News – Latest News

UMD Designated 3M School

The new program was celebrated Monday at the Nor Shor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth is now the 14th Frontline Sales Initiative school in the nation. UMD is partnering up with 3M which is providing grants, internship opportunities, and much more. “I think its going to create tremendous job opportunities,” instructor of marketing John Krazt said. “So they can be promoted in corporate America.” The new program was…

How Aquaculture Affects Minnesota

The Minnesota Sea Grant is getting the conversation going.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The bait industry plays a large role in Minnesota which is just one facet of aquaculture . The Minnesota Sea Grant at the University of Minnesota Duluth is discussing how aquaculture can affect our community, specifically how it affects jobs in the field. “We’re trying to move the conversation forward in Minnesota,” fishery specialist Don Schreiner said. “We…

Art From the Earth; Yarrow Mead Metals

Yarrow Mead is a Northland Native, Now Working as a Metalsmith in the Armory Arts and Music Center Along London Road

DULUTH, Minn. – They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but for one Northland native, diamonds don’t do a thing. The Armory Arts and Music Center in Duluth is now home base for a new metal-smith. “There are so many amazing rocks here. Right across the border there’s like huge amethyst mines,” said Yarrow Mead, creator of Yarrow Mead…

Belknap Construction Beginning Soon

This is the final stretch of construction on the busy road.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The second half of the $23 million improvement project on Belknap Street in Superior is scheduled to begin on March 19th. This years construction phase will consist of the areas in the center section, between John and Birch Avenues. Items improved include; concrete pavement, grading, lighting, and redoing the sidewalks. Officials say completing the busy intersection is extremely…

Upcoming Topics at Capitol Days

Capitol days starts on Tuesday, March 13th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is Capitol Days as Duluth and St. Louis County will head to St. Paul discussing local issues. Over 500 community members and local officials are bringing a voice for the Northland to St. Paul. The city will be asking for $10 million towards rehabilitation of the sea wall. Officials are also seeking approval for the half percent sales…

New Performing Arts Center Could Come to Two Harbors

Organizers Have Fundraising Commitments of About $1 Million to Replace City's Bandshell

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A new performing arts center could soon be coming to downtown Two Harbors. The city’s bandshell has hosted performances since the 1930s, but it will soon reach the end of its useful life. The new center could cost close to $4 million. It will have an outdoor concert area plus indoor rooms for rehearsals and community…

A New Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights Proposed

The ordinance was proposed to the Duluth City Council on Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposed Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights aims to eliminate barriers for those without homes. Community members rallied outside asking for a Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights. Supporters say the bill protects basic things homeowners take for granted, such as going to the bathroom and having something to eat. There’s been past debates whether it should be policy…

No Decision Made in On-Going Earned Sick Time Proposal.

The earned sick and safe time proposal has been discussed for nearly three years now.

DULUTH, Minn.- The on–going controversial earned sick and safe time proposal was the main topic Monday at the Duluth City Council meeting. The earned sick and safe time proposal has been discussed for nearly three years now. Supporters with Take Action Duluth Coalition say 24 municipal, 3 county, and 9 state wide ordinances have been passed during this time period….

Duluth Airport Launches Larger Capacity Flight in Early Morning

The early flight targets travelers headed to and from Chicago O’Hare airport.

DULUTH, Minn. – Travelers rejoice! A new early morning flight is booking right out of the Duluth International Airport. The new plane launched for the first time just this past weekend. The United Airlines flight features a 150-capacity jet that offers first class seating and on-board WIFI. The early flight targets travelers headed to and from Chicago O’Hare airport. “This…

NorShore Clothing Co. Highlights Northern Minnesota

Two Harbors Company Launched Last September

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – NorShore Clothing Company, a new Two Harbors-based business, is selling products unique to the Northland. The company’s logo features an outline of Lake Superior underneath a treeline silhouette. Hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are available now.  More products will be sold soon that highlight other local landmarks. “The Lift Bridge is going to be eventually incorporated in…

Twin Ports Area Receives “C” on Infrastructure Report Card

Aviation and Bridges Receive "B-"; Drinking Water Gets "D"

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports area infrastructure has gotten a “mediocre” rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The group released their infrastructure report card for the region Monday. The Twin Ports Area earned a “C” GPA on their infrastructure report card. That’s better than the “D+” national average, but local leaders want to see improvements made. “We all…

Spirit Mountain Fun Still Going Strong

Officials Still Not Sure When the Mountain Will Close; Will be Open Through at Least End of March

DULUTH, Minn.-With spring coming upon us, skiers and snowboarders still have a small window to hit the slopes at the local hills. Spirit Mountain has been very busy lately as temperatures continue to rise. Staff at the facility said the brutal start to the winter with the cold temperatures, really kept people off the hills, but now Northlanders have been…

GOP Report: No Coordination Between Trump and Russia

The finding is sure to please the White House and enrage panel Democrats who have not yet seen the document.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans on the House intelligence committee have completed a draft report concluding there was no collusion or coordination between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia. The finding is sure to please the White House and enrage panel Democrats who have not yet seen the document. After a yearlong investigation, Texas Rep. Mike Conaway says the committee has…

Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse Opens Today in Superior

The coffeehouse offers delicious pastries and Duluth Coffee Company coffee.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new bakery, Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse, has opened in Superior today. Owners Annette and Mark Jacobson are both Superior natives and are excited to be bringing delicious treats to the Superior area. The coffeehouse offers many treats such as cupcakes, donuts, muffins, and scones as well as handcrafted coffee drinks made with Duluth Coffee Company beans. The…

Florida Judge Rules, Florida School Shooting Video Should be Released

The judge stayed his order until noon Thursday to allow for a possible appeal.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) – A Florida judge has ruled that surveillance video should be made public that shows events outside of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the Valentine’s Day massacre that killed 17 people. The judge Monday agreed with news outlets including The Associated Press that the video should be released. The judge stayed his order until noon…

GOP Proposes Work Requirement for Public Health Care

Would require enrollees to work at least 80 hours a month.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republicans will push to impose a work requirement for the state’s health care program for those in poverty. A group of House and Senate Republicans introduced a bill Monday that would require Medical Assistance enrollees to work at least 80 hours a month, seek employment or enroll in job training programs. It exempts many…

Male Found Deceased After Fall in Grand Portage

Victim fell from two story patio door that did not have deck attached.

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – On Sunday morning, 911 Dispatch received a call that a male was found unconscious after falling from a second story patio door that did not have a deck attached. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Portage Ambulance, First Responders, and Cook County Ambulance arrived on the scene in the Bay Estates area where the male was…

Belknap Street Improvements in Superior Scheduled to Begin Next Week

Construction is currently scheduled for completion in October.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin the second half of the improvement project on Belknap Street on March 19. The center section from John Avenue to Birch Avenue will be reconstructed in 2018. Proposed improvements include grading, concrete pavement, HMA pavement, concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk, pavement marking, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer,…

New Brewery Opening in Lincoln Park Neighborhood.

Ursa Minor Brewing will be opening this summer in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – There is a new brewery opening this summer in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Duluth. Ursa Minor Brewing is the brain child of brothers Ben and Mark Hugus. “We chose the name ‘Ursa Minor’ because of the role craft beer has played in our lives,”wrote Ben. “It is derived from the constellation, Ursa Minor or the Little…

National MS Awareness Week Highlights Work to Find a Cure

Walk MS, Bike MS and Finish MS Events Support Fundraising Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. – People around the world are working to change the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. This week, March 11 – 17, is National MS Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis is when the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, distorting and interrupting nerve impulses to and from the brain producing a wide variety of symptoms. Over…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Braham High School Mourns Traffic Deaths of two Students

Students killed in Minnesota.

BRAHAM, Minn. (AP) – Braham Area High School is mourning the deaths of two students killed in a weekend traffic accident. The Kanabec County Sheriff’s Office was called to a two-vehicle crash at an intersection west of Mora on Saturday morning. The Star Tribune reports a teenage boy died at the scene, and a young woman who was driving died…

Minnesota Farmland Prices Drop in 2017

State's agricultural sector is weak but stable.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s farmland prices dropped last year as the agriculture industry continues facing low crop prices and reduced income. The Star Tribune reports that sales data for fiscal 2017 reported to the Minnesota Department of Revenue and analyzed by the University of Minnesota indicate that the median price per acre was about $4,600, a 5.4 percent decrease from…

Fearing Trade war, EU Warns of Protectionism ‘Dead End’

The European Union on Monday urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to head down “a dead end” road of protectionism.

(AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Monday urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to head down “a dead end” road of protectionism and warned of a damaging trade war over his new steel and aluminum tariffs. At talks in Brussels, economy ministers underlined that the EU — the world’s biggest trading bloc — supports free…

Five dead in NYC Helicopter Crash

Pilot in NYC crash called 'mayday,' cited engine failure

(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)NEW YORK (AP) — A pilot who survived when his helicopter went down in Manhattan’s East River, killing five passengers, said in an emergency radio transmission that he had engine failure. The pilot is heard saying “Mayday, mayday, mayday” during the crash on Sunday night. The pilot reported “an engine failure over the East River” and referenced a…

‘Black Panther,’ Four Weeks in, Tops ‘A Wrinkle in Time’

Not accounting for inflation, it’s now passed “The Dark Knight.”

(Marvel Studios/Disney via AP)LOS ANGELES (AP) — T’Challa still rules the box office four weeks in, even with the fresh rivalry of another Walt Disney Studios release in “A Wrinkle in Time.” “Black Panther” took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office with $41.1 million according to studio estimates Sunday, leaving another newcomer in its wake. The…

Liebling’s Exit Leaves Just Three DFL Candidates for Governor

Rep. Tina Liebling has dropped out of the race.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Longtime Democratic state Rep. Tina Liebling is ending her campaign for governor. The Rochester lawmaker announced Monday she was dropping from the race. Liebling had struggled to gain traction and fundraising in the wide-open race to replace Gov. Mark Dayton. She says it was clear she could not win the DFL endorsement. Her exit leaves…

The Latest: Trump Eyes Court Cases, Rulings on age Limits

The Latest on White House proposals on addressing gun violence.

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says that he is “watching court cases and rulings” before taking action on age limits for purchasing some firearms. He argues that there is “not much political support (to put it mildly).” Trump tweeted Monday about a White House gun violence plan. The administration has pledged to help states pay for firearms…

Minnesota man Kills Girlfriend and Baby Girl in Florida Forest

Minnesota man turned gun on himself.

OCALA, Fla. (AP) — Authorities believe a 27-year-old Minnesota man killed his girlfriend and their baby in a Florida forest before turning the gun on himself. Kevin Farias survived and is in critical condition Sunday. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office got the call Saturday morning after a motorist found Farias and 32-year-old Jessica Johnson of Wisconsin, and their 1-year-old daughter,…

Coffee Cupping Will Have You View Coffee In A New Way

Duluth Coffee Company has open cupping sessions Thursdays at 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – How do you prefer your coffee? Maybe you’ve never thought too much about the brewing, roasting or origin of coffee. Well Duluth Coffee Company lets you go beyond what’s in your cup and experience coffee in a new way. You won’t look at coffee the same way after you’ve done coffee cupping for the first time. It’s…

Duluth’s Jowon Brand Turns 90 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn. – You don’t turn 90 years old every day, so it was a special surprise party for 90-year-old Jowon Brand of Duluth on Sunday. Jo, as her friends call her, is known for breeding, boarding and showing collies. She was even Miss Mankato in 1948. Mayor Emily Larson also proclaimed Sunday as Jowon Lee Brand Day in the…

Duluth East Daredevils Headed To Championship Despite Robot Issues

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils robotics team had a rough start to this weekend’s Northern Lights Regional Competition at the DECC. The team’s coach said their robot had some programming, mechanical and electrical issues. The Daredevils were defeated in the quarterfinals. However, the team will still go to the championship competition because the Daredevils were awarded the Chairman’s…

Runa Yoga Opening in Duluth

The new studio offers free meditation once a month.

DULUTH, Minn.-  A new yoga studio in Duluth called Runa Yoga is offering unique classes for everyone. Owners at Runa Yoga say they strive on being community and accessibility. Classes for kids are offered and free meditations once a month. Each session is classified on a scale of one to three which owners compare to a ski hill scale. One…

Free Showing of International Movies

Each movie involves the theme of crossing borders.

DULUTH, Minn.- All week long free international movies are being showcased in Duluth. The World Languages and Cultures Department at the University of Minnesota Duluth is partnering up with Zeitgeist Zinema showing free international movies all week long. The WLC faculty members selected movies to fit the theme, crossing borders. “Whether it be crossing a national border, a linguistic border,…

Rockin’ the Rink Figure Skating Show

The event is put on by the Superior Figure Skating Club.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- Although the Olympics are over Sunday little Northlanders held an opportunity to watch quite the figure skating show. The Superior Figure Skating Club held its annual show this year called Rockin the Rink.  With classic rock n roll music playing, the little Northland figure skaters took the spot light. Each performance had a different style. Officials say…

Piecing Together the Puzzle Derby

The competition has become a tradition in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Northland is home to the second largest puzzle competition in the country. On Saturday afternoon over 100 teams participated in the 5th annual Puzzle Derby. “Everybody gets the same puzzle, they all start at the same time, and it’s just whoever finishes first is the winner,” organizer Valerie Coit said. Once the clock started the room was…

Spring Fling at Spirit Mountain Rounds out the Season for Midwest Masters

Fifty-six races took to the slopes to compete in the Midwest Masters races this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Skiers hit the slopes at Spirit Mountain for the last of the races this season. Skiers competed in the final races for the Midwest Masters, a non–profit organization which helps alpine ski racers find their passion on the hills. “It’s open to all abilities,” organizer Greg Abel said. “Even the beginner racers – a lot of the…

Robotics Competition Takes Over the DECC

First-Ever Swedish Team Competes in Northern Lights Regional

DULUTH, Minn. –  The First Robotics Regional high school competitions are happening at the DECC in Duluth. This year, the tournaments had some international flare. Robots zip across the floor of the DECC Arena, competing in a new game unique to this season. “You get three teams to go together and cooperate to get cubes on a scale,” explains Mikael Wedham,…

Snowmobiling Reaches Peak in Sawyer County

Hayward Power Sports Rents Affordable Sleds As Season Winds Down

HAYWARD, Wis. — Right now is the time to hop on the sleds and hit the trails in Sawyer and Washburn counties! They are at peak after the near 10″ of fresh snow fell from the last storm, blanketing their 600 miles of trails. “Tourists are still coming in but it’s slowing down. So locals get to take over the…

Art Exhibit Honoring Women of Color

The exhibit will host nearly 31 local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first art exhibit honoring women of color in Duluth Minnesota is opening this month. The American Indian Housing Community Organization is hosting 31 artists who identify as women of color. Officials say this is the first ever exhibit in Duluth celebrating women of color. “This hasn’t been done before,” arts & cultural program coordinator Miora Villiard…

Northland Mines Expect Positive Impact from Tariffs

Officials say the tariffs will create a level playing field for mines in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump’s decision about steel and aluminum tariffs is bringing a lot of mixed reaction from the Northland. Mines in the Northland are expecting the steel and aluminum tariffs to have a positive affect in Minnesota.  Officials say Minnesota produces %85 of the domestic iron For the united state the tariffs could possibly bring more jobs to mines in…

Diamond Factory Gets New Life

Diamond Factory Shutdown in Late July

CLOQUET, Minn.-In late July, the Cloquet community was dealt a huge blow when a manufacturer of Diamond brand products shutdown. The factory had been there since 1904 and had built up a solid workforce of nearly 90 employees. Now the factory has a new owner which brings with it some new life. City leadership say it’s a good sign that…

Cloquet Applebee’s to Shut its Doors on Sunday

Between 60 and 80 locations are expected to close this year.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Applebee’s will be closing its doors for good this Sunday. Business Insider is reporting that it is expected that the national chain will be closing between 60 and 80 locations this year after closing nearly 100 last year. According to area management about 40 people currently work at the Cloquet location. They state that current…

Gunman Takes Three Hostages at Largest US Veterans Home

This is still an ongoing hostage situation

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A gunman took at least three people hostage at the largest veterans home in the United States on Friday, leading to a lockdown of the sprawling grounds in California, authorities said. Authorities said they could not immediately say if anyone was injured. Police evacuated the property of the Veterans Home of California after reports of a…

Florida’s Governor Signs Compromise School Safety Bill

The bill will raise the minimum age to buy rifles from 18 to 21 and creates a waiting period on sales of the weapons.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Flanked by family members of students who were killed during a mass shooting just over three weeks ago, Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a $400 million school safety bill in response to the tragedy that killed 17 people at a high school. He said the bill, which was written since the…

FDA Clears DNA Test to Spot Cancer Genes, but With Warnings

FDA gives the approval to 23andMe

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators have approved the first direct-to-consumer breast cancer gene test. But the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it will require warnings about the limitations of the genetic information from California-based 23andMe. The test, which analyzes DNA from saliva, can only detect three out of more than 1,000 known inherited BRCA gene mutations. It cannot determine…

Update on Suspect Charged in Vista Fleet “Theft”

Gregory Sullwold Allegedly released the Vista Fleet boats into the harbor last September.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gregory Sullwold, who was accused of releasing the Vista Fleet boats into the harbor last September, has pleaded guilty to felony theft indifferent to owner’s rights. The Greenwood man allegedly released the boats last year into the harbor with one of them nearly getting hit by a freighter. The boats were not damaged in the incident. Sullwold…