News – Latest News

The Northland Prepares For Looming Winter Storm

The public is advised to be careful when snow plows are on the roads.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the most part, the St. Louis County Public Works Department is ready as early as fall for handling winter storms. Whenever a storm is in the forecast crews go through all of the equipment to make sure everything is cleaned and greased. They also check the plow edges for wear and tear. “This garage, we have…

Mayor Larson Hosts Let’s Do Lunch Event

Mayor Working on State of City Address Which Will be Held in March

DULUTH, Minn.-We are less than 10 days into the new year, but Duluth’s mayor already has some big plans for 2018. Today she spoke with a variety of business leaders at the Greysolon Ballroom during the Chamber’s “Let’s Do Lunch” event. Larson said she’s already been working on her State of the City Address which is set for an unknown…

Future of Edna G Uncertain

Edna G Tugboat in Two Harbors Could be Removed From Water

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-The Edna G tugboat in Two Harbors has been a tourist attraction for years, but it could soon be coming out of the water. Recently the Two Harbors City Council passed a resolution to look into whether to do a feasibility study, that would determine how much it would cost to remove it from Lake Superior and place…

Sound Restaurant Opens in Duluth Today

Concert Featuring Multiple Acts Tonight at 8 p.m. at Sound

DULUTH, Minn.-The new Sound restaurant is open in Duluth. It’s grand opening is today and the place is being described as a spot sorely needed in downtown Duluth. The locale will feature different types of cuisine normally not found in the region like raw oysters and bison strip steaks. It’s all part of the chef’s goal of revitalizing the downtown…

Bannon to Exit Breitbart News Network after Break with Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is stepping down as chairman of Breitbart News Network after a public break with President Donald Trump. Breitbart announced Tuesday that Bannon would step down as executive chairman of the conservative news site, less than a week after Bannon’s explosive criticisms of Trump and his family were published in a…

MPCA Proposes Denial of Minntac’s Water Quality Permit

Meeting to be Held Jan. 23 in Mountain Iron to Discuss Denial

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.-The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has invited the public to make comments on a proposed denial of Minntac’s water quality permit at its Mountain Iron facility. A hearing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Mountain Iron Community Center where reasons for the denial are presented. The denial directly impacts the site owned by…

Trump Suggests 2-Phase Immigration Deal for ‘Dreamers’

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking a bipartisan compromise to avoid a government shutdown, President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that an immigration deal could be reached in two phases — first by addressing young immigrants and border security with what he called a “bill of love,” then by making comprehensive changes that have long eluded Congress. Trump held a…

Senate Committee Vote on Bill Relaxing Air Pollution Rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A legislative committee is set to approve a Republican bill that would relax Wisconsin air pollution regulations. The bill would repeal any state air pollution rules that go beyond federal regulations by the end of 2018. The state currently regulates hundreds more pollutants than the federal government. The proposal would allow the Department of Natural Resources…

Minnesota Human Services Chief to Fight Release of Serial Rapist

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper says she’ll appeal a judicial panel’s approval of the conditional release of a serial rapist from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.  Thomas R. Duvall has spent the past 30 years locked up for the violent rapes of teenage girls in the 1970s and 1980s. The Star Tribune reports that a three-judge panel…

UMD Production Honored at Regional Festival

"Antigone" Encore Performances in Duluth this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota-Duluth Theatre production is being honored in a big way. The department has been invited to perform “Antigone” at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, IA. This is one of only seven productions selected to perform in the festival. The play was chosen from hundreds around the region. UMD Theatre…

Walz, Coleman Release Fundraising Totals in Governor’s Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The rush for cash is on in the crowded race for Minnesota governor. Democratic candidate and Rep. Tim Walz said Monday his campaign had raised more than $1.1 million in 2017. Fellow Democrat and former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said he’d raised more than $800,000. It highlights the expensive race for the open governor’s…

New Tours, Events, Launch Glensheen Mansion to Record-Breaking Numbers

Northland Uncovered: More than 140,000 Visited Glensheen in 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials are counting record numbers at Glensheen Mansion as they look into the attendance for 2017. This is a trend that’s been on the rise over the last few years. “Which is really something to say because in 1981 the murder was on the press all the time,” explained Director Dan Hartman. Hartman tells FOX 21 this…

Duluth Kicks Off Trafficking Prevention Month

The sixth annual gathering honored victims and survivors.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jan. is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Duluth is honoring both victims and survivors. Organizers of today’s gathering say when you have people willing to purchase other people and there are potential victims who are vulnerable then human trafficking can exist. A performance by women draped in red shawls helped kick off trafficking prevention month in Duluth….

Trains and Toddlers Held at the Depot

Kids Played and Learned All About Trains

DULUTH, Minn. – Preschoolers took over the Depot today for the Trains and Toddlers event. The kids listened to stories, played with train tables, and boarded the historic, real life trains all around the North Shore Scenic Railroad Museum. “It’s a nice way to come in and hang out with friends and to do something during the day that isn’t…

Sex Trafficking Vigil Held in Two Harbors

Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force Aims to Stop Trafficking Before It Starts

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking Awareness Month. Monday, in Two Harbors, a vigil was held honoring the victims of sex trafficking. The Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force held their annual vigil in memory of those who lost their lives to sex exploitation and in solidarity with those who continue to be victimized. The…

Duluth City Councilors Sworn In

Newcomer is Renee Van Nett, the First Female Native American Councilor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilors were sworn in Monday at a ceremony at City Hall. Renee Van Nett is the one newcomer to the council. She was elected to represent the fourth district, which includes the Lincoln Park neighborhood and mall area. Van Nett is the first female Native American elected to the council. “Because our culture’s holistic, it’s…

Superior Chamber Announces New President & CEO

Taylor Pedersen Named to the Position, Has Been With the Chamber Since 2013

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There’s a new permanent President and CEO of the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. Taylor Pedersen was named to that position on Monday. The 34-year-old Pedersen is a Superior native with experience managing various businesses around town. Pedersen tells us he doesn’t plan to change much at the Chamber, but will listen to members about new opportunities…

Oprah Speech has Democrats Buzzing about Possible 2020 Run

Paul Drinkwater NBC via AP DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Oprah Winfrey’s impassioned call for “a brighter morning even in our darkest nights” at the Golden Globes has Democratic Party activists buzzing about the media superstar and the 2020 presidential race — even if it’s only a fantasy. Even so, for Democrats in early voting states, and perhaps for a…

Beargrease Begins at End of Month

10 Mushers Signed Up for Full Race

DULUTH, Minn.-We are only three weeks away from the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, as trails look to be in good condition. Right now there are 10 racers signed up for the full race while the field is packed with 35 competitors in the mid-distance event – about double the amount of last year’s participants. Event organizers said the event…

Historic Saint John’s Bible On Display In Duluth

Staff told us if there a mistake when writing the bible a piece of art was drawn over it instead of starting over.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first handwritten bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery has made its way to the Northland. The historic Saint John’s Bible is on display at the Benedictine Living community of Duluth. The chapel was full with guests who were there for a blessing event. The bible tour also celebrates the 125th anniversary of the sisters of St….

Warmer Weather Sends People Outdoors

The sunny day was a welcoming sight.

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures around 50 degrees warmer than the recent deep freeze people were out soaking in the sunshine especially on the Lakewalk in Duluth. “Taking the walk along the lakeshore here was just a little indulgence that i decided to do because i was going to get back in my car and drive up to the range,” said M’lou Brubaker of Goodland, Minnesota. “But…

End of Protection for Salvadorans Fills Families with Dread

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s decision to end special protections for nearly 200,0000 Salvadoran immigrants filled many Salvadoran families with anxiety dread Monday, raising the possibility that they will be forced to abandon their roots in the U.S. and return to a violent homeland they have not known for years, even decades. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen gave Salvadorans…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Phone Scam

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform citizens of a current phone scam. The Sheriff’s Office has received multiple, recent reports of callers posing as law enforcement telling parties that they “have missed federal jury duty and have arrest warrants.” The caller goes on to state that the person can clear up warrants by…

Whooping Cough Reported in Grand Rapids School

There is a Vaccine Available to Fight Whooping Cough

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-A case of whooping cough has been reported in Grand Rapids Schools. A representative from the Minnesota Department of Health said they are concerned about an outbreak in that region right now. They said the symptoms are whooping cough are similar to the flu, which makes it hard to tell what illness you have. One way to help…

Xcel Energy Plans Solar Garden in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Xcel Energy has announced plans to develop a third, one megawatt solar garden in Ashland. The garden will be part of Solar*Connect Community, Wisconsin largest community solar garden program. If enough customer interest is demonstrated, the garden will be built in 2019 by OneEnergy Renewables, and will be located on the property near Xcel’s Ashland service center….

Duluth Wedding Show Celebrates 30 Years with Biggest Show Yet

Nearly 150 Exhibitors Expected for Annual Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Planning a wedding can be stressful and difficult, but luckily there’s a resource in town to help local brides and grooms prepare for their special day. The 30th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 13th at the DECC. Nearly 150 exhibitors will fill six rooms of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. These will feature the latest…

Apostle Islands Ice Caves Not Open Yet

Ice Caves Could Open at End of January

APOSTLE ISLANDS, Wis.-The ice caves on the Apostle Islands are still not open yet, but they could be opening at the end of January. Staff have been checking the ice lately and say it’s too unstable right now to visit the beautiful caves. When the caves do open, visitors will be asked to pay a $5 recreation fee to enjoy…

Northern Lights Foundation Calls for “More Cowbell”

Annual Fundraiser Takes Place Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – A night of music, dinner, and drinks is supporting a worthy cause this week. The 9th Annual More Cowbell fundraiser is taking place on Thursday, January 11. The event is once against supporting the Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation gives grants to families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. Several groups will perform on stage with The…

Osmek Says His Governor Campaign is Over

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican David Osmek says he’s ending his campaign for governor. Osmek, a state senator from Mound, says he decided to drop out after discussing prospects with family and supporters over the holidays. Osmek finished fifth of seven candidates in a straw poll at the party’s State Central Committee meeting in December. He said he’ll support…

Wisconsin Sees Decline in Dairy Farms

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin is seeing a decline in the number of dairy farms despite increasing milk production as commercial farms expand. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that numbers from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection show the state lost 500 dairy farms last year. Wisconsin had just over 8,800 dairy herds licensed at the beginning of…

Storyteller Teaches Ojibwe Culture

Mike Sullivan from the LCO Reservation Tells Cultural Stories in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – An Ojibwe storyteller from the LCO reservation near Hayward told traditional stories of his people at the American Indian Community Housing Organization in Duluth. Mike Sullivan learned the tales from elders and tells them the same way they were told to him, in the Ojibwe language. Many of the traditional stories are about the half man, half…

Skating with the UMD Bulldogs

Little Northlanders skated at AMS Oil Arena with the UMD Women's Hockey team

DULUTH, Minn.-Sunday AMS Oil Arena was full of little hockey players. It’s a great day to be a UMD Bulldog, the UMD Women’s Hockey team hosted an open skate Sunday afternoon. The ladies said it was a perfect way to spend their Sunday. “A lot of them come to the games and I think just getting that one on one…

Norshor Theatre Wrapping Up Renovations

The historic Nor Shor Theatre will open up the first of February.

DULUTH, Minn.–  The countdown is on for the revival of downtown Duluth’s historic Norshor Theatre. In less than a month the stage will be lit and the arts and entertainment will begin.  The Duluth Play House will be turning on the Norshor Theatre marquee lights on February 1st. Many helping hands are ensuring the curtain will open. “It’s a historic…

Four Renters Displaced After Duplex Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Four renters are without a home after the duplex they were living in went up in flames. It happened Sunday morning at 3105 Restormel Street. When crews arrived, the fire was in full force. Everybody got out of the home safely, including a litter of cats. A dog, however, did not make it. Damage is estimated at…

Minnesota May See Smoky Skies Due To Western Wildfires

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota could see a repeat of smoky skies next summer as huge fires continue in the western United States. Daniel Dix is an air quality meteorologist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He tells Minnesota Public Radio that wildfires are becoming more common. State pollution control officials say climate change and years of fire suppression…

Suds for Shelter Hosts Final Fundraiser

The oldest brewery in Duluth held the final fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter season breweries around the Northland are teaming up to raise money for Habitat for Humanity during Suds for Shelter. The last fundraiser is at Minnesota’s oldest brewery the Lake Superior Brewing Company. During the Suds for Shelter for every beer purchased $1 is donated to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. “It’s kind of a neat…

Banff Film Festive Shown in Duluth

The festival highlights adventures from around the world.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Banff Mountain Film Festival kicked-off night at the DECC in Duluth, but it’s not too late to catch the films. The film festival highlights short films of expeditions and outdoor adventures from around the globe.  The Banff Mountain Film Festival travels around the world. Thanks to the Duluth Cross Country Club the films are shown in the…

Saturday Morning at the Races Kicks-off

The races give kids an opportunity to exercise away from the cold weather.

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday was a day for the races over at the college of St. Scholastica. Kids of all ages took part in the first Saturday Morning at the Races of this winter. Around 400 kids had a chance to exercise and take part in a friendly competition at the St. Scholastica gym. The races vary from 1/8 of a mile…

Spirit Mountain Hosts USSA Race

Kids of all ages competed in the family fun event.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sun was shining at Spirit Mountain as the USSA held the Minnesota/Planet Cup on Saturday. Around 360 racers headed down the slopes participating in timed and un-timed races. The competition included six different USSA teams one team is from Duluth, participating on their home slope. “It’s a unique event that you can be out on the hill, involved…

“Anonymous” Collecting Clothing and Blankets for the Homeless

One Group Member Will Sleep Outside to Raise Homeless Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. – Freezing cold temperatures can be dangerous for thousands of homeless people across the country. In Duluth, the group “Anonymous” is collecting clothing and blanket donations for the homeless. They will make bundles with the donations and leave them around the city. One group member will be sleeping outside in Superior for a whole night next week to…

Gander Outdoors in Hermantown to Open Early This Year

CEO Announced List of Stores Opening Before Late May

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Many Gander Outdoors stores are re-opening, including the former Gander Mountain in Hermantown. The Gander Outdoors CEO gave a list of stores expected to open by the end of May. The Hermantown store was number nine of the list, meaning it should be the ninth location to open its doors. This is a list that we feel…

Local Business Mining Cryptocurrency

Market Is Volatile, But Money Can Be Made from Digital Currency

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There has been a lot of talk about bitcoin and other cryptocurrency recently. Now, there’s a business in the Northland where that currency is mined and released into the market. One of the owners says his business can be very profitable after an investment in computer hardware is made. “Duluth is an excellent place to mine cryptocurrency…

Ordinance May Restrict Flavored Tobacco Products In Duluth Convenience Stores

The Ordinance Would Amend Chapter 11 of the Duluth City Code

Management from both smaller local convenience stores and big names like Kwik Trip are speaking out against the proposed ban. Gary Milk House Owner Derek Medved carries a variety of flavored tobacco products. But the store owner does not want young people buying them. “We’re here to work with the city on that to prevent of course selling to minors,”…

Flu Season Affecting Many in the Northland

Doctors say if you have flu like symptoms, stay home to avoid affecting others.

DULUTH, Minn.- Have you been feeling under the weather lately? Doctors say this flu season could be shaping out to be worse than last years. Medical professionals say you don’t need to visit the doctor if you have the flu stay home and rest. But the flu can affect some worse than others. “You may have influenza, you may not…

Senator Tina Smith Visits the Northland

Senator Tina Smith made her first public appearance since being sworn in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday night Senator Tina Smith made her first big public appearance, meeting Northlanders in Duluth. Senator Smith spoke with Northlanders at Hoops Brewery, on what she hopes to tackle while in Washington. “I wanted to come to Duluth and the north country right away because I love this part of the state so much,” Sen. Tina Smith said. …

Local Investing Expert Sees Future Dip in Market

Dow Closed at 25,300 Today

DULUTH, Minn.-The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed out at 25,000 yesterday, the first time that’s ever happened. That begs the question if Northlander’s should start investing more. One local financial advisor said you should always be investing in your future, but doesn’t want the public to think this surge will continue in the near future. He said that the market…