News

Mike Richards Is Out As Producer of ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Richards is out as executive producer of “Jeopardy!”, days after he exited as the quiz show’s newly appointed host because of past misogynistic and other comments. Richards is also no longer executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune,” according to a memo to staff that was confirmed by Sony, which produces both of the shows. “We…

Midday Update 8-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines across the region. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin School Board Reverses on Opting Out of Free Meals

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin school district has reversed a decision to leave a federal free meals program following widespread criticism and loud protests from parents and others. Waukesha school board members said they received threats in the wake of national attention after voting to opt-out of the program that was providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in response…

Animal Rights Groups Plan Suit To Stop Wisconsin Wolf Hunt

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A coalition of animal rights groups is planning to file a lawsuit Tuesday to stop Wisconsin’s wolf hunt this fall. The action comes after the state Department of Natural Resources board this month set the quota for the fall hunt at 300 animals, disregarding pleas from multiple groups to cancel the season after…

Morning Update 8-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines across the region. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Finland Businesses Take Care of Greenwood Fire Crews from Incident Command Post

Firefighters have been coming through the Finland Co-Op for daily essentials like snacks, clothes, and coffee they get for free.

FINLAND, Minn.- Other businesses in the small town of Finland have seen more firefighters coming through after the Eastern Area Incident Command Post moved there from Isabella while fighting the Greenwood Fire. The Finland Co-Op a staple of the community since the 1900s, has been there for the firefighters’ daily essentials like snacks, clothes, and coffee they give them free….

Several Northland Red Cross Volunteers Assisting in Hurricane Relief

Volunteers must be 18 years and older and 21 to drive a red cross vehicle.

DULUTH, Minn. — Hurricane Ida made landfall Sunday on the gulf coast, and one northland organization has sent people down to help. Seven volunteers from the Northern Minnesota Red cross have been dispatched to assist in the hurricane relief. Some volunteers will spend two weeks or more at a given location on a natural operation. “Initially we will expect to…

COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Spike in Business for Discoverpc.NET

The Locally Owned Computer Solutions Center Offers Tech Assistance on Various Platforms

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If there’s one thing the past year and a half has taught us, it’s that we’re living in a technologically advanced world. Throughout that time, Discoverpc.NET in Superior has been helping to keep residents connected to the cyber world. “When I got into computers, it was pretty much a green screen commodore,” said Travus Elm, PC support…

Greenwood Fire Now 37% Contained as Incident Command Post Works from Finland

The boots-on-the-ground operations crew remains in Isabella, burning tactical fires to eliminate potential fuel to keep the main fire boxed in.

FINLAND, Minn.- Fire crews hope to continue the momentum against the 26,000 acre Greenwood fire, now 37% contained as of Monday evening thanks to recent rainy weather, and now moving their Incident Command Post to Finland while operations remain in Isabella right near the blaze. “In terms of wildland fire, the goal is to be mobile, adaptable, resilient,” said Clark…

Return of UMD Students and its Business Impact

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota Duluth students and teachers kicked off their school year Monday morning, and business is picking up for local shopping centers. Businesses in the Bluestone and Mount Royal strip malls are excited to see campus life return to normal after many students attended their college classes online last year. Bulldog Pizza and Grill is one of…

Expert Fire Safety for your Home

DULUTH, Minn.- It is important to practice fire safety with all of the fires happening in the Northland. There were 141 fires in Duluth last year, and officials say the pandemic played a part in this statistic. The pandemic kept many people at home last year, leading to more house fires than usual. Negligent use of cooking materials and candles…

UMD Students Return to Campus

In the food court, there are some new signs up and even a new sushi restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a familiar sight at UMD Monday afternoon as thousands of students could be seen walking the halls of campus headed to class. We caught up with one student who says it’s great to be back, especially for the new students who finally get that college experience of being on campus. “Just to see a lot…

St. Louis County Announces Logging Restrictions Due to Wildfire Risk

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Due to ongoing drought conditions and wildfire risk St. Louis County is implementing logging restrictions in the northern part of the county. County officials say the restrictions include cutting and logging operations on all county-managed lands and apply to the same area where no open burning and no campfires are allowed. In a Monday news…

Taliban Guard Says Last US Planes Have Left Kabul

(AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A Taliban guard at the Kabul airport says the last U.S. planes have flown out after 20 years of war in Afghanistan. Hemad Sherzad tells The Associated Press the last five planes departed just after midnight on Tuesday. Celebratory gunfire erupted across the city. U.S. officials have not yet confirmed the withdrawal of…

Minnesota Court Deals Yet Another Setback to Pipeline Foes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed a decision by state pollution regulators to issue a water quality certification for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline. It’s the latest setback for opponents as the project nears completion. The court ruled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s approval was “supported by substantial evidence in the record.” Under…

Midday Update 8-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 30, 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

Greenwood Fire Update: Fire Remains at 14% Containment

(US Forest Service) NEAR ISABELLA, Minn. – As of Monday morning, the Greenwood fire remains at 25,991 acres and 14% containment. Fire officials say significant rainfall over the weekend helped crews improve the fireline and “mop up”, extinguishing hot embers along the fire’s edge. On Sunday, heavy equipment operators continued improvements of the Stony River Grade Road, serving as the…

Duluth Superior Pride Returns Labor Day Weekend with In-Person Celebrations

Festivities Begin Thursday, Sept. 2 with the Mayor's Reception at the Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Superior Pride returns with in-person events and celebrations September 2 – 5. After going virtual in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, organizers are thrilled to be bringing events back to Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth on Saturday, September 4. This year’s Pride theme is: Together again, stronger than ever. On Thursday, September 2, Duluth…

Morning Update 8-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 30, 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

1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured in Early Morning Crash in Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. – One person is dead and another is critically injured after a single-vehicle crash in Carlton early Monday morning. According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle leaving the roadway in the 200 block of Thomson Road around 12:18 a.m. Authorities say a truck driven by an adult male traveling southbound left…

Lightning Destroys Steeple of Hope City Church, Causes Water Main to Burst

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, lightning struck Hope City Church in Central Hillside, causing a cross made up of wood and metal to fall and even broke a water main underneath the structure. The lightning bolt destroyed one of two steeples sitting on top of the church building, with force strong enough to reach below the concrete, causing a…

Mark Wick Named Interim Head Coach of Augsburg Men’s Hockey

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.– Hermantown native Mark Wick has been named Interim Head Coach for the Augsburg Men’s Hockey Team. He takes over for Chris Brown, who resigned on Friday, to pursue an assistant coaching job at Alaska-Fairbanks, a Division 1 Hockey School. Wick was the head coach of Men’s Hockey at Saint Scholastica for 14 years, and an Assistant Coach for…

East Hillside Apartment Catches Fire Damaging Homes, Displacing Tenants

One resident went door to door helping people get out of their apartments safely.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth firefighters spent hours battling an apartment fire in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood late Saturday into Sunday, which left multiple units damaged, and tenants displaced. At about 10:30 Saturday night, the apartment building on the 1100 Block of East 3rd Street caught on fire. Multiple fire crews responded to the scene, where five cats from three different apartments…

Goalies Inc. Returns for Skills Camp at AMSOIL Arena

DULUTH, Minn.– This weekend at AMSOIL Arena, about 40 young goaltenders not only sharpened their skates, but their skills as well, in a unique two-day goalie camp that travels through the country. Goalies Inc. based out of Marquette, Michigan is a goaltending and power skating skills camp that makes its second return to AMSOIL this year and 7th return to…

Project Managers Lay Out Next Steps for Massive Twin Ports Interchange Reconstruction

The Biggest Change Impacting Drivers Will Begin October 1, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a massive overhaul worth $270 million. Chances are if you’ve driven through Duluth on I-35, you’ve experienced the current headache that is the Twin Ports Interchange reconstruction. What’s chaos now will soon be easier to navigate in the fall and winter months. “The temporary road that we will build is part of the next stage will…

Bayfield Orchards Looking Forward to Apple Fest

Apple Fest will be the first weekend of October.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchard just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…

Duluth Police Struggling With Recruitment, Officer Shortage

The Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of being fully staffed. But up to 16 are set to retire in the next year totaling 30 retirees in the next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is among the labor forces experiencing a dry spell. The number of applications this year to date is at its lowest in 3 years, as they work to overcome the growing number of retirees and some negative feelings towards police officers statewide. Right now the Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of…

Actor Ed Asner, TV’s Blustery Lou Grant, Dies at 91

Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday to The Associated Press. He was 91.

Photo: AP/Matt Sayles, File LOS ANGELES (AP) – Actor Ed Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series and voice of Carl in Disney’s “Up,” has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday to The Associated Press. Asner was a journeyman actor in films and TV when he was hired…

Hurricane Ida Strikes Louisiana on 16-Year Anniversary of Katrina; New Orleans Hunkers Down

The Category 4 storm hit Sunday with winds of 150 mph (230 kph).

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Hurricane Ida has blasted ashore along the Louisiana coast as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the U.S., rushing toward New Orleans and one of the nation’s most important industrial corridors. The Category 4 storm hit Sunday with winds of 150 mph (230 kph). It was the same date Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana…

Weather Helps Keep Greenwood Fire 14% Contained, Evacuations Lifted for Slate Lake

A weather system Sunday afternoon is expected to bring lower humidity and potentially strong wind gusts.

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.- The Greenwood Fire continued to sit at 25,991 acres and 14% contained Sunday, with some evacuation orders lifted. Officials say dryer weather is in the forecast and drought conditions will continue. According to a spokesperson with the Superior National Forest, hand crews and heavy equipment operators took advantage of cool temperatures, high humidity, and light rain Saturday…

East Hillside Apartment Fire Damages Multiple Units, Displaces Tenant

Crews located and rescued a total of five cats in three different apartments

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Firefighters spent hours battling a fire at a multi-unit apartment building in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood late Saturday into early Sunday morning. According to a spokesperson with the Department, the call came in just after 10:30 p.m. of a structure fire at a nine-unit apartment building on the 1100 block of East 3rd Street. The reporting party…

Tribute Fest Wraps Up, Breaks Record for Advance Tickets Sold

The Duluth Vet Center was also on-site to help connect veterans to counseling and other services.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s weather took a break from the doom and gloom to give this year’s Tribute Fest at Bayfront Park a sunny sendoff. Organizers say upward of 2,000 tickets were sold in advance to the show, more than they’ve ever sold in previous years. Veterans and their families were allowed in and fed for free. All the money goes…

Lightning Damages Steeple of Hope City Church, Leaves Building Structurally Unsound

Due to the amount of debris and the building's structural concerns, streets will remained closed to vehicular traffic over Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A lightning strike damaged both a Duluth church and a nearby water main during thunderstorms Saturday night, and officials are monitoring the structure overnight. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, at approximately 7:45 p.m., crews responded to Hope City Church at 417 North 3rd Avenue East, after a recording party said that the church had…

Two Harbors City Union Pickets for Health Care

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- City employees in Two Harbors took up pickets today, protesting what they call unfair changes that could be made to their health insurance. Union group AFSCME local 1123 says they’re fighting to keep their current health insurance plans. The city covers 85 percent of the premium, and the remaining 15 percent is billed to the employee. They…

UMD Welcome Week is Back with Bulldog Bash

DULUTH, Minn.- The first day of school for the University of Minnesota Duluth is right around the corner, but Welcome Week is not over yet. UMD’s Kirby Student Center was flooded with new students for their annual Bulldog Bash. The welcome week event introduces new students to all things UMD. “This is a big event where we have a lot…

Edna G. the Tugboat Celebrates 125 Years

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- It is the 125th anniversary of the historic tugboat, Edna G., and people are here in two harbors to join in on the celebration. Returning for the first time in 25 years, the event brings live music, food, and games to keep people entertained for the weekend. Built in 1896, the famous tugboat is known for its…

Tornado Watch Issued for East-Central Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin

According to National Weather Service, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible.

DULUTH, Minn.- The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 4 p.m. Saturday for much of east-central Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. According to a post on their Facebook page, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Hail, national weather service,…

U.S. Drone Kills Member of Group Blamed in Kabul Bombing

A U.S. Central Command statement said a drone strike targeted an IS planner in the eastern province of Nangahar.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The United States military struck back at the Islamic State in Afghanistan on Saturday, acting on President Joe Biden’s vow to hit the extremists in retaliation for a suicide bombing claimed by IS that killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at Kabul airport Thursday. A U.S. Central Command statement said a drone…

Hundreds of Kids Get Free Backpacks, School Supplies to Start the Year

Donations were provided by local businesses, Duluth Police Department, UMD, and other sources.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more kids get ready to head back to school, Mike Letica teamed up with Neighborhood Youth Services to give away hundreds of backpacks and school supplies Friday for families who may have a tough time paying for them. Organizers filled about a thousand backpacks with supplies like crayons, notebooks, scissors, and more. Donations were provided by local…

Boys and Girls Club Youth Test Out Firefighting Skills

72 kids put their skills to the test with a chair climb, dragging a hose and dummy through the course, and other obstacles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland got to see first-hand what it takes to be a firefighter at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center today. For the Youth Firefighter Combat Challenge, 72 kids put their skills to the test with a chair climb, dragging a hose and dummy through the course, and other…

National Weather Service Helps Amid Wildfire Season

The weather service continues to utilize these tools in helping alert people of unsafe air quality. 

DULUTH, Minn. —  The Greenwood fire continues to spread, and smoke from the wildfire affects air quality in surrounding areas. The National Weather Service continues playing a massive role in monitoring wildfire smoke across the state of Minnesota. By using satellite imaging and air quality sensors, the National Weather Service has been working closely with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency…

St. Scholastica to Require COVID Vaccine for Students

DULUTH, Minn.-The College of St. Scholastica will require the COVID-19 vaccine for students taking part in in-person curricular and co-curricular activities. The requirement is connected with the Duluth, Health Science Center, and St. Cloud campuses. College leadership had previously said they would pursue the requirement, once the FDA approved the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine was approved earlier this week. “Students…

Lakehead Harvest Returns to Esko

If you’re looking for a family fun activity for this weekend, tickets are $10 for a daily pass and free for kids 11 years old and younger.

ESKO, Minn. —  Lakehead Harvest is back with its 60th annual harvest show in Esko this weekend, showing people the history behind growing crops and harvesting. The three-day event runs through Sunday night and has a line-up of activities starting as early as 9 a.m. “Looking back and then getting recognition of our past—where we came from, what farming was…

Duluth Public Schools Push for Academic Recovery Programs Amid State Test Results

The assessments break down into three different categories, reading, math, and science.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools is looking to help students academically recover after recent statewide assessment results revealed declining students meeting grade-level standards. The 2021 results show students who took the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and Test of Academic Skills scoring lower than previous assessments in the spring of 2019. The assessments break down into three different categories, reading, math,…

North Shore Businesses Going Strong Despite Air Quality Concerns

Resorts and campgrounds up the North Shore are continuing to feel the effects of the Greenwood fire.

SILVER BAY, Minn. — Resorts and campgrounds up the North Shore are continuing to feel the effects of the Greenwood fire. “The majority of our guests come up here to go hiking and visit the state park. Split Rock and Tettegouche being the most popular,” Cove Point Lodge Director of Operations, Kyra Bremer says. For much of the summer, business…

Superior National Forest to Close Camping Outside of Developed Campgrounds

DULUTH, Minn. – As wildfires continue to rage and much of the Northland remains in severe drought, the U.S. Forest Service says it is closing camping on Superior National Forest lands outside of developed campgrounds, effective immediately. Officials say day use is allowed and most developed campgrounds will remain open to public use. A list of open campgrounds can be…

Line 3 Protesters Removed From Minnesota Capitol Lawn

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota troopers on Friday removed some demonstrators protesting Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 replacement pipeline project on the lawn of the state Capitol. Videos posted on social media showed troopers carrying protesters onto a bus as dozens of law enforcement officers surrounded a small remnant of the 1,000 or more protesters who…