News

Twin Metals to Appeal Federal Decision on Proposed Mine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Twin Metals says it will appeal a federal decision that dealt a serious blow to its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. Last week, the Biden administration ordered a mineral withdrawal study that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a popular recreational area in the Superior National…

Fire Crews Respond to Home Fire, Explosion Near Tower

  GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Fire crews responded to the scene of a potential home explosion and subsequent fire in Greenwood Township near Tower Wednesday morning. According to the Northland FireWire Facebook page, the fire was reported around 9:40 a.m. in the 1700 block of the Everett Bay Road. One person was severely injured and was airlifted to a Duluth…

Midday Update 10-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Gov Walz Announces Plan to Vaccinate 5-11 Year Olds in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota’s plan to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5-11 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee voted to recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children 5-11 years old. “Every 5-11-year-old in Minnesota deserves the protection the COVID-19 vaccine has to offer,” said Governor Walz. “The…

Preparations Underway for Chum Warming Center; Organizer Seek Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County officials say preparations have started once again to offer a warming center this winter for people experiencing homelessness in the Duluth area. As part of the preparations, organizers are looking for volunteers and donations so they can be ready when the first cold night arrives. While CHUM staff is always on-site when the warming…

Morning Update 10-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Wisconsin Lawmakers To Send Anti-abortion Bills to Governor

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly is poised to give final approval to a package of anti-abortion bills that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is all but certain to veto. Final approval on Wednesday of the bills designed the reduce the number of abortions in the state comes after the state Senate, also controlled by Republicans, passed the measures…

‘The Amazing Kreskin’ Coming to Duluth’s West Theatre

The Show is Happening Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re into mind-blowing entertainment, you’ll want to head to the West Theatre in Duluth Wednesday, Oct. 27. First rising to fame back in the 1970s, the Amazing Kreskin is still going strong, performing across the world at the age of 83. Kreskin is making a stop in Duluth Wednesday and needs your support to witness his…

Chester Bowl Gearing Up for Winter Season

They are also starting to fit people for their winter equipment.

DULUTH, Minn. — As the warm weather winds down ski hills in the area are making the transition to their winter season. “The winter transition really happens at the end of spring we start doing our annual chairlift maintenance we start planning for the upcoming winter,” Chester Bowl Programs & Operations Manager, Sam Luoma says. Right now, Chester Bowl and…

Officials Hope ‘WICsconsin Enrollment Week’ Helps More Sign Up For Assistance

WIC provides info on health nutrition, breastfeeding, and more, as well as money for certain nutrient-rich foods.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week across the state of Wisconsin, community agencies are helping expecting and current mothers, and other legal guardians of kids under five sign up for the Women, Infants and Children, or “WIC”, assistance program. WIC provides info on health nutrition, breastfeeding, and more, as well as money for certain nutrient-rich foods. Eligibility and the amount of money…

Scarium at the Aquarium Back with Fishes and Frights at Great Lakes Aquarium

Just like last year, masks are required at the three-day event, already sold out at 750 tickets.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the next few days the fish at the Great Lakes Aquarium have something new to look at, as folks are coming by in their Halloween costumes for Scarium at the Aquarium. “It’s enrichment for the animals too to see folks in costumes, something a little out of the ordinary,” said Alexis Berke, Director of Learning and Engagement…

Statewide Virtual Manufacturing Fair Takes Place Thursday

Most manufacturing jobs only need a high school degree and on-site job training.

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Walz declared October Manufacturing Month in the state in an effort to get more people into the field. The average salary in the industry is more than $70,000 a year in Minnesota, which is 10 percent higher than other industries in the state. Right now, there are more than 8,000 job openings in Minnesota manufacturing…

Duluth Vacation Rental Cap Increases from 60 to 70 Units

  DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth will soon be allowing more vacation rental properties to pop up in neighborhoods, including short-term rental options while occupied by the homeowner. “We are trying to make sure that the kind of regulations that we have function well in the community and most specifically in our single-family residential areas where you have…

Superior Nets Awarded in Honor of National Disability Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation presented an award to Superior Nets in honor of National Disability Awareness Month and their theme, “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” After being nominated by Udac, Superior Nets was named the 2021 Outstanding Disability Employer by MOHR. The local netting company is gaining recognition for employee and business success by creating an…

Superior Meats Prepares for Thanksgiving Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn.- The Thanksgiving season is approaching quickly, and local grocers prepare for holiday food shoppers. Superior Meats should be receiving their holiday season turkeys and hams any week now, encouraging people to come in early for their thanksgiving needs. There may not be a meat shortage, but the country is currently facing a supply chain disruption that may delay…

FDA Advisers Back Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine for Young Kids

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. health advisers have endorsed kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for younger children. The vote Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration panel moves the U.S. closer to vaccinating children ages 5 to 11. The FDA isn’t bound by the panel’s recommendation and is expected to make its own decision within days. If regulators agree, shots…

Midday Update 10-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Judge in Chauvin Trial to Release Names of Jurors on Nov. 1

(Mark Hertzberg/Pool Photo via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin judge is setting the final ground rules for what evidence will be allowed at Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial next week. The Illinois teen shot three people, killing two of them, during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha in August 2020. He faces multiple charges, including homicide. He has argued…

Morning Update 10-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Minnesota on Track for Most Traffic Deaths Since 2007 If Driving Doesn’t Improve, Officials Say

There have been 401 traffic-related fatalities since Jan. 1, the earliest the state's reached 400 since 2007.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Safety reporting a scary milestone on Minnesota highways — 401 deaths as of Monday. They’re calling for drivers to shape up, as this year is on track to be the deadliest on the state’s roads in 14 years. “There are some people who are afraid to go out and use that roadway because of…

Best High School Singers in State Perform At UMD Honor Choir Concert

40 high school students who made auditions started rehearsing songs Monday morning for the concert later in the day.

DULUTH, Minn.- What do you get when you take some of the best high school singers from across Minnesota and put them together? Sweet music. That’s what was on display at UMD’S High School Honor Choir Concert. 40 high school students who made auditions started rehearsing songs Monday morning for the concert — just later in the day. This was…

Update: Names Released Following Fatal Small Plane Crash Near Ashland

Courtesy: Ashland Daily Press via AP MARENGO, Wis. (AP) – The brother and sister who died when their small plane crashed into a house in a tiny, northern Wisconsin town were known to the homeowners, who escaped injury. The single-engine plane went down Saturday afternoon in the Ashland County community of Marengo, home to about 400 residents located about 80…

YWCA Duluth Receives Grant

The program is designed for girls in grades 3 through 8 and it gives them opportunities to work on schoolwork, STEM programming and leadership development.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth YWCA received a large grant from the AT&T Foundation to improve some of its programs that will help girls in the community. The organization has a “Girl Power” program that had to pivot to less in-person services during the pandemic that it’s now bringing back. Each program is designed for girls in grades 3 through…

Stores Gearing Up for Hunting Season

Northwest outlet in Superior received their hunting clothing items a few weeks ago.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Clothing stores are getting their gear in for hunting season. Northwest outlet in Superior received their hunting clothing items a few weeks ago. They are seeing people come in to purchase their blaze orange clothing, cover scents and more as hunting season approaches in Minnesota and Wisconsin. “We never know if it’s going to be 20 degrees…

Harbor House Crisis Shelter Receives Large Donation

Harbor House Crisis Shelter still needs more donations such as diapers, laundry detergent, pillows, winter clothing and more.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. —  The Harbor House Crisis Shelter received a big donation last week courtesy of several businesses in Superior. Serenity Spa and Salon, Beauty by Jolene and Twin Ports Laser and Cosmetic Services LLC all share a building on Tower Avenue. Together the three businesses donated diapers, hygiene items, and luxury hair care products. In total, the donation was…

Warming Centers Preparing to Open

In January, it's moving over to a bigger facility in Lincoln Park.

DULUTH, Minn. — A few shelters in the twin ports say the need to help the homeless community is growing as both supplies and space to house more people are continuously in-demand. The new executive director of CHUM, John Cole, says Duluth’s homeless population is only getting bigger. The Rainbow Center, which CHUM oversees, is going to open as a…

St. Louis County Atty. Will Conduct ‘Careful Review’ Of Proctor H.S. Football Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Attorney’s released its first statement Monday involving the recent criminal investigation involving some members of the Proctor High School football program. County Attorney Kimberly Maki said her office has received the Proctor Police Department’s reports on the investigation and “will conduct a thorough and careful review of the evidence before making any charging…

Whistleblower Haugen Says Facebook Makes Online Hate Worse

LONDON (AP) — Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen told British lawmakers Monday that the social media giant stokes online hate and extremism, fails to protect children from harmful content and lacks any incentive to fix the problems, providing momentum for efforts by European governments working on stricter regulation of tech companies. While her testimony echoed much of what she told the U.S. Senate this month,…

Midday Update 10-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

School Board Resignations Triple in Minnesota

Nearly 70 Board Members Have Resigned in 2021, Triple the Number of Resignations in a Regular Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Contentious disagreements over COVID-19 policies and critical race theory have caused a significant increase in the number of local school board resignations in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota School Boards Association, nearly 70 board members have resigned from their positions this year, triple the number of resignations in a regular year. The association says that equates…

New This Year: Nominations for ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Due by Monday, Nov. 1

More Than 150 Families will be Chosen to Receive the 'Best Christmas Ever' in 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – The clock is ticking! Nominations for this year’s Best Christmas Ever are coming to a close. Northlanders have until Monday, Nov. 1 to nominate a family in need this holiday season. Don Liimatainen, founder of Best Christmas Ever, says the organization plans to surpass its goal of helping more than 150 families this year. Each year from…

Road Closed in Duluth During Water Line Replacement

Work is Expected to be Complete by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will be replacing a portion of a lead water line located at 56th and Grand Avenue on Monday, October 25. A copper line will replace a lead line that has been leaking. Grand Avenue will be closed between 56th Avenue West and 57th Avenue West. Sidewalks will remain open while crews are working…

Morning Update 10-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

DuluCon Blasts Through 2021 in New Space at Miller Hill Mall

The Convention was able to spread out their main stage and videogame tournament, panelists, vendors, and more end-to-end throughout the mall.

DULUTH, Minn.- DuluCon has gone through quite a few evolutions in its three-year history. From starting out just at the Encounter Youth Center downtown in 2019 to going virtual during the pandemic last year, the event came back in full force in 2021. “This was a very experimental year. It was, briefly, it was a success,” said Josh Effinger, member…

CASDA Holds Bowl-A-Thon To Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

SUPERIOR, Wis. — CASDA  held ‘No Time To Spare’ bowl-a-thon at Village Lanes in Superior to raise awareness about domestic violence, and to support the services that help adult and children survivors of it. October is domestic violence awareness month, and the center against sexual and domestic abuse holds multiple events during it to bring attention to the issue of…

COVID-19 Wave Overwhelms Rural Hospitals Short On ICU Beds

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The case of a rural Minnesota man who waited two days for an ICU bed and later died is among several examples that have frustrated officials in rural hospitals whose facilities are overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. Bob Cameron spent two days in his hometown hospital in Hallock, Minnesota, where caregivers searched nonstop for space in a larger…

Fire Damages House For Homeless In Virginia, 7 Displaced

Courtesy: Northland FireWire VIRGINIA, Minn. – Seven residents of a house for people who are homeless were displaced by fire Saturday in Virginia. The flames broke out around 4 p.m. at Bill’s House on the 200-block of 3rd Street North, according to the Northland FireWire. Courtesy: Northland FireWire When firefighters arrived, they found a mattress on fire.  One bedroom was…

Small Plane Crashes into Wisconsin Home, Kills 2 Onboard

MARENGO, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say two people died when a single-engine plane crashed into a home in northwestern Wisconsin. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received numerous 911 calls about 2:40 p.m. Saturday with reports of the crash in the town of Marengo. No one on the ground was hurt. The sheriff’s department says the victims are a 29-year-old man…

Duluth Preservation Alliance Annual Awards Recognize Cities History

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Theater held the 40th Duluth Preservation Alliance Awards this week which help recognize some historical properties in the area and how they have been preserved. Some of these properties have been standing since the 1800’s, and have gone through heavy preservation work. Award recipients include places like the George A. Tomlinson house on Hawthorne Road,…

Duluth Police Union Local 807 Calls for Transparency from City Administration in Labor Negotiations

The wage and healthcare negotiations come amid one of the police department's worst staffing shortages they've seen in years.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Union Local 807 is speaking out, asking for transparency from Mayor Emily Larson’s administration as they continue negotiating wage and healthcare changes — amid one of the police department’s worst staffing shortages they’ve seen in years. Union members say they met with city leaders to talk about a 15% bump in pay to police officers’…

MEA Weekend Drawing In Crowds

DULUTH, Minn. — MEA weekend comes at the perfect time of year, where students and teachers K-12, get a few extra days off to enjoy the fall. People and families from all over the state travel this weekend, and the preferred destination for many seems to be the North Shore. Crowds gathered on the Lakewalk Friday in Canal Park to…

Duluth Children’s Museum Costume Drive Aims to Help All Families Have a Fun Halloween

The costumes are free to anyone in need and will be available for pick up Friday through Sunday during regular business hours.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting a costume drive so all families can look forward to a fun Halloween. The museum is accepting all gently used or new children’s costumes from size birth and up. The costumes are free to anyone in need and will be available for pick up Friday through Sunday during regular business hours. Organizers…