Minnesota

UMD College of Liberal Arts Changes Name

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth is changing the name of their College of Liberal Arts. After the College of Fine Arts and College of Liberal Arts merged into one school in 2020 a name change was brought forth. As of today, the school is officially known as the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Those with the…

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Opens

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center has reopened after closing for more than a year due to the pandemic. Their museum and gift shop is fully open just in time for summer travelers after a year of doing virtual tours they are ready for visitors to come in. “It feels great,” said director Sara Summers-Luedtke. “It’s really nice to…

Housing Development Plans for Duluth’s Enger Park Golf Course Driving Range Area Are On Hold

DULUTH, Minn.- The city is pausing the residential development idea for the Enger Park driving range due to the cost of moving and building the range in a new location. New estimates show it would cost around $1.2 million for a new driving range. Because that is much higher than anticipated, the Public Golf Committee is planning to keep that…

Woman Rescued in Park Point Water Emergency

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a water emergency Thursday afternoon just before 4:00 p.m. on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue. According to reports, a woman was heard calling for help roughly 40 feet from the shore. Authorities say the woman was successfully pulled from the water and received medical treatment. Earlier today the Duluth Fire…

Brighton Beach to Close for Construction Beginning Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Thursday that Brighton Beach will close to users beginning Tuesday. The closure is due to the upcoming construction of the Lakewalk extension through the park. According to a recent press release from the city, “The Brighton Beach Mini-Master Plan calls for extension of the Lakewalk relocation of the roadway from the shoreline,…

Duluth Salvation Army Monetary Donations Matched Through July

DULUTH, Minn. -Throughout the month of July, monetary donations to the Duluth Salvation Army will be matched thanks to a partnership with Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless. “There is no reason anyone in Duluth needs to go hungry, especially kids,” said Captain Bryan Ellison, Duluth Salvation Army Officer. “Summer should be a time for family and vacations,…

Court OKs 3rd-Degree Murder Against 3-Ex Cops in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals says prosecutors may file aiding and abetting third-degree murder charges against three former Minneapolis police officers in the death of George Floyd. The appeals court on Wednesday sent the case back to Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill. He denied prosecutors’ motion to add the charges against former officers J Kueng, Thomas…

Minnesota Lawmakers Avoid Partial Shutdown as Final Budget Passes

The Final Budget Bill Was Sent to Gov. Tim Walz's Desk Late Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers averted a partial government shutdown at midnight Wednesday by sending the final budget bill to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk. The Senate unanimously approved the $21 billion K-12 education funding agreement, the last must-pass bill before the midnight deadline. Walz has now signed eight budget bills into law and has four others on his desk….

Minnesota Lawmakers Avoid Government Shutdown As Final Budget Passes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers averted a partial government shutdown at midnight Wednesday by sending the final budget bill to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk. The Senate unanimously approved the $21 billion K-12 education funding agreement, the last must-pass bill before the midnight deadline. Walz has now signed eight budget bills into law and has four others on his desk….

Wilderness Experience Pioneer Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– A day camp through Wilderness Experience for kids kindergarten to 2nd grade, is teaching the youth this week about pioneering by getting them involved working with farm animals and preparing garden beds to plant seeds. The Director of Wilderness Experience explained why it’s so important to teach kids about the outdoors, “It’s important to the development of kids…

REACH Program Gives Carlton County Youth Summer Activities

The program is geared towards helping youth who need mentors in their lives.

CLOQUET, Minn. — Reach Mentoring and AmeriCorps partnered together to help program participants and students get a little send-off after their summer classes. The program is geared towards helping youth who need mentors in their lives. “With our mission with of working with young people in our community. It ties well with them going into the schools. Working on tutoring,…

New Thrift Store Opens in Cloquet

Northern Lights Community Action is a non-profit thrift store and a community center with all of the profits going back to the community and low-income families.

CLOQUET, Minn. —  A new thrift store opened in Cloquet in the beginning of June. Northern Lights Community Action is a non-profit thrift store and a community center with all of the profits going back to the community and low-income families. With other thrift stores in the area closing, the executive director saw a need for the area… the majority…

American Indian Education Department Makes Meal Kits for Indigenous Community

  DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Education Department for Duluth Public Schools is on their third week of “Boozhoo Fresh” programs. The group is providing two different recipes and healthy ingredients to students and their families to keep them engaged during the summer break. All while giving out meal kits to twenty indigenous families each week. “As American Indian programming…

COVID-19 Update: Vaccinations, COVID Tests and New Variants

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 restrictions have loosened quite a bit in recent weeks, but wearing masks and social distancing are still good ways to stay safe, especially for unvaccinated people. Essentia Health administered more than 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines over the past few months, having more people vaccinated is keeping case numbers down. Fewer people are also coming in for other seasonal…

MDH: Unvaccinated People Should Get Tested for COVID-19 After Any Summer Travel

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials have outlined recommendations for COVID-19 testing this summer, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, while case numbers have dropped, the virus is still circulating in communities. Health officials reported 81 new COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths statewide on Wednesday. Health officials urge eligible Minnesotans to get…

Duluth Police Asking for Public’s Help Locating Burglary Suspect

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a male responsible for a Wednesday morning apartment burglary. According to police, officers responded to the 1100 block of GLen Place Drive just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on reports of a burglary. The resident told police that when they arrived home they found that a male…

Gov. Walz Emergency Powers to End Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has reconvened to finish its remaining work on a $52 billion, two-year budget. Education and tax bills need passage before the current budget expires Wednesday night. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol after working into the early hours Wednesday to pass a bill that ends Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency powers effective Thursday. The Democratic governor…

UPDATE: Man Arrested for Manslaughter in Virginia Released From Custody

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia Police Department announced Wednesday that the 31-year-old male arrested Saturday on preliminary charges of manslaughter has been released. According to a recent press release, the police department was advised by the Saint Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office of the release pending further investigation. Authorities responded to reports of an altercation and an unresponsive man around…

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Selects Next President

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced Wednesday that Matthew Baumgartner has been selected to serve as their next president. Baumgartner will be taking the seat of long-time president David Ross who is retiring on July 31. “Thanks to the leadership and legacy of David Ross, the Duluth Area Chamber, and Duluth’s business community,…

Minnesota Legislature Prepares to Finish off Work on Budget

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature reconvenes Wednesday to finish its remaining work on a $52 billion, two-year budget after working into the early hours to pass a bill that ends Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency powers effective Thursday. The emergency powers language was added early Wednesday to a state government and elections budget bill shortly after the…

Minnesota Lawmakers Pass Modest Police Accountability Bill

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Senate has joined the state House in approving a modest set of police accountability measures as part of a broader public safety budget bill. The Senate approved it 45-21 early Wednesday following a 75-59 vote Tuesday night in the Minnesota House. The approval comes on the heels of last week’s sentencing of…

One Injured in Early Morning Hwy 61 Crash

Speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in the crash.

DULUTH, Minn. — Just after 6 a.m. Wednesday morning the Duluth police department responded to a crash on Highway 61 near Congdon boulevard. The 31-year-old driver from Shakopee was driving southbound at a high rate of speed when the vehicle collided with railroad lights and a guardrail. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated at a local hospital….

Cover Band ‘Hairball’ Ready To Rock Bayfront Park July 3

Bassist Brian "HBK" Hollenbeck visited Duluth growing up and has a son who just graduated from UMD.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 4th of July weekend staple at Bayfront Park in Duluth is coming back this Saturday bigger than ever. We’re talking about one of the — if not the — most popular cover rock bands in the country known as Hairball. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked with bassist Brian “HBK” Hollenbeck Tuesday from his home in the…

Newly Opened ‘The Garden,’ Greysolon Ballroom Getting Busy with Post-Pandemic Events

It's the summer of comebacks for event venues with private events like weddings getting planned and booked again across the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the summer of comebacks for event venues with private events like weddings getting planned and booked again across the Northland. New venues like Canal Park’s The Garden, and historic ones like Greysolon Ballroom are jumping back into planning. “It almost feels surreal to be back,” said Brian Daugherty, President of Grandma’s Restaurant Company. “To tell you the…

Final Phase Of Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Some of businesses owners say while it's another few months of construction cones and rumbling machines, they're excited for the finished product.

DULUTH, Minn.- The final portion of the Superior Street reconstruction project has broken ground. Work has started on Superior between 3rd and 4th Avenues East. The 3rd Avenue East intersection will remain open and sidewalks will be open to access businesses within the work-zone. Some of those businesses owners, like managers at the Sheraton Hotel, which has just finished their…

Rose Garden Park Maintenance Talks about Community Feedback

DULUTH, Minn.– The nearly five acres of the Rose Garden in Leif Erikson park, which features thousands of flowers, is now in full bloom. We caught up with the city’s maintenance team earlier today that’s working on maintaining the park’s beauty, who says it takes a lot of time and effort. “I feel the public really appreciates the garden, I…

City of Duluth Reveals COVID Relief Fund Recommendations

DULUTH, Minn.– Mayor Emily Larson and members of the City Administration announced their recommendations today on how the city should spend the $58 million dollars it received from the American Rescue Plan. The City of Duluth has now received half of the $58 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan, and today Mayor Larson proposed a way to invest that…

Nitro Circus Athlete Raising Money for Veterans

The action sports athlete and veteran says, even though he will be putting on a lot of miles, its worth it so veterans can get the help they need.

DULUTH, Minn. — A member of the Nitro Circus made a stop in Duluth today as he makes his way to the East Coast. Tyler Pynnonen, a Grand Rapids resident, caught up with Fox 21 to talk about his journey riding a Honda Trail 70 motorcycle starting from North Dakota to Maryland to raise money for wounded veterans for the…

University of Minnesota Leaders Agree to 1.5% Tuition Hike

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents on Tuesday agreed to raise tuition for the first time in two years, over objections from some students who believe it’s wrong to charge more after the COVID-19 pandemic. President Joan Gabel’s $4 billion budget for the next fiscal year includes about $50 million in spending reductions and internal reallocations….

Gophers Football Stadium Renamed as Huntington Bank Stadium

(University of Minnesota) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents on Tuesday voted in favor of renaming the Gopher’s football stadium to Huntington Bank Stadium. The change is effective immediately. The stadium had been known as TCF Bank Stadium since it opened in 2009, but Huntington completed its merger with TCF earlier this month. Minnesota’s first game…

Stawberry Picking Season Underway

Now in their fourth year, the farm has continued to expand now at over six acres.

CARLTON, Minn. — Spectrum Farms in Carlton is currently in its peak strawberry season. Now in their fourth year, the farm has continued to expand now at over six acres. “When I first started doing this I had trouble making the rows straight. Now I can make the rows straight so they can look good too. Every year is different….

Twin Ports 4th of July Events Back with a Bang This Year

Both Duluth and Superior are anticipating big crowds this year, and both cities claim to have the best fireworks show in the upper Midwest.

DULUTH, SUPERIOR- After a busy and event-filled Airshow weekend, anticipation is building in the Twin Ports for the return of Fourth of July festivities for a post-pandemic summer. “We’re excited about the sights, the sounds, the smells, the sights, the fireworks going off in the background,” said Jeff Stark, Director of Bayfront Festival Park. The Twin Ports is ready to…

Northland Railroad History On Display In Lake Superior Railroad Museum Gallery Car

"Railroading Through the Seasons" is a new exhibit done by nationally recognized local railroad photographer Dave Schauer.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Railroad Museum at The St. Louis County Depot is reopening its gallery car with new glimpses into the region’s railroading history. “Railroading Through the Seasons” is a new exhibit done by nationally recognized local railroad photographer Dave Schauer. The exhibit is being shown in the gallery car which has been renovated throughout the pandemic. It…

Duluth Fire Aims to Promote Firework Safety with Chalk It Up Campaign

Officials say every year nearly 100 injuries statewide happen from fireworks, 40%  of which happen to kids.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department is back with a Fourth Of July effort to give families in Duluth a safe and quiet way to experience fireworks this weekend. For the Chalk It Up campaign, people are encouraged to draw fireworks with chalk and send a picture of it to the fire department for a chance to win prizes. Officials…

Burlington Station Preparing for 4th of July Weekend Festivities

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Businesses that just opened along the North Shore are excited to welcome both locals and tourists this summer. Burlington Station in Two Harbors tells us they’re looking forward to the busy upcoming 4th of July weekend. The gift and sweets shop will be getting in the holiday spirit with a barbecue on Friday and some outdoor games…

Parks up North Shore Expecting Crowds for Holiday Weekend

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– The future looks bright as businesses and parks up the North Shore are anticipating a busy 4th of July weekend. Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse are two highly visited areas up the shore, it’s an exciting time with big crowds expected to come through this weekend. “Visitation is still up, as it was similar to last…

Charges: Woodbury Man Stabbed Wife to Death While Children Were Upstairs Watching TV

WOODBURY, Minn. (FOX 9) – A Woodbury, Minnesota man is charged with murder for allegedly stabbing his wife to death in the basement of their home last Friday while their children were upstairs watching TV. He was arrested the following day on a Greyhound bus in Wisconsin wearing blood-splattered clothes. McKinley Phillips, 39, was charged Monday with one count of…

Respiratory Clinic Closes at St. Luke’s Miller Creek Clinic Due to Decline in COVID-19 Cases

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s has closed the Respiratory Clinic at its Miller Creek Clinic location due to a decline in COVID-19 cases in the community. The hospital announced on Monday that the Miller Creek Urgent Care will remain open six days a week to continue treating urgent medical conditions, including COVID-19. “The close of St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic is…

Uber And Lyft Drivers Disappear In Duluth, While Taxis Make A Comeback

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’ve tried ordering an Uber or Lyft in Duluth recently, you may have noticed the “few drivers available” warning on the apps. It’s a national problem Americans are dealing with after the country has reopened for business, and there’s no telling how much longer it’s going to continue. Some college seniors in Duluth say that when…

Duluth Police Stress Safe, Sober Driving Ahead Of Summer Events

Last month there were 30 recorded DWI incidents in Duluth compared to 17 last May during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are urging people to be smart before getting behind the wheel this summer after a drunken driver went airborne in downtown Duluth over the weekend. Just before 3 a.m. Saturday a car speeding in the Pickwick parking lot hit a grassy area and went into the air before crashing into a light pole along the sidewalk….

2021 Duluth Air Show Sees Record-Breaking Attendance

Organizers say on Saturday they broke one-day attendance records.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Air and Aviation Expo came to a landing for the most successful year in its history. The Blue Angels were one of the biggest crowd -pleasers again this year. Thousands came through the Cirrus Aircraft hangar anxious to see the high flying acts and get back into big summer events again. Organizers say on Saturday they…