News

Cloquet Police Investigating ‘Suspicious Death’

CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities in Cloquet say they are investigating the death of a woman that is being considered suspicious. The Cloquet Police Department, Fond du Lac Police Department, and Cloquet Fire District responded to a medical call on Thursday around 7:24 a.m. at 956 Trettel Lane. When officers arrived at the scene they found an unresponsive female. She was…

Last-Ditch Talks Seek To Avert Teacher Strikes in Minnesota

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Last-ditch talks are underway in the Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts. Teachers could strike as soon as Tuesday morning over wages, class sizes, and mental health services for a collective 63,000 students. State mediators were trying Monday to facilitate the negotiations in both districts. The teachers’ union in Minneapolis has…

39th Annual First Ship Contest Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority have teamed up once again for the 39th Annual First Ship Contest. To submit your guess for the exact date and time the season’s first “saltie” passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to visitduluth.com/firstship or click here. The contest closes at midnight on March 24. This year, the…

Coffee Conversation: ShamROCK the House with 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities

DULUTH, Minn.- March is here, and so are some favorite green seasonal treats. 225 McDonald’s Restaurants in the upper Midwest are back with the 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser, “ShamROCK THE HOUSE!” From March 7-17 McDonald’s owner/operators in MN, western WI, and Ironwood will donate 25 cents of every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry sold to Ronald McDonald House…

Hundreds Rally at State Capitol in Support of Ukraine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Hundreds of Minnesotans rallied at the state Capitol to show support for Ukraine where more than 1.7 million people have been forced from their country because of Russia’s invasion nearly two weeks ago. Luda Anastazievsky, chairman of the Minnesota Ukrainian American Advocacy Committee, called on the state Legislature Sunday to divest of any funds benefiting…

Renee Van Nett Announces State Senate Run

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett is announcing her run for State Senate District 8. Van Nett was first elected to the city council in 2017 and represents Duluth’s 4th District. In January 2021 she was elected as the first Indigenous woman to serve as Duluth City Council president. “Renee believes Duluth priorities are ‘Nuts…

Bucktales Cantina & Grill Moving To Former Shorty’s Building In Downtown Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular downtown Superior restaurant known as Shorty’s closed suddenly last June, but the space is about to get new life and new flavor. Dee Morales, owner of Bucktales Cantina & Grill in Pattison Park, finalized the purchase of the Shorty’s building on Tower Avenue a couple weeks ago. Morales said while it’s a big task to…

Community Pictures Of Duluth’s Lift Bridge, Other Structures Lit For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday marked the final night of the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower being lit blue and yellow for Ukraine after doing so for the past week.  Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be releasing an updated lighting policy for the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower in 60 days after the community spoke up in numbers to light the…

Gov. Walz Proclaims March 6 As ‘Ukrainian Solidarity Day’ In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed Sunday, Mar. 6 as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in the State of Minnesota to “honor the bravery and resilience of the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their country and their freedom,” Walz said in a statement. “I’m proud to declare today as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in Minnesota,” said Walz….

Officials: 7 Dead After Tornadoes Tore Through Central Iowa

Betty Hope of Winterset, Iowa, searches for items worth keeping at her home as cleanup efforts are underway on Sunday, March 6, 2022, after a tornado tore through an area southwest of town on Saturday. (Bryon Houlgrave/The Des Moines Register via AP) WINTERSET, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say seven people are dead after tornadoes swept through central Iowa, destroying homes,…

Gov. Walz Directs State Agencies To End Russian Contracts

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has directed state agencies to terminate any contracts with Russian entities to punish the country for invading Ukraine. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Walz issued an executive order on Friday directing more than two dozen state agencies to end their contracts. He also asked his cabinet not to enter into any future contracts…

Some City of Duluth Plow Drivers Refuse to Work Overtime For Saturday Storm as Union Members Prepare to Vote on Contract Agreement

On Saturday city officials said snowplows would be out for this storm through the city, but the fleet would be operating fewer than normal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some plow drivers refused to come in to work overtime for this weekend’s winter storm as the City of Duluth says their contract requires them to do. While the reasoning is unclear at this time, this comes as a tentative contract agreement was reached in the 11th hour between union workers and the city administration. On Saturday city…

Northlanders, Hundreds Globally Bid For Railroad Items at Nordic Auction

Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online.

DULUTH, Minn.- Railroad enthusiasts got a chance to get their hands on some unique pieces of locomotive history. 300 items including signs and bells were up for bid at Nordic Auction. Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online from so many countries that they even had to bring in a translator for some exchanges. “Growing…

UMD Planetarium Sells Out First Weekend Back

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD Planetarium re-opened on Friday after 2 years of being closed, and it was obvious children and families were eager to be back inside, exploring the galaxies. The director tells us Friday night exceeded her expectations. She was nervous people wouldn’t buy tickets after being closed due to covid concerns, but they sold out for the…

Putin says Ukraine’s Future in Doubt as Cease-Fires Collapse

(Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) LVIV, Ukraine (AP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukrainian statehood is in jeopardy and pinned the blame on that country’s leaders. Putin also said Saturday that Western sanctions are akin to “declaring war,” but added, “But thank God, we haven’t got there yet.” The Russian leader’s tough talk came as…

High School Students Test their ‘Metal’ Going Head to Head at FIRST Robotics Competition

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC was full of metal v.s. metal “scraps” as more than 4,000 high school students battled with the robots they built and programmed at the FIRST Robotics Competition. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich takes us to the arena. Categories: Education, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: FIRST Robotics Competition

Masks Now Optional for Duluth ISD 709 Students, Staff

The option of a 10-day mask mandate will be on the table if transmission spikes in district buildings.

DULUTH, Minn.- Masks will now be optional for students and staff in the Duluth Public School District. Superintendent John Magas says as of Thursday covid-19 community levels are low in St. Louis County. Under medium levels, the district would recommend mask-wearing in buildings and on buses, and under high levels, staff and students would have to mask up again. Magas…

Vision Northland Project 72% Complete, Crews Focus on Developing Interior

The Vision Northland Project is slated to be complete in the 1st quarter of 2023 and open to patients in the 3rd quarter.

DULUTH, Minn.- The interior of Essentia’s Vision Northland redevelopment is taking shape and we have got an inside look at the inside of the building. Last week contractors marked the milestone of the multi-million dollar project being fully-enclosed. This means the exterior was largely completed, and crews got started on casework, flooring, painting, and more. The project is now 72%…

Essentia Donates $35k for Boys and Girls Clubs Mental Health Program

In 2019 the Boys and Girls Clubs began providing mental health services to integrate mental health staff and create dialogues to remove the stigma attached to mental health related issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland received a generous donation to support the mental health access program. Essentia Health donated $35,000 thousand dollars to support the growing program. The grant helps with the costs of adding a full-time behavioral health coordinator position to oversee the program. “For outpatient services to come on-site and see the youth…

NWS Warns of ‘Messy’ Storm Bringing Mix of Rain, Snow, Ice

The freezing rain this storm could bring has the potential to affect roads, trees, and powerlines.

DULUTH, Minn-. The Northland is bracing for a winter storm bringing with it a mixed bag of elements we haven’t seen in a few months. “We’ve got quite the messy system that’s coming in this week, or, this weekend,” said Ketzel Levens, NWS Meteorologist. While winter storms over the previous months have brought colder temperatures and snow, forecasters at the…

CSS Shows Support for Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Russian invasion continues to disrupt and destroy Ukraine, and kill or force out its citizens, the College Of Saint Scholastica decided to show their support with a prayer service. CSS’s international students, and students of different religious backgrounds came together Friday for one common reason, to show support for Ukraine. They held a prayer service…

Nordic Auction’s New Format Proving Popular With Railroad Collectors

DULUTH, Minn. — This weekend local locomotive lovers will be showcasing historic items from the Midwest and beyond at a railroad auction in Duluth. After the seven auctions last June that came from the Carr’s Hobby Shop closing, the owner of Nordic Auction began doing his sales half in person and half online which he says gained him more traction…

Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to Release Figurines of John Shuster, Matt Hamilton

The bobbleheads are only available online and will ship out in July.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced Friday morning that they are releasing limited-edition bobbleheads featuring U.S. Olympic curlers Matt Hamilton and Superior’s John Shuster. Each one comes with a removable gold medal. The bobbleheads are only available online and will ship out in July. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Stabbing Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder

DULUTH, Minn. – A 35-year-old Duluth man arrested for stabbing a woman in the Kenwood neighborhood on Wednesday has now been formally charged. According to police, the suspect, identified as Anthony Holloway, is charged with second-degree attempted murder and child endangerment. “The Duluth Police Department continues to be dedicated and persistent in their victim-centered approach in these types of investigations,”…

Man Accused of Video Taping Hundreds of Victims in Athletic Clubs’ Locker Rooms

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A Milwaukee man is accused of secretly videotaping hundreds of people inside locker rooms at Wisconsin Athletic Club locations. An arrest warrant has been issued for 33-year-old Peng Dong who is charged in Milwaukee County with 15 felonies which involve clubs in Wauwatosa and Glendale. He also faces a felony charge in Waukesha County involving the Wisconsin…

Duluth Public Schools Moving to “Optional” Masking Next Week

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth public schools will be moving to optional masking beginning next week. On Friday, Duluth superintendent John Magas released a weekly update statement where he announced the decision to move from required masking to optional masking. “Updated COVID-19 community levels released Thursday, March 3 shows community levels are low in St. Louis County….

US Added 678,000 Jobs in February in Sign of Economic Health

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers added a robust 678,000 jobs in February, another gain that underscored the economy’s solid health as the omicron wave fades and more Americans venture out to spend at restaurants, shops, and hotels despite surging inflation. The unemployment rate dropped from 4% to a pandemic low of 3.8%, extending a sharp decline in joblessness as the…

Wellness Center Hosts Prayer Service For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. – A local wellness center gathered to hold a prayer service Thursday night to express their compassion for Ukraine and the world. In Harmony Reiki and Inner Wellness held a non-denominational prayer to give people a voice to their inter peace. The owner, Debbie Merrick, said she thinks the community needed a place to meditate and draw positive…

Duluth Police Chief Testifies For ‘Statewide Missing And Murdered Indigenous Fund’

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Duluth’s newly created Missing and Murdered Indigenous Fund is gaining attention as the state capitol. Members of the Minnesota House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee met Thursday to hear testimony from members involved with the fund, including Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken. The bill would create a reward fund to help get information and…

Cue The Pipes And Drums! A Sneak Peek Of Friday’s ‘Thistles And Shamrocks’ Concert

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Scottish Heritage Association held a dress rehearsal Thursday night in preparation of its annual Thistles and Shamrocks concert happening Friday. The concert involves the DSHA’s Pipes and Drums Band, the Highland Dancers, and the Celtic Folk group “EIRA”. This event is put on as a fundraiser for the DSHA to perpetuate Scottish culture in Northeast…

West Duluth Dairy Queen has Reopened for 2022 Season

DULUTH, MN – Dilly bars and buster bars are once again available at your favorite Dairy Queen spot on Grand Avenue in West Duluth.  Wednesday marked the reopening for the 2022 season, and even with the prospect of a couple more months of winter weather, it is close enough to spring from them to reopen for business. “We’re really glad…

Annual Grad Fair Held Today at UMD

DULUTH, MN – UMD held its annual Grad Fair today in the Kirby Ballroom.  Students were able to purchase everything they need for graduation such as caps, gowns, rings, and diploma frames. Several booths were also so up for the students to receive additional information about commencement and careers.  There is an added excitement this year with it being the…

Meet Minnesota’s Snowplows: Betty Whiteout, CTRL Salt Delete, Scoop Dogg

(courtesy: Minnesota Department of Transportation) (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation unveiled the state’s newly named snowplows Thursday morning. The snowplows got a makeover soon after the contest results were revealed last month. The creative names were submitted, voted and handpicked by more than 59,000 Minnesotans across the state in the “Name a Snowplow” contest. Every region of…

Midday Update 3-3-2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 3, 2022. Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing to Deploy This Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing is scheduled to deploy more than 300 Airmen this spring. “The 148th Fighter Wing has been tasked to support the ongoing mission in the U.S. Central Command,” said 148th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Chris Blomquist. “Winning today’s fight means executing the daily missions across the theater to meet the USCENTCOM commander’s priorities. Each…