News

Duluth Police Department Partners with Auto Shops to Stop Catalytic Converter Thefts

DULUTH, Minn.- With the spike in catalytic converter thefts, the Duluth Police Department is teaming up with a few local auto shops in preventing future thefts from happening. Catalytic converter thefts in the Northland are high as people are stealing the auto part for their valuable scrap metals. From September 1 to October 13, there have been 13 reported thefts….

Minnesota Nears 400 Traffic Deaths This Year, Outpacing 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota public safety officials said Monday that nearly 400 people have died in traffic crashes on Minnesota roads this year, putting the state on pace to see the highest number of traffic fatalities recorded since 2007. Officials said there have been 384 traffic fatalities in 2021. That’s a 23% increase over this time last year….

Gov. Walz Launches “Kids Deserve A Shot” Vaccine Incentive Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Governor Walz announced the launch of the “Kids Deserve a Shot” vaccine incentive program in an effort to encourage Minnesotans 12-17-years-old to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the governor’s office, the program consists of two sets of rewards: a $200 Visa gift card for 12-17-year-olds who start and complete their vaccine series…

Biden Team Asks Supreme Court to Pause Texas Abortion Law

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration is asking the Supreme Court to block the Texas law banning most abortions, while the fight over the measure’s constitutionality plays out in the courts. The law has been in effect since September, aside from a district court-ordered pause that lasted just 48 hours. It bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around…

Midday Update 10-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 18, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

All Aboard! The Great Pumpkin Train Returns MEA Weekend

The Great Pumpkin Train Runs Along the North Shore Scenic Railroad Oct. 21 - 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth is thrilled to be bringing back the annual Pumpkin Train Express Oct. 21 – 24. Each passenger will have the chance to pick out their own pumpkin to take with them. The train ride is about 90 minutes total. Passengers will return to the Duluth Depot where you can stay…

Two Juvenile Girls Injured in Cass County ATV Crash

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – Two juvenile girls were injured Saturday afternoon in an ATV crash in Cass County, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a report of an ATV crash on the Bull Moose Trail, in rural Backus, Minnesota around 12:50 p.m. Saturday. When first responders got to the scene they learned that a 2017 Honda…

Morning Update 10-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 18, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Police Department Announces Catalytic Converter Initiative

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department on Monday announced a new initiative to limit the number of catalytic converter thefts in the area. Between September 1 and October 13 of this year, authorities say they took roughly 12 reports of catalytic converter thefts within Duluth. Thieves cut off catalytic converters and sell them because they contain high-value precious metals….

Ret. Gen. Colin Powell Dies of COVID-19 Complications

WASHIINGTON (AP) – Colin Powell, former Joint Chiefs chairman and secretary of state, has died from COVID-19 complications, his family said Monday. In an announcement on social media, the family said Powell had been fully vaccinated. Powell was the first African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. But his reputation also…

October Angel of Hope Vigil Provides Extra Light for Parents Grieving Loss of Child

Normally held in December for Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, the Duluth organization wanted to have an additional vigil this year after postponing 2020's.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not every event which restarts after the pandemic is a joyous festival or celebration. Yet, somber as it was, an Angel of Hope Vigil Sunday was one welcomed by parents grieving the loss of a child. “I think a lot of people really missed that,” said Debbie Davis, one of the founders. “I think a lot of people…

Identities Released In Double-Murder Suicide In Culver Township

CULVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The names of those involved in a double-murder suicide in Culver Township early Saturday morning were released Sunday evening by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect is identified as Cody Pirila, 31, of Brookston. The victims are identified as Skylar Hunter, 31, of Brookston, and his father, Jamie Hunter, 51, of Moose Lake. Pirila…

Enbridge Fails To Meet Aquifer Cleanup Deadline in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Enbridge has failed to meet a deadline set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for cleaning up a site where an aquifer ruptured during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline. The DNR had given the company until Friday to repair the damage to the artesian aquifer near Clearbrook. Regulators will require compensation for the additional…

Some Capitol Riot Defendants Forgo Lawyers

At least five people charged in the riot at the U.S. Capitol have chosen to defend themselves in court. In doing so, they’re brushing aside federal judges’ repeated warnings about the risks of trying to navigate their high-stakes cases without a lawyer. Self-representation is a bedrock right guaranteed by the Constitution, but it’s also inspired the age-old adage that anyone…

‘Paint ‘Til You Faint’ at Pottery Burn Celebrates National Paint Your Own Pottery Day

People could pick and design their own pieces for about 12 hours, which staff then glaze and burn for pick up 7 days later.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Pottery Burn Studio in Superior celebrated National Paint Your Own Pottery Day with a marathon event Saturday. From 11 a.m. until midnight the 7th annual Paint ‘Til You Faint featured pizza and a pajama party. People could pick and design their own pieces which staff then glaze and burn for pick up 7 days later. Owner Amanda…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office: Suspect Confesses to Double Homicide in Culver Twp., Shoots Himself After Chase

During the pursuit, officials said the lone male driver was determined to be the homicide suspect. He called 911 and confessed to the murders during the chase.

CULVER TWP, Minn.- Authorities with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a double homicide, to which the suspect confessed to during a pursuit before shooting himself in the vehicle. According to officials, St. Louis County 911 received a call from a father around 1:00 a.m. Saturday to check on his adult son in rural Culver Township, north of…

Duluth Firefighters Take Part in Aerial Arbor Training

Besides one that happened this past July, arborists say they haven’t seen any rescues in twenty years.

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Fire Department went to Portland Square Park on Friday to practice a new kind of Arial training– in trees. An arborist instructor team is teaching firefighters how to prepare for these situations, and how to properly execute them, when the time comes. Besides one that happened this past July, arborists say they haven’t…

Bulldog Country Fair Kicks Off Homecoming Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s kicking off homecoming weekend at the Kirby Student Center with the Bulldog Country Fair. The fair begins a weekend full of activities leading up to the homecoming football game. With food, lawn games and music, organizer say the event brings bulldogs together to celebrate and get excited for kickoff Saturday. “It’s really nice to know that…

Food Banks Gearing Up for Holiday Season

They say there is typically more than enough food to go around.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Food banks in the Northland are getting ready for the holiday season. Throughout the pandemic, area food banks have had the tough task of helping more families out. Even though food banks like Second Harvest North Central in Grand Rapids experience shortages every year around the holidays. They say there is typically more than enough food…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Impacted by Supply Chain Issues

For the Remainder of the Season, All Monday Rides will be Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad is inching closer to its final week of operation for the 2021 season. For the remainder of this season, all Monday excursions have been suspended due to a lack of new parts and people to volunteer at the attraction. Already, there’s a concern for next year. The depot is looking to focus…

‘The Forge’ Set to Give Innovators, Entrepreneurs Space to Excel

The facility will give students another outlet for those interested in engineering and manufacturing fields.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The Itasca Economic Development Corporation has received over one million dollars in grants to turn one of their multi-use buildings they have owned since 2005 into what they are calling ‘The Forge.’ “The Forge will provide an opportunity for entrepreneur innovators as well as education training and workforce development all in the same roof,” Itasca Economic…

City of Duluth Celebrates Emergency Nurses Week

DULUTH, Minn.- It is Emergency Nurses Week, and the City of Duluth is honoring its nurses in multiple ways. Other first responders and city officials show their appreciation of Duluth nurses with cards, an appreciation video, and a light display.  Starting tonight, Enger Tower will be lit up with purple lights through Sunday. Last year, purple was established as a…

Duluth Retailers are Now Charging for Bags

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting today, retail stores in Duluth will begin charging shoppers five cents for each plastic bag needed for their purchase. To improve the city’s environmental waste, the Duluth City Council passed the ordinance to be effective April 1st of last year but is only now going into effect due to the pandemic. The Duluth City Council decided after…

Walz to Deploy National Guard to Help Ease COVID-19 Surge

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll use the Minnesota National Guard to help alleviate staffing shortages at care facilities that are struggling with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The governor announced plans Friday at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale for alleviating bottlenecks caused by staffing shortages that prevent hospitals from moving recovering patients to transitional and…

Midday Update 10-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Intersection Closure to Impact Essentia Health’s Downtown Campus

The Intersection Closure will Begin Tuesday, Oct. 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says an intersection closure near the downtown Duluth campus will be impacting traffic for the next several weeks. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 19, the intersection of Second Street and Sixth Avenue East in Duluth will close. The intersection will reopen the week of Nov. 22. Ahead of the closure, crews will complete paving work on Fifth…

Biden to Discuss Proposed Plan, Lowering Cost of Child Care for American Families

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to highlight his plan to lower the cost of child care for most American families as he makes the case for his stalled social spending bill during a visit to Connecticut. Biden will visit a child development center in Hartford on Friday to promote his proposal to make such carefree for lower-income families….

Morning Update 10-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Design Expo Projects Architectural Design Trends

DULUTH, Minn. — The fourth annual Duluth Design Expo took place today at Clyde Iron Works and brought regional and Midwestern designers together to showcase their ideas. Organizers say this event allows different creative minds to come together and express their ideas and creations to one another while being able to network and connect. They also had a guest speaker…

Spooky Halloween Treats At Rocky Mountain Chocolate

DULUTH, Minn. — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Canal Park is getting in the Halloween spirit with black cat and monster caramel apples, among other creepy characters. They have about 6 different designs for these staple holiday sweets, but also offer a wide variety of other fall treats like pumpkin fudge, pumpkin spice caramels and toffees, and different fall themed…

Two Harbors Burlington Station Hosting Free Fall Fun Saturday

Burlington Station and Callie's Sweets is Located at 320 7th Avenue in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – If you’re looking for a little family fall fun to take part in Saturday, Oct. 16, you may want to head north. Burlington Station and Callie’s Sweets in Two Harbors, which first opened during Memorial Day weekend, are hosting a free festival. They’re calling it the ‘All Together Autumn Festival.’ The fest will feature a farmers…

Blacklist Brewing Company is Expanding

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Blacklist Brewing Company is expanding with a new taproom on East Superior Street. The brewing company began its expansion plans this past spring and is expected to open by the end of the year. “With that, brings in more people into town and in your space, and we love our local regulars and other people that show…

Gov. Walz Highlights Duluth’s Seawall Reconstruction, Begins State Funding Tour

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made a stop in Duluth Thursday to highlight some of the state’s bonding projects passed in 2020, including a soon-to-be new seawall behind the DECC. It was part of the Walz’s kick-off for his ‘local jobs and projects tour’ to celebrate bonding projects throughout the state currently in the works to improve infrastructure…

New Self Pour Bar to Open in Superior

Staff say they are excited to bring this experience to the city of Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A new self-pour bar will soon be open in Superior. Owners of the Duluth Tap Exchange have a new location on tower avenue called ‘Tap on Tower.’ The establishment will have 40 beers on tap, a full bar, and food. Staff say they are excited to bring this experience to the city of Superior. “I think it’s…

New Duluth Catholic High School Underway

DULUTH, Minn.- The Stella Maris Academy has officially found a new home for a Catholic high school, using the former Woodland Hills Youth and Family Services building. The academy was able to secure the 140-acre property for $4 million with help from private donations. The property features the main campus building, a gymnasium, and multiple outdoor amenities. “We felt this was…

Animal Allies Warns Northlanders About Cat Virus

DULUTH, Minn.- Animal Allies in Duluth are alerting cat owners of the highly contagious fatal disease, Panleukopenia, as they notice several incoming stray cats have the disease. The animal shelter is asking people to temporarily hold off on bringing in stray felines while they quarantine their sheltered cats and sanitize the facility. Animal Allies will be reaccepting stray cats in…

Blacklist Brewing Company Expansion Underway

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Blacklist Brewing Company is expanding with a new taproom on East Superior Street. The brewing company began its expansion plans this past spring and is expected to open by the end of the year. “With that, brings in more people into town and in your space, and we love our local regulars and other people that show…

Holiday Shipping Deadlines Announced for 2021

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (CNN) – The nation’s three largest package delivery services are out with their holiday shipping deadlines. The recommended final shipping days for the US Postal Service, Fed-Ex, and UPS are pretty much the same as they were in 2019 and 2020. For UPS three-day select delivery and Fed-Ex three-day freight arriving by December 24, you…

Midday Update 10-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

4 Students Hurt in Northwestern Minnesota School Bus Crash

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Four children were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening after the school bus they were riding in crashed with a pickup truck in northwestern Minnesota’s Clay County. Sheriff Mark Empting said the crash happened at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday in rural Clay County. Empting said the preliminary investigation shows the driver of…

Duluth Children’s Museum Hosting ‘A Night at the Brewseum’ Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, Oct. 16 from 7 - 10 p.m. in Duluth's Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents have the chance to support the Duluth Children’s Museum Saturday, Oct. 16 from 7 – 9 p.m. The facility is hosting its annual ‘A Night at the Brewseum’ fundraiser, helping to support play and learning for years to come. This adults-only event includes craft brew samples, music from ‘The Trash Cats,’ a silent auction, and…