News – Latest News

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…

Suspected Heroin Overdose in Frohn Township

Beltrami County Sheriff's continuing investigation

O’BRIEN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Beltrami County Sheriff’s was called to a residence in Frohn Township in Beltrami County after receiving a call of a male not breathing from a suspected heroin overdose. Beltrami County 911 Dispatchers had occupants at the residence administer CPR on the subject. Deputies continued CPR on the scene until Ambulatory Services arrived. The male victim…

‘Pharma Bro’ Tearfully Apologizes, Then Sentenced to Prison

Martin Shrkeli has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

NEW YORK (AP) — Martin Shrkeli, the smirking “Pharma Bro” vilified for jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug, was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison for defrauding investors in two failed hedge funds. The self-promoting pharmaceutical executive notorious for trolling critics online was convicted in a securities fraud case last year unconnected to the price increase dispute….

Minnesota Professor may Face Deportation

Augsburg professor deportation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota group is rallying around a tenured Augsburg University professor who’s been asked to meet with federal immigration officials to discuss a “plan for removal.” Minnesota Public Radio reports that Mzenga Wanyama is set to meet with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Friday. A group of colleagues and other supporters plan to appear outside the ICE office…

Students at University of MN Petition to Rename Student Union Building

The resolution says "the university has an opportunity to address its past.''

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota is considering changing the name of its student union building because it’s named after a segregationist. The university’s student government passed a resolution this week that says the school should rename the Coffman Memorial Union to a “neutral name” that reflects inclusive values. The building is named after former university president Lotus D….

Bodyweight Circuit Workout with The Strength Factory

Active Adventures: Strength Factory

SUPERIOR, Wis. -With Spring and Summer around the corner, several people are working to get into shape for the warmer months. One place to do that is The Strength Factory in Superior. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay did a circuit bodyweight workout with CEO Kelly Kellar. The gym focuses on strong bodies and strong minds with…

Citations for Texting While Driving up 23 Percent From 2016

DIstracted driving on the rise

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ Minnesota authorities issued more citations for distracted driving in 2017, while citations for speeding and lack of seat belt use saw declines. Authorities gave out 7,357 citations for texting while driving in 2017. That’s up nearly 23 percent from 2016, and up 331 percent from five years ago. The Department of Public Safety says distracted driving contributed…

Minnesota Legislators Announce Birth Control Protection Bill

The Protect Access to Contraception (PAC) Act will protect no-cost birth control in Minnesota.

St. Paul, Minn. – Yesterday, Minnesota Legislators and supporters gathered in the Minnesota State Capitol to announce legislation that will protect no-cost birth control coverage in Minnesota from further attacks by the Trump Administration.  The legislation will guarantee the basic right of Minnesotans to plan their families and access the birth control method that is right for them. The Protect…

The Duluth Police Department is Asking for Help Locating a Missing Juvenile

The 14-year-old Duluth male never came home after school

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 14-year-old male. Hunter Joseph Goeden did not return home from school yesterday, March 8. Hunter is approximately 5’8”, 115 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair. He was last seen wearing a purple/green plaid shirt, white jogging pants, A Seahawks BB cap, grey Nike…

Accidental Cooking Fire Sends One to Local Hospital

The fire happened at the Tri-Towers Apartments

DULUTH, Minn. – An accidental cooking fire that broke out at a Duluth high rise apartment last night has sent one to an area hospital for an evaluation. Fire crews responded to the Tri-Towers Apartments around 7:00 p.m. where smoke was billowing out of the sixth floor of the building. Fire damage is estimated to be around $20,000. Categories: News,…

President Trump Plans to Meet Kim Jong Un for Nuke Talks

The planned meeting is set for May.

(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump plan to meet in May for nuclear disarmament talks, a whiplash development that would put two leaders who’ve repeatedly insulted, threatened and dismissed each other in the same room, possibly in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It would have been an unthinkable…

Local Breweries Team Up to Create Pink Boots Brew

The Special Beer Is In Honor of International Women's Day

A first-of-its-kind batch of beer is now brewing at Hoops in Canal Park. It’s created by a group of brewers who hope to pay it forward on International Women’s Day. Competitors don’t usually work together on one product; it’s about a rare as a brew house over-flowing with women. But on a day to celebrate female empowerment who better than…

Largest Heroin Bust in Region’s History Announced in Duluth

At Least 32 People Charged and Nearly a Million Dollars of Heroin Taken Out of Circulation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are celebrating the region’s largest heroin bust ever. Twelve people have been charged in a forty-six count federal indictment and twenty more have been arrested for state crimes. Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force members hope their first major heroin bust sends a message to drug dealers…

Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup Speak Out Against Line 3 Abandonment

Enbridge has operated pipelines in Minnesota for more than 60 years.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Some Minnesota landowners have a strong message for Enbridge. Clean up your mess. They were in Grand Rapids today letting Enbridge know they are not backing down when it comes to what they consider the abandonment of Line 3. The group Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup released a report explaining the financial, legal and environmental impact they…

Northland’s Ray Sports & Marine Expands In Grand Rapids

Ray's Sport & Marine has 16 boats and five pontoons.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A well known Northland business has a new location. Ray’s Sport & Marine has been around since the 60s. The family business has grown to six dealerships in northern Minnesota and is expanding in Grand Rapids. The 4,500 square foot shop recently relocated about a block and a half away from its previous location and is seeing an increase…

Pop-up Taproom Coming to Miller Hill Mall

Craft brew enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a canal park brew at the mall.

DULUTH, Minn.- One local Duluth brewery will soon be serving beer at the Miller Hill Mall for a limited time. Canal Park Brewery will serve select brews and menu items at the old Teavana location. Officials say two old favorites from past years will be on tap including the black IPA and an imperial lager. “Were very excited its such…

Hundreds Attend CHOICE Unlimited’s Masquerade Ball

The money helps fund the non-profit organization's arts program.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders are helping a non–profit organization in roaring twenties style The Greysolon Ballroom is filled with music, dancing, and smiling faces all raising money for CHOICE unlimited’s arts program. “We’re just having a huge party,” CHOICE unlimited executive director Kristie Bachman said. “We’re celebrating CHOICE unlimited’s arts program. We have people in flapper dresses, everyone is just having a…

Psychotherapist Discusses Social Media Impacts on Kids

Both Positive and Negative Consequences Can Effect Kids

DULUTH, Minn. – A local psychotherapist from the Arrowhead Psychological Clinic discussed how kids’ health can be impacted by spending a lot of time on social media websites. She told us social media can help kids communicate and get information but it can cause isolation and cyber-bullying. She says it can also bring school shootings and other violent events closer…

Trump Discusses Violence With Video Game Execs and Critics

Decades of research have failed to find a link between gun violence and graphic depictions of violence in games.

(AP)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump raised concerns about the graphic depiction of violence in video games at a White House meeting Thursday with members of the industry and some of their most vocal critics. Searching for ways to respond to last month’s Florida school shooting, Trump has questioned the impact of video games, although decades of research have failed…

Stauber Statement on Trump’s Steel Tariff Plan

Stauber says, "“Today is a great day for Northeast Minnesota."

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Today, Republican candidiate for the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota, Pete Stauber, released the following state after President Trump announced his plan to introduce tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum: “Today is a great day for Northeast Minnesota. I fully support President Trump’s decision to introduce a 25% tariff on foreign steel. Millions of tons of sub-par…

Update: 15-year-old Male Student Arrested for Threats Against Duluth East

The juvenile male has been charged with Threats of Violence.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police were notified of a threat made by a student at Duluth East this morning. The student was overheard making a threat to shoot up the school and a specific staff member. As a result of the police investigation a 15-year-old male was taken into custody and lodged at the Arrowhead Juvenile Center on charges of…

Duluth Restaurants Take Stance Against ‘Earned Sick & Safe Time’

The ordinance would include two options for workers.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 20 restaurants with the Duluth Local Restaurant Association have sent a letter to city councilors against the idea of requiring Earned Sick and Safe Time for all employees.  Councilors are expected to take up the issue at the next city council meeting March 26. The ordinance would include two options: 1. Workers would earn safe…

GOP Lawmakers Plot big Changes to Minnesota’s IT Agency

GOP Sen. Julie Rosen says the state has a bad track record in software development.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republicans who control the Legislature are charting major changes to how the state handles information technology. Minnesota’s Information Technology Services agency has been in the spotlight following the botched roll out of the new driver’s registration system called MNLARS. It’s the second major technological flop under Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration, after MNsure’s bungled launch in…

Minnesota Man Charged for Urinating in Female Coworker’s Water Bottle

Female coworker rejected his advances.

Conrrado Cruz Perez. (Courtesy of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office)VADNAIS HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) _ A Minnesota restaurant worker is accused of urinating in a co-worker’s water bottle after the woman rejected his advances. Prosecutors charged 47-year-old Conrrado Cruz Perez of Minneapolis with adulterating a substance with bodily fluids. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports deputies were called to the restaurant…

The Latest: Trump Tariffs to Take Effect in 15 Days

Trump to make announcement later Thursday

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – Sources outside the White House say President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports will take effect in 15 days, with Canada and Mexico indefinitely excluded from the duties. Trump is ordering import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum later Thursday. He says American manufacturers need to be protected…

Report of Threat Made Against Duluth East

Investigation Ongoing

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department a juvenile male has been apprehended for making a shooting threat against Duluth East. The male has been placed in custody. There are no other suspects in this case and there is no ongoing threat. According to police no guns have been recovered. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Minnesota Bill Would Raise Smoking age to 21 Statewide

The increase would apply to e-cigarettes as well.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are looking to ride the momentum of cities raising their tobacco sales age by proposing a statewide increase to 21. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a bill Thursday that would raise the age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21. If passed, Minnesota would be the sixth state to increase its…

LCO Community College Offers Educational Opportunities to All

HAYWARD, Wis. – It’s the time of year when colleges across the country are taking applications and registering current students for classes, and that includes right here in the Northland. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College is always welcoming new students. This morning, LCO Marketing and Student Success Counselor Taylor Nelson, along with Marketing Assistant and Student Intern Lindsay Dillon…

Florida Senate Passes Gun Legislation, Goes to Gov.

Florida bill will now go to Gov. Rick Scott who has 15 days to sign.

FLORIDA (AP) – The Florida House passed a school safety bill Wednesday that includes new restrictions on rifle sales and a program to arm some teachers. The bill includes raising the age to purchase a firearm to 21 from 18, require a three day waiting period for firearm purchases, ban the sale or possession of bump fire stocks, give law…

Creating Truffles Featured at Chocolate After Dark

Cooking Connection: Lyric Kitchen Bar

DULUTH, Minn. – Arc Northland is once again holding their Chocolate After Dark Fundraiser. The 21st annual event will include sampling chocolate creations from featured local chefs, a silent auction, a gift card wall and a cash bar. All proceeds from the event go to supporting and expanding Arc Northland’s advocacy and educational programming for individuals and families with disabilities….

Duluth Police Department Warns of Spoofing Scam

An apparent spoofing scam is targeting the Duluth area.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is sending out a warning this morning of an apparent spoofing scam. A male caller has been targeting the area utilizing a number out of Cambridge, MN claiming to be collecting donations on behalf of a first responder’s fundraiser. When pressed for more information about their organization and where they were based out…

One Student Dead, Another Hurt by gun in Alabama High School

metal detectors and other security measures failed to keep students from handling a gun in a classroom.

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Birmingham closed one of its largest schools for a thorough safety sweep Thursday after metal detectors and other security measures failed to keep students from handling a gun in a classroom where one 17-year-old was fatally shot and another wounded in an apparent accident. “We consider it accidental until the investigation takes us elsewhere,”…

Patrol Says Driver That Killed One, Injured 14 was Drunk

All passengers were from Minnesota

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Florida authorities say the driver of a pickup truck was drunk when he crashed into a van leaving a Minnesota Twins spring training game in Fort Myers, killing one woman and injuring 14 others, all from Minnesota. A Florida Highway Patrol crash report says at least one of the 14 injured when the van rolled…

Hucklebeary Celebrates Grand Re-Opening, International Women’s Day

Hucklebeary Originated as a Pop-Up Shop in Downtown Duluth Over the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn – Thursday, March 8 is International Women’s Day! The day is aimed at recognizing the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women around the world. The initiative also sheds light on gender parity and closing the pay gap. The world economic forum estimates that global gender equality won’t be achieved until 2133. Thursday morning on FOX 21…

Minnesota Doctors Call for ban on Assault Weapons

The largest physicians' organization in Minnesota is calling for a ban on assault weapons.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The largest physicians’ organization in Minnesota is calling for a ban on assault weapons and more research on gun violence in the wake of the Florida high school shooting. Leaders of the Minnesota Medical Association say it’s time that gun violence becomes a public health issue. In a statement Thursday, the group says “failure to intervene in…

Minnesota Slip Reconstruction Moving Along

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s multi-million dollar seawall reconstruction project is moving along. Fencing is up and the big steel pillars for a new and improved seawall are going up after the old wall was deteriorating. The project is expected to be complete after Grandma’s Marathon weekend. The seasonal opening of the William A. Irvin will be delayed a bit, but…