News

Out-Of-Town Shoppers Spend Black Friday At Fitger’s Complex

This year the National Retail Federation is estimated a record of over 166 million people to participate in early holiday shopping this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.–You could say Black Friday was a success down at the Fitger’s Complex with heavy foot traffic filling the halls. This year the National Retail Federation estimates a record of over 166 million people to participate in early holiday shopping this weekend. With 15 shops, 5 dining venues, and a brewery, it’s really one-stop-shop whether you’re shopping for yourself…

Giants-Cowboys Sets NFL Regular-Season Record For Viewers

Courtesy: AP LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Thanksgiving afternoon game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys set the mark for the most-watched NFL regular-season game on record. The Cowboys 28-20 victory on Fox averaged 42 million viewers, according to Nielsen, surpassing the 41.55 million average for the Dec. 3, 1990, Monday night game between the Giants and San Francisco…

Free Thanksgiving Meal Held In Cloquet

The Thanksgiving meal at Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet also served the meals to the community today. Turkey was on the menu at this meal, as was many of the other traditional foods, including; stuffing “We are doing deliveries and to-goes out of VFW location, also in Cloquet,” Corina Johnson, the daughter of an organizer, said. “We estimated to…

Duluth Pack Encourages Shopping Local For Small Business Saturday

This Saturday is "Small Business Saturday"

With Black Friday taking place tomorrow, it’s important to remember the smaller, local businesses and shop them on Small Business Saturday Duluth Pack may well be the very definition of a small business. The 140th anniversary of the founding of Duluth Pack is just weeks away.  In 2007 Tom Sega bought the company. He had used its products for years…

Twin Ports Spay and Neuter Closing

DULUTH, Minn. – “We do about a hundred surgeries a week. So, most vet clinics would love to do that in about a month so the volume that we are able to do is amazing. The fact that we can keep it low cost as well,” said Twin Ports Spay and Neuter Certified Veterinary Technician, Chelsea Bartels. Twin Ports Spay…

Biden Brings Thanksgiving Pies To Nantucket First Responders

NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday delivered at least half a dozen pies to Massachusetts firefighters during a Thanksgiving Day show of appreciation and his toddler grandson walked away with a red fire hat topping his blond curls. “Oh wow,” Biden was heard to say upon seeing Beau Biden, who is nearly 3, emerge from the headquarters building wearing…

Holiday Shopping Kicks Off With Inflation Dampening Spirits

NEW YORK (AP) — While Black Friday will mark a return to familiar holiday shopping patterns, uncertainty still remains. The U.S. job market remains strong, consumer spending is resilient and inflation has been slowing. But elevated prices for food, rent, gasoline and other household costs have taken a toll on shoppers. As a result, many are reluctant to spend unless…

Walmart Shooting Raises Need For Violence Prevention At Work

NEW YORK (AP) — The mass shooting Wednesday at a Walmart in Virginia was only the latest example of a workplace shooting perpetrated by an employee. But while many companies provide active shooting training, experts say there is much less focus on how to prevent workplace violence, particularly how to identify and address worrisome behavior among employees. Workers far too often don’t…

Ramsay Joins ‘Legal Complaint’ Against Former Employer City Of Wichita

DULUTH, Minn. – Newly elected St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay is part of a legal complaint against his former employer, the city of Wichita, claiming internal corruption and cover-ups within city hall and retaliation against him when he was police chief there. According to The Wichita Eagle, Ramsay has joined three deputy chiefs in the complaint. For Ramsay, he’s…

‘Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar’ Expanding To Island Lake With ‘Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar’

ISLAND LAKE, Minn. — The owners behind Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar in Duluth’s Canal Park is expanding into Island Lake, and in a familiar location to many in the area. The new establishment is called Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar. It’s being constructed in the former Boondocks Saloon and Grill on the south end of Island Lake on Rice…

Duluth-Filmed ‘Merry Kiss Cam’ To Hit HULU Thanksgiving Day

DULUTH, Minn. — It may be Thanksgiving Thursday, but for some it will be a celebration of the movie release of “Merry Kiss Cam,” which was shot entirely in Duluth. Production was shot over the summer at places like Carmody Irish Pub, the Heritage Sports center and Fitger’s. “Merry Kiss Cam” is a romantic comedy set during the Christmas season….

Aging Tree Lit Final Time Before Being Replaced

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior celebrated the lighting of its holiday tree a tree that won’t be there next year. Santa Claus stopped by to help turn the tree bright with lights outside the library at the corner of Tower Avenue and Belknap Street. Fire pits were burning, hot chocolate was flowing, and the elves even handed out…

Thanksgiving Buffet At The DECC Details

DULUTH, Minn. — If you don’t have Thanksgiving plans, you can head over to the DECC and grab a free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. This year, ham is on the menu instead of turkey. Organizers say this is because of the national turkey shortage. Plates will also include stuffing, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, veggies, and dessert. Individuals going there in-person…

Lester River Sawmill Changes Ownership After 42 Years

The Lester River Sawmill in Rice Lake Township has been a long supplier of locally harvested timber products for Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

RICE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn.–A locally owned sawmill, that’s been around since 1980, has changed ownership and there’s plans to expand it’s product. The Lester River Sawmill in Rice Lake Township has been a long supplier of locally harvested timber products for Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. New owner Will Feyder has a background in mechanical engineering. He’s keeping the operational side…

Duluth Shelter Sees Several Animals Abandoned Outside, Says Abuse And Neglect Of Pets Is Rising

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies says it’s seeing a disturbing trend pick up: more abuse and neglect cases of Northland pets. The Duluth-based animal shelter made two posts on Facebook just this week about pets being abandoned. In the first post, they wrote that two puppies were discovered taped up in a dirty box on the side of the road….

After Midterms, States Weighing Abortion Protections, Bans

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Democrats hope to use their newfound political control in some states to guarantee that women have access to abortion, while some GOP strongholds may temper their efforts to deepen restrictions after poorer-than-expected results in the midterms. Even after their gains this month, Democrats lack the power to codify abortion rights into federal law. That puts the abortion debate squarely on the…

Downtown Duluth: Small Business Saturday Specials

DULUTH, Minn. — If you plan on participating in Small Business Saturday on November 26, Downtown Duluth released a list of member businesses who are participating. A Place for Fido: 10am to 9pm, Raffle entry with purchase Bookstore at Fitger’s: 10am to 9pm, 3 Book signings, Grand Prize drawing Canal Park Gifts: 10am to 5pm, Holiday treats and 15% off select…

Coffee Conversation: Vineyard Church to hold Blue Christmas Service

DULUTH, Minn. — The Vineyard Church to hold a Blue Christmas Service for those dealing with loss and grief this holiday season. Associate Pastors, Brian Brinkert and Becca Eastvold, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the meaning behind this service. The event will be held Sunday, December 4 at 6pm at their Arrowhead location at 1533 W….

Thanksgiving 2022: What’s Closed, What’s Open And Where To Dine

(FOX 9) — For years, major retailers like Walmart and Target opened their doors on Thanksgiving, giving shoppers a head start on Black Friday madness or a place to buy last-minute items for the dinner table. The pandemic has led to a change in that trend. In 2020, companies announced they were closing their stores on Thanksgiving to give overworked retail workers some much-needed rest….

Walmart Manager Opens Fire In Break Room, Killing 6

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) — A Walmart manager opened fire on fellow employees in the break room of a Virginia store, killing six people in the country’s second high-profile mass shooting in four days, police and a witness said Wednesday. The gunman, who apparently shot himself, was dead when police found him, Chesapeake Police Chief Mark G. Solesky said. There was…

Glensheen Mansion Hosts Christmas Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — At the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, members got an exclusive preview of the Christmas decorations displayed in every room around the beautiful estate. Embracing the tradition of a magnificent Christmas at the house… the 5-level mansion has its halls decked head-to-toe with decorations and even 27 full-sized trees. Guests can visit the jolly mansion during the tours…

The DECC Is Prepping For Thanksgiving

Thousands of people expected for Thursday's annual meal

DULUTH, Minn — It’s a job that some people may not like. For others it’s the exact opposite John McDonald, a chef at Mid Coast Catering is one person who enjoys potato peeling. McDonald said, “There’s something Zen about peeling potatoes, you know, it just makes the time fly by. So, if you enjoy peeling potatoes or enjoy helping others,…

School In Cloquet Recognized Nationally For Academic Improvement And Success

Cloquet, MINN. — The Churchill Elementary School in Cloquet held a celebration on Tuesday after it was recognized as one of the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. It’s one of 297 in the country, and one of eight in Minnesota. The honor goes to schools that have made progress in narrowing the achievement gaps among their students, or have overall…

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – House fires killed 16 people in Minnesota over the holiday season last year, 12 taking place between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fire risks rise during the winter months due to an increase of heating, lighting, and cooking. The first level of safety is to have alerting equipment such as carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are installed on every…

Vacant Superior Council Seat To Be Filled In April Special Election

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior city councilors voted Tuesday to wait until a special election in April to fill now-former councilor Warren Bender’s seat who resigned suddenly a week ago. Bender cited a medical issue for leaving his 3rd District council seat after 15 years. He also apologized to anyone he inadvertently hurt. The letter of resignation came after a police…

‘Abusive Clergy List’ Released By Catholic Diocese Of Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. —  The Catholic Diocese of Superior released its list late Tuesday of “abusive clergy who have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.” The list of 23 names comes after three clergy file reviews over the past year, including one by an independent security consulting firm, according to Dan Blank, the director of administrative services at the…

Dec. 8 Concert At Pier B To Benefit ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Organization

DULUTH, Minn.–If you like Christmas, live music, and helping others, there’s a fundraiser event happening at Pier B Resort Hotel on Dec. 8. The Laura Velvet Band and Big Wave Dave and the Ripples are hosting a fundraising concert. All proceeds will benefit Best Christmas Ever, which is a non-profit that helps bring joy to nominated families who have fallen…

Biden To Extend Student Loan Pause As Court Battle Drags On

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that his administration will extend a pause on federal student loan payments while the White House fights a legal battle to save his plan to cancel portions of the debt. “It isn’t fair to ask tens of millions of borrowers eligible for relief to resume their student debt payments while the courts consider…

Supreme Court OKs Handover Of Trump Tax Returns To Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for the imminent handover of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns to a congressional committee after a three-year legal fight. The court, without comment, rejected Trump’s plea for an order that would have prevented the Treasury Department from giving six years of tax returns for Trump and some of his businesses…

US Renews Push For COVID Boosters As Data Show They Protect

(AP) — Americans who got the updated COVID-19 booster shots are better protected against symptomatic infection than those who haven’t — at least for now, U.S. health officials said Tuesday. Updated boosters rolled out by Pfizer and rival Moderna in September have been a hard sell for vaccine-weary Americans. Only about 13% of U.S. adults so far have gotten a…

‘It’s The Reflex’: Veteran Helped Disarm Gunman At Gay Club

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — When army veteran Rich Fierro realized a gunman was spraying bullets inside the club where he had gathered with friends and family, instincts from his military training immediately kicked in. First, he ducked to avoid any potential incoming fire, then he moved to try to disarm the shooter. “It’s the reflex. Go! Go to the…

Coffee Conversation: Rafe Carlson Presents Veterans Tribute Song

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Rafe Carlson tributes his new song, A Place To Fall, to veterans and service members. Carlson played his new song live at FOX21 and talked about the meaning behind it. Carlson is a Duluth/Hermantown native. He went on to talk about growing up in the community and his plans moving forward. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

A Rail Strike Looms And Impact On US Economy Could Be Broad

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — American consumers and nearly every industry will be affected if freight trains grind to a halt next month. One of the biggest rail unions rejected its deal Monday, joining three others that have failed to approve contracts over concerns about demanding schedules and the lack of paid sick time. That raises the risk of a strike, which could start as…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Casino Pizza & Subs Shop Under New Ownership

CLOQUET, Minn. – “Casino Pizza is about reaching the community, giving them what they had before, but improving it,” said Casino Pizza & Subs Shop Co-Owner, Tyrell Beckom. The Casino Pizza and Subs Shop in Cloquet, an establishment that has been around since 1983, is now under new ownership after business partners Lamont Hines and Tyrell Beckom took it over…

Dubh Linn Hosts World Cup Viewing Parties

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for a lively environment to watch the World Cup with some fellow soccer fans, one watering hole in downtown Duluth has you covered with several screens. The Dubh Linn Brew Pub kicked off its World Cup watch party Monday afternoon as the United States took on Wales. This is the fourth year the pub…

DIY Thanksgiving Bouquet

DULUTH, Minn. – In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Engwall Flowers hosted a Do-It-Yourself class, designing bouquet centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. The class teaches the fundamentals and design principles that go into making a homemade bouquet fit for the holiday. The lesson begins with understanding the container, establishing the foundation, and determining greenery, layout, and shape of the design. Classes…

CHUM Gives Out Bags of Thanksgiving Fixings to Local Families

CHUM is doing another give away on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanksgiving is still a few days away, but there was already a lot of gratitude Monday in Duluth. It came in the form of appreciation for a complete Thanksgiving meal that includes everything but a little elbow grease and time in the kitchen. The bags with meal fixings were passed out by the CHUM Food Shelf on…

Biden Opens Holidays, Pardons Turkeys Chocolate And Chip

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden continued a 75-year tradition Monday and pardoned a pair of Thanksgiving turkeys named after his favorite flavor of ice cream while cracking jokes about his political party’s better-than-expected performance in this month’s midterm elections. “The votes are in, they’ve been counted and verified,” Biden said as he welcomed Chocolate and Chip before hundreds of people gathered on…

Wisconsin Better Business Bureau Warns Shoppers Of Delivery Scams

WISCONSIN — Making purchases online is convenient these days, especially around the holidays. And with all of the packages delivered daily, scammers are taking advantage of online shoppers. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau says online consumers may receive a text from someone pretending to be a delivery carrier. It asks them to “update delivery preferences” by clicking on a link….

Gay Bar Shooting Suspect Facing Murder, Hate Crime Charges

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The man suspected of killing five people and injuring others at a gay bar in Colorado Springs is facing murder and hate crime charges, according to online court records obtained Monday. Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22, faces five murder charges and five charges of committing a bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury, the records show. A law…

Coffee Conversation: Musician Gina Lee Performs New Song, Covers

DULUTH, Minn. — Local musician Gina Lee stopped by the morning show Monday to play one of her newest songs and a couple of covers. Check them out below!   You may have seen Lee featured on the morning show in the past because FOX 21’s Dan Hanger enjoys her tunes! Song 1 Song 2 Song 3 Categories: Coffee Conversation, Entertainment,…

Bluebird Foundation To Host ‘Christmas By The Lake’ Concert Dec. 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Tracy Lundeen, founder of the Bluebird Foundation, stopped by the morning show Monday to talk about the annual Christmas by the Lake Scholarship, Christmas by the Lake Concert and this year’s Christmas by the Lake music album.  Click the video above for more, and check out the Bluebird Foundation’s website. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Minnesota, News, News…