News – Latest News

Duluth Coffee Company and Earth Rider Join Forces

The new coffee beer can be found in Superior and Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two brewers of different kinds have teamed up to create the perfect coffee beer. Earth Rider Brewery and Duluth Coffee Company released the pale ale Thursday night. Workers say told the coffee beer is created using an imperfect pale ale but made complete with the help of the Duluth Coffee Company. “Overall in the flavor you might not…

Plans Underway for New Unique Hotel

Officials say the hotel aims to attract millennials to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– New details are being revealed for a new hotel like no other planned for Duluth’s central entrance. The hotel is called “Tru by Hilton” it’s aimed at giving young professionals, a fun affordable place to stay.  The rooms will cost $100 a night and be smaller than an average hotel room. City officials say although there are many hotels, none…

Hundreds Partake in Northland Figure Skating Competition

The event is free and open to the public all weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend figure skaters are hitting the ice for the 38th annual Northland Figure Skating Competition. The Duluth Figure Skating Club puts on the competition all weekend at AMS Oil Arena and the DECC. The skaters range from little ones to adults. Club coach Heather Seyfer has been apart of the club for 35 years; starting as a competitor, now…

Aerial Lift Bridge Undergoing Deck Replacement

The center sections of the bridge can last for several more years before they'll have to be replaced.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than 60 years since the deck on the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth was last replaced. Workers have started the process of replacing it again. Since the shipping season is now over this deck replacement won’t affect marine traffic, but those using the bridge will experience some delays for a while. Workers are replacing…

Trump Immigration Plan Offers Citizenship Path to 1.8 Million

Opponents say the plan lacks details and sabotages bipartisan talks

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Donald Trump is proposing to provide a path to citizenship for 1.8 million so-called “Dreamers,” younger immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The plan is likely to get a mixed reaction on Capitol Hill. Senior White House officials are offering a preview of Trump’s immigration framework, casting it as a compromise that…

UW-Superior Launches Strategic Diversity Plan

The university introduces first Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior has recently initiated the first Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the history of the institution. The plan is designed to help the UW-Superior community achieve a diverse and inclusive campus climate. “There have been so many groups in involved,” said Jerel Benton, Senior Diversity Officer. “It’s been great. It gives…

DECC’s Newest Executive Director Shares Vision For the Future

Fuse Duluth within the Chamber went on a tour to see the sustainable practices at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s (DECC) newest executive director is only four months into her role, but is already looking toward the future. Chelly Townsend says she wants to see the DECC grow as a sustainable building for everyone in the Northland. The goal is do that by continuing to follow sustainable practices. “The basic recycling, reducing and…

Proctor Hockey Arena Set To Open This Summer

The arena will be located on Kirkus Street.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This July Proctor will have a brand new hockey arena and event center. The decking is finished and the final layers of the roof are going up. Once that’s done the heating work comes next. The arena will double as a community center, that’ll have a walking track, enough room to seat 1,200 people and a community…

Superior YMCA Opens Doors During Sub-Zero Temps

"Warming center helps meet the needs of community"

Superior, Wis. – The Superior Douglas County Family YMCA now offers their facility as a warming center. The Y will be open for use as a warming station from 6am-noon on days the weather dips below 0° or the wind chill is below -25° degrees. The lobby will be available to the public, as will refreshments such as coffee, tea,…

Damiano Center Connecting Those In Need With Free Resources

Lunch was provided and about 500 people showed up over the course of the day.

DULUTH, Minn. -The Damiano Center in Duluth offered a one stop shop to help people in need. Several service providers were on hand to provide free help for homeless or low income folks who stopped by. Having these resources under one roof helps make it easier for people to get to these offices. Haircuts, foot care and winter clothing items…

Steel Workers Union Enters Into Agreement With Mesabi Metallics

Company Agrees Not to Interfere With Union Organization

NASHWAUK, Minn.-The United Steelworkers union has announced that they have entered into an agreement with Mesabi Metallics at the company’s Nashwauk taconite mining and processing site, which is still being built. The agreement will allow the USW to organize the Mesabi Metallics workers into the union without interference from the company. “The steelworkers have a long and deep history of…

Fitger’s Frozen Fundraiser Tomorrow

Event is a Fundraiser for Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn.-Fitger’s will be hosting the annual Frozen Fundraiser for Animal Allies tomorrow (Friday). The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on the third floor of the Fitger’s complex in the August Fitger Room. It will feature local beers along with all sorts of savory and sweet delights. “We are super excited to partner with Fitger’s for this event….

Ice Racing to Bring Ice to Life at Annual Ice Festival

MIRA Featured at Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend the ice will come alive on Barker’s Island in Superior as the Midwest Ice Racing Association riders compete. This is part of the Lake Superior Ice Festival on Saturday, January 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A-Class Rider, Brock Zychowski, stopped by FOX 21 this morning. Zychowski says the sport gives an adrenaline rush…

Vegetable Risotto with Catering By Bellisio’s

Cooking Connection: Vegetable Risotto

DULUTH, Minn. – During the winter months, a savory dish is always a great dinner choice. Bellisio’s in Canal Park offers many meals that fit that bill. For this week’s Cooking Connection, the Executive Chef of Catering By Bellisio’s, Eric Denney, showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make a vegetable risotto. VEGETABLE RISOTTO Dice onion Smash and mince garlic…

Minnesota Agencies Report Few Hate Crimes

Several High Profile Incidents are Missing from Report

MINNEAPOLIS-A newspaper examination of last year’s hate crime reports in Minnesota found several high profile incidents missing. The Star Tribune’s study found no mention of last summer’s Bloomington mosque bombing. A November FBI report found that nearly two-thirds of the state’s law enforcement agencies reported no hate crimes in their jurisdictions in 2016. Victims, advocates and federal officials say inconsistency…

Minnesota Governor Pays $6k for Home State Super Bowl Seat

Super Bowl Will be Played Feb. 4

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s governor has forked over $6,000 for a ticket to his own state’s Super Bowl game. Gov. Mark Dayton expressed regret Wednesday that the Minnesota Vikings won’t play the Feb. 4 game in Minneapolis. The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Vikings Sunday to face the New England Patriots. But Dayton says he still felt obligated to attend the game…

State Tackling Backlog of Elder Abuse Cases

State Hoping to Speed Up Cases on Elder Abuse

ST. PAUL, Minn.-State regulators have outlined a plan for speeding up investigations of elder abuse and reducing Minnesota’s backlog of unresolved cases. Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that a team of state officials is sorting through thousands of reports of maltreatment in senior homes. The Star Tribune reports more than 2,300 reports of…

Former ‘Chicken Spur’ Showing Signs of Demolition

Owner of the property is taking down the canopy and digging out old gas tanks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The former longtime home of the Chicken Spur gas station in Superior is showing signs of demolition. Superior city planner Jason Serck said Wednesday the owners of the property are simply tearing down the gas station’s canopy and digging out the old gas tanks. Serck says it’s all in an effort to better market the prime property on…

‘Visit Duluth’ Launches Minneapolis Marketing Campaign Ahead Of Super Bowl

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s convention and visitor’s bureau – Visit Duluth – has all eyes on the upcoming Super Bowl in Minneapolis and the thousands of visitors that’ll be there. A marketing campaign all about Duluth has launched on Metro Transit’s blue line to U.S. Bank Stadium. Visit Duluth has wrapped a light-rail train showing off what…

UMD College Republicans Host Fundraiser

The group will be traveling to Washington D.C.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth’s College Republicans held a fundraiser at Glensheen Mansion. The UMD College Republicans met with gubernatorial candidates at the event is a fundraiser. The group is attending the CPAC in Washington D.C. UMD College Republicans President Kynze Lundeen says organizing the event is an honor. “It means a lot to me to have my CR’s…

Duluth Public Library Rewarding Reading

The library is also giving away prizes if you attend events.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Public Library is giving away prizes to promote reading. Now until February 24th if you attend a class held at the library, you could win a prize. Wednesday the library held a Metal Tool Workshop partnering up with the Duluth Art Institute. The workshop inspired people to tap into their creative side, making raised art with tin foil…

Champ, UMD Hockey Players Visit Children’s Hospital

Each Kid Got a "Champ" Bobblehead Gift

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids in the Essentia Health Children’s Hospital got some special visitors today. UMD mascot Champ and some of the UMD Men’s Hockey players stopped in kids’ hospital rooms, talking with them and keeping them company for a little while. “It’s refreshing because you see the same nurses, same people every day,” said Bailey Eich, a cancer patient…

Public Comments on Barker’s Island Plans

The city is hoping for your input to restore the beach.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of superior focused in on the future restoration of Barker’s Island Beach during a public meeting. The city held the public meeting to share preliminary engineering concepts for the beach’s future. The beach is a major part of the overall success of Barker’s Island. Wednesday night the Parks Rec and Forestry Department presented drawings of the proposed…

Hartley Nature Center Expanding

The Board has been planning for this expansion over the last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to the Hartley Nature Center building in Duluth. As visitors and students continue to come through the doors, the center is trying to keep up with the demand. Thousands of children visit Hartley every year for school field trips and plans to add on to the building will allow kids to continue…

Law Enforcement Get Special Training at Juvenile Officer’s Conference

"We're hoping to create kind of a team effort." - Cory Spencer, Minnesota Juvenile Officer's Association Treasurer

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1955 the Minnesota Juvenile Officer’s Association has provided members of law enforcement special safety training. This training is designed to help with situations involving young people. Members of law enforcement from around the state who work in schools are learning valuable lessons this week at a special conference in Duluth. Those taking part include juvenile probation…

Gov. Walker Delivers State of the State Address

Gov. Scott Walker touts 2017 as an "amazing'' and "historic'' year.

  MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker laid out his priorities for the coming year at his eighth state of the state address Wednesday.  He also looked back on 2017 as “amazing” and “historic.” Republican legislative leaders are embracing Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to give families a $100 payment for every child living at home under age 18.  Both Republican…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Happening This Weekend

Superior Festival Will Include a Kids Zone, Snow Slide, and Pond Hockey Tounrnament

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is coming this weekend to Barker’s Island in Superior. This year’s festival will include a “kids zone” with craft activities and ice princesses for the kids to meet. The festival will also have live ice carving, a snow slide, a pond hockey tournament, and many more activities. “The community has gotten behind…

Fit Families Program Challenges People to Drink More Water

Drinking Water Can Help Families Stay Healthy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Fit Families program is encouraging families to drink more water this month. It’s the first of the program’s wellness challenges this year. They say water can help people stay healthy by reducing the amount of sugary drinks they consume. That helps them lose weight and improves dental health. “It’s a thing that anyone can…

Lake Superior Water Level Nears Record High

Next Year's Level Could Be As High or Higher

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior water levels hit near record highs last year. This year, experts predict the lake levels could be just as high or higher. Lake Superior water levels were about a foot above normal last year. The high levels are better for shipping but can have negative effects on the shoreline. According to experts, the October storm…

Superior’s Cooper Elementary School In Finishing Stages

Some of the upper grade level classrooms will have their own bathrooms.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cooper Elementary School in Superior is expected to be open and ready for students to start classes in Sept. The project is well ahead of schedule. When finished it will be a new two story 95,000 square foot school. The school is being built to look more like a house and will feature an east and west…

Over $300,000 in History Grants go to Minnesota Counties

Nearly $40,000 goes to organizations in Northeast Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society announces 36 recipients of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants (up to $10,000 each), totaling $324,149 in 22 counties.  A handful of the endowments landed right here in the Northland. Two of those recipients are in Duluth. The Lincoln Center for Arts Education Building (2229 W 2ndSt Duluth, MN 55806) Photo Courtesy:…

Former UMD Hockey Captain Leaves Lasting Impact

Bulldogs Honor Andrew Carroll

DULUTH, Minn- The middle of January 2018 comes with heavy hearts for the UMD hockey community. “He always had the biggest smile on his face, I’d say. He was just an awesome guy, he was positive, he would do anything you wanted him to do, he never had anything bad to say about anyone.” Kind words used by UMD Sophomore…

Grand Jury Convened in Police Killing of Australian Woman

Shooting Occurred After Woman Called Police to Report Incident

Justine Damond, Fox 9MINNEAPOLIS-A Minnesota prosecutor has convened a grand jury in the police shooting of an Australian woman. Justine Ruszczyk Damond was killed by Minneapolis Officer Mohamed Noor in July 2017. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said previously he would no longer use grand juries in police shootings, and would decide those cases himself. He said last month that…

Walker Ready to Give State of State’s Address Today

Walker to Discuss Juvenile Prisons, Health Care Proposals

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to lay out his priorities for the year in his eighth State of the State speech that comes as he runs for a third term. Walker makes the speech Wednesday afternoon before a joint meeting of the state Senate and Assembly. Walker has said he will reveal more details about his plan to move…

Nassar Hearing Ends With Applause, Tears, Hugs

Olympic Doctor Sentenced to Between 40 and 175 Years

LANSING, Mich.-A seven-day hearing for a Michigan sports doctor ended with tears, hugs and applause after he was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for molestation allegations. Kyle Stephens grew up as a friend of Larry Nassar’s family and was the first victim to testify in court last year. She was glad to attend the sentencing and called…

Water Main Break on West Superior Street

Crews were on the scene much of the day

UPDATE: City crews have clamped the section of damaged pipe. Water is expected to be back on as normal at this time. ****************************** DULUTH, Minn.-A waterline began leaking this morning on West Superior Street, just outside the North Shore Bank. Crews are still at the scene assessing the damage. The water has been shutoff for that block. Categories: News, News…

History Organizations in 22 Minnesota Counties Receive Grants

The Grants are Available for History and Historic Preservation Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society is announcing 36 recipients of 38 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants, totaling $324,149 in 22 counties. Locally, the Duluth Art Institute will  receive $10,000. This money will go toward plans for two phases of Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building preservation. The grant will help the Institute hire a qualified consultant to…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Gets $2.3 Million for Project

Project Will Include a Storage Facility

Courtesy: Duluth Shipping NewsDULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has received $2.3 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a new expansion. The project will provide for additional vessel mooring and storage area at the facility, allow for dredging to full seaway depth, and will stabilize existing failing timber and concrete dockage. The expansion will also help support the…

Mamma Mia! Actors Visit FOX 21 Ahead of Opening Night

Famous Musical Marks Reopening of Historic NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – The long-awaited opening of the NorShor Theatre is just over a week away and the regional premier of Mamma Mia! is kicking off the entertainment. The show features songs from Abba. The story follows a young bride as she prepares for her wedding. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping to find out who her…

Best Friend Beagles in Search of Forever Home

Baby and Johnny are Currently at Animal Allies Humane Society, Searching for a Forever Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Beagles Baby and Johnny stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday morning with Animal Allies Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg. Sternberg spoke about the need to find more families looking to adopt bonded animals. The shelter often sees animals being surrendered together from previous homes, and always strive to find a new home for them where…

Police Ruled Justified in December Officer-Involved Shooting in Gilbert

One Person Killed in Incident

GILBERT, Minn.-Two police officers in St. Louis County have been ruled justified in an officer-involved shooting Dec. 22 in Gilbert. According to a report from county attorney Mark Rubin, St. Louis County deputy Derrick Deutsch and Gilbert police officer Joseph Bradach were in a situation where they needed to use deadly force. The two officers exchanged gunfire in the incident…

Local Engineers Design New Fitger’s Pedestrian Bridge

Bridge Investment Is Focused On Access to Fitger's From Superior Street

  DULUTH, Minn. – The old corroding bridge from the Pick Wick parking lot to the Fitger’s ramp is being replaced. The new and stronger bridge will soon be painted bright red and installed for easier pedestrian access from Superior Street to the lower level of the historic Fitger’s complex. AMI Consulting Engineers in Superior is behind the design and…

Mistrial Declared in Lincoln Park Murder Case

Defense Claims Another Man Shot the Victim

The trial for a man charged with second degree murder in Duluth has been stalled with a mistrial, even before the first witness took the stand. Aaron Demetrius Humphreys, 43, is accused of intentional second degree murder in the shooting death of Orin Vann outside of a Lincoln Park bar in 2016. Tuesday, a mistrial was declared after Prosecutor Nathan…

Duluth City Golf Courses Face Debt, Uncertain Future

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council discussed a resolution Monday that would encourage the privatization of Lester Park and Enger Park golf courses. The golf courses are facing $2.2 million of debt and $12.7 million of deferred maintenance. The resolution was sent back to administration because the group Friends of Duluth Public Golf would like to be part of…

Duluth City Council Approves $1.8M In Upgrades For City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s City Hall has been approved by the city council for $1.8 million in upgrades. The money will go toward replacing inefficient, non-compliant building systems like lighting and electric, as well as information technology infrastructure. Carpets, ceiling tiles and paint will also be part of the deal, while improving space that’s currently not being used to the best…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing Enjoyed on Bear Lake

Minnesotans Love the Excitement and Togetherness of the Winter Sport

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a cold day in the Northland, but that didn’t stop anglers from getting out on the frozen lakes to do some ice fishing. Ice shacks dot the frozen surface of Bear Lake in Barnum. “You get depressed if you’re at home. Here, even though you’re still sitting in the ice house, you’re out, you’re doing…

Duluth Curling Club Hosts Fundraiser for Junior National Teams

A spaghetti fundraiser was held to support the young athletes on their trips

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Curling Club hosted a spaghetti fundraiser to help a few of their young athletes with their trip to the Junior Nationals. Dozens of people made it out to support the team, as they get ready to compete in the U–18 and U–21 Junior Nationals Championships. “We just really appreciate it a lot, everybody coming out and…

Superior High School Renovations Making Progress

The $60 million project is being funded by a $92.5 million referendum that was passed last spring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Andy Wolfe has been teaching at Superior High School for 20 years. He’s always wanted bigger spaces for more student collaboration. With the ongoing expansion he’s getting that wish. “The sizes of the places, the hallways are big and open, which is so much better than what we currently have. the classrooms immediately felt bigger,” said Wolfe. When…

MPR: Allegations Against Keillor Far Beyond Single Touch

MPR releases note regarding decision to end contracts with Garrison Keillor

Garrison KeillorMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Public Radio provided additional details of allegations of sexual harassment against humorist Garrison Keillor on Tuesday, saying his alleged conduct went well beyond his account in November of accidentally touching a woman’s bare back. MPR said in a statement that Keillor was accused by a woman who worked on his “A Prairie Home Companion” radio…