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Billion-Dollar Federal Grant Announced To Replace Blatnik Bridge

TWIN PORTS — Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber announced a one-billion-dollar federal grant has been awarded to Duluth and Superior to replace the Blatnik Bridge. The money totaling $1,058,398,200 from the U.S. Department of Transportation will address geometric deficiencies, increase capacity, and create a new shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians to access both states easily according to a press release….

Haley Hopes To Stop Trump’s March To Nomination In New Hampshire: ‘America Does Not Do Coronations’

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — As the last major challenger in Donald Trump’s way, Nikki Haley is hoping New Hampshire voters feel so strongly about keeping the former president away from the White House that they turn out to support her in large numbers. “America does not do coronations,” Haley said at a VFW hall in Franklin, joined by her daughter…

Doctors Seeing Frostbite Cases In The Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been a cold week to say the least in the Northland. Frigid temperatures can cause many issues for people, a big one being frostbite. A doctor at Essentia Health in Duluth says they’ve seen many cases ranging from severe to mild frostbite this winter. He says alcohol and the below zero temps are contributing factors. Other causes…

Superior Fire Department Tackles Two House Fires

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Fire Department battled two structure fires Saturday Morning. Just before 8:00 a.m., fire crews responded to a residential structure fire at 708 Winter St. Crews remained on scene until 2:00 p.m. and were able to stop the fire from spreading to neighboring houses, but the home itself was deemed a total loss. There were no…

One Killed in Snowmobile Accident on Poplar Lake

MINNESOTA. — One man is dead after a fatal snowmobile accident on Poplar Lake. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s office, the victim was discovered by another snowmobiler and believed to have hit a rock and was thrown from the snowmobile. When authorities arrived on scene, it appeared the crash happened sometime Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as…

Minnesota To Continue Quirky Safety Signs Despite Federal Ban

MINNESOTA — Despite a recent ruling by the feds to ban quirky messages on overhead electronic signs, the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation says, their creative messages are here to stay. Starting in 2026, a newly-released federal rulebook will ban funny or obscure messages on roadside signs. The feds say those signs can be distracting or even misunderstood. Anne Meyer with…

How do you use Road Salt in the Winter?– First-Ever Nationwide Winter Salt Awareness Week to take Place

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Next week, the first-ever nationwide Winter Salt Awareness Week will be taking place. The awareness effort originally began in Wisconsin and gained popularity. The week is dedicated to spreading knowledge on issues caused by road salt, and how the salt can significantly impact lakes, streams and vegetation. Throughout the week, professionals will be sharing tips and practices…

Management of Bayfront Festival Park to Change

DULUTH, Minn. — At the end of December, the contract for the DECC to manage the Bayfront Festival Park had expired. For new mayor Roger Reinert this meant he had to immediately focus on that issue to ensure there would be entertainment this summer. Reinert decided there was not time for the normal Request for Proposal process. He had the…

Wisconsin Republicans Introduce A Bill To Ban Abortions After 14 Weeks Of Pregnancy

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Assembly quietly introduced a bill Friday that would call for a binding statewide referendum on whether abortion should be banned after 14 weeks of pregnancy. The GOP has scheduled a public hearing on the bill for Monday afternoon at the state Capitol. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is almost certain to veto…

2023 Was Slowest Year For US Home Sales In Nearly 30 Years As High Mortgage Rates Frustrated Buyers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank in 2023 to a nearly 30-year low, as sharply higher mortgage rates, rising prices and a persistently low level of homes on the market combined to push homeownership out of reach for many Americans. The National Association of Realtors said Friday that existing U.S. home sales totaled 4.09 million…

Search Warrants Reveal New Details About Cloquet Hotel Shooting Suspect

CLOQUET, Minn. – Search warrant documents reveal new details about the suspect accused of fatally shooting two people at a hotel in Cloquet before turning the gun on himself. Cloquet police were dispatched at 6:33 p.m. Jan. 8 to the Super 8 hotel for a report of an “attack.” The search warrants say the suspect, Nicholas Lenius, 32, of Ramsey,…

Dog Lost In New Mexico Reunited With Owner In Duluth

After nearly two months and over 1,000 miles, Poppy and her family were reunited

DULUTH, Minn. — A Texas family was left heartbroken when their dog, Poppy, escaped while staying with a family friend in New Mexico. Nearly two months later, she showed up across the country in Duluth. Poppy is a Southern dog at heart, but she found herself in snow and frigid temperatures. While Poppy was trying to stay warm early in the…

Popular Lakeside Restaurant Closing

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Café posted the announcement on it’s Facebook page Thursday morning that it was closing. Since then more than 100 people have posted messages. Erin Golden said “Well, I have to say that everyone in the area is going to be EXTREMELY  DISAPPOINTED AND SADDENED !!!! –  You’re always busy! I don’t understand.” New London Café’s…

148th Fighter Wing Hosts Cold Weather Operations Training At Camp Ripley

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — The 148th Fighter Wing is hosting airmen from across the U.S. for a special training at Camp Ripley this week. The training is all about teaching skills needed for operating in extreme cold weather. The first day pictured here, showcases the airmen doing a 7-mile ruck march, building fire with matches and materials found in nature…

Lake Superior Zoo Brings Back Keeper Talks

DULUTH, Minn. — A new way to learn more about animals is back at the Lake Superior Zoo. Keeper Talks is what they are calling it. That’s where animal care specialists can speak to guests more about a specific species. It can involve training, enrichment, or feeding. This is the first time the talks have been back since the pandemic….

UWS And Cenovus Energy Announce Partnership To Benefit The College And Athletics

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS and Cenovus Energy have announced a partnership that will benefit the college and its athletics. The agreement comes with a 3-year term and totals $450,000. A portion of the funds will go toward Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium and additional enhancements, such as a video board. Cenovus will also sponsor the Cenovus Energy Fan Zone which…

Information on Nemadji Trail Energy System Heard By Superior Plan Commission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –The Superior Plan Commission met Wednesday afternoon, and the major item on its agenda was the  Nemadji Trail Energy Center. The commissioners heard from representatives of Minnesota Power and Clean Wisconsin. Before the meeting got underway, which had a standing-room-only crowd, we talked to representatives of both groups who explained their position on the natural gas energy plant…

Hope Is Free Bus Rides Give All Students A Chance

Duluth schools join with DTA to give high school students more access to classes and jobs.

This week Duluth schools kicked off a new partnership with the DTA. It will allow for free bus rides for high school students. Under the pilot program, the student will simply show the driver their current ID. School officials are calling it a game-changer, because not all students have their own car or easy access to one. The goal is…

Citizens Gather for March on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Even the cold temperatures could not keep away the passion and excitement of supporters at the Martin Luther King, Jr. march Monday. Monday’s gathering actually got started with a worship service Sunday night. St. Mark AME and other churches provided volunteers. For Reverand Galloway, the future cannot be taken for granted. Reverend Anthony Galloway at St. Mark AME Church said,…

Duluth Police Respond To Armed Robbery At Kenwood Walgreens

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police responded to a report of an armed robbery around 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kenwood neighborhood Walgreens. When officers arrived to the store in the 1600 block of Kenwood Avenue, employees told police an individual “brandished a firearm and demanded money,” according to a news release. Police said an employee gave an “undetermined amount of…

Organized Labor Calls On Superior Mayor, Council To Support NTEC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Organized labor came together inside Superior City Hall Tuesday to debunk what they call false information from Mayor Jim Paine and some city councilors involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). Members of the Northern Wisconsin Buildings Trades took to the podium for a press conference Tuesday night.  They’re calling on the community to educate themselves…

Superior Holds First Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

City officials, activists, and children gathered at the Superior Public Library the Day After MLK Jr. Day

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Today, Superior held its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Community members joined together at Superior Public Library to read about and discuss King’s legacy. The library, which was closed for the official holiday yesterday, put out book displays featuring King and other Black activists. Children were invited to color and complete word searches. Mayor Jim…

Give a Gift of Warmth

  DULUTH, Minn. — Having and wearing a hat and gloves when you’re outside this time of year is a given for most people. But that’s not the case for many of the city’s homeless. At the warming center and other shelters around the city, those who need the shelter often don’t have even the basics. “People are showing up…

Superior Mayor Determined To Stop NTEC As Labor Ramps Up Support

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Billboards and yard signs are beginning to pop up in Superior in support of building the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). This comes as Mayor Jim Paine says he’s continuing to do whatever he can to derail the natural gas power plant for good. Mayor Paine is banking on Wisconsin state regulators to change their approval of…

Trump Leads GOP Rightward March And Other Takeaways From The Iowa Caucuses

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s iron grip on the Republican Party has been clear since the day he announced he would make another run for the White House 14 months ago. It can be seen in the party’s ideological shift even further to the right on cultural issues and, especially, on immigration policy. Iowa Republicans were a clear reflection of that on…

Icebox Days Winter Festival in the “Icebox of the Nation”

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Just in time for the coldest temperatures of the season, the 44th annual Icebox Days returns on Friday to the “Icebox of the Nation.” The annual event in International Falls will stretch ten days in length, featuring everything from boot hockey and cribbage tournaments to wacky winter festivities like smoosh races and turkey bowling. Additionally, the…

Coffee Conversation: 15th Annual Fishin’ Chicks Fundraiser & Ice Fishing Tournament

IRON RIVER, WI. — The 2024 Laurie Soderlund Memorial Fishin’ Chicks Fundraiser and Ice Fishing Tournament will take place Saturday, January 20 in Iron River. The event was started in 2010 by Laurie and Jeff Soderlund. Laurie had been diagnosed with breast cancer and they wanted to become advocates for breast health. Laurie passed away in 2020, but her legacy…

Starbucks Woodland Avenue Location Unionizes

DULUTH, Minn. — Starbucks workers at a Duluth location have voted to unionize. The 11 to 8 vote of approval adds the Woodland Avenue Starbucks as the 7th location in Minnesota to join the Starbucks Workers United. Video shown is from a one-day strike the workers held in November. The Duluth workers are among more than 9,000 Starbucks union workers…

Hundreds Gather for MLK Event at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. –“Leading Onward “was the theme for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. program in Duluth. Hundreds of people of many different backgrounds and nationalities gathered at the DECC, to hear, learn, and get motivated to continue the work that began in earnest seven decades ago. Kim Green says she comes each year so that her children and grandchildren…

MLK Jr. Holiday Celebrations Are Planned Across The Nation, But Winter Storm Is Limiting Some

ATLANTA (AP) — Communities across the nation celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday with events ranging from prayer services to parades, but a dangerously cold winter storm was limiting some planned activities. In Philadelphia, President Joe Biden marked the holiday by volunteering at Philabundance, a nonprofit food bank. He stuffed donation boxes with apples and struck up casual chatter…

Iowa Caucuses: What To Watch As Voters Weigh In On The Republican Campaign’s First Contest Of 2024

(AP) — As frigid temperatures scour the Midwest, the Republican presidential nominating process will officially start Monday with Iowa’s caucuses. The quadrennial contest has been unusually quiet this year, a mark of former President Donald Trump’s commanding lead in the race. An arctic blast dropping the state into subzero temperatures and dumping snow during the final days of the runup didn’t help, either. But there’s plenty…

Duluth Police Investigate Robbery At Knifepoint

Victim gave suspect $2.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating an armed robbery involving a knife. The call for help came in around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Walgreens on the 1100 block of East Superior Street. The victim told police the male suspect approached him with a knife, took $2 and then fled the area before police arrived. Police say investigators will…

Duluth Playhouse’s ‘Singing With The Stars’ Fundraiser Returns March 1

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is getting ready for its 2nd annual “Singing with the Stars” fundraiser. The contestants with familiar faces perform a piece of musical theatre using their own vocals. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger will be one of three judges on stage giving some flare. But the real judges are people in the audience. Donations to each…

Pilgrim Congregational Church Holds Special Service to Honor MLK’s Legacy

DULUTH, Minn. — On Sunday, the Pilgrim Congregational Church of Duluth held a special service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of Monday’s holiday. The Central Hillside Gospel Choir opened the ceremony in style. Sunday’s worship focused on MLK’s message of how love and acceptance can drive away hate.  “The civil rights movement, while centering the injustice against African Americans,…

Councilor Arik Forsman Launches ‘Duluth Download’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman has launched what he’s calling the Duluth Download. It’s a bi-monthly newsletter emailed to whoever signs up. Forman said he’ll be talking all things council and politics within the city, allowing him to dive deeper into topics that people may not see on the news or on social media. “Just this last…

Ashley Grimm Announces Reelection Bid For St. Louis County Board

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm has announced her reelection campaign. Grimm made the announcement Sunday afternoon on the steps of the County Courthouse in Duluth. Grimm said she’s proud of investments made into Duluth’s western neighborhoods since she was elected to the county board in 2020, like repairing the YWCA Young Mom’s Program building and parking…

Iron Range Firefighters Battle Dangerously Cold Air During House Fire

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire HIBBING, Minn. — The dangerously cold air gave firefighters a battle during a house fire in Hibbing over the weekend. The fire was reported around 7:45 p.m. Saturday at the Birchlane Trailer Court, just off of 41st Street East, according to the Northland Fire Wire. Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire Firefighters were faced with strong winds and…

Surfers Catch a Wave Near Brighton Beach

DULUTH, Minn. — When there’s wind– there are waves, and on Lake Superior this weekend, surfers took the wind as an opportunity to make a splash. Multiple people got in the water near Brighton Beach and Lester River to catch a wave. With low water temps, the surfers geared up in wetsuits to stay warm. With high wind gusts, waves…

Anglers Hit the Ice in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– On one side of Lake Superior there’s open water, but in the Duluth Harbor anglers are taking advantage of the newly made ice. Around a dozen ice shacks were set up off of Park Point Saturday morning. Saturday also kicked off Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend in Minnesota, where residents can fish for free when accompanied by…