News – Latest News

Trump signs budget deal, government reopens

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $400 billion budget deal that sharply boosts spending and swells the federal deficit, ending a brief federal government shutdown that happened while most Americans were sleeping and most government offices were closed, anyway. The House and Senate approved a bill to keep the government funded through March…

2018 Black Woods Blizzard Tour Looks to Surpass One Million Dollars

The Black Woods Blizzard Tour Supports the ALS Association Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter

PROCTOR, Minn. – Over 200 snowmobile riders and dozens of volunteers are warmed up Thursday evening at Fortune Bay Resort in Tower, Minnesota. The 19th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour started early Thursday morning as riders bundled up and revved up their engines, all for a good cause. “My blood is going, I love it! It doesn’t get any better…

Final Polymet Project Public Meeting Held

The public can make comments on the proposed copper nickel mine into March.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of people packed the DECC for the final public input meeting on Polymet’s proposed copper nickel mine near Babbit. The police presence was ramped up, before anyone even entered the ballroom. The DNR and Duluth police doing pat–downs on the hundreds who wanted to attend. Beyond that the issues of pro–miners and those worried about the environment…

Hit and Run Accident in Duluth

One pedestrian injured.

Witnesses described the vehicle as possibly a 2002 or 2003 Ford “Focus” sedan, similar to the car in this picture. (This is not the actual vehicle.)UPDATE: The vehicle’s driver has been identified and interviewed.  We will update you have more details become available. DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred around 11P.M….

Public Meetings For PolyMet Permit to Mine Conclude In Duluth

The first meeting was held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 in Aurora.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are hosting the final public meeting  in Duluth surrounding the proposed PolyMet project. At stake are the permits needed for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. PolyMet meetings continue in the Northland and today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), hundreds are expected to voice their opinions on the NorthMet mining project….

Enbridge Protesters Look Toward Jury Trial

DULUTH, Minn. – Three people are facing trespassing charges for refusing to leave an Enbridge office in Duluth last year. Last December, they delivered a complaint letter to Enbridge. They read that same letter in front of supporters at a rally on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. The co–defendants are asking for a jury trial and will get that come March. “We’re all threatened…

Tips Offered for How to Handle Dry Skin During Winter Months

Key to Moisturizing is Doing it Right After You Get Out of the Shower

DULUTH, Minn.-Many Northlander’s already know that having dry skin is routine during the winter time. What some may not know, is how to moisturize their skin properly. That’s where you may need help from the experts. One local dermatology facility says those of different genders and ages, all have to deal with dry skin differently. One of the top tips…

St. Louis County Land Sale Auction Brings In More Than $374K

These auctions happen three times a year in Feb., June and Oct.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There are not many places around the Northland where you can buy property for as low as $200. But it could happen at a tax forfeited land sale auction. At these auctions people can bid on properties that are tax forfeitures for non-payment of taxes. “We can transact a transaction in the same day as the auction….

Arrowhead Road Project Approved

Project Approved by St. Louis County Board for $1.4 Million

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Board has approved a construction project for Arrowhead Road. The project will include overlaying the portion from Rice Lake Road to Haines Road. It’s expected to begin in the spring at a cost of $1.4 million. According to the county,  the pavement is nearly two decades old, which means it’s sorely needed at that site….

Austin Hilden Sentenced in Vehicular Homicide Case

Criminal vehicular homicide results in 41 month sentence

DULUTH, Minn. – Today 19 year old Austin Darrell Hilden is sentenced to 41 months in prison.  According to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin, Hilden pled guilty in State District Court to one count of Criminal Vehicular Homicide and one count of Criminal Vehicular Operation causing Great Bodily Harm. The charges stemmed from a one-car accident on May 29,…

Governor Dayton Proclaims “Minnesota Winter Olympians Day”

Minnesota sends third-most Winter Olympians of any state behind California and Colorado

Several men and women from the Northland make up most of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Curling teams. (photo: newsfile)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton officially proclaimed February 8, 2018 to be “Minnesota Winter Olympians Day.”  Minnesotans have a long tradition of representing the United States at the Winter Olympics.  20 Minnesota athletes are competing in the 2018 winter…

Dow Plunges 1,000 as Market Swoons Again

Dow is 10 Percent Below Record High From Two Weeks Ago

NEW YORK-The Dow Jones industrial average plunged more than 1,000 points as a week-long market swoon continued. The Dow is 10 percent below the record high it set just two weeks ago, putting it in what is known on Wall Street as a “correction.” The Standard & Poor’s 500, the benchmark for many index funds, is also 10 percent below…

Missing Inmate Found Illinois

Went Missing Yesterday in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-Inmate Daniel Torres, 44, who went missing yesterday in Duluth, was found this morning in Cook County, Illinois. He was set to take the bus to a prison camp in Illinois, but skipped out on it and left with other individuals at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Duluth. He was originally housed in the Duluth Federal Prison Camp. Torres was…

Snowmobilers Help Fight ALS

The 19th Blackwoods Blizzard Tour has raised $8.8 million over the years.

PROCTOR, Minn.-  Every year in the United States alone 6,000 people are diagnosed with ALS. For the 19th year, snowmobilers are helping to raise funds for ALS research. The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour, also known as the Million Dollar Ride, brings together experienced snowmobilers to donate and raise money for ALS. Riders will travel 150 miles each day during the 3-day–journey. One…

Local Business Owners to Brainstorm Solutions to Workforce Gap

NE MN Workforce Solutions Series

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week local leaders and business owners will be coming together to find a solution to the looming workforce gap. This is part of the “NE MN Workforce Solutions Series” event. The workforce gap is currently developing as baby boomers retire and the population in the Northeast region stays stagnant. According to Ian Vincent with Northforce, it…

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Water Gala

3rd Annual Clean Water Gala

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is celebrating the hard work of the past year with the 3rd Annual Clean Water Gala. At the gala, there will be food, drinks, a silent auction and live music. It’s being held on Friday, February 9 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works. Tickets are $40 in advance and…

Cooking Swedish Meatballs for Hygge Dinner

Cooking Connection: Traditional Swedish Meatballs

LUTSEN, Minn. – Moguls Grille and Tap Room is taking advantage of Scandinavian culture throughout the Northland. Next week, they’re hosting a Hygge dinner celebrating Scandinavian comfort foods. This will be a five-course dinner with cocktails and live jazz music. The dinner is being held on February 8, at 6:00 p.m. For more information on the event head to caribouhighlands.com/moguls-grille/….

Walker, Assembly Propose One-Year Tax Rebate, Holiday

Families With School-Aged Children Would Get $100 Tax Rebate

MADISON, Wis.-Families with school-aged children would receive a one-time $100 tax rebate and Wisconsin’s 5 percent sales tax would be waived the first weekend in August under a deal reached with Gov. Scott Walker and Assembly Republicans. Walker and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the agreement Thursday. It’s a variation of a tax cut Walker first put forward last month….

Ex-Vikings Star Ordered to Pay Balance of Bank Loan

Adrian Peterson Owes $600,000 to Minneapolis Bank

Courtesy of NFL.comMINNEAPOLIS-A judge has ordered former Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson to pay about $600,000 after he defaulted on a loan from a suburban Minneapolis bank. Crown Bank, of Edina, sued Peterson in November after he failed to pay the balance of a $2.4 million loan he took out in May 2016. The Star Tribune says Peterson initially defaulted…

Woman Faces Terror Charge After Fires at Minnesota Campus

Woman Allegedly Sending Material to Support al-Qaida

MINNEAPOLIS-A Minnesota woman accused of setting fires at a Minnesota university campus is now facing a terrorism charge. Nineteen-year-old Tnuza Jamal Hassan was charged Wednesday in federal court with attempting to provide material support to al-Qaida, lying to the FBI and arson. She also faces a state arson charge. Hassan is a former student at St. Catherine University in St….

Part of Road Closed Due to Gas Line Break in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.-The Cloquet Police Department advises you to avoid Tall Pine Lane between Whispering Pine Apartments and 14th Street, due to a gas line break. The incident has closed that section of roadway and will require a detour of traffic until crews can repair the line. Categories: News, News – Latest News Tags: cloquet gas line

Gander Outdoors Opens in Hermantown

Store Opened Today

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Gander Outdoors has opened in Hermantown. According to a Facebook post from the store, they will have a grand opening celebration beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Kids can paint a lure from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and build a duck call from 1-3 p.m. that day. The store closed over the summer due to bankruptcy, but a new…

Fire Department Shares Rescue Efforts & Tips For Pet Safety

Firefighters say the main reason for loss of life is because a victim's oxygen has been compromised.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the last few weeks several big house fires have happened in the Northland. In those fires, pets weren’t able to make it out alive. On Feb 6. three dogs died in a structure fire in Duluth. FOX21 checked in with the Gary Fire Station, the first crew to arrive at Tuesday’s fire. They tell us pets inside of…

February Is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

CASDA Urges Adults to Initiate Domestic Violence Conversations with Teens

SUPERIOR, Wis. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Every year, about one and a half million American high school students experience physical abuse from a partner. According to the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA), teen dating violence is a bigger problem in the Northland than the national average. Teen dating violence can be physical, emotional, sexual,…

Corktown Deli and Brews coming to Lincoln Park Craft Dist.

Business owner also owns Duluth Grill, OMS Smokehouse

DULUTH, Minn. – The businessman behind the Duluth Grill and OMC Smokehouse is getting ready to open up another restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The business is called Corktown Deli and Brews and will be located at 1906 West Superior Street, which is right across the street from OMC. Owner Tom Hanson describes the restaurant as a fast-casual dining experience…

Lake Superior College Has Low-Cost Physical Therapy Clinic

A physical therapy assistant degree can be completed in two years at Lake Superior College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Twice a week, Lake Superior College offers low-cost physical therapy for anyone whose insurance may not cover it. The special clinic is open Monday and Wednesday afternoons during the school year. The clinic is a partnership between Lake Superior College and the College of St. Scholastica. Students from both schools treat the patients. Some patients have come in…

Special Report: Preparing for Performance at the NorShor

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1914, the Duluth Playhouse has managed to captivate audiences from around the world. Now, they’re hoping a new venue they manage known as the NorShor Theatre, will help attract thousands more to the area for years to come. Recent revitalization is proving to be meaningful for many as the production of Mamma Mia! takes center stage….

Hockey Players fill Outdoor Rinks Celebrating the Community

Hockey Night is an annual event at the Superior's outdoor ice rinks.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  It’s hockey night in Superior, and the city’s rinks are full of all ages enjoying the outdoor ice. Hockey night is an annual event put on by the Superior Spartans and the UWS Yellowjackets. Players from each team hit the ice to skate with the community. The hockey players pass the puck or even offer tips to the…

Many Turn to Alternative Medicine During Flu Season

Workers at the Snooty Fox say customers curious for tea remedies.

DULUTH, Minn.-  According to the CDC this flu season is worse than years past. To stay healthy many are opting for alternative medicine. Workers at the Snooty Fox in Duluth say the flu season is always a busy time for the tea shop. Every day many customers walk in asking for something to help them feel better. “The request is…

‘Why Treaties Matter’ Exhibit at Duluth City Hall

Display Tells the History of Minnesota Native Land Acquisition

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s an exhibit on display on the first floor of Duluth’s City Hall about why treaties matter. The exhibit has twenty panels describing treaties between the government and Minnesota’s eleven Native American tribes. It’s a traveling display that makes stops all over the state teaching important moments in history. “We’ve done a disservice in our educational system…

Duluth School Changes Reading Lists Due to Use of Racial Slur

"To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" are required readings in high school literature classes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Changes are coming at Duluth Public Schools when it comes to required reading lists for students. The changes are happening because of the use of racial slurs in two books. At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” will not be required readings. The books are not…

Inmate Goes Missing During Transfer to Illinois

Inmate Was Last Seen at 7:30 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.-Inmate Daniel Torres, 44, was set to take the bus to a prison camp in Illinois, but skipped out on it and left with other individuals at 7:30 a.m. this morning in Duluth. He was originally housed in the Duluth Federal Prison Camp. The Hispanic man  has black hair, brown eyes, and is five-feet, six-inches tall, and weighs 180…

Big Budget Deal in Senate Hailed as “Genuine Breakthrough”

White House praises Senate budget deal

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House is praising a Senate budget agreement, saying it meets the administration’s priorities on defense spending and providing a two-year budget plan.  White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the deal will provide “certainty” for the next two years and achieves a “much needed” increase in funding for the national defense….

Super Bowl Seat Heist

Seats at US Bank Stadium were a popular Super Bowl souvenir

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The seating capacity at US Bank Stadium is a little lower after Super Bowl LII.  Operators of the Minneapolis venue that hosted the big game have noticed several seats missing, including one taken by a Philadelphia Eagles fan who was seen carrying the stolen seat through the airport. A traveler snapped a photo of a man with…

Twin Ports Project Recycles Hotel Amenities For Those In Need

La Quinta Inn & Suites Duluth and has partnered with Safe Haven Shelter and Union Gospel Mission.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new project in the Twin Ports turning one person’s trash into another person’s treasure. Eleven area hotels are collecting gently used linens, pillows and bottles of shampoo and conditioner. They’ll donate these items to local agencies instead of just tossing them out. It’s called the Heart of Hospitality Project and the woman who started the effort…

Fundraising Gala Supports Duluth Nordic Center

Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club Snowball Gala

DULUTH, Minn. – The winter weather taking over the Northland has been a wonderland for cross-country skiers around the area. The Duluth XC Ski Club has been out all season, but this weekend they’re taking things indoors. It’s for their Annual Snowball Gala taking place on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 5:00 p.m. The gala is a fundraiser in support of…

Bemidji Assistant Principal Sentenced to 25 Years for Posing as Minor, Having Sexual Conversations with Students

Former Assistant Principal With District from 2005 to 2017

BEMIDJI, Minn.-A former assistant principal at Bemidji Middle School has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pretending to be a teenage boy online and having sexual conversations with students. Brandon Mark Bjerknes, 35, had been federally charged with producing and distributing child pornography and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. According to a personnel data request with the…

Forum Offers Duluth Public Schools Update

A Forum Hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Included Superintendent Bill Gronseth, District Chief Financial Officer Doug Hasler

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce gave those involved in the Duluth School District a chance to voice concerns and hear some answers Tuesday morning. Coffee cups and curious community members filled the dining space of Valentini’s restaurant on London Road. “As we address our budget, as we address a strategic plan moving forward, we all need…

Johnson, Walz Get Gubernatorial Boost From Caucus Voting

Caucuses Were Held Yesterday

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota Democrats and Republicans have chosen their favorites in the wide-open race for governor. Rep. Tim Walz was leading five fellow Democrats in a preference poll among voters conducted at Tuesday’s precinct caucuses as results still were being counted early Wednesday. And 2014 GOP nominee Jeff Johnson cruised to a commanding victory among Republicans with more than 45 percent of…

Shooting Incident in Biwabik Leaves Two in Jail

No One Injured in Incident

BIWABIK, Minn.-Two men are in jail today after a man allegedly shot at another man from a second story window at the Northland Apartments in Biwabik yesterday. It all happened about 5 p.m. and when police arrived, they located the shooter and took him into custody without incident. He could be facing charges of second-degree assault and unlawful discharge of…

UPDATE: Dog Dropped off at Animal Hospital Anonymously Was Attacked by Another Dog

Dog is Recovering at Veterinarian Hospital

DULUTH, Minn.-New details are emerging in case where a severely injured dog was dropped off anonymously last Wednesday at an animal hospital. Originally it was reported an unknown woman in her 20s dropped of a pit bull-mix – she said it had been hit by a car by the Miller Hill Mall. After an investigation by police, they said the…

Animal Answers: Helping Homeless Pets this Valentine’s Day

Borris the Four-Year-Old Shih Tzu Mix Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday; He's Currently up for Adoption

DULUTH, Minn. – This year on Valentine’s Day, you have the chance to help out homeless pets in the Northland. Pizza Luce is partnering up with Animal Allies Humane Society by donating 100 percent of dessert proceeds to the shelter. All you have to do, is simply say “yes” when asked if you’d like to see a dessert menu. Whether you pick…

Three Dogs Die in Duluth Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before midnight on Feb. 6 the Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1509 99th Avenue West. The first arriving fire rig established that most of the interior of the main floor was heavily involved in fire. All occupants were safe and evacuated from the home when crews arrived on scene. There were six…

Missing Girls Located

Girls Went Missing Saturday in Canal Park

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-Two teens who went missing in Canal Park Saturday turned themselves in to the Minneapolis Police Department Tuesday evening. Fifteen-year-olds Candus Flodin and Audrey Nash were with a group on a field trip when they went missing. Police believe they were runaways. Police had suspected they may have been in the Minneapolis or Mankato areas. Another 15-year-old who went…

Special Report: Behind the Curtain at the NorShor Theatre

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – After years of anticipation and countless hours of hard labor, the NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth is now officially open. On Thursday, February 1, the Duluth Playhouse along with the City of Duluth and Sherman Associates welcomed the community to the next chapter of life at the historic theatre along Superior Street. “Here we are! Eight years…