News

State Attorneys General Probing Instagram’s Effects on Kids

(AP) – A group of state attorneys general are investigating Instagram and its effects on children and young adults, saying its parent company Facebook – recently renamed Meta Platforms – ignored research about the harms it causes to young people. The investigation is led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee,…

Bentleyville Adds Surveillance System to Bayfront’s “Tour of Lights”

DULUTH, Minn. –  Bentleyville will be adding video surveillance to this year’s “Tour of Lights” to help deter vandalism and theft. Today, Bentleyville founder Nathan Bentley announced that Downtown Computer has donated a campus-wide CCTV system, complete with cameras in elevated locations, recorders, surveillance management systems, and other technologies that can be remotely accessed 24/7. “Nearly every year Bentleyville experiences…

Nearly a Quarter of St. Cloud Prisoners Have COVID-19

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud has the largest outbreak of coronavirus cases in the state’s prison system in months. According to corrections officials, 242 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s nearly a quarter of the inmate population at the St. Cloud prison. The state Department of Corrections is working with the Department…

Midday Update 11-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 18, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 11-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 18, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: morning update, News, weather

Rittenhouse Jury To Resume After Fresh Mistrial Request

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – The jury in Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial was to move into the third day of deliberations Thursday, even as its request to re-watch video in the case sparked another bid from his attorneys for a mistrial. Kyle Rittenhouse’s attorneys say the defense received an inferior copy of a key video from prosecutors. Defense attorney Corey Chirafisi told…

U.S. Jobless Claims Drop Seventh Straight Week to 268,000

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell for the seventh straight week to a pandemic low of 268,000. U.S. jobless claims dipped by 1,000 last week from the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The applications for unemployment aid are a proxy for layoffs, and their steady decline this year – after topping 900,000…

Superior Man Now Federally Charged In Twin Ports Day-Long Crime Spree

Federal charges have now been filed against a Superior man who is accused of a wild and dangerous crime spree through the Twin Ports. Cody Walker-Nelson, 30, is federally charged with attempted bank robbery and multiple gun crimes. The indictment says, in part, that Walker-Nelson attempted to rob the Associated Bank in Superior on Oct. 1 while brandishing a firearm…

Dustin Heckman Starts as Glensheen’s New Executive Director

Heckman previously served as Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- Someone new is at the helm of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, and he’s a familiar face when it comes to educating people about the Northland’s history. Dustin Heckman has just started as Executive Director of Glensheen. Heckman served as Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior since 2019. Before that, he was the…

COVID Outbreak Among Cast, Crew Cancels ‘The Octette Bridge Club’ Performances

"It's tough. It's heartbreaking,” said Merry Renn Vaughan, the production's director.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cases of COVID-19 have shut down a theatre production in Superior after just one live performance and weeks of rehearsals. In a story on FOX 21 last week, the cast and crew were excited about the all-alumni production of “The Octette Bridge Club” at UW-Superior Theatre. They got to perform opening night Friday, Nov. 19, but one…

‘Heaven On Earth Wellness Spa’ On Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. — A new modernized day spa has opened in Duluth that prides itself on using non toxic products for all. ‘Heaven on Earth Wellness Spa’ is located on the 300 block of East Central Entrance. It offers everything from Colon hydrotherapy to infrared saunas and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. They use natural and organic ingredients in products. And…

Covid-19 Cases On The Rise In Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday morning drew in some alarming news to Essentia hospitals across the Midwest. Even though Michigan is the leading state in new covid cases, Minnesota is right behind after holding the number one spot last week. This means added pressure on hospital systems like Essentia Health which saw 129 new positive covid cases on Wednesday morning across…

‘Pure Hockey’ Chain Acquires Duluth Hockey Company

The location on Maple Grove Road up by the Miller Hill Mall was bought this year, making it Pure Hockey's 8th store in Minnesota.  

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime local store Duluth Hockey Company is now under new, corporate ownership — and they say it’s allowed them to score big in the inventory they offer to the Northland’s hockey community. Pure Hockey is the new owner of Duluth Hockey Company. The location on Maple Grove Road up by the Miller Hill Mall was bought this year,…

Duluth Arts Community Seeking Artwork for Exhibit

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport is looking to add more vibrant color to its property with locally-made artwork. The exhibit would rotate out pieces with one or two exhibits every year. The Duluth Public Arts Commission, which is heading up this project, says it has already received a few paintings but is open to art in any form,…

Defense Department Helping to Relieve Two Minnesota Hospitals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says the Department of Defense will send medical teams to two major Minnesota hospitals to relieve doctors and nurses who are swamped by a growing wave of COVID-19 patients. The teams, each comprising 22 people, will arrive at Hennepin County Medical Center and St. Cloud Hospital next week and begin treating patients immediately. Walz…

Midday Update 11-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Lake Superior Zoo Decking the Halls for First-Ever Light Display

Larger Than Life Lights Display will Open Friday, Nov. 26

DULUTH, Minn. – This holiday season the Lake Superior Zoo is going big and bright. Staff is currently decking the grounds of the zoo with six specialty animal inflatables that are “gigantic”. “We’re working with Landmark Creations which is a Minnesota-based company. We’re so happy to support local. They take a look at our animals like Tundra the brown bear…

Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse Sold, Being Converted Into Apartments

Gardner Builders is already at work redeveloping the building with its steel jail cells into 33 mixed-rate apartment units.

DULUTH, Minn.-The historic St. Louis County Jailhouse in Downtown Duluth is getting new life as mixed-rate apartments, after 10 years of trying to put the vacant building to use. This October, the building on West 2nd Street was sold to New Burnham, an entity composed of Meghan Elliott of New History, Jon Commers of Donjek Consulting, and Grant Carlson, the…

Surge of COVID Patients, Lack of ICU Beds Impacting Smaller Rural Hospitals

Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors and Community Memorial in Cloquet are stressing vaccinations, and patience with their overwhelmed employees.

TWO HARBORS/ CLOQUET, Minn.- Hospitals in small rural towns are echoing more intensely the issues overwhelming larger city facilities — more COVID patients filling beds, and fatigue at battling a pandemic for close to 20 months — causing them to transfer patients far away when they pride themselves at providing local care. “The emotional strain that it puts on a…

Ruth House Reopens in Superior as Cold Temps Settle In

Donations of Money, Coats, Sleeping Bags, and Food Items Are Appreciated

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With temperatures overnight dipping to 30 degrees and colder, the Ruth House in Superior has reopened its doors for those in need of a warm, safe place to stay. Check-in time at the shelter goes from 8 – 9:30 p.m. nightly…with check-out time being at 8 a.m. Currently, the staff is seeing many people coming in who…

Ski Hut Prepping for Winter Season

"Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up," Neustel says. 

DULUTH, Minn. — “Cross country skis, snowshoes, alpine skis and snowboards as well as all the equipment you would need to go along with those activities,” Ski Hut Owner, Dave Neustel says. “Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up,” Neustel says. The owner of the Ski Hut in Duluth tells us…

UMD Undergrad Students Showcase Research Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD undergraduate students had the chance to showcase their recent research projects to the public today. The Undergraduate Research and Artistic Showcase takes place each November and April. Students participating are awarded a $1,500 scholarship to use toward their research project. For one student, the research was pandemic-related, specifically looking at zoom fatigue, and…

Superior Chamber & Visitor Bureau Receives Large Grant

The bureau hopes to receive the funds by the end of the month.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently awarded $15 million in grants to local tourism organizations. The Superior-Douglas County Visitor Bureau will be receiving more than $135,000. The bureau is one of several dozen organizations recognized in the grant which puts tourism as a priority in the state as travel is a priority for many people again. “We are…

Sporting Goods Stores Gearing Up for Ice Fishing Season

Over at Marine General, they have just switched their store over to the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn. — A lot of people are ready to see the lakes freeze over, and that includes those at sporting goods stores selling ice fishing gear. Over at Marine General, they have just switched their store over to the winter season. The store ordered all of their supplies early with more inventory coming in daily from ice houses to…

Minnesota Ready To Allow COVID-19 Boosters for All Adults

MINNEAPOLIS – Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says Minnesota officials are so alarmed about the continued surge in COVID-19 cases that they’re ready to start allowing vaccine booster shots for all adults by the end of the week if the federal government doesn’t approve them first. Other states are taking similar steps. Malcolm announced the plan on a day when Minnesota’s…

Air Travel in Wisconsin Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin airports are returning to pre-pandemic traffic levels as the busy holiday season gets underway. Dane County Regional Airport has seen traffic increase every month this year since the COVID-19 vaccine became widely available. At Milwaukee County’s Mitchell International Airport the number of flights during Thanksgiving week is expected to be up 50% compared to last…

Hundreds of Minnesota Officers, Agents Getting Body Cameras

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Hundreds of state law enforcement officers in Minnesota will soon be outfitted with new body cameras to record everything from traffic stops to civil disturbances. More than 600 Minnesota State Patrol troopers, nearly 200 Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents, and other state-level law enforcement officers will soon wear the 1,100…

Midday Update 11-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Parks and Rec Hosting Free Gobbler Glide Skating Event

The Gobbler Glide is Happening Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all turkeys, toddlers, kiddos, and adults! Duluth Parks and Rec Dept. is hosting a free skating event Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The Gobbler Glide will feature a DJ, turkey bowling, ice skating with free rentals available, games, prizes, and more. The fun is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Categories:…

Duluth Fire Department Responding to “Small Structure” Fire in Woodland

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews are responding to a “small structure” fire in the Woodland neighborhood Tuesday morning. According to a recent Twitter post, the Duluth Fire Department responded to the fire around 9:45 a.m. on the 300 block of West Wabasha Street. Crews were able to put the fire out quickly and are now working on extinguishing hotspots. Residents…

Americans Ramped up Retail Spending a Strong 1.7% Last Month

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans sharply boosted their spending last month, pushing up retail sales and giving the economy a lift. Much of the gain reflected the fact that shoppers are also paying higher prices. Retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 1.7% in October from September, the U.S. Commerce Department said Friday. That’s up from 0.8% in the previous month. Solid…

Morning Update 11-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Health Officials: Minnesota Amid Coronavirus ‘Blizzard’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota health officials say the state is currently in the middle of a coronavirus “blizzard” with its rate of new infections worst in the nation over the pasts seven days. More than 95% of available inpatient hospital beds are filled across the state which has caused backups in some emergency departments, according to health care…

Jury To Begin Deliberations at Kyle Rittenhouse Murder Trial

(Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News via AP, Pool) KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – Jurors are set to begin deliberating Tuesday at Kyle Rittenhouse’s murder trial after two weeks of testimony in which they were given starkly different portrayals of his actions the night he shot three men on the streets of Kenosha. Prosecutors say Rittenhouse was a “wannabe soldier” who provoked a…

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Donations Exceed $169K, Surpasses Goal Earlier than Past Years

This past September's Walk to End Alzheimer's has already raised $169,000 -- $2,000 more than this year's goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local fundraising for Alzheimer’s treatment and research has reached nearly 170 thousand dollars just two months after several hundred people walked the Lakewalk in Duluth in support. This past September’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s has already raised $169,000 — $2,000 more than this year’s goal. Organizers say it warms their hearts to see more money being donated to…

UMD Police Officers Now Sporting Body Cameras, UWS to Follow in 2022

Both Police Chiefs say, holding officers, as well as civilians accountable, is important in even the safest of environments.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- For the first time UMD’S Police Department has gotten body-worn cameras this year. This as the police chief across the bridge at the University of Wisconsin Superior also announced they’re set to receive body cameras in February of 2022. “It was something that we wanted to do for quite some time,” UMD Police Chief Sean Huls said. After several…

Piedmont Students Take Learning to New Heights Launching Weather Balloon to Space

The students attached science experiments to the balloon, to see how they will react in the stratosphere.

DULUTH, Minn.- Piedmont Elementary School science students are once again taking their learning up, up, and away launching a weather balloon into space today. The balloon is equipped with a high-altitude computer so the students can study the altitude, temperature, and barometric pressure here on earth. But this year, the 5th grade students wanted to do more than just go…

19 Local Businesses Prepare for Holiday Season as Red Curtains Go Up

Window Displays will be Unveiled Friday, Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re seeing more red throughout downtown Duluth and Canal Park this week, you’re not alone. It’s once again time for the annual red curtain window display contest. Ahead of the Christmas City of the North Parade this Friday, 19 local businesses are taking part in the challenge this year. The Greater Downtown Council has sponsored the…

Fire Officials Remind Residents of Space Heater Safety

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis the season to think safety. With temperatures dropping into the teens and single digits, the Duluth Fire Department wants to remind Northlanders to think twice before overloading outlets. With many space heaters coming out of hibernation, Deputy Fire Marshal Christopher Orman recommends checking your fire and carbon monoxide alarms before blasting the heat. It’s also important…

Safety First: Minnesota Kicks off Winter Hazard Awareness Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday kicks off Winter Hazard Awareness Week. It’s a time when the Minnesota Department of Public Safety teams up with the National Weather Service to promote safety as the bitter cold season sets in. Aside from breaking down the difference between watches, warnings, and advisories, the Duluth Fire Department is taking time to remind folks about the…

Lake Superior Art Glass Begins Christmas Themed Events

You can pick up your glassware three days after you made it.

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior Art glass is kicking off the holiday season with its traditional snowmen and ornament-making classes. Making one of these pieces takes about 30 minutes, and you can pick out your own design and colors, along with adding certain features to these snowmen, such as scarves and hats. A glassblower works one-on-one with you to customize…