News

General Election Takes Place Tuesday

If you still have your mail-in-ballot they are due at city hall by 3 p.m. tomorrow.

DULUTH, Minn. — The general election gets underway on Tuesday in Duluth. Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning and running until 8 p.m. at night the polls will be open. The municipal primary held back in August had just over 12% voter turnout. It was an increase from the previous primary in an off-year. City staff want to encourage people…

Duluth School District to Start Voluntary Vaccination Clinics for Elementary Students

It would allow students a better chance of not contracting the virus and learning in person.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth school district could become one of the first districts in the state to host voluntary vaccine clinics for 5 to 11-year-olds. Pending FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group on Tuesday, the district is poised to become one of three districts in the state of Minnesota to offer these clinics. The superintendent…

U of M Offering Free Or Reduced Tuition To Native American Students

(University of Minnesota) MINNEAPOLIS, (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota is offering free or greatly reduced tuition for Native American students on any of its five campuses. Starting in Fall 2022, the U of M will provide a scholarship covering full tuition at the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester or Twin Cities campus for first-year or Tribal college transfer undergraduate…

Midday Update 11-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin Gun Dealers Continue to Struggle with Ammo Shortage

Gun Dealers Report Ammo Continues to be in Short Supply

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin gun dealers continue to struggle with keeping shelves stocked with ammunition. Supply chain disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and increased demand for guns and ammunition have left shelves empty in some cases. And when a shipment does arrive at local gun stores, ammunition is quickly snapped up. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates about 8.4…

Minnesota Power Requests 18% Rate Increase

Minnesota Power Files Request for Rate Change to Support Sustainable Energy Future

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power announced Monday it’s filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million and adjust rates for its retail electric customers. The company says the approximately 18% increase reflects changes in revenue and expenses related to Minnesota Power’s ongoing EnergyForward clean energy transition, evolving customer demand,…

MNsure Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1

Open Enrollment for MNsure Runs Through Jan. 15, 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn.— Nov. 1 marks the beginning of MNsure’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when all Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive health and dental coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment will run from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15, 2022, with two important deadlines: Minnesotans must enroll by…

Judge Hopes to Seat Kyle Rittenhouse Jury Within a Day

Rittenhouse Could Face Life in Prison if Convicted of one of the Homicide Counts Against Him

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse has begun with the challenging task of seating jurors who haven’t already made up their minds about the man who shot three people, killing two, during a violent night of protests last summer. Rittenhouse was 17 when he traveled from his home in Illinois, just across the Wisconsin border, during protests…

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Tests Positive for COVID

Lt. Gov. Flanagan Received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Last Spring

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19, she announced over the weekend. Flanagan says she received the positive test after caring for her 8-year-old daughter Siobhan, who tested positive on Oct. 22. The lieutenant governor received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last spring. Flanagan said she and her husband, Tom, had…

Morning Update 11-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Trunk or Treat Brings Candy, Smiles to Hundreds in Canal Park

The trunks were open and the candy flew out as 43 vendors and hundreds of families got dressed up for the party in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of families got a head start on Halloween candy-collecting, filling up a Canal Park parking lot for Neighborhood Youth Service’s 2nd annual Trunk or Treat event Sunday. The trunks were open and the candy flew out as 43 vendors and hundreds of families got dressed up for the party in Canal Park. “We can all come together…

DFL Candidates Urge Duluthians to Vote in General Election Tuesday

Duluth's general election is this Tuesday. Polls stay open Monday until 5 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s General Election is just a few days away, and some local DFL endorsed candidates and supporters held a rally before going door to door Sunday, urging people to head to the polls. Candidates for City Council as well as Mayor Emily Larson and State Representative Liz Olson joined campaign volunteers at Enger Tower for a rally and…

Halloween Brings Boost to Local Liquor Stores after Record-Breaking 2020

According to the Minnesota State Auditor, sales at the state's more than 200 municipal liquor stores jumped 10% during the first year of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Halloween weekend didn’t only fill up buckets with candy, it filled up many local liquor stores with customers. Over at Canal Park Liquors, staff say they saw heavy traffic Saturday, which thinned out Sunday. Beverages that were hot this Halloween included single shooters of Fireball and Tito’s, as well as cider to get into the fall mood. This…

Trick or Treaters Going Strong from East to West Duluth

People from all over the city came to 8th Street to check out the events, but there's one house in particular that tends to catch the eye of those who come to visit.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is Halloween night, and thousands of trick or treaters across the Twin Ports are knocking on doors collecting their treats, but West 8th Street in Duluth is the spot to be as these houses put on some of the best Halloween decorations for all ages to enjoy. People from all over the city came to 8th…

Malloween At The Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — There were hundreds of people in character walking around the mall Sunday afternoon as the Duluth Miller Hill Mall held its annual Malloween. Dozens of stores and kiosks set up with buckets of candy for trick or treaters to stop by and get a treat today. Although its fun for the families and trick or treaters, the…

People, Homes Vanish Due To 2020 Census’ New Privacy Method

The three-bedroom colonial-style house where Jessica Stephenson has lived in Milwaukee for the last six years bustles with activity on any given weekday, filled with the chattering of children in the day care center she runs out of her home. The U.S. Census Bureau says no one lives there. “They should come and see it for themselves,” Stephenson said. From…

Church’s Halloween Walk-Through Takes Families to Magical World of Harry Potter

Before any activities, families had to run through Platform 9 ¾, the portal to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter books.

DULUTH, Minn.- No matter what the Halloween costume, everyone got to be witches and wizards for a day, taking a trip to Hogwarts at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Harry Potter themed Halloween walk-through in Duluth. Before any activities, families had to run through Platform 9 ¾, the portal to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter books. Then they could tour…

UMD Students Help Connect Hillside Residents to Healthy Food Sources

Organizers say they hope to take steps in improving food security in the Hillside neighborhood which has direct impacts on health and life expectancy.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students hoped to connect some residents of the Steve O-Neil Apartments in Duluth with healthier food options at their Land Lab near Jean Duluth Road, for Healthy Lives Day. Growers from local farms joined families in touring the UMD farm. They hope to improve those families’ access to healthy food from local sources. Organizers say they hope…

Northland Community Comes Out for Superior Spooktacular Parade

SUPERIOR, Minn.- Cartoon characters and candy brought the community to Hughitt Avenue in Superior for the 6th Annual Superior Spooktacular Parade. Crowds of people came together in costumes to join in on the fun. And organizers are glad for the parade’s return after not doing it last year due to the pandemic. The Superior Fire Department and Sterling Silver dancers,…

YMCA, Ursa Minor Brewing Host DiffeRUNce 5k

DULUTH, Minn.- Ursa Minor Brewing and the Duluth YMCA teamed up this morning for an extra spooky, family-fun activity. Kids, adults, and pets participated in the organization’s “DiffeRUNce” 5k and were all dressed in costumes. The Halloween-themed event brought people of all ages together to support increased food access and healthy living. Participant registration fees are going to the Duluth…

Eastridge Community Church is Back with 10th Annual Trunk or Treat

DULUTH, Minn.- Eastridge Community Church in Duluth hosted its 10th Annual Trunk or Treat event today. The free event included bounce houses, music, and more. Even a few popular food trucks came out for some of the annual festivities. People were eager to come out in Halloween costumes, going trunk-to-trunk for candy, after not having the event last year due…

Minnesota Liquor Sales Soared in 2020 for a Record Year

Sales at the state’s 213 “munis” jumped 10% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sales at municipal liquor stores in Minnesota soared in 2020 for a record-breaking year. Sales at the state’s 213 “munis” jumped 10% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by State Auditor Julie Blaha. In recent years, a typical sales increase has been in the range of 1 to 3%. With many…

Haunted Yard in Cloquet Raises Money for County Seat Theater, Donations for Food Shelf

CLOQUET, Minn.- One man in Cloquet decked out his yard for a fun trick-or-treat destination, while also raising funds for the County Seat Theater and donations for the local food shelf. FOX 21 Photojournalist Marcus Asmus takes us to the Nicholson Haunted Yard. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Bil Nicholson, Halloween, Halloween Decorations, haunted yard

Haunted Barn Bringing Frights, Funds for Rice Lake Fire Department Saturday

Organizer Katie Engen says her older daughter wanted to help after seeing the fires up north.

DULUTH, Minn. –  If you were looking for a Halloween activity Saturday a bit more out of town, one family is continuing their tradition while also helping out first responders. The Haunted Barn at 3974 Hicken Road in Rice Lake Township is back this year, free for kids. Donations are encouraged, which go towards the Rice Lake Fire Department. Organizer…

Duluth Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison for Murder of St. Cloud Professor in June

On October 1, officials said Jason Beckman plead guilty and admitted the intentional homicide.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- Authorities have sentenced a 45-year-old Duluth man to more than 32 years in prison, for the murder of Ed Ward, a longtime St. Cloud Professor with ties in Duluth, this past June. According to the Stearns County Attorney’s Office, Jason Beckman of Duluth was sentenced to 386 months in prison Friday for intentional murder in the second…

Law Enforcement Prepared For Busy Halloweekend

DULUTH, Minn. –The Minnesota State Patrol is not messing around this Halloween. Normally a pretty busy night for them, they want to make sure the holiday doesn’t contribute to the record-breaking number of traffic deaths the state’s seen so far this year. Last year they reported 318 arrests state-wide, averaging three per hour on Halloween. A Lieutenant with the State…

Trick Or Treat At Lowell Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Lowell Elementary School invited students and families to come for a trick or treat hike through the school grounds this afternoon. Kids dressed as animals, super heroes, or their favorite Disney character, took a walk through the woods of Lowell Elementary to collect candy from their teachers and different treats from staff. This is a PTA event…

Duluth Parks and Rec Hosting ‘Halloween Hunt’ in Lincoln Park

There Are 20 Halloween Symbols Hidden Throughout Lincoln Park Along Miller Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking to gorge yourself on festive fun this weekend while enjoying the nice weather, Duluth Parks and Rec has an opportunity for you. They’re hosting a Halloween Hunt in Duluth’s Lincoln Park. All weekend long, families and all hikers are encouraged to trek along Miller Creek in the park, looking for 20 Halloween-themed symbols in…

Fire Officials Encourage Safety First This Halloween Weekend

Children Should Have Bright Colored Costumes, Reflective Material While Trick-or-Treating

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department wants to make sure everyone enjoys treats, not tricks this Halloween weekend. They’re looking to remind parents and children of the potential dangers associated with trick-or-treating. After COVID-19 practically sidelined festive fun last year, they’re encouraging parents to have a talk with kids before heading out to collect candy. It’s important to stay…

Halloween Marks 30th Anniversary of 1991 Blizzard

The storm dumped over 30 inches of snow in the northland during a three-day period.

DULUTH, Minn. — Weather forecasters are looking back at an even more scary holiday as Sunday marks 30 years since the 1991 blizzard in Minnesota. The storm dumped over 30 inches of snow in the northland during a three-day period. It broke records that still hold up decades later. Experts at the National Weather Service in Duluth say technology back…

Vintage Hideaway Market Brings Out Christmas Decor

With eight vendors now using the new space, they wanted to make sure they get their holiday products out early for crafters.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas? One local shop in Hermantown doesn’t think so. Vintage Hideaway Market has already set out a variety of Christmas items as they anticipate a busy holiday season. With eight vendors now using the new space, they wanted to make sure they get their holiday products out early for…

Lakewood Elementary Students Participate in Halloween Parade

Staff hope they can continue the tradition of going outside next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — Little ghouls and fairies paraded around Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth for their annual Halloween parade. With more than 200 students in the school, most of them were dressed up in their costumes for the end-of-the-day parade. A new element was added this year, where the students would be able to go outside and walk around the…

FDA Paves Way for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations in Young Kids

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration has paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The agency authorized the kid-size doses on Friday. But there’s one more regulatory hurdle. Next week, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will discuss which youngsters should get vaccinated. In the meantime, Pfizer plans…

Spooktacular Fun Planned in Superior This Weekend

Events Kick off Friday with the Fun Wrapping Up on Halloween Night

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Calling all ghosts and goblins! If you’re looking for spooktacular fun, head to the City of Superior this weekend. The annual Superior Spooktacular celebration begins Friday at 3 p.m. with Trick-or-Treating in the Business Improvement District. There will then be a drive-in movie at World of Wheels, and the free ‘Massacre on Hammond’ walk-thru display at 7…

Midday Update 10-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 29, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 10-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 29, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Judge Says Man Unfit for Trial, Cites Energy Drink Testimony

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge said a Minnesota man accused of killing three family members with a wrench is mentally incompetent to stand trial, citing testimony from doctors about his schizophrenia intensified by his consumption of energy drinks. David Ekers, 36, was charged with three counts of second-degree murder in last year’s attack in a Minneapolis suburb that killed his…

28-Year-Old Dies After Being Hit By Car While Crossing Street In Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. — A 28-year-old man from Hibbing died on Thursday evening after he was hit by a small SUV while crossing a street in the city, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. An 18-year-old man, also a Hibbing resident, was driving a Ford Ecosport and heading north on Highway 169 close to Howard Street just after 6:30 p.m. At…

Trick Or Treat At Fairlawn Mansion

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Fairlawn Mansion in Superior opened its front doors for a Halloween trick or treat event Thursday and Friday. Kids and families can go up the front steps and get candy, while being able to wander the first floor and look around the mansion. Staff says the front doors aren’t opened often to preserve their history and…

Duluth East Performs Freaky Friday Through Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East is showcasing its first all in-person theater production, starting Thursday and through the weekend. The cast is performing Disney’s Freaky Friday, which has been in the works since auditions back in May. They say building the set was a challenge with lumber being expensive through the pandemic, and there have been quarantine interruptions with the…

Lights On Afterschool Highlights Programs Who Help Beyond The Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — An after school program collaboration between Duluth Public Schools and the YMCA has been around since 2012, but Thursday, one of these programs took a chance to recognize the importance of them. Lights On Afterschool, was recognized by the Keyzone After School Program of Piedmont Elementary School which has about 1,000 students enrolled in the program. Staff…

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Looking for More Fosters, Adopters

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Looks to Break Down the Stigma Surrounding 'Bully Breeds'

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking to make a big impact in the lives of animals this month, look no further. October serves as Pit Bull Awareness Month. It’s a time when activists and rescue operations spread the word of positivity. Twin Cities-based Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue serves the entire state with a mission of taking rescued pit bulls in…

Costco Hosts Grand Opening In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. —  “I think they will be impressed with their first time at a Costco,” Duluth Costco General Manager John Kuzas said Thursday. The wholesale retail store is now officially open in Duluth. “There was a lot of excitement this morning we had people lining up at about seven o’clock,” Kuzas said. One of those people was Myra Cloud…

Duluth Marshall to Start Nature-Based School

The school will officially open in the fall of next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — Excitement is building for a new nature-based school on the campus of Duluth Marshall. The Forest School will serve 4-year-olds up to 4th graders. The goal is to increase academic achievement, social skills and self-management skills. Students will use Duluth Marshall’s campus, which sits on 40 acres of trails, fields and creeks — making for a natural…

City of Duluth Offers Date Night Childcare

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department offers a two-hour childcare service on November 5 as part of their new Date Night Childcare Program. The childcare program charges eight dollars for each child between the ages five and 12. The service will be held at the Portman Community Center from 6 to 8 p.m. The parks staff will conduct group…