News – Latest News

2nd Annual Northern Pines Sled Dog Race Happening in Iron River

The Northern Pines Sled Dog Race is Happening Saturday, February 15, 2020

IRON RIVER, Wis. – The community of Iron River, Wisconsin, is thrilled to be hosting the 2nd annual Northern Pines Sled Dog Race on Saturday, February 15. The event is happening at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center. It’s free and open to the public. Races will begin around 8:30 a.m. Organizers encourage families in the region come…

Think Local Gift Giving This Valentine’s Day

Duluth Loves Local Encourages Northlanders to Shop Small Businesses This Valentine's Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Flowers, chocolates, and a nice dinner out. It’s the traditional Valentine’s Day date, but it doesn’t have to be the same old plan every year. Duluth Loves Local is encouraging Northlanders to think outside of the box when it comes to gift giving for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. The 2020 Portside Pass is now available at…

Morning Update 2-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

London Road House Fire Causes $25,000 in Damages

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to a house fire Sunday afternoon on the 5300 Block of London Road. Initial reports said somebody was trapped inside, but when fire crews arrived on the scene they learned that all occupants were safely out of the home. The fire started in the attic on the third floor. Firefighter closed off nearby streets…

Mike Bloomberg Opens Campaign Field Office in Duluth

Duluth office one of five in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Democratic Presidential candidate set up a remote office in Duluth. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s campaign held a grand opening on Sunday. The office opened up on First Street Downtown, in the Duluth Athletic Club building. It’s one of five field offices in Minnesota for Bloomberg to boost his presence across the Super Tuesday state. According…

Valentini’s Moving from Duluth to Hermantown; Restaurant Assoc. Pres. Concerned Why

Association President says high taxes and fees is making it harder to run a restaurant in Duluth, one of the reasons why Valentini's moved.

DULUTH, Minn- Valentini’s Restaurant is preparing to move from its location on London Road to a permanent spot off Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown. Valentini’s operated on London Road for the past 13 years, and will remain open through September. But one reason for leaving is what the owner called the increased financial difficulty of running a restaurant in the…

Union Gospel Mission Holds Annual Hungry Hearts Food Drive

Each year the Union Gospel Mission on First Street in Duluth serves around 90,000 meals each year to community members in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Union Gospel Mission held its annual pre-Valentine’s Day Hungry Hearts Food Drive this weekend. It happens in Duluth and Cloquet at all Super One stores. Each year the Union Gospel Mission on First Street in Duluth serves around 90,000 meals each year to community members in need. Customers at the stores could donate cash or purchase…

Massive Firework Shot over Colorado Breaks World Record

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A massive firework launched over a Colorado ski resort town has set a record for the world’s largest aerial firework. The 2,800-pound (1,270-kilogram) shell flew 2,200 feet (671 meters) above the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival before it burst, turning the sky bright red and drawing gasps from the crowd, The Steamboat Pilot & Today reported. Tim…

Klobuchar Pushes to Keep Defying Expectations in Campaign

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’s plans to keep defying expectations heading into Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary. Though she’s spent the last year behind the front-runners, Klobuchar has enjoyed a burst of momentum in the last few days thanks to a strong debate performance and infusion of cash. At a rally at Southern New Hampshire University…

Soul and Soul Food Served to Hundreds at UMD

At 240 people the event was sold out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Great smells, great company, and of course great tastes packed the Kirby Ballroom for the Black Student Association’s annual Soul Food dinner. “It signifies black people and unity, honestly,” Black Student Association Treasurer Trina Kwamboka said. “Being brought together to eat by your Grandma, to eat some soul food. It’s a really big thing in the black culture.”…

Celebrating Winter and Community at Carlton Winterfest

25th annual Winterfest featured activities indoors and outdoors.

CARLTON, Minn.- The weather was just right in Carlton for the annual Winterfest. Families enjoyed face painting, animals from Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile, and a chili cookoff. Meanwhile outside they enjoyed “Mini Hook and Slice”: minigolf in the snow with tennis balls. The perfect way to spend a winter day. “People are, at this time of year in Minnesota winters…

Winter Bike Week Put the Pedal to the Metal

Experienced and inexperienced bikers gathered to ride with a guide, enjoy barbeque, and drink some local craft beer.

DULUTH, Minn. – It is 2020 Winter Bike Week and to celebrate Continental Ski and Bike held a free group ride at Lester Park in Duluth. Experienced and inexperienced bikers gathered to ride with a guide, enjoy barbecue, and drink some local craft beer from Ursa Minor. It is all part of Zeitgeist Community’s Winter Bike Week celebrating biking in…

Winter Frolic Attracts Hundreds to Two Harbors

Some events included a bags tournament, pop can racing, and even a vintage snowmobile run.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. –  The annual Two Harbors Winter Frolic wrapped up on Saturday. Hundreds of people came out to the many events over the three-day festival. Some events included a bags tournament, pop can racing, and even a vintage snowmobile run. The Winter Frolic has been going on for decades and gives community members a chance to enjoy the…

CHUM Warming Shelters to Activate Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday night, CHUM homeless shelter in Duluth is activating its warming shelters at Gloria Dei Church in Central Hillside, and the Harmony Club in West Duluth. The warming shelters will be open from 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. CHUM is asking visitors to not arrive early. The entrance to the Gloria Dei Warming Center is the “breakfast door”…

At Least 20 Killed in Thailand Mass Shooting

AP Photo/Sakchai Lalitkanjanakul NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand (AP) – A Cabinet minister in Thailand says at least 20 people have been killed and 31 injured in a mass shooting. The gunman, described by police as a soldier angry over a land dispute, holed up in a popular shopping mall in northeastern Thailand. Police commandos are searching the mall for the shooter,…

Wild State Cider Releases New Cider with Zero Added Sugar

Classic dry cider has already had a good reception.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wild State Cider has released a new beverage: Classic Dry cider. This cider has zero added sugar, and is made with champagne yeast. The cidery owner said they released it now, as people are trying to eat and drink healthier this time of year. “We joke that we think this is the future of cider that not all…

City of Duluth Launches New MuniciPals Podcast

First episode received 100 downloads in a day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is distributing information in a new way with a monthly podcast. The “MuniciPals” podcast started out as a joke according to officials, but has now turned into a new way to give people a behind the scenes look at the city, and distribute information on a wider scale. Following a peaceful guitar riff, Phil…

Hundreds Gather to Love their Local Artists

Superior Public Library's 10th annual event gathers 200-450 people.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Public Library was packed with hundreds of community members Friday night, who came out to celebrate and love their local artists. The Library hosted the 10th Annual Love Your Local Artists event. About 40 different local artists and craftspeople showed off their pieces to between 250 and 400 attendees, giving them a fun activity to do…

Guided Walk: Park Point Natural Area

Animals such as red fox, cottontail bunnies, grey squirrels, and even white-tail deer have made Park Point their home.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Lake Superior Maritime Ranger led a guided walk teaching people about the Park Point Natural Area. Animals such as red fox, cottontail bunnies, grey squirrels, and even white-tail deer have made Park Point their home. The ranger said her main goal is Northlanders gaining more knowledge so they can identify tracks in their own backyards. “I…

Community Throws Special Prom for Hermantown High School Student

Dozens of people got to celebrate with Christopher and eat food which was mostly donated by the community.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A special prom was held for a local Hermantown boy who is a high school senior. Christopher has autism and community members pulled together to throw him his own prom at The Social House in Hermantown. The DJ, photographer, and venue were donated to help Christopher celebrate. “He still got his crown and he still got to…

Wear Red Event Happening Throughout the Country

Whether it be head to toe or a little pop of red...

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it be head to toe or a little pop of red, millions all over the country are wearing red in support of women with cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes. According to experts, more women die from heart disease and cardiovascular disease every year than all cancers combined, something a lot of people might not be…

4th Annual Night to Shine Allows Everyone to Experience Prom

Night to Shine happens all over the United States and allows people who might not get a chance to experience their own school's prom a night to feel incredibly special.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Night to Shine Prom for people with special needs welcomed 150 guests and their invited guests for a night of celebration at Proctor High School. Night to Shine happens all over the United States and allows people who might not get a chance to experience their own school’s prom a night to feel incredibly special. In Proctor,…

UW-Superior Receives A Special Grant For Center For Community Engaged Learning

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin Superior is receiving a special grant. It’s Center for Community Engaged Learning is getting more than $20,000. The funding will help to support and expand their work to encourage students and the community to exercise their rights. The center received the twenty grant from Menard’s Center for Study of Institutions and Innovations. Part…

Non-Alcoholic Beer Served at Ursa Minor Brewing

And if you don't drink beer? Well that's okay...

DULUTH, Minn. – If you don’t drink beer? Well that’s okay… Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth has a beer just for you! The Constellation Cream Ale is the first non-alcoholic beer the brewery has made. The hops and the grains for the drink are made with 100% Minnesota ingredients. The brewery’s general manager says it’s all about providing an avenue…

“Give Kids a Smile” Program at Lake Superior College

Having access to dental care has become a growing problem for some young people in the Northland and today.

DULUTH, Minn. – Having access to dental care has become a growing problem for some young people in the Northland and today. Local dental professionals teamed up to make sure all kids can have that bright smile. Lake Superior College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic teamed up with dentists to provide free care for children. Thousands across the state received dental care…

Enbridge Seeks Permits for Rerouting Pipeline in Wisconsin

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) SUPERIOR, Wis. – Enbridge Inc. has launched the permitting process for rerouting its Line 5 pipeline across northern Wisconsin. The company decided to reroute the pipeline after the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued to force the removal of the line from its reservation. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge is seeking…

UMD Police Investigate Residence Hall Break-Ins

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD Police Department is investigating reports of someone opening or attempting to open doors of occupied rooms in the residence halls. UMD police say the incidents took place over the last several weeks. The department is looking for a person of interest who is described as a 5’5” white male, age 19-20, medium build with brown…

Midday Update 2-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

HealthPartners Union Voted in Favor of Strike

MINNEAPOLIS – Nurses, physician assistants and other caregivers in the union representing 1,800 HealthPartners workers have voted overwhelmingly to strike if a contract agreement cannot be reached before Feb. 19. Service Employees International Union represents 1,800 members at HealthPartners in Minnesota. The St. Paul Pioneer Press says 95% of members voted to begin a seven-day strike. The union announced the…

Behind Bars For FUN! Try To Escape This Test

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Escape Room Parties Brings Mobile Escape Rooms To The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott are locked up, in “Alcatraz prison”. Find out if they can escape… Join in on the escape room fun THIS WEEKEND ONLY. Thurs Feb. 6, Fri Feb. 7 & Sat. Feb 8th at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior,…

New Superintendent Selected for Hermantown School District

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown Community Schools have selected a new superintendent. The Hermantown Community Schools Board of Education voted this week to hire Wayne Whitwam, a principal from Centerville Elementary School, as the district’s new superintendent. “After careful consideration and with input from our community, staff and administration, we believe Mr. Whitwam has the depth of knowledge needed to lead…

Why Do We Wear Red on Friday, February 7, 2020?

The Date Serves as Go Red For Women Day, Raising Awareness For Heart Disease in Women

DULUTH, Minn. – Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Health experts say nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented yet cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive…

UW Regents Approve Tuition Hikes for Nonresidents, Grads

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has approved tuition hikes for nonresident and graduate students at six institutions. Increases will range between 1.5% and 25% at UW-Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point, and Whitewater starting this fall. The schools say they need more money to cover instruction, raises, recruiting faculty, technology and training…

Great Grey Owl Sighting Attracts Dozens of Bird Enthusiasts to Duluth

A Great Grey Owl Was Recently Spotted Along Interstate 35 Near 21st Avenue East in Duluth, a Rare Occurrence

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Grey Owl typically resides toward the tip of North America and across the pond in northern Russia. Recently, residents in the Northland captured a rare sight, one that has bird enthusiasts speaking out in this week’s Great Outdoors. “Even people that were just driving by living in the neighborhood, they pull over and ask what…

Morning Update 2-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Mix Cosmetiques Opens New Location in Duluth

Store specializes in handmade, custom cosmetics.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cosmetic store specializing in natural makeup that’s handmade has just opened up in a new storefront. Mix Cosmetiques had it’s grand opening today with a ribbon cutting at its new spot. It was formerly located downtown and in a kiosk at Miller Hill Mall. The store specializes in cosmetics made from natural ingredients, that customers can…

Lake Superior Nearly Ice-Free this Warm Winter

Ice coverage at less than 5% as temps are higher than normal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter’s unseasonably warm temperatures have left Lake Superior almost entirely without ice. According to experts at the National Weather Service, less than 5% of the lake is covered so far, while at this time last year 40% of the lake was covered. While less ice may make the water seem warmer, experts said that it’s still icy…

Meeting on Refugee Resettlement Turns Contentious

Both sides of the refugee issue clashed outside of meeting.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A presentation on refugee resettlement at the Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College sparked a bit of controversy Thursday. The presentation focused on explaining “all the facts” about refugee resettlement, while some people in attendance said what they’re doing is wrong. The meeting at the college Thursday was not a part of any established group, but was…

UMD hosts Job and Internship Fair for STEM Majors

Calling all STEM majors...

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all STEM majors! Today was the job and internship fair at UMD. More than 500 people gathered at UMD’s Kirby Ballroom today. Companies like American Engineering Testing, Lake Superior Counseling and Essentia Health had booths at the event, out of 81 total employers. Organizers say it’s about providing valuable experiences for students. “A lot of students…

Winterfest Kicks Off This Weekend In Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. – Are you having cabin fever and looking for some fun to let loose? The City of Carlton’s Winterfest has got you covered this weekend. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as open hockey at the Four Season’s Sports Complex Arena in Carlton. There is even a mini Hook and Slice course, which is…

Escape the Bong 2.0 at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

If you think you have the skills to navigate your way out of an escape room...the Bong Center in Superior is right for you!

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you think you have skills to navigate your way out of an escape room. The Bong Center in Superior is hosting a fundraiser today through Saturday that will challenge you. Right now, the Bong Center has four different escape rooms, which test your puzzle solving skills. But you don’t have to take it too seriously…organizers say…

The Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College Hosts 4th Annual Nursing Career Expo

About 200 students take part in the Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College's nursing program every year.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet hosted its 4th Annual Nursing and Healthcare Career Expo. More than 30 employers representing different nursing and healthcare fields participated in the event. Current Fond Du Lac College and area high school students had the chance to explore those fields and learn what jobs are available around…

Barnum School Board Could Decide To Cut Nearly $750,000 From District’s Budget

A decision could be made at the next regular school board meeting on February 18th.

BARNUM, Minn. – The Barnum School District could potentially need to cut nearly $750,000 from its budget for the next school year. This financial concern comes after the school board was presented with options to help reduce expenses within the school district during Tuesday’s board meeting. The $750,000 in cuts is just a recommendation for now. But the need to…

Korean War Vet Honored with Quilt

A Northland woman is using her gifts and talents to honor a veteran who was fighting for his life just weeks ago.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland woman is using her gifts and talents to honor a veteran who was fighting for his life just weeks ago. After suffering a stroke, Fred Saccoman, an 88-year-old Korean War veteran, received a quilt in honor of his service. The Korean War ended more than 65 years ago and the legacy of those who served…

City of Duluth Launches New Podcast

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has launched a new podcast. The MuniciPals podcast is described as a “monthly podcast which aims to highlight different city departments and divisions as well as issues facing Duluth.” The podcast is hosted by the city’s Communications and Policy Officer Phil Jents as well as the Community Relations Officer Alicia Kozlowski. We’ve got…