News

Update: Victim Identified in Duluth’s First Homicide in 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police have identified the victim in Duluth’s first homicide in 2022. On Saturday, authorities were dispatched to the 100 block of N 54th Avenue East around 12:50 a.m. for a medical/assault call. Dispatchers told responding officers a male was punched in the head and unconscious. At the scene, the unconscious 42-year-old man, now identified as Ryan…

Morning Update 1-18-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Playhouse Postpones Upcoming Performances, Productions due to COVID

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is making adjustments to its current season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a Monday Facebook post, the Playhouse said it had made the difficult decision to not produce The Spongebob Musical, The Revolutionists, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night during the 2021-2022 season. CLUE has also been postponed…

Collectors Connection Connects To More Hobbyists with New Superior Location

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just in time for the last holiday season a Duluth staple for collectors expanded their connection across the bridge. “We opened on Black Friday which, I was overly optimistic as far as being ready,” Aaron Davis said. Davis, the owner of Collectors Connection by Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, opened up a larger mecca for hobbyists across the…

Bayfield, Winter Destination Hot Spot

BAYFIELD, Wis.-If you’re looking for a fun getaway this winter, Bayfield may be the spot for you. Bayfield has been seeing an uptick in tourism as it’s many recreations attract people to the area. From Nordic skiing at Mount Ashwabay to hiking Myers Beach to see the sea caves, tourists have countless options when it comes to getting out and…

Destination Duluth takes on Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.-Today, Destination Duluth photographers took on the slopes of Spirit Mountain. Destination Duluth is a non-profit organization that is made up of more than 200 photographers that volunteer their work for select social media platforms. These photos are used to show how unique and beautiful the city of Duluth is, and some have received more than 7 million impressions…

SD-7 DFL Announces Contactless Caucus for 2022

DULUTH, Minn.-The senate district 7 DFL says it’s holding caucuses online again for this election season. In light of the recent spike in Covid cases, the DFL SAYS IT feels this is the best solution to keep people safe while participating in the convention, which will be held virtually between April 8th and April 15th. SD-7 DFL’s 2020 convention was…

Old Town Antiques’ Last Week in Business Before Being Forced Out of Building by Owner

Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Huckleberry, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by January 31st.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the last week open for Old Town Antiques and Books on Superior Street in Duluth, one of three businesses in that location forced out by the company that owns the building. Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Hucklebeary, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by…

Missing Pets in the Northland’s Betty White Challenge Raises More than $1K

The Facebook page Missing Pets In The Northland raised roughly $1,800 in one day for its Betty White Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- Betty White would have turned 100 Monday. After the screen icon passed on New Year’s Eve, animal humane organizations are receiving donations from her fans in her honor, including ones here in the Northland. The Facebook page Missing Pets In The Northland raised roughly $1,800 in one day for its Betty White Challenge soaring past her thousand dollar goal….

Changes Coming to MN State Fair Admission Fees, Hours

(AP Photo/Jim Mone,File) (FOX 9) – Changes are coming to the Minnesota State Fair, fair officials announced after concluding the 163rd annual meeting of the Minnesota State Fair Agricultural Society. The two main changes are an increase in admission prices and a change in hours. Starting in 2022 the entry fee for an adult will be $17. An increase of…

Midday Update 1-17-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 17, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 17, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Judge Stops Minnesota Hospital From Disconnecting Ventilator

(courtesy: Fox 9) COON RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – A man who has been suffering from a severe case of COVID-19 and was being kept alive by a ventilator has been moved from a Minnesota hospital to a Texas facility after a judge issued a restraining order stopping the hospital from turning off his machine. Fifty-five-year-old Scott Quiner, of Buffalo, was…

Rep. Pete Stauber Announces Re-Election Campaign for Minnesota’s 8th District

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber on Monday formally announced his run for re-election. U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R) who represents Minnesota’s 8th District won his second term against Democratic challenger Quinn Nystrom in 2020. “I am running for re-election because northern Minnesota needs a voice in Washington who will champion our causes built on the foundation of our values…

The Northland’s Largest Baby Shower is Happening Now

Donate Now Through Monday, January 31, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Life 97.3 and St. Luke’s Hospital have partnered again to throw the 4th annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. Throughout the month of January, Life 97.3 is encouraging its audience to donate typical baby shower items that will ultimately benefit a number of organizations spread across the Northland that are helping families in need. Below is a list…

Morning Update 1-17-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 17, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 17, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Wisconsin Lawmakers Plan Would Lower Age To Carry Concealed Weapon

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican state lawmakers are pushing a plan that would lower the minimum age to legally carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin. Currently, a Wisconsin resident needs to be 21 before they can apply for a concealed carry permit. The GOP-backed bill would lower it to 18. The measure’s sponsor, state Rep. Shae Sortwell says 18-year-olds have…

Daughter Accused Of Shooting Mother, Then Driving Away

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn. — A juvenile-aged girl allegedly shot her mother on Sunday afternoon in the Cook area, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities were sent over after a 911 call was made while the 40-year-old mother was brought to the hospital around 4:30 p.m. While law enforcement was on the way, the daughter got into…

Red Bull Heavy Metal Turns Cascade Park into Extreme Snowboard Course

40 riders from California to as far as Canada were attracted to Duluth’s unique venue.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 19 years the Red Bull Heavy Metal Rail Jam came back bringing extreme street snowboarding stunts right to many Duluthians’ backyard – Cascade Park. It’s not a sport for the faint of heart, but the thrill is what fuels these athletes. “Definitely scary,” snowboarder Melissa Riitano said. “Had butterflies dropping in for that first hit.” Last held…

City, Local Businesses Come Together to Stick Landing with Red Bull Event

The city does want to remind people that Cascade Park is never an area for these tricks outside of organized events.

DULUTH, Minn.- Putting the Red Bull Heavy Metal Rail Jam together required a team effort from the City of Duluth and even some local businesses. From the clerk’s office issuing permitting, to the Duluth firefighters on scene providing medical attention, 5 city departments were involved. Spirit Mountain crews set up the obstacles, while Damage Board Shop in Lincoln Park shut…

Cedar and Stone Sauna Offering Opportunities to Re-Charge this Winter

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-of-a-kind local sauna experience hit its 2 year anniversary this month and continues to help people decompress, reduce stress, and feel rejuvenated on the shores of Lake Superior. The Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna in Canal Park is a traditional Nordic sauna inspired from Duluth’s Finnish history. It’s an indoor wood fired sauna that runs between…

Garage Fire Destroys Residence in Carlton County; No One Injured

Firefighters were able to confirm all occupants made it out, and there were no pets inside. 

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn.- A fire that started at a detached garage spread to and destroyed the nearby residence in Thomson Township Sunday. According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:00 a.m., crews from the Esko, Carlton, and Wrenshall Fire Departments discovered the garage at 21 Ridge Road fully engulfed with fire. It was only a few feet from the…

Hostages Safe after Texas Synagogue Standoff; Captor Dead

FBI and police spokeswomen declined to answer questions about who shot the man.

AP Photo/Brandon Wade COLLEYVILLE, Texas (AP) — Four hostages were spared and their captor was killed, ending a 10-hour standoff at a Texas synagogue where the hostage-taker — a British national — could be heard ranting on a Livestream and demanding the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist who was convicted of trying to kill U.S. Army officers in Afghanistan. One…

Eveleth Community Celebrates Hippodrome’s 100 Years of Hockey, History

Community members are also working to preserve this venue as a future historical site, hoping to prevent it from ever being torn down.

EVELETH, Minn.- A staple of the Eveleth community celebrated a big milestone Saturday. The 100th birthday of the city’s Hippodrome was celebrated at the nearby Eveleth Auditorium. For the past century, quite a few famous hockey stars have graced the ice there, and others played some heart-pounding games. It was also home to many basketball games, fundraisers, and even concerts…

Man Takes Hostages at Texas Synagogue, Demands Prisoner Be Freed

The Colleyville Police Department said the male hostage was released shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday.

Jessika Harkay/Star-Telegram via AP COLLEYVILLE, Texas (AP) – Police say one hostage has been released uninjured from a Texas synagogue where a man had been holding four people. The Colleyville Police Department said the male hostage was released shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday. He was expected to be reunited with his family soon and did not require medical attention. FBI…

West Coast Under Tsunami Advisory Following Pacific Eruption

Japan Meteorology Agency via AP WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – An undersea volcano has erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga. The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage because all internet connectivity with Tonga was lost. Following the eruption,…

Fight Turns into Duluth’s First Homicide of 2022

Investigators learned a 46-year-old man got in a physical altercation with the 42-year-old after arguing.

DULUTH, Minn.- One man has died and another arrested pending manslaughter charges after an altercation in Duluth’s Lester Park neighborhood — the city’s first homicide of 2022, according to Duluth Police. According to a spokesperson with the Department, around 12:50 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a medical/assault call in the 100 block of N 54th Ave E. Dispatchers told responding…

COVID Cases, Staff Shortages Could Shift Duluth Schools to Distance Learning ‘with little notice’

The district considers three key variables as criteria for determining the need to move to distance learning at a single school, an entire level, or for the entire district.

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the region, officials with Duluth ISD 709 shared the factors needed to keep learning in person, warning that a switch to virtual could happen fast. According to a press release sent out by Superintendent John Magas Friday, experts the district is consulting with forecasted that there will be “significant improvement” to…

Duluth Businesses on Enforcing Indoor Mask Mandate Round 2

A few businesses who differ on how they think the mandate will affect them over the next 30 days.

DULUTH, Minn. — As of 5 o’clock Friday evening, local businesses will have to require masks indoors. We caught up with a few businesses who differ on how they think the mandate will affect them over the next 30 days. One retail store in Canal Park, Flagship Apparel that screen prints, and sells some local-themed gear is coming off of…

UMD Continues Mask Requirement, Students Mixed on Duluth’s New Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – While the City of Duluth is resuming its mask mandate Friday evening, mask requirements are nothing new for students, faculty, and staff at UMD. People have been asked to wear one, regardless of vaccination status, inside campus buildings since early August. For some students, wearing a mask elsewhere in the city will help keep everyone safe from the…

Eveleth’s Historic Hippodrome Turning 100 in 2022

EVELETH, Minn. – A piece of Eveleth’s history will celebrate a major milestone this weekend. Residents from near and far are thrilled to be honoring the Hippodrome’s 100th anniversary of being a staple in the community. “It’s a community building,” said Mike Newman, former crew leader with Eveleth Parks and Rec. In every community, there’s a heart. “It was more…

Duluth Police Welcomes First Mother-Daughter Duo Officers in Department’s History

Officer Angela Robertson got to pin the badge on her daughter, Maddyson.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday’s pinning ceremony at the Duluth Police Department was a special one for two officers with a special bond. Officer Angela Robertson got to pin the badge on her daughter, Maddyson. It’s the first mother-daughter duo in the department’s history. Ever since she was a child going on ride-alongs with Officer Angela Robertson, Maddyson knew she wanted to…

UMD Students Signing Petition to Protest Vaccine Form for Enrollment

DULUTH, Minn. – The start of the spring semester at UMD saw one recent student begin an effort to end the vaccine requirement to attend classes. Lucius Lafromboise is protesting against the form required by the University of Minnesota system that identifies a person’s vaccination status, or list a medical or religious exemption against getting one.  He chose not to fill…

Duluth Fire Suspects Human Cause of Esmond Building Fire

DULUTH, Minn.-An official cause of the fire at the condemned Esmond building in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is still unknown tonight, but Duluth fire officials suspect it was human-caused. Due to the extent of the damage, it is still unsafe for crews to conduct thorough investigation. Construction services through the city of Duluth have issued a demolition order allowing thirty…

Hospitals in Carlton County Meet to ‘Crisis Plan’ as COVID Continues Surging

Crisis planning is to prepare the hospitals, and make a course of action in case they become overwhelmed and have to send patients elsewhere.

CLOQUET, Minn. — Doctors from the Community Memorial Hospital met on Thursday to “crisis plan”, concerned that the latest surge of the Omicron variant might overwhelm medical facilities. Crisis planning is to prepare the hospitals, and make a course of action in case they become overwhelmed and have to send patients elsewhere. But with so many medical facilities bogged down…

University Of Minnesota System Announces Temporary Proof of Vaccination

DULUTH, Minn. — The president of the University of Minnesota System announced a new temporary change to how they are allowing people into events with more than 200 people. The university system, across the 5 campuses in the state, will be requesting proof of vaccination or a negative test 72 hours prior to the event in order to attend. This…

Proctor Teen Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

PROCTOR, Minn. – A Proctor teen has been officially charged in connection to the “sexual misconduct” allegations made in September against members of the Rails football team. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, a 17-year-old male has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to the criminal complaint, on September 16 the Proctor Police Department received an…

U of M Systems Announces Temporary Proof of Vaccination Policy at Indoor Events

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota on Friday announced a new temporary proof of vaccination policy for all indoor events on any of its University campuses. According to a Friday message from University President Joan Gabel, this policy will be in effect from Wednesday, January 26 through at least Wednesday, February 9. The policy includes all University events of…

St. Luke’s Updates Visitor Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is updating its visitor policy once again due to the high community spread of COVID-19. Effective Monday, the hospital will be requiring visitors of inpatients, surgical/procedural care, and the Emergency Department to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their visit. To view the current visitor policy, click here….

Winter Blues? Join the Lake Superior Kubb League

Active Adventures: Kubb in the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a game that has origins back to the Vikings. Kubb, which has a strong presence in the Twin Cities and Eau Claire regions, required a small outdoor space, six batons, and 11 blocks of woods. Fox 21’s Rusty Mehlberg met up with Erik Linge, a co-founder of Lake Superior Kubb, to learn more about the game,…

Midday Update 1-14-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 14, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 14, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Waukesha Parade Suspect To Stand Trial for Murder

(Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department via AP)   MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin court commissioner has ordered a Milwaukee man accused of plowing his SUV through a suburban Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring dozens more, to stand trial. Waukesha County Court Commissioner Kevin Costello ordered Darrell Brooks Jr. bound over for trial on more than 70 charges, including…

Morning Update 1-14-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 14, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 14, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather