appeared frequently during the first day of his party’s convention. While he is expected to make an appearance during prime-time…

Midday Update 8-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 8-25-20

Local News and Waether Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Duluth Police Take A Deeper Look At Types Of People They Want To Hire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has been scouting to potentially fill openings for officers. In the wake of such tragedies like the death of George Floyd, the department has had to a deeper look into the types of people they are looking to hire. The department is focusing more on finding people with a strong character, extensive critical…

First Quarter of School Year Now Distance Learning for Duluth Middle, H.S. Students

DULUTH — The Duluth School District announced Monday that middle and high school students will fully use a distance learning model for the first quarter of the school year. Supt. John Magas said the change through Nov. 6 will allow the district to safely handle state-mandated childcare service for around 1,000 kids who have at least one parent who is…

Yellow Bike Coffee Opens at LSC

One local business will have a new location at LSC.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business will have a new location at LSC. Yellow Bike Coffee along with the college are partnering together to open up a cafe on the main campus. Yellow Bike Coffee provided free coffee and cookies to students for the first day of classes at the college. The company will be opening up their new permanent…

Thrift Stores Are Busy Helping Those In Need

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…

Students At UMD Will Have To Wait To Return To Campus

"Despite extensive preparation research planning and advice, the landscape is shifting yet again and we need to reevaluate our fall plans," said U of M system President Joan Gabel.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….

Highway 45 Thrift Store Serving Community Need

With the Salvation Army and Goodwill closed in Cloquet, the new thrift store hopes to help get people what they need.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Highway 45 Thrift Store finally opened its doors in June, making a dream turn into a reality for co-owner Jill Rousseau. “I’ve always wanted to have a store and we finally have the opportunity to have one because the time was right to open one. We had Goodwill close and Salvation Army,” Rousseau said. The thrift store…

Duluth’s City Council Approves Funding for Storm-Damaged Lakewalk, Brighton Beach

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve up to $4.5 million in bond money to finish the $20-million Lakewalk reconstruction project. Most of the project is being funded through storm relief from the federal government. A city spokesperson says the city’s obligation of up to $4.5 million is best paid by a bond right now…

Businesses and UMD Students React to Decision to Push Back Move-In Day by Two Weeks

Some local businesses that college kids go to say they won't see too much of a change with the push back of move-in.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at UMD were getting ready to move into the dorms this Wednesday and now that date has been pushed back until at least September 9. Some parents had already asked for the day off work to help their kids move in. One UMD senior says he isn’t really impacted by the decision but his freshman sister…