News – Latest News

VFW, Behavioral Health Clinic Destroyed by Fire in Grand Rapids

Crews were not able to get into Lakeview Behavioral Health that caught fire upon arriving at the scene, but they were able to enter the VFW and save important items.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Saturday night fire has destroyed two buildings and damaged a third in downtown Grand Rapids on NW 3rd street. The Grand Rapids VFW and the Lakeview Behavioral Health were left in ruins from the blaze. No one was hurt in the fire except for one firefighter who was treated and released. The fire department arrived…

Free Solar Energy Workshop Held in West Duluth

Families learned about renewable energy at the Family Freedom Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- Families learned more about renewable energy at a free Solar Workshop at the Family Freedom Center The workshop featured informational booths with training and job opportunities in renewable energy. There were also interactive solar-based games for kids. According to organizers, renewable energy is the right way to go in the Northland. “The interesting thing about renewable energy and…

2nd Annual Carlton County Food Fair Attracts Hundreds

The fair had 30 vendors including food preservers, bakers, and farmers.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Hundreds of people learned about local food at the Carlton County Food Fair at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. The fair had 30 vendors including food preservers, bakers, and farmers. Those at the fair were able to learn how local food is made and preserved through the winter months. There were even things like wild…

Spirit Mountain Busy During Warm Weather

Some skiers say it is easier to try new tricks in the weather because when they fall the snow is soft to land on.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the 50-degree temperatures on Saturday people were hitting the slopes taking advantage of the weather. Spirit Mountain was busy with hundreds of people enjoying the warm temperatures, most were skiing and snowboarding in just sweatshirts and pullovers. There were lots of people using the terrain parks enjoying the jumps. Some skiers say it is easier to…

Wild State Cider Hosts Adult Spelling Bee

DULUTH, Minn.– Tonight, people got a chance to do something many haven’t done since high school. At the adult spelling bee at Wild State Cider contestants wrote out words on paper. The top 20 spellers got to advance to the next round. Later rounds had people standing up and spelling the words out loud. The top speller got a generous…

Rookie Basketball Association Celebrates 32nd Season

This season, 511 kids, 98 volunteer coaches, and 52 teams made up the association in its biggest year yet.

DULUTH, Minn. – Young basketball players and their families gathered at Denfeld High School to celebrate the 32nd season of the Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association. This season, 511 kids, 98 volunteer coaches, and 52 teams made up the association in its biggest year yet. Last year, the Duluth Amateur Youth Basketball Association merged with the Rookie Basketball Association. They…

Coronavirus Impacting Local Fishing Gear Inventories

Marine General usually receives four truckloads of kayaks a year and this year they will only be getting two.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus is having far-reaching effects on businesses including the local fishing industry. Marine General in Duluth’s owner, Russ Francisco, tells Fox 21 that because of disruptions in the supply chains in Channa caused by COVID-19 the store will see fewer shipments of their usual summer products. Marine General usually receives four truckloads of kayaks a year…

Couponing Class Shows How to Shop Smart

DULUTH, Minn,– Everybody wants to try and save on their grocery bill. A class in Duluth gives them an opportunity to do just that. Kenwood Lutheran Church put on the annual class in honor of national food share month. Those attending learned tips and tricks on saving money at the grocery store and being able to make their dollar go…

New Hotel Could Come to East Hillside

Hotel would serve students, hospital workers, construction workers.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new short-term stay hotel could be coming to Duluth’s East Hillside Neighborhood. Developer Nick Christensen wants to convert the old commercial building at 808 Second Street into a 6-unit hotel for students, hospital employees, and construction workers to stay in, while they find a place to live nearby. “People will come form out of area to do…

Cougars Come to Lake Superior Zoo

Brothers and Sister Cougar Duo Raised by Zookeepers Get New Habitat

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo will open their first ever cougar exhibit Saturday. Two cougars, a brother named Tacoma and sister named Olympia who were orphaned last year and raised by Zookeepers will occupy the new habitat, right next to the upcoming Bear Country Exhibit. “These guys actually haven’t seen a whole lot of people come through, they’ve been…

Coronavirus Information Phone Line and Webpage Offered by St. Louis County

Public Health Nurses will be on hand to answer questions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid Coronavirus concerns spreading across the country, St. Louis County opened up an information phone line and a website for people to call or visit to get their Coronavirus concerns addressed. Public Health nurses will be at the ready Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new Coronavirus….

It’s National Oreo Day!

Two women compete in the Minute to Win It Oreo challenge.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Oreo Day! In honor of the special occasion, we put two lucky ladies to the test to find out who loves the delicious treat the most. With one minute on the clock, both were tasked with getting America’s favorite cookie from their forehead and into their month. But the catch is, they could only use…

West Duluth Neighborhood Road Is Being Used As An Illegal Trash Dump Site

"This has been going on for a long time. This is nothing new," said Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved.

The few pieces of trash that currently sit on 108th Avenue in West Duluth is nothing compared to what is usually dumped. Now that the city is looking to taking action, residents are hoping the change will come. “This has been going on for a long time. This is nothing new,” said Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved. “I’ve lived here…

Midday Update 3-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

SilverSneakers: Active Older Adults Slide into Exercise at the Superior YMCA

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Family YMCA Hosts 65+ Workout Classes

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads to a YMCA class with the SilverSneakers! This a group of 65+ year olds working out together to keep their bodies healthy. They focus on stretching, warm ups, exercises, a yoga cool down and more! Increasing flexibility and helping with balance to prevent falls, the class builds…

St. Louis County Launches COVID-19 Webpage, Information Phone Line

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County announced on Friday that it has launched an information phone line and web page to help people access up-to-date information about COVID-19. “We want people to be informed so they can make educated decisions about how best to prepare and protect themselves and those around them,” said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health…

Portion of Shamrock Shake Sales to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities

From March 6 - 17, 25 Cents From Each Shamrock Shake Sale will Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities in Upper Midwest

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a type of March madness with a minty twist all for a good cause. The shamrock shakes are back at local McDonald’s restaurants, and now you can help those in need by simply purchasing one. From March 6 – 17, more than 230 participating restaurants in Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and Ironwood, Michigan will donate 25 cents…

Morning Update 3-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Hundreds of Kids Attend Dr. Seuss Celebration at UWS

Kids and their families were even given a free Dr. Seuss book to help foster a love of reading.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Beloved author Dr. Seuss’s birthday falls in March and Thursday, UWS students and Twin Ports families celebrated the author with fun games geared towards getting the community involved at the Jim Dan Hill Library. Some activities included an obstacle course, a cat in the hat, and ring toss, all Dr. Seuss themed. Kids and their families were…

Fire Destroys Multiple Garage Units

A fire ripped through two garage units at the Highland Village Apartments just off Central Entrance.

DULUTH, Minn. – Just after 8 last night, a fire ripped through two garage units at the Highland Village Apartments just off Central Entrance. At this hour, authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which caused 90 thousand dollars in damages. There were no injuries reporting in all of this, as the apartments are detached from the garage. Categories:…

Juried Art Exhibit Held at UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Students at UWS today got a chance to put their art on display for everyone to see. The annual Juried Art Exhibit at the Kruk Gallery showcased over 30 pieces of artwork from 30 different students. Students of every major were able to submit their art. UWS alumni Natalie Rude, who is a currently an artist in Duluth…

Social Justice Social Bridges Generational Gap

DULUTH, Minn.– An event called the Social Justice Social” was held at the Zeitgeist Theater tonight to try and get young adults more active in social justice causes and organizations. The social was put on by the Duluth NAACP and included food, prizes, and networking opportunities. Organizers say they hope to use the social justice social to open the door…

A Community Survey Takes A Look Into Emotional Impacts Of The 2018 Husky Refinery Explosion

UMD graduate student Alyssa Dindorf is embarking on a journey to examine how the incident unfolded in the eyes of the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Husky Refinery explosion in 2018 was quite a devastation for many people in the Twin Ports. It was an event, that no one ever wants to experience again. It disrupted the lives of many people in the Twin Ports including causing thousands to evacuate their homes for safety. But as the years go by its impacts…

DTA Keeps Up With Daily Sanitizing As A Precaution For The Coronavirus

"We want them to feel comfortable knowing we are taking care of the equipment they ride on so they feel safe and secure," said the DTA General Manager.

DULUTH, Minn. – City buses can be another top spot for getting a virus. The Duluth Transit authority says they are continuing their daily practices to help keep their passengers healthy. The DTA currently has a chain of more than 75 buses used for transportation services. Every bus returned in the evening is thoroughly cleaned to help prevent the spread…

Duluth Tutor Focuses on Encouragement as She Teaches Kids in China

The coronavirus outbreak is having an impact on many types of businesses and workers...especially those who have jobs with direct connection to certain parts of the world. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus outbreak is having an impact on many types of businesses and workers…especially those who have jobs with direct connection to certain parts of the world. Kristina Winings has been teaching English online to kids in China for the past seven months through a program called VIPKid. She’s had a first-hand look at what children are…

St. Luke’s Partners with Duluth Airport Authority for Ways to Combat Sickness

Local organizations throughout the city are doing their best to combat the coronavirus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local organizations throughout the city are doing their best to combat the coronavirus… The Duluth Airport has partnered with St. Luke’s in providing handsanitizer and wipes to traveling customers… Those organizations are encouraging customers to clean their seating area with the wipes, along with arm rests, tray tables and seat pockets. They also want travelers to wash…

Pence Pledges to ‘Lean Into’ Fight Against Coronavirus

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence is pledging that federal officials will “lean into” the fight against the new coronavirus. The vice president commented from Minnesota, where he visited with a leading maker of masks being used to stem the spread of the virus. He spoke after meeting with 3M CEO Mike Roman and Minnesota Gov. Tom Walz…

Banh Mi Pizza Piled High With Superb Crunch

COOKING CONNECTION: Lulu's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot headed over to the brand new pizza place in town, LULU’S PIZZA! With their grand opening just under their belt and a changing menu to feed Duluthian’s needs, they offer a calm and welcoming environment when you walk through the door. Delivery will soon be offered to businesses,…

2nd Annual Local Food Fair Happening Saturday in Cloquet

The 2nd Annual Local Food Fair is Happening at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – Happening Saturday, March 7, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will host the 2nd annual Local Food Fair sponsored by the United Way of Carlton County. The event is set to bring together local farmers, bakers, and other food producers. The Local Food Fair is happening from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings…

Midday Update 3-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Duluth Police K9 Luna to Receive Donated Body Armor in Memory of K9 Haas

DULUTH, Minn. – A Massachusetts non-profit organization has donated a bullet and stab protective vest to the Duluth Police Department’s K9 Luna. The non-profit organization that is donating the vest, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., says their mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United…

Warren Ends 2020 Presidential Bid After Super Tuesday Rout

WASHINGTON (AP) – Elizabeth Warren has ended her Democratic presidential bid after a disappointing finish in Super Tuesday states. That’s according to a person familiar with her plans. The Massachusetts senator’s campaign had the markers of success: robust poll numbers, impressive fundraising, a national organization. But she was squeezed out by Bernie Sanders, who had an immovable base of voters…

Morning Update 3-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Fire Damages Garage Units at Highland Village Apartments

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth fire crews responded to reports of a garage fire at the Highland Village Apartments Wednesday night. According to the Duluth Fire Department, firefighters arriving on the scene around 8:00 p.m. found a 24-unit garage with heavy smoke. Fire damage was confined to two garage units with damage to contents estimated at around $30,000. Initial loss estimates…

West Duluth Dairy Queen Open for the Season

Dairy Queen had been closed since October

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring must be here because the West Duluth Dairy Queen is now open for the season. Customers have been flocking to the store, waiting in line at the front window and in the drive-thru to get their favorite ice cream treats. The owner tells us it’s exciting to open the store every year in the first week…

UMD Hosts Annual Equity, Race, & Ethnicity Summit

"If we are having the conversation we can learn and decide action steps together to make our community more equitable and include a more diverse way of thinking," said Jace Aspling.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 500 students, staff, and community members came together today for the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Annual Equity, Race, and Ethnicity Summit. The main goal of the summit is to continue the discussion for the inclusion of all people. This year’s theme was centered around the university’s commitment to acknowledge its connection to indigenous people. More than…