News – Latest News

Midday Update 1-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Ready, Set, Mush! Trail Talk with Musher Ryan Redington

Active Adventures: Mushing with Alaska Native Ryan Redington

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you ever wanted to bundle up and give sled dog mushing a try? Meteorologist Brittney Merlot recently caught up with musher Ryan Redington for this week’s Active Adventures. Redington will be mushing in this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon taking place January 27 – 30 along Minnesota’s North Shore. The Alaska native says he’s very excited…

Wisconsin Elevated to High Flu Category After Spike in Cases

MILWAUKEE – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has elevated Wisconsin to a high flu category after a dramatic increase of cases at the state’s Children’s Hospital. Wisconsin had been in the low flu category but the CDC made the change Thursday. Children’s Wisconsin Hospital said 829 pediatric flu cases were reported in December. That’s an increase of nearly…

Glensheen to Offer Free General Admission to Locals Sunday, January 5

Glensheen Mansion is Celebrating Another Successful Holiday Season by Thanking Local Residents

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Glensheen in Duluth are looking to say thank you to the community for their support the past year, and to finish out the final day of Christmas tours at the Mansion. A complimentary Community Day is happening Sunday, January 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. “General Admission is self-guided, guests do not need advance…

Organizers Cancel International Eelpout Festival in Walker

Past Festivals Have Brought More Than 12,000 People to the Minnesota Town

WALKER, Minn. (AP) – Organizers have canceled the International Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake in Walker. They say the economics and other restrictions on the celebration of Minnesota’s ugliest fish no longer work. So they canceled what would have been the 41st annual event, which had been planned for Feb. 20-23. A statement posted on the festival’s website reads: Greetings…

Morning Update 1-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Warren, Klobuchar End 2019 Lagging Top Rivals in Fundraising

WASHINGTON (AP) – Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has announced raising $21.2 million for her presidential campaign in the final three months of last year. The total trails the amounts collected by the Democratic presidential primary’s three other front-runners: former Vice President Joe Biden with $22.7 million, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders with $34.5 million and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete…

AICHO Awarded Grant for Indigenous Food Sovereignty Policy Initiative

Grant expected to help people who are food insecure and folks who want more Native American food options

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) has been awarded a big grant to help create an indigenous food network in the Lake Superior area. AICHO wants to help people have sustainable access to food in the Northland. They tell us the $78,122 grant will help people who are food insecure and folks who want more native…

Hermantown School District Receives $1 Million To Make Improvements To Football Field

Additional upgrades will include a new locker room facility and press box.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hermantown School District’s football field need some major improvements. Thanks to a one million dollar donation, the district can make those need upgrades. The money was donated by Centricity Credit Union, formerly known as Hermantown Credit Union. The donation is being called a sign of good faith to establish community trust. Multiple future improvements are on…

Plant-Based Lifestyle Popular For New Year’s Resolutions

Studies show a plant-based diet really reduces your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

DULUTH, Minn. – The beginning of the year is when people are making resolutions they hope to stick with. One that has become popular in recent years is taking up a plant-based lifestyle. The Vegan Cookbook Club hosted its monthly round table, at the Mount Royal Library to help those who are hoping to explore a plant-based diet. The group…

Lake Superior Zoo Accepting Recycled Christmas Trees

Zoo staff say the Christmas trees can offer a great source of play for the animals.

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is over, but the Lake Superior Zoo is hoping to continue the “gift of giving” a little while longer. The zoo is now accepting unwanted fresh Christmas trees for its animals. You can stop by the gift shop or business office to drop them off. The trees must be clear of ornaments, garland, and…

Minnesota Reports 8th Flu Death of Season

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota has reported another flu death. The state Department of Health reports the eighth death due to influenza. The death is one more than the previous week. But no child deaths due to influenza have been reported since the flu season began. According to the Health Department’s weekly flu update, Minnesota hospitals admitted 117 influenza patients…

New Minnesota Lottery Millionaires Come Forward

(courtesy: Minnesota Lottery) ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Lottery announced Thursday morning that the first $1 million lottery winner of 2020 has claimed his prize. Charles Wylie of Elko New Market said this was only his third time purchasing a Raffle ticket, “I had two strikes and this year it was a home run!” he said. “I didn’t believe it—I could…

Trump Plan to Curb Teen Vaping Exempts Some Flavors

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. health officials will ban most flavored e-cigarettes popular with underage teenagers. But the plan from the Trump administration includes major exceptions that benefit companies that make and sell e-cigarettes and adults who use the nicotine-emitting devices. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday the policy won’t affect menthol or tobacco flavors. The policy also won’t affect…

Two Additional Suspects Charged in Virginia Assisted Living Armed Robbery

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Authorities say two additional suspects have been charged in the June 2019 armed robbery at an assisted living facility in Virginia. According to court documents, Virginia police responded to a 911 call shortly after 3:00 a.m. on June 25 that two younger men wearing masks, bandanas, dark clothing and gloves had entered the Edgewood Vista Assisted Living…

Midday Update 1-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Winter Entertainment at Cable Natural History Museum

Cable Natural History Museum is Offering a New Program Request Opportunity in the New Year

CABLE, Wis. – Winter is a busy season for the educators at Cable Natural History Museum in Cable, Wisconsin. From education to entertainment, the center is hosting something for folks of all ages to enjoy. Naturalist and Education Director Emily Stone stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about upcoming events. The center is also offering a new program…

U-Haul to stop hiring nicotine users in 21 states

PHOENIX (FOX 9) – U-Haul announced it will soon reject job applicants who use nicotine in 21 states. The company said the new policy will go into effect on Feb. 1 and be enacted in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. The company said…

Democrat Julián Castro Drops Out of 2020 Presidential Race

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Former Obama housing secretary Julián Castro is ending his run for president. Castro’s announcement Thursday comes after he failed to garner enough support or donations to make the recent Democratic presidential debates. The former San Antonio mayor languished around 1% in polls and lagged behind his 2020 rivals in fundraising. Castro was the only Latino candidate…

Morning Update 1-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, ryan johnson

St. Louis County Plow Drivers’ Union Files Intent to Strike

Strike could happen as early as January 14th. Both sides continue to negotiate.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The Teamsters Local 320 Union has filed an intent to strike. This comes after the labor agreement between St. Louis County and the union expired January 1st. About 180 St. Louis County Public Works employees are teamsters. They are plow operators, mechanics, bridge crew members, maintenance workers, and more. Those employees are now set to…

First Baby Of The Decade Delivered At St. Luke’s

"We were shocked. We assumed the New Year's baby was going to be born a little after midnight," said Jaakola.

DULUTH, Minn. Oh baby, it’s a boy! St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth welcomed not only it’s first baby of the year but of the decade. Baby Barrett Jaakola entered the world at 6:03 am, weighing in at a healthy 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Having a New Year’s baby was the farthest expectation for Cloquet mom Kate Jaakola . Baby Barrett…

Local Junk Removal Company Offering Free Christmas Tree Pickup

Pickups are only available in Duluth, Superior, and Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some people may be just getting around to taking down their Christmas trees, but getting rid of it can be an inconvenience. Don’t worry. A local junk removal company, has got you covered. Twin Ports Trailer Trash will be offering free curbside Christmas tree pick up on January 6th and 7th. Residents can call to schedule a…

Marcus Theater Stays Open For A Fun Start To The New Year

Christmas day is the second busiest holiday for the theater.

DULUTH, Minn. – Most businesses are closed on New Year’s Day, but the Marcus Theaters in Duluth stayed open. People had the chance to check out one of the latest movies now playing. New Year’s day is typically the busiest day out of the year for Marcus Theaters. Staff say catching a movie can be a better way to make…

Year in Review: July Through September

Here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories that happened around the Northland from July to September. Stories include the Rainbow Family Gathering in Bayfield County, the mayors of the Twin Ports reaffirming their stance that the EPA should look into refineries like Husky Energy using hydrogen fluoride, and nurses in Duluth picketing while negotiating new contracts with…

Existing Contract Ends for St. Louis County Public Works Employees, No Word on Bargaining Yet

The two sides will continue working under the same contract until a new one is reached, or until the Union decides to strike.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is the final day of the existing contract the St. Louis County Public Works employees have with the county. According to St. Louis County Officials, they haven’t received notice of the Teamsters Local 320 Union’s intent to strike, or any interest to return to the bargaining table. Both sides will continue working under the terms of the…

Go Vegan this January with ‘Veganuary’

Initiative by Whole Foods Co-op aims to show people the benefits of a plant-based diet.

DULUTH, Minn.- If eating healthier is one of your New Year’s resolutions, a new initiative in Duluth wants to support you. Duluth Does Veganuary is part of an international movement to get more people to try plant-based diets. In Duluth it’s sponsored by the Whole Foods Co-op, with a Facebook group that currently has more than 300 members posting recipes…

Eveleth-Gilbert Girls Hockey Get One-on-One Time with UMD Women’s Hockey

College players help girls brush up on skills and learn about a typical day in the life of a college athlete.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some young female hockey players from Eveleth-Gilbert got to brush up on their skills with members of the UMD Women’s Hockey Team, as a thank you from the Red Cross for their involvement in projects this year. In November, the Eveleth-Gilbert 12U Girls Team wrote holiday cards for the Red Cross’s Holiday Mail for Heroes Project. They also…

Duluth Public Library Welcomes The New Year Early

This is the fourth year the library has hosted the Noon Year's Eve party.

DULUTH, Minn. – Waiting until the clock strikes midnight to celebrate the new year is usually way past bedtime for most kiddos. The Duluth Public Library hosted its annual Noon Year’s Eve to help children ring in 2020 a little early. Kids made crafts like noise makers and colorful crowns. There was even a countdown, which ended with a shower…

Liquor Stores Keeping Busy On New Year’s Eve

Lake Aire Bottle shoppe sells on average 50 cases of champagne, which is nearly 600 bottles, every New Year's Eve.

DULUTH, Minn. – This New Year’s Eve, some folks are having a night out on the town while others are cozying up for a quiet night in, which means liquor stores in Duluth are busy with people stopping in to stock up. The most popular drink of choice on everyone’s list for New Year’s Eve is champagne. Lake Aire Bottle…

Some Are Rolling Into 2020 At World Of Wheels

World of Wheels is will be open new year's day from 1- 4pm.

DULUTH, Minn. – 2019 maybe almost over, but what better way than to start 2020 off than skating right into the new year. For most people the biggest celebration is done on the dance floor on New Year’s Eve. But taking a few laps around the World of Wheels roller rink can live up to just the amount of fun…

Strike Averted at Essentia Health Deer River

DEER RIVER, Minn. – According to a recent press release, Essentia Health management in Deer River and union members of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota have reached a tentative agreement averting a potential strike. Officials say the tentative agreement was reached late in the evening on Monday. The new contract addressed many of the union’s goals including higher pay and better benefits…

NYC Official Arrested in Wisconsin, Accused of Facilitating Child Sex Crime

NEENAH, Wis. (AP) – A New York City education official has been arrested in Wisconsin for allegedly using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime. Police in Neenah say David Hay was arrested Sunday at the airport in Milwaukee County following an ongoing undercover investigation. Police said in a statement that the 39-year-old Brooklyn, New York, man was booked…

Midday Update 12-31-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

DSSO to Ring in the New Year with a Time Warp Celebration

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Ringing in 2020 with Sights, Sounds From Rocky Horror Picture Show

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) is featuring the music of The Rocky Horror Picture Show this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, DECC Symphony Hall will come alive with the sights and sounds of the 1975 flick. The DSSO will be joined by Jeans ‘n Classics, who helped put on the New…

Population Growth Slows in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show Minnesota’s population growth slowed down slightly in 2019. And, that has some concerned the state could lose a congressional seat after the 2020 Census. The spring census will determine how the country’s 435 congressional seats are divvied up. Minnesota’s population grew by about 0.6% last year or about 33,000…

2019 Year in Review: Part Two

FOX 21 Local News Highlights the Top Stories from 2019 April - June

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 Local News is taking a look back at the top stories that made headlines in 2019. FOX 21’s Brett Scott continues the 2019 Year in Review with stories from April, May, and June. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, northland, Top Stories, year in review

Morning Update 12-31-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update

Hibbing Gets First Ever Co-Working Center

HIBBING, Minn. – A new trend of using shared workspaces is rapidly growing across the U.S. Now that trend has made it’s way to the Iron Range. A local entreprenuer has opened Hibbing’s very first co-working space called TechTank. A co-working space is where business owners and workers can share a remote office space for convenience and affordability. TechTank is…

Starks Academy Boys Build Snowmen to Build Smiles at Diamond Willow Assisted Living

Boys on the Basketball Team build snowmen for Assisted Living residents to view.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the popular song goes, “Do you wanna build a snowman?” Well the boys on the Starks Academy Northland Youth Basketball Alliance Team sure did, heading over to the East side to spread some snowy cheer. “Using that snow which is giving some people some heartaches I can imagine, spread some holiday cheer and put some smiles on…

Trump to Counter Iowa Democratic Debate With Wisconsin Rally

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Wisconsin next month, countering a Democratic presidential debate set for the same night in Iowa. Trump’s campaign says the rally will be Jan. 14 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. It’s the same night that CNN and The Des Moines Register are sponsoring the first Democratic debate of 2020…