Minnesota

Duluth Mayor Shares Vision At State of the City Address

Mayor Larson also discussed the workforce development Duluth has seen during her address.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson is looking toward the future and wants to let you know what’s in store for the coming year. She shared her vision in her State of the City at the NorShor Theatre. The location was a key theme in focusing on the city’s growing and thriving cultural community. The mayor also announced the launch…

Shannon Miller Awarded $3.74 Million in Discrimination Lawsuit Against UMD

Former UMD Women's Hockey Coach Declares Her Win a Victory for Women

DULUTH, Minn. – Victory for former UMD Women’s Hockey Coach Shannon Miller. She has won her federal case after she claimed in a lawsuit that her contract with the school was not renewed back in 2015 due to her gender and because she made complaints about equal treatment. After deliberating for about four hours, the jury awarded Miller about $3.7…

UMD Students Win Second Place in Clean Snowmobile Design Challenge

Students Created a Snowmobile That Runs Cleaner and Quieter Than Traditional Sleds

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students recently got second place out of fifteen teams in a clean snowmobile design challenge. They showed off their prize-winning sled today and a diesel-powered snowmobile made by another UMD team. Students from different departments came together to fundraise, design, and build the quieter, more efficient machine. “It’s gaining real world experience hands on outside of…

Shannon Miller Discusses Her Victory in Lawsuit vs UMD

Miller Shared Her Feelings After the Case and What's Next for Her

DULUTH, Minn – Former UMD women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller won an anti-discrimination federal lawsuit against the University of Minnesota on Thursday. The jury — made up of eight women and four men —  awarded Miller $3.74 million for sex discrimination and retaliation by UMD. Miller shared her thoughts after the trial with FOX 21 and what’s next for her…

Volunteers Clean-up Lake Superior Museum

The annual Spring Cleaning Day at the Lake Superior Maritime Museum brought in plenty of helping hands.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is in the air, on Thursday the Lake Superior Maritime Museum held its annual Spring Cleaning Day. Over 20 volunteers grabbed brooms and polish, making the Visitor Center at the Maritime Museum spick-and-span. One woman we spoke with loves the museum and volunteers every year to give back. “You learn a little bit every time you come,” volunteer…

Loll Designs Grants Check to COGGS

This is the fifth donation to COGGS totaling  $135,000 over the five year partnership

DULUTH, Minn.- An outdoor furniture manufacturer in Duluth called Loll Designs is donating money to Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. The donation helps COGGS build multi–use trails n Duluth. Loll Designs is apart of a Patagonia group called One Percent of The Planet, dedicated to donating apercentage of sales to environmental organizations. On Thursday COGGS was granted a $25,000 check to help build…

Local Non-profit Continues Free Prom Dress Giveaway

"If the Dress Fits" to Give Away Hundreds of Free Prom Dresses

DULUTH, Minn. – Prom isn’t too far away for many Northland students, and oftentimes it brings memories that are kept for years. However, the cost of prom can sometimes be daunting. The non-profit “If the Dress Fits” is here to help anyone struggling with buying a prom dress. They’re hosting their 3rd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway in the coming days….

Mixing up the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Leprechaun Dip

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so for this week’s Cooking Connection we made an appropriate dish for the holiday. Local chef Arlene Coco was in the kitchen with FOX 21’s William Seay to make Leprechaun Dip Coco has three decades of experience, is a professional cooking instructor and gives cooking classes to groups of…

Spots Still Open for St. Fennessy 4K

This is the first year the race is offering special youth pricing.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Saint Fennessy 4K race is coming up on St. Patrick’s Day, this Saturday and spots are still open as of Wednesday. New this year, the race is offering youth pricing, inviting runners as young as six to join in. Runners are encouraged to dress-up in festive green and gold outfits. After the race votes will be placed…

Inside Dubh Linn Irish Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day Preparations

This year the pub will offer a special surprise breakfast.

DULUTH, Minn.-  This year many Northlanders will be able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as it falls on a Saturday. Many businesses are already preparing for the busy day. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub has become a popular spot to celebrate for all ages. The bar will have live bagpipe performances and hammerschlagen. But this year the holiday breakfast is…

Governor Dayton Gives Final State of the State

Gov. Dayton addresses health care, education, and encourages diversity.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Mark Dayton gave his last State of the State Address highlighting education, taxes, and healthcare.  Gov. Dayton announced nearly 80,000 students are now attending all day kindergarten. The University of Minnesota  will not be increasing tuition, due to an extra $10 million of state funding. Gov. Dayton said law makers have a decision to make, stating they can…

Duluth High School Students Join National Gun Violence Protest

East and Denfeld Students Were Joined by Neighbors and Friends Showing Solidarity with Parkland Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida, was just the latest in a string of violence on school campuses. Students from several Northland schools took part in a national walk out against gun violence to show solidarity. It wasn’t a typical day at East High school in Duluth. At 10 a.m. on this Wednesday morning many students…

Fitger’s Bockfest Celebrates the Pending Arrival of Spring

Fitger's wants you to come early and stay late!

DULUTH, Minn. – You know spring is around the corner because Fitger’s Bockfest happens this week in Duluth. It’s a beer festival but also a celebration of spring. It’s a big deal in Germany and this will be the 24th anniversary for the event in Duluth. Organizers are reintroducing the Bockhunt where people are given clues in search of bock…

Guess the Date of “Official” Snowmelt at Lutsen

Contestants Can Submit Their Vote up Until Midnight on Friday, March 23

LUTSEN, Minn. – If you’re counting down the final days before snow if officially gone, you may want to turn your attention to Lutsen Mountains. Right now you have the chance to guess when the last pile of snow will melt. This date will be determined on Mystery Mountain when the snow on the slopes fits within a standard sized hula…

Smooth Sounds of Jazz to Fill UMD Music Halls

UMD Celebrates 45th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the smooth sounds of jazz will be filling music halls at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. It’s all for the 45th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival. The fun gets underway with a performance by the Bobby Watson Quartet on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. in the Weber Music Hall. It…

Animal Answers: Scooby’s Story

Megan Wedel, Founder of Nemo Paws, Made the Trip to Texas with Volunteers in September, Bringing Back 20 Dogs to the Northland

ESKO, Minn. – Last August Hurricane Harvey proved to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in United States history. But through the devastation came light at the end of a dark tunnel for one Northland family. “It takes a village; there was a lot of us there to make this organization work,” said Megan Wedel, Founder of Nemo Paws….

Great Outdoors: Midwest Masters Ski Races

Skiers hit the slopes at Spirit Mountain for the final race of the season

DULUTH, Minn. – The Ski racing season came to a close as Spirit Mountain hosted the Midwest Masters Ski Races last Saturday. Fox 21 Photojournalist Graham Hakala talked to skiers and organizers at the event who say they find their passion on the hills.  56 racers took to the slopes during the competition. The Midwest Masters is a U.S. Alpine…

“The Harbinger” Movie to Be Shot in Chisholm

$2 Million Film to Bring More Than 100 Jobs to the Iron Range

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “I found out that Chisholm Minnesota in the movie Field of Dreams was actually shot in Illinois,” said Director/Writer Will Klipstine. “I was like even that wasn’t shot in Chisholm, we’ve got to change that.” A movie is being made on the Iron Range. “The Harbinger” will start shooting next month at Ironbound Studios in the basement of…

New Businesses Replacing Miller Hill Mall Grizzly’s

It would be used as an office and retail space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposal has been passed by the Duluth Planning Commission to tear down the Miller Hill Grizzly’s along with Fred’s Motors which is right next door to it. What would replace it would be a smaller restaurant with a drive-thru . A 22,000 square-foot structure, would also be placed there and used as an office and retail space….

String Quartet to Perform in Duluth Breweries

Beerthoven: On Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth is known for its great craft beer industry, and also for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Now, the two are joining forces. The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is going on tour with Beerthoven to five different breweries. The Highland String Quartet will be performing at Hoops Brewing from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. This is free to…

Toppers Pizza to Open in Duluth Mid-April

DULUTH, Minn. – A new spot to pick up a pizza will soon be open in Duluth. Two Duluth natives, Jordan DeCaro and Jon Matko, are opening a Wisconsin-based Toppers Pizza location. General Manager Justin Lyons, also a Duluth native, visited FOX 21 and tells us Toppers pizza stands out because their pizzas are all made with fresh ingredients. Toppers…

Policy Change: Duluth Police Allowed To Sport Beards — With Conditions

For 120 Years, Officers Could Only Sport A Mustache Or Clean-Shaven Look

DULUTH, Minn. – What turned out to be a facial-hair fundraiser for local non-profits this past November has turned into a permanent policy that now allows Duluth police officers to sport beards from here on out. This change in policy is truly historic because for the last 120 years officers could only sport a mustache or a clean-shaven look. But after…

UMD Designated 3M School

The new program was celebrated Monday at the Nor Shor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth is now the 14th Frontline Sales Initiative school in the nation. UMD is partnering up with 3M which is providing grants, internship opportunities, and much more. “I think its going to create tremendous job opportunities,” instructor of marketing John Krazt said. “So they can be promoted in corporate America.” The new program was…

How Aquaculture Affects Minnesota

The Minnesota Sea Grant is getting the conversation going.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The bait industry plays a large role in Minnesota which is just one facet of aquaculture . The Minnesota Sea Grant at the University of Minnesota Duluth is discussing how aquaculture can affect our community, specifically how it affects jobs in the field. “We’re trying to move the conversation forward in Minnesota,” fishery specialist Don Schreiner said. “We…

Art From the Earth; Yarrow Mead Metals

Yarrow Mead is a Northland Native, Now Working as a Metalsmith in the Armory Arts and Music Center Along London Road

DULUTH, Minn. – They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but for one Northland native, diamonds don’t do a thing. The Armory Arts and Music Center in Duluth is now home base for a new metal-smith. “There are so many amazing rocks here. Right across the border there’s like huge amethyst mines,” said Yarrow Mead, creator of Yarrow Mead…

Upcoming Topics at Capitol Days

Capitol days starts on Tuesday, March 13th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is Capitol Days as Duluth and St. Louis County will head to St. Paul discussing local issues. Over 500 community members and local officials are bringing a voice for the Northland to St. Paul. The city will be asking for $10 million towards rehabilitation of the sea wall. Officials are also seeking approval for the half percent sales…

A New Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights Proposed

The ordinance was proposed to the Duluth City Council on Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposed Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights aims to eliminate barriers for those without homes. Community members rallied outside asking for a Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights. Supporters say the bill protects basic things homeowners take for granted, such as going to the bathroom and having something to eat. There’s been past debates whether it should be policy…

No Decision Made in On-Going Earned Sick Time Proposal.

The earned sick and safe time proposal has been discussed for nearly three years now.

DULUTH, Minn.- The on–going controversial earned sick and safe time proposal was the main topic Monday at the Duluth City Council meeting. The earned sick and safe time proposal has been discussed for nearly three years now. Supporters with Take Action Duluth Coalition say 24 municipal, 3 county, and 9 state wide ordinances have been passed during this time period….

NorShore Clothing Co. Highlights Northern Minnesota

Two Harbors Company Launched Last September

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – NorShore Clothing Company, a new Two Harbors-based business, is selling products unique to the Northland. The company’s logo features an outline of Lake Superior underneath a treeline silhouette. Hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are available now.  More products will be sold soon that highlight other local landmarks. “The Lift Bridge is going to be eventually incorporated in…

Twin Ports Area Receives “C” on Infrastructure Report Card

Aviation and Bridges Receive "B-"; Drinking Water Gets "D"

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports area infrastructure has gotten a “mediocre” rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The group released their infrastructure report card for the region Monday. The Twin Ports Area earned a “C” GPA on their infrastructure report card. That’s better than the “D+” national average, but local leaders want to see improvements made. “We all…

National MS Awareness Week Highlights Work to Find a Cure

Walk MS, Bike MS and Finish MS Events Support Fundraising Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. – People around the world are working to change the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. This week, March 11 – 17, is National MS Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis is when the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, distorting and interrupting nerve impulses to and from the brain producing a wide variety of symptoms. Over…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Coffee Cupping Will Have You View Coffee In A New Way

Duluth Coffee Company has open cupping sessions Thursdays at 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – How do you prefer your coffee? Maybe you’ve never thought too much about the brewing, roasting or origin of coffee. Well Duluth Coffee Company lets you go beyond what’s in your cup and experience coffee in a new way. You won’t look at coffee the same way after you’ve done coffee cupping for the first time. It’s…

Runa Yoga Opening in Duluth

The new studio offers free meditation once a month.

DULUTH, Minn.-  A new yoga studio in Duluth called Runa Yoga is offering unique classes for everyone. Owners at Runa Yoga say they strive on being community and accessibility. Classes for kids are offered and free meditations once a month. Each session is classified on a scale of one to three which owners compare to a ski hill scale. One…

Free Showing of International Movies

Each movie involves the theme of crossing borders.

DULUTH, Minn.- All week long free international movies are being showcased in Duluth. The World Languages and Cultures Department at the University of Minnesota Duluth is partnering up with Zeitgeist Zinema showing free international movies all week long. The WLC faculty members selected movies to fit the theme, crossing borders. “Whether it be crossing a national border, a linguistic border,…

Piecing Together the Puzzle Derby

The competition has become a tradition in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Northland is home to the second largest puzzle competition in the country. On Saturday afternoon over 100 teams participated in the 5th annual Puzzle Derby. “Everybody gets the same puzzle, they all start at the same time, and it’s just whoever finishes first is the winner,” organizer Valerie Coit said. Once the clock started the room was…

Spring Fling at Spirit Mountain Rounds out the Season for Midwest Masters

Fifty-six races took to the slopes to compete in the Midwest Masters races this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Skiers hit the slopes at Spirit Mountain for the last of the races this season. Skiers competed in the final races for the Midwest Masters, a non–profit organization which helps alpine ski racers find their passion on the hills. “It’s open to all abilities,” organizer Greg Abel said. “Even the beginner racers – a lot of the…

Art Exhibit Honoring Women of Color

The exhibit will host nearly 31 local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first art exhibit honoring women of color in Duluth Minnesota is opening this month. The American Indian Housing Community Organization is hosting 31 artists who identify as women of color. Officials say this is the first ever exhibit in Duluth celebrating women of color. “This hasn’t been done before,” arts & cultural program coordinator Miora Villiard…

Northland Mines Expect Positive Impact from Tariffs

Officials say the tariffs will create a level playing field for mines in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump’s decision about steel and aluminum tariffs is bringing a lot of mixed reaction from the Northland. Mines in the Northland are expecting the steel and aluminum tariffs to have a positive affect in Minnesota.  Officials say Minnesota produces %85 of the domestic iron For the united state the tariffs could possibly bring more jobs to mines in…

Largest Heroin Bust in Region’s History Announced in Duluth

At Least 32 People Charged and Nearly a Million Dollars of Heroin Taken Out of Circulation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are celebrating the region’s largest heroin bust ever. Twelve people have been charged in a forty-six count federal indictment and twenty more have been arrested for state crimes. Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force members hope their first major heroin bust sends a message to drug dealers…

Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup Speak Out Against Line 3 Abandonment

Enbridge has operated pipelines in Minnesota for more than 60 years.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Some Minnesota landowners have a strong message for Enbridge. Clean up your mess. They were in Grand Rapids today letting Enbridge know they are not backing down when it comes to what they consider the abandonment of Line 3. The group Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup released a report explaining the financial, legal and environmental impact they…

Northland’s Ray Sports & Marine Expands In Grand Rapids

Ray's Sport & Marine has 16 boats and five pontoons.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A well known Northland business has a new location. Ray’s Sport & Marine has been around since the 60s. The family business has grown to six dealerships in northern Minnesota and is expanding in Grand Rapids. The 4,500 square foot shop recently relocated about a block and a half away from its previous location and is seeing an increase…

Pop-up Taproom Coming to Miller Hill Mall

Craft brew enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a canal park brew at the mall.

DULUTH, Minn.- One local Duluth brewery will soon be serving beer at the Miller Hill Mall for a limited time. Canal Park Brewery will serve select brews and menu items at the old Teavana location. Officials say two old favorites from past years will be on tap including the black IPA and an imperial lager. “Were very excited its such…

Hundreds Attend CHOICE Unlimited’s Masquerade Ball

The money helps fund the non-profit organization's arts program.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders are helping a non–profit organization in roaring twenties style The Greysolon Ballroom is filled with music, dancing, and smiling faces all raising money for CHOICE unlimited’s arts program. “We’re just having a huge party,” CHOICE unlimited executive director Kristie Bachman said. “We’re celebrating CHOICE unlimited’s arts program. We have people in flapper dresses, everyone is just having a…

LCO Community College Offers Educational Opportunities to All

HAYWARD, Wis. – It’s the time of year when colleges across the country are taking applications and registering current students for classes, and that includes right here in the Northland. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College is always welcoming new students. This morning, LCO Marketing and Student Success Counselor Taylor Nelson, along with Marketing Assistant and Student Intern Lindsay Dillon…

Creating Truffles Featured at Chocolate After Dark

Cooking Connection: Lyric Kitchen Bar

DULUTH, Minn. – Arc Northland is once again holding their Chocolate After Dark Fundraiser. The 21st annual event will include sampling chocolate creations from featured local chefs, a silent auction, a gift card wall and a cash bar. All proceeds from the event go to supporting and expanding Arc Northland’s advocacy and educational programming for individuals and families with disabilities….

Hucklebeary Celebrates Grand Re-Opening, International Women’s Day

Hucklebeary Originated as a Pop-Up Shop in Downtown Duluth Over the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn – Thursday, March 8 is International Women’s Day! The day is aimed at recognizing the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women around the world. The initiative also sheds light on gender parity and closing the pay gap. The world economic forum estimates that global gender equality won’t be achieved until 2133. Thursday morning on FOX 21…

Making Fresh Food Accessible in Lincoln Park

The community is reviewing past efforts to turn the "food desert" around.

DULUTH, Minn.- In recent years the Lincoln Park community has been aiming to make fresh foods more accessible. The area was deemed a food desert, meaning there’s no grocery story within 1.5 miles, but community members say progress has been made. Nearly five years ago a campaign was launched to help create better access to healthy food in Lincoln Park….