News – Latest News

Opera Studio at UMD Presenting Production of “Love Scenes”

The Production of "Love Scenes" is Happening Friday, November 8 in Weber Music Hall on the Campus of UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Friday, November 8, you’re encouraged to make way to Weber Music Hall on the campus of UMD. Opera Studio is proud to present a very special program titled, “Love Scenes.” The production begins at 7:30 p.m. Performers Rachel Inselman and Adam Gieber stopped by FOX 21 Local News Tuesday morning to chat about the upcoming performance….

Special Report: Finding “The New Normal” After the Loss of a Loved One

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – Moving on after the loss of a loved one can be a very tough experience. Many choose to keep quiet, dealing with emotions alone instead of reaching out for support and guidance when moving forward. It’s been just over three months since FOX 21’s Brett Scott lost his mother. She battled cancer with grace and courage for…

Morning Update 11-5-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Krispy Kreme Reverses Course, Allows Student Resale Service

Gonzalez Will now Work as an Independent Operator

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Krispy Kreme has reached an agreement with a Minnesota college student who drove to Iowa every weekend to buy hundreds of doughnuts to resell them in the Twin Cities area. The company said in a statement Monday that Jayson Gonzalez of Champlin can now work with Krispy Kreme as an independent operator. The deal also…

Suspect Arrested After School Marked by Swastika

The Swastika and Other Offensive Graffiti was Found at an Elementary School

EDINA, Minn. (AP) – Police in a Minneapolis suburb have arrested a suspect after a swastika and other offensive graffiti was found at an elementary school. In an e-mail to Edina School District families, Superintendent John Schultz wrote that “when an act of hatred occurs anywhere in Edina, it affects our entire community.” Police say the arrest occurred Monday after…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Endion Station Goes from Pub to Inn

New hotel set to open later this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Later this week Canal Park will welcome a new boutique hotel, or “brew-tique” as the owner calls it, making use of the previously empty Endion Station building. “People are hungry for a boutique hotel, and a boutique experience,” Rod Raymond said. Last February Raymond, owner of Fitger’s Brewhouse, Burrito Union, and the Rathskeller, branched out of his wheelhouse…

Celebrating Flavors of Fall with Eat Downtown Duluth Restaurant Week

Event focused on getting more business to Downtown Restaurants and Waterfront Restaurants.

DULUTH, Minn.- Restaurants throughout Downtown Duluth are celebrating the flavors of Fall for this season’s Eat Downtown Restaurant week. The event is focused on getting more business to downtown restaurants and introducing new patrons to the downtown waterfront restaurants. Restaurants are featuring deals, like 7 West Taphouse’s $10 Menu, featuring a starter, entrée and dessert for 10 bucks. “We definitely…

Minnesota Food Justice Summit Brings Diverse Farmers to Talk Equality

Summit runs Monday through Wednesday at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Food Justice Summit packed the DECC with farmers, food buyers, and other members of Minnesota’s food system to focus on making the way Minnesota gets its food equal to all. Summit officials say that due to redlining, or denying services to residents or specific neighborhoods, mostly based on race, has made it hard for black, indigenous,…

Christmas Assistance for those in Need

The holiday season can be tough for some, but the Salvation Army is offering some assistance

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday season can be tough for some around the Northland, but the Salvation Army is offering some assistance for those in need. Those who need some help for holidays can now apply for Christmas dinner and gifts for families and children ages sixteen and under. When you apply, you must bring your photo ID, proof of current…

Bentleyville Vandalized Again

Bentleyville Tour of Lights founder asking for extra eyes to help patrol the Northland's biggest festival of lights

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are investigating vandalism at Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Park. One of the trailers was spray painted over the weekend with graffiti. And after theft and vandalism last year, too, Bentleyville’s founder is asking for extra eyes to help patrol the Northland’s biggest festival of lights. Unfortunately the Grinch has struck again at Bentleyville, as…

St. Luke’s Hosts Fifth Annual Mental Health Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital hosted its annual mental health conference at the holiday inn in downtown Duluth. More than 100 mental health professionals got the chance to hear from speakers. they learned about different alternative therapies to help patients with mental illness. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by 2025, there…

Duluth Police Rolling Out Program To Offer Vouchers Instead of Citations for Car Light Violations

The department is among more than 30 law enforcement agencies in Minnesota partnering with the Minneapolis-based non-profit called Microgrants.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department makes more than 20,000 traffic stops a year. According to authorities most of these stops are for broken headlight or tail light violations. The DPD is planning to roll out a new program to help drivers get those lights fixed for free. The department is among more than 30 law enforcement agencies in…

Landline And Sun Country Airlines Partner To Offer More Convenience For Duluth Travelers

Sun Country travels to more than 50 destinations.

DULUTH, Minn. – The landline bus service that connects Duluth travelers to the Minneapolis–St. Paul airport is now partnering with Sun Country Airlines. Travelers can now book bus rides to MSP as part of their airfare with sun country all for one affordable price. Passengers can also check their bags with the bus and then retrieve them at their final…

UMD Students Remember the Fall of the Berlin Wall

UMD students honor the 30th anniversary of the Berlin wall coming down.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students at UMD are remembering the fall of the Berlin Wall this week in honor of the event’s 30th anniversary. Beginning German classes created art representing the freedom that came after Germans stormed the barrier that separated the East and West parts of the country. One of the event’s main focuses is how similar the fall of the Berlin…

Forecast Calls for Continued High Water in Great Lakes

Lake Levels May Set Additional Records

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – A new forecast says Great Lakes levels are likely to remain unusually high and may set additional records. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Detroit on Monday released its outlook for the next six months. Hydrologist Keith Kompoltowicz says a wet October interrupted the usual fall drop-off of water levels. Storms over Lakes…

DNR: Hunters Killed Slightly Fewer Bears in 2019

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin wildlife officials say hunters killed slightly fewer bears in 2019 than last year. The Department of Natural Resources said Monday that preliminary data shows hunters took 3,648 bears. That’s down slightly from 3,680 in 2018. Kills increased by 36% across the southern two-thirds of the state over 2018. Harvest in the north-central region was up…

Midday Update 11-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 4, 2019

  Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update

Nominations Now Open for ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Giveaway

Nominations are Open Until Friday, November 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Christmas Ever is a non-profit organization working to partner with business leaders and communities across the country to lift up families who have fallen on difficult times due to health conditions and other life challenges. The vision of Best Christmas Ever started when Co-Founder Don Liimatainen began battling Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. It was Christmas Eve,…

Milwaukee Police Make Arrest After Man Attacked With Acid

A GoFundMe Page Has Been Set Up to Help With Medical Bills

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Milwaukee police have made an arrest after a man was attacked and burned with acid in what officials say is a hate crime. Mahud Villalaz suffered second-degree burns to his face after he was confronted by a man he says accused him of being in the country illegally. Villalaz, a U.S. citizen and Latino, says the man…

Vandals Strike Bentleyville Again

(courtesy: Facebook/Bentleyville USA) DULUTH, Minn. – After being struck by vandals, yet again, Bentleyville USA says they are looking for volunteers to help prevent future incidents. In a recent Facebook post, Bentleyville organizers posted a photo of what appears to be graffiti spray painted on a semi-trailer at Bayfront park. In December of last year Bentleyville was the target of…

Morning Update 11-4-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 4, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 4, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Anthony Peoples, Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update

Sanders Attempts to Recapture 2016 Political Energy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sen. Bernie Sanders attempted to recapture the political energy at a Minneapolis rally that led to his runaway victory in the Minnesota DFL presidential caucus four years ago. He appeared Sunday at the University of Minnesota with Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has endorsed the 78-year-old Vermont senator and who broke from the rest of the state’s Democratic…

Break Room Bar Hosts 8-Ball Classic Amateur Pool Tournament

16 players entered at $300 each.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Break Room Bar in Duluth hosted the finals of their first ever Amateur 8-Ball Classic Pool Tournament. 16 players entered the tournament paying a $300 entry fee higher than most amateur tournaments but means a bigger payout of $2,000 for first place. The tournament not only attracted Duluth pool players but players from the Twin Cities, Iron…

Duluth Cider Jazzed Up by Owl City Big Band

Band is a Super Group playing jazz, swing, and big band favorites.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Owl City Big Band rocked the house at Duluth Cider Sunday. The free show filled the cidery up more than most Sundays. The band is a super group of about 20 of Duluth’s top musicians playing jazz, swing, and big band favorites. “I think they’ve got 18 or 20 guys up on stage and it’s just, not…

Meditating to the Beat of Your Own Drum

Group Drumming Circle at Inner Bliss Spiritual Health Center helps people deal with trauma, anxiety.

DULUTH, Minn.- A group in Duluth is trying something new with meditation: connecting with themselves through drumming. Just follow the pounding sound down to the basement of the Inner Bliss Spiritual Health Center on East Superior Street, where you’ll find the group drumming circle. “It’s almost primal in nature, everyone can pick up a drum,” said drumming circle leader Gini…

Endion Station Inn Hotel to Open Soon in Canal Park

Old Pub to open up as hotel within the next week.

DULUTH, Minn.- In less than a week Canal Park will welcome its first boutique-style hotel, or “brew-tique” as the owner is calling it, inside the old Endion Station building. The Endion Station Inn features five rooms, priced similarly to the other hotels in the area. Owner Rod Raymond also owns Fitger’s Brewhouse, Burrito Union, and the Rathskeller. He said opening…

Sheraton Duluth Undergoing $7 Million In Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sheraton Hotel in downtown Duluth is undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation. It’s the first time the hotel is going through such a renovation since opening in 2007 that’ll strip down every piece of what the public sees, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The final phase of the $31 million Superior Street reconstruction project is well…

Minnesota Power Requests Approval to Increase Rates

Minnesota Power requests rate increase from state regulators.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Power has reached out to state regulators asking for an increase in its electric rates for small business and residential customers. Officials say the increase would reflect changes in customer demand and increased operating expenses associated with delivering energy from cleaner, renewable energy sources. If all requests are approved, which could take up to 18 months, Minnesota…

UMD Rocketry Club Students Test Motor Ahead of June Competition

Motor test held for International Rocket Engineering Competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- Students from UMD’s Rocketry Club held an explosive motor test for their high-powered rocket. They tested the motor for the International Rocket Engineering Competition held annually in the New Mexico Desert in June. Students have been working on this since July, to eventually deliver a payload of 8.8 lbs and hit altitudes of either 10,000 ft or 30,000…

Expanding Your Underwater Knowledge

The Gales of November brought those together Saturday to learn more about the Great Lakes

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gales of November occur when cold, dry air from northern Canada converges with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico over the Great Lakes. The name is inspired by the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and with that comes an educational event here in Duluth. People filled the DECC Saturday afternoon to bring the Lake…

Duluth Women’s Club Fall Bazaar Rings in the Holidays

Over 900 items available for sale.

DULUTH, Minn.- All types of homemade holiday treats and crafts were on sale today at the Duluth Women’s Club for their 2nd Annual Fall Bazaar. Over 990 items like baked goods, book pillows, and wreaths were for sale. Part of the money raised went back to the Women’s Club, and the rest go to their work in the community helping…

Pop Art Masquerade Gala Raises Money for Duluth Art Institute

Attendees get to sit with artists at dinner during fundraiser.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Depot was taken over by pop art as the Duluth Art Institute held their largest fundraiser, the Masquerade Gala, for the 3rd year in a row. Masks and vibrant colors swept through the floor of the Depot as community members, art buyers, and artists gathered to celebrate local visual art. “I feel like artists really are magicians…

End of Life Conference Held at U of M Medical School Duluth Campus

Conference discussed decision making at the end of one's life.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus hosted their second annual Healthcare Ethics Conference, about decision making at the end of one’s life. Panels focused on topics like rural end-of-life care, advanced care planning, and more. “We’re afraid to talk about death,” said Cathy McCarty, Associate Dean for Research. “And what’s really nice about today is we…

Fire Destroys $500,000 of Logging Equipment

St. Louis County is investigating a possible arson at a logging operation just north of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is investigating a possible arson at a logging operation just north of Duluth. The fire destroyed $500,000 worth of equipment and is considered a total loss. The destroyed piece of equipment, the Caterpillar 521B Feller Buncher is a type of harvester used in logging. It is a motorized vehicle with an attachment that can rapidly…

Fire at Logging Operation Destroys $500 Thousand Worth of Equipment

St. Louis County is investigating a possible arson at a logging operation North of Duluth.

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn.- Deputies with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a possible arson that destroyed more than $500 thousand worth of equipment at a logging operation North of Duluth. Officials responded to the call of the equipment fire off the 3700 block of N. Aldean Lake Rd. Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze, but…

Kids Get First Hand Experience with Gears at Superior Public Library

Kids built monkey park powered by motor with help from UW Extension.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Kids in Superior got an opportunity to use their brains to put together parks powered by gears. Kids ages five and up and their parents got a challenge outside of school at the Superior Public Library. They learned about gears and then put that learning into action to build a monkey park powered by a motor, to get…

Project Joy Raising Money to Tackle Child Food Insecurity

Project Joy has been happening annually for eight years and is held in the Duluth Curling Club.

DULUTH, Minn. – Project Joy and the Duluth Curling Club came together to raise money for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Backpack program. Project Joy has been happening annually for eight years and is held in the Duluth Curling Club. It was started in memory of Patrick Plys, a member of the curling club, who passed away after…

LSC Partners With MSU Mankato To Tackle Need For Commercial Airline Pilots

MSU Mankato has almost a 100% job placement rate among students who graduate from their aviation program.

DULUTH, Minn. – To help address the need for commercial airline pilots in the United States Lake Superior College announced they will be partnering with Minnesota State University Mankato. It is a chance for LSC students to transfer to the university to expand their education. Currently LSC offers a two-year professional pilot program, where students can gain their professional license….

The Duluth Junk Hunt Is The Place To Find One-Of-A-Kind Treasures

The event is held in the spring and fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – One person’s junk can be another person’s treasure. Hundreds of people stopped by the DECC for the semi-annual Duluth Junk Hunt in search of those treasures. The event features nearly 150 vendors from around the region. Attendees can check out one-of-a-kind “junk” like antique furniture and vintage clothing, which are up for sale. The founders say each…

Bayfront Festival Park Breaks Records

Also about 150,000 people visited the park this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – 2019 was Bayfront Festival Park’s busiest year yet. This year Bayfront held more than 30 events such as concerts by bands like Trampled by Turtles. That’s nearly triple the number of events compared to 2012 when the DECC took over the park. Also about 150,000 people visited the park this season. “To give some perspective and context…

A Northland Holiday Tradition: The Thanksgiving Burrito is Back

Burrito Union brings back the Thanksgiving Burrito.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many people welcome the day after Halloween as the first day of the holiday season. And with holidays come yearly traditions, like Burrito Union’s Thanksgiving burrito. “The Thanksgiving Burrito is our yearly burrito of the month for November. It has turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn and it comes with a house made cranberry salsa and turkey gravy…

City Unveils New Mural in Skywalk Entrance of NorShor Theater

Susan Martinsen painted a mural for the skywalk entrance of the NorShor Theater.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Public Arts Commission unveiled a new and colorful 4–wall mural in the 3rd floor skywalk entrance to the NorShor Theater Friday morning. The mural was painted by Ashland artist Susan Martinsen, who has painted more than 30 murals around the Northland since 1998. The piece depicts buildings, performers and performances important to Duluth’s art scene and…

Democrat Beto O’Rourke Has Announced He’s Dropping His 2020 Presidential Bid

WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrat Beto O’Rourke has announced he’s dropping his 2020 presidential bid. O’Rourke tweeted Friday that his campaign “has always been about seeing clearly, speaking honestly, and acting decisively.” He writes, “In that spirit: I am announcing that my service to the country will not be as a candidate or as the nominee.” O’Rourke had been struggling to…

Regents Leader Appoints UW President Search Committee

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The head of the University of Wisconsin System’s Board of Regents has named a search committee to find candidates to replace retiring system President Ray Cross. Regent President Andrew Petersen said Friday that board Vice President Michael Grebe will chair the committee. Other members include Petersen, regents Mike Jones, Edmund Manydeeds and Torrey Tiedeman, UW-Madison Chancellor…

Midday Update 11-1-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 1, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 1, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update

Golden Hits Concert Features Duluth Musician Todd Eckart

Golden Hits Concert is Happening Saturday, November 2 in Mitchell Auditorium on the Campus of St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, November 2 in Mitchell Auditorium at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, you’re invited to enjoy a night of the golden hits with Duluth musician Todd Eckart and the band. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. and is expected to wrap up around 9:00 p.m. The Golden Hits Concert is serving as a fundraiser…

Experience Absinthe Ritual Taking Place Only Once a Year

Releasing the Green Fairy on Halloween

DULUTH, Minn. – In this weeks Active Adventures, we are tagging along in a sacred ritual that happens only once a year… Absinthe and the Green Fairy, is one of the oldest drinks in history, dating back to end of the eighteenth century. Invented by a French doctor who distilled wormwood and other herbs in an alcoholic base as a…