News

Enger Park Golf Course Opens For Season

Enger Park Golf Course opened Tuesday morning with their front 9 for walking and the practice facility. They said depending on the weather, they plan to open more nines and allow golf cars possibly later this week

DULUTH, Minn. – It continues to be an exciting week for golfers as Enger Park Golf Course became the latest to open up for the season. Enger Park Golf Course opened Tuesday morning with their front 9 for walking and the practice facility. In just the first few hours, Enger saw over 50 people hit the links. And after the…

EPA Recommends Against Reissuing Permit for PolyMet Mine

The Environmental Protection Agency says the project could raise levels of mercury and other pollutants downstream from the site in northeastern Minnesota.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Federal regulators are recommending that the Army Corps of Engineers decline to reissue a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine. The Environmental Protection Agency says the project could raise levels of mercury and other pollutants downstream from the site in northeastern Minnesota. It’s just a recommendation, but Minnesota Public Radio reports it could…

Report: Husky Refinery Knew About Issues Before Blast

WPR secured nearly 1,300 pages of documents from OSHA that shed new light on what those officials knew in the days leading up to the explosion at the refinery in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) — Officials at a northwestern Wisconsin oil refinery knew about equipment issues years before a 2018 explosion there, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration documents obtained by Wisconsin Public Radio. WPR secured nearly 1,300 pages of documents from OSHA that shed new light on what those officials knew in the days leading up to the explosion at…

Lake Superior College Welcomes Mini Pony as Part of Stress Less Days

Spirit is a registered therapy mini with Pet Partners, allowing students to stop by for a fun little distraction during this stressful time of the semester. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s almost final exam week for college students so Lake Superior College decided to host a special guest to help with stress relief. Spirit the mini pony with Rocky Run Stables visited the LSC student life area Tuesday afternoon as part of stress less days, put on by the student life department. Spirit is a registered therapy…

Northern Lights Express Remains Optimistic After Minnesota Senate Votes for No Funding in Next Budget

DULUTH, Minn. – Supporters of the Northern Lights Express rail project were not shocked by Monday’s vote by the Minnesota Senate to not include finding for it in the next state budget. “What happened in the Senate this week was not unexpected,” says Ken Buehler, Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee for Northern Light Express.  “We saw this coming, we’re prepared…

Congdon Park Elementary Holds “From Sap to Syrup” Learning Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Congdon Park Elementary School are getting a hands-on learning experience this week on how tree sap is changed to maple syrup. The second annual Sugaring Off STEAM began earlier this spring when first and second grade students collect the sap from trees outside their school. Every grade is making a visit to the school’s garden, where…

Minnesota Prepares To Be Abortion Destination If Roe Falls

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota could become a destination for abortion services for women from other states if the U.S. Supreme Court throws out the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, and the state’s abortion providers said Tuesday that they’re preparing for the anticipated surge. That’s because abortion would remain legal, at least for now, under a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court…

STARBASE Minnesota Celebrates Duluth Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. – Two years after doubling their space, STARBASE Minnesota celebrated the expansion of their Duluth facility. COVID prevented community and business partners from seeing it until Tuesday, which included a ribbon cutting and a dedication from the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.  The over 7,000 square feet at the 148th Fighter Wing includes four classrooms and staff office space….

Ukrainian Fighters: Russian Forces Storming Mariupol Plant

ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces Tuesday began storming the steel mill containing the last pocket of resistance in Mariupol, Ukrainian defenders said, just as scores of civilians evacuated from the bombed-out plant over the weekend reached relative safety in Ukrainian-held territory. Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, said that thanks to the evacuation effort, “101 women, men,…

Biden Blasts ‘Radical’ Draft, Warns Other Rights Threatened

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday blasted what he called a “radical” leaked draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide, warning that a “whole range of rights” are in jeopardy if it holds. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Biden said he hoped the…

Employers Post Record 11.5 Million Job Openings In March

WASHINGTON (AP) — Employers posted a record 11.5 million job openings in March, meaning the United States now has an unprecedented two job openings for every person who is unemployed. The latest data released Tuesday by the the Bureau of Labor Statistics further reveals an extraordinarily tight labor market that has emboldened millions of Americans to seek better paying jobs,…

12-Unit Apartment Building Catches Fire In Duluth

  DULUTH, Minn. – An apartment building fire in Duluth has displaced multiple tenants. The fire was reported around 10:15 p.m. Monday on the 600 block of West 2nd Street. A resident woke up to sounds of smoke detectors, according to officials. Fire crews responded within two minutes. Everybody was evacuated. One tenant was hospitalized for possible smoke inhalation. Two…

UMD Students Hold ‘Duluth Power Dialogue’ Discussing Environmental Justice

DULUTH, Minn.- Young environmentalists over at UMD kept the conversation around climate change fresh today with the help of a unique friend. This larger-than-life owl puppet made by the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe helped attract people to the Duluth Power Dialogue in the Kirby Student Center. “We wanted to find a way to bring art and performance into the environmental…

Lake Superior College Spring Art Show

Art created by more than 200 students is on display at Lake Superior College. The Spring Art show includes ceramics, metal art Jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and photography. Each student was allowed to pick two pieces of there choosing to put in the show which they will be graded on. Some students have chosen to put their artwork up for sale,…

Ursa Minor Among Businesses Excited to be Part of Homegrown’s Comeback Track

Roughly double the staff prepared were ready to serve the bar-hopping music lovers who packed it in starting at 6:15 p.m. Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- After an exciting first verse of Homegrown Music Festival’s comeback track Sunday the music kept flowing through the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday. And businesses like Ursa Minor Brewing again couldn’t be more excited. “It’s hard to remember a packed hall it’s been a few years you know,” owner Ben Hugus said. “But it was a different experience…

Superior Cannabis Company Opens Tower Ave Location

They sell everything from the common CBD oils, ointments, and creams, as well as skincare, bath bombs, and more.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A CBD store has just popped up in superior’s downtown, the owner’s 3rd location after Canal Park and Austin, Minnesota. Superior Cannabis Company opened up shop on Tower Avenue on May 1st. They sell everything from the common CBD oils, ointments, and creams, as well as skincare, bath bombs, and more. The President of the company, Jeff Brinkman,…

Filmmaking in the Northland: Lost 40 Studios Wraps Up Production of Canusa Street

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “It has been an incredible process. Filmmaking should not be this smooth, I have kept waiting, when is the second shoe gonna drop, when is some like chaos moment going to happen. But, it’s been an incredible shooting experience,” Canusa Street Writer and Director, Zack Morrison says. Canusa Street is a half hour TV comedy pilot about…

Report: Draft Opinion Suggests Supreme Court Will Overturn Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON (AP) — A draft opinion circulated among Supreme Court justices suggests that earlier this year a majority of them had thrown support behind overturning the 1973 case Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide, according to a report published Monday night in Politico. It’s unclear if the draft represents the court’s final word on the matter. The Associated Press…

UWS to Hold In-Person Commencement Ceremony

UWS will present the largest number of bachelors degrees in more than five years, as well as, the highest amount of masters in over two decades.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– College students work long and hard to reach the day they walk across the stage, but many weren’t able to enjoy their graduations in the traditional way as ceremonies went virtual over the past two years. Now, many campuses have returned to normal, allowing grads and their loved ones to enjoy the special day. This year, nearly 700…

Proctor Golf Course Open to Public

The Proctor-Esko vs. Hermantown match is the first event hosted at the Proctor Golf Course this year.

PROCTOR, Minn.– It’s officially tee-time in the Northland again, as golf courses are opening back up for those eager to back out on the green. The Proctor Golf Course officially opened today, with high school golf teams competed in their first match of the season. The Proctor Golf Course manager tells us that the course is about a month behind…

Dermatology Duluth Holds Free Skin Cancer Screenings for Melanoma Monday

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, health experts raised awareness and helped out the public on the first day of skin cancer awareness month. It’s called Melanoma Monday and Dermatology Duluth was holding free SPOTme skin cancer screenings throughout the day. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Health experts…

Frontline Workers Will Get Bonus Checks By Summer, Minnesota Officials Say

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – It will take 10-12 weeks before Minnesota workers who were on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic receive bonus checks, Gov. Tim Walz’s administration officials estimate. State officials expect 667,000 people from 15 eligible industries will apply for the rewards. The checks are likely to be around $750, though they will be larger or smaller depending…

Report Calls Out Abuse Of Social Media By Minneapolis Police

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Among the scathing findings of an investigation launched after the police killing of George Floyd is that Minneapolis police used covert or bogus social media accounts to monitor Black individuals and groups despite having no clear public safety rationale for doing so. The report released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights echoes numerous past revelations that the FBI and…

State Office Created To Reduce Rates Of Missing And Murdered Indigenous People Lacks Access To Key Data

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The newly formed Minnesota Office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) has been in the works for years with hopes of providing a lifeline for families searching for their loved ones. “I’m hoping that we decrease the amount of missing and murdered Indigenous people,” said Juliet Rudie, the newly appointed director for the state’s first-of-its-kind MMIR Office….

Live Interview: Duluth East Theatre Students Talk Production Of ‘Harvey’

Performances run May 4-6 at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East High School theatre students joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour Monday to talk about their upcoming performances of “Harvey,” which is a play that was made into a 1950 American comedy drama movie starring James Stuart. Performances are May 4-6 at 7 p.m. at the high school — 301 N. 40th…

Public Joins Friends, Relatives in Mourning Sean, Riana, Shiway, Sadie Barry

Grief and laughter were brought out in the Marshall School Auditorium Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds from the Duluth area and beyond joined relatives of the Barry Family at their Funeral Sunday as they shared their memories, paid their respects, and said farewell to Sean, Riana, Shiway, and Sadie. “I’d just like to thank everybody. The last 10 days, have been hard,” said Sean’s younger brother, Brian, holding back tears. The two parents,…

Labor Unions, Community Hold International Worker Solidarity Rally

Organizers said the number of people present showed that workers’ rights are a priority for the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around the world, the first day of May is celebrated as May Day, which represents International Workers’ Day. At the Harrison Community Center in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, roughly a dozen different labor unions and community organizations came together for the 2nd annual International Worker Solidarity Rally. City Councilor Azrin Awal read a proclamation by Mayor Emily Larson…

‘He Changed The Nation’: Former VP Walter Mondale Honored At Memorial Service

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Former Vice President Walter Mondale was remembered by friends and family on Sunday as a man who fought for what was right and who loved Minnesota — and was loved back by Minnesota. Speakers ranging from President Joe Biden to Senator Amy Klobuchar, a former Mondale intern, to historians and family members came together Sunday to honor the…

24th Year of Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Returns

DULUTH, Minn. — The homegrown music festival not only brings people together and highlights local talent during a week of wonderful music but the kickoff to the 24th year of it celebrates more than just that. “Oh it’s so exciting we’ve been honestly like preparing for months for this show,” Diona Johnson “Afrogeode” of Afrogeode and the Gemstones said. This…

Relatives Encourage Community to Join in Celebrating Lives of Barry Family at Funeral Sunday

According to the Council President, the family plans to Livestream the funeral as well, and you can catch it on FOX 21 News at 9 Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The community is asked to once again come together, this time to celebrate the lives of Sean, Rianna, Shiway, and Sadie Barry before they are laid to rest. The family is urging the public to join them for the funeral service Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Marshall School Auditorium. Duluth City Council President Arik Forsman, who was…

Families Get Active for 30th Healthy Kids Day at Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was the 30th Anniversary of the Duluth Area YMCA’s largest one-day event, celebrating healthy lifestyles for families and kicking off the Y’s Summer Schedule. FOX 21 Photojournalist Owen Zagrabelny takes us to Healthy Kids Day. Superior Douglas County Family YMCA will hold their Healthy Kids Day Event Sunday from 11-3. Categories: Community, Education, Entertainment, Health, Minnesota, News,…

Yarn Harbor Celebrates 5th Annual Local Yarn Shop Day

According to Kathy Thomas, owner of Yarn Harbor, it's important to celebrate brick and mortar yarn shops in all communities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Knitting enthusiasts got all tied up in the 5th annual Local Yarn Shop Day at Yarn Harbor in Duluth. The store featured special limited yarn shop day supplies and free patterns with your yarn purchase. According to Kathy Thomas, owner of Yarn Harbor, it’s important to celebrate brick and mortar yarn shops in all communities. “It’s a lot…

JDRF Walk Brings Awareness, Support for Those Suffering with Type 1 Diabetes

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday morning brought out over a hundred people to the Gichi-Dde’ Akiing park for a walk that raises awareness about type one diabetes, and shows those who have it, that they are not alone. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, partnered with Essentia Health to bring this walk back to Duluth. Teams spent the 3 to…

Mysterious Pediatric Liver Disease Found in Minnesota

The cases have no known connection, although a link with a virus that can cause colds is being investigated.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health said it’s investigating several severe cases of hepatitis among children and has reported the cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC continues to investigate cases of the sudden liver disease in nearly 200 children that has health authorities in several countries racing to find answers. The illness is…

New Coffee Shop Set to Open

DULUTH, Minn. – A new coffee shop is opening up next week on West Superior Street in Duluth. Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters, is a coffee shop that presents a dream aesthetic and intends to foster more community and positive experiences through coffee. The shop will have a full café menu including traditional loose leaf tea and coffee roasted in house….

Rally Kicks off Return of Dragon Boat Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The long ore-driven Dragon Boats are back racing in Lake Superior this summer, and Superior citizens celebrated their return Friday at a kickoff event. The Dragon Boat festival is the largest charitable event the city of Superior has to offer. It was called off the past 2-years, last year partially due to the closure of the Canadian…

Melanoma Awareness Month Kicks Off On Melanoma Monday May 1

DULUTH, Minn. – Health experts are raising awareness about skin health as we approach Melanoma Awareness Month starting May 1. It’s all about focusing on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention and skin cancer screenings. The owner of Twin Ports Dermatology, Heather Smith, said it’s important for everyone to get their skin professional screened once a year, especially if you…

Prescribed Burns Set to Begin When Conditions Allow

Superior National Forest experts planned to do around 6 to 7 thousand prescribed burns this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing cold weather is putting a damper on the start of the prescribed burn season in the Superior National Forest. Experts with the Superior National Forest were hoping to start with the prescribed burns a month ago, but the ongoing winter and wet weekend ahead have not allowed it. They say prescribed fires help reduce hazardous…

UPDATE: Gov. Walz Signs Bill on Unemployment Insurance, Bonus Checks for Frontline Workers

About 667,000 workers will be eligible for the $750 bonus checks.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature pushed through a bill to give bonuses to workers who were on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund following months of negotiations, and Governor Walz signed it into effect on Friday evening. Legislative leaders struck a deal late Wednesday…