News

Learning Life Lessons During Nature Night in Gary New Duluth

Nature Nights Will Continue Through the Summer for Youth in the Duluth Area

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Getting kids off cell phones, and into the forest. It’s a goal of one teacher in the Gary New Duluth neighborhood as the community’s rec center continues to host Nature Nights. “In spring, kids should smell like dirt,” said Leslie Bucar, youth director at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center. You can practically smell the…

A & Dubs Reopens For 2021 Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn.- A local favorite and long-time drive-in has reopened for the season. A & Dubs in Lincoln Park is excited to be open for the new 2021 season and they are ready to serve all the drive-in favorites they have been offering since 1950. “Welcome back Duluth to an American icon. The drive thru is open, spring is on…

Groome Transportation to Resume Shuttles from Duluth to MSP Airport

Masks will be required, middle seats will be vacant for social distancing, and  buses will be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant between uses.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people start taking trips again after the pandemic another shuttle is resuming service from Duluth to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Groome Transportation will restart its route on June 1st. Masks will be required, middle seats will be vacant for social distancing, and  buses will be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant between uses. After pausing operations…

Dredging of ‘Football Field’s’ Worth of Contaminants Begins in Superior’s Howards Bay

The project aims to remove thousands of cubic yards of contaminants left there by fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil over the years by previous industries.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A dredging project in Howards Bay along Connor’s Point aims to remove thousands of cubic yards of contaminants left there by fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil over the years by previous industries. “The main goal is to cleanup Howard’s Bay,” said Corey Weston, P.E., Chief of Construction and Survey Section with the U.S. Army Corps of…

Tortoise and Hare Footwear Gears Up For Grandma’s Marathon in June

As the buzz around Grandma's is growing, many more are coming in for running shoes and gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local shoe stores are feeling the runner’s high from Grandma’s Marathon weekend approaching next month. Owners of Tortoise and Hare Footwear in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood say it’s been a pretty busy spring with many coming in for hiking shoes and boots to get out to places like the Superior Hiking Trail. But as the buzz around Grandma’s…

Grandmas Marathon to Allow Spectators and Post-Race Celebration at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn.– Since more restrictions were lifted, one of Duluth’s most popular events of the summer is back with an in-person race and more. It was a welcome turn of events for Grandmas Marathon, when they found out restrictions had been lifted, and they are more than excited to announce spectators will be invited, and the post-race celebration will go…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares to Vaccinate Teens Aged 12-15

Vaccinations Would Begin Once the ACIP Votes to Move Forward with Pfizer Vaccinations for Teens Aged 12-15

DULUTH, Minn. – The FDA now says the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on the testing of 2,000 volunteers. Shots could begin soon once a federal vaccine panel issues recommendations for using the vaccine in that age bracket. St. Louis County Public Health is already planning. Officials with the county say they’re…

Bait Shops Anticipating Busy Opener

With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener.

DULUTH, Minn. — Bait shops are looking to capitalize on the busy fishing opener this weekend. With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener. Bait shops are advising to get your license early to avoid the hassle of waiting in line during the opener on Saturday. “We’ll have a express line…

Whitmer Threatens Profit Seizure if Pipeline Keeps Operating

(Garret Ellison | MLive) LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is threatening to go after Enbridge’s profits from a Great Lakes oil pipeline if it isn’t shut down. The Democratic governor issued the warning Tuesday in a letter to Enbridge, a Canadian oil transport company. Whitmer ordered the company last November to close the line by May 12….

Judge Denies Media Requests for Cameras at Potter Hearing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Tuesday denied media requests to allow cameras at an upcoming hearing for a suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in Daunte Wright’s death. Kim Potter, 48, is charged with manslaughter in Wright’s death during a traffic stop April 11 in Brooklyn Center. The city’s police chief at the time said he believed Potter, who is white, mixed…

Midday Update 5-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 11, 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

Grandma’s Marathon Post-Race Celebration, Spectators Back On for 2021 Race

DULUTH, Minn. – Following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement last week to end restrictions on outdoor limits and indoor activities by the end of May, Grandma’s Marathon announced Tuesday that they will now be allowing spectators and a post-race celebration for the 2021 race. “Those things were crossed off pretty early in our planning process based on the previous guidelines, and…

Morning Update 5-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 11, 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

UMD Students Create Robot to Climb Walls, Deploy Items in Hostile Territory

The students designed the rover for this year's U.S. Air Force Research Lab Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- From the minds of UMD Students comes a robot that can climb walls, carry and drop off items — their entry in this year’s Air Force Research Lab Challenge. The challenge was to design a remote controlled, autonomous robot that could climb walls and deploy sensors or cameras in hostile territory. UMD’S rover is outfitted with a moveable…

New Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens in Hermantown

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The ribbon was cut Monday for a new therapy center in Hermantown for children on the autism spectrum. Caravel Autism Health celebrated its grand opening. The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building. According to specialists, Caravel staff will also work with families to continue…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council Monday unanimously tabled a vote on Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to forgive $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit it received from the city, to take up again at the next meeting May 24th. Councilors heard the Mayor’s plan in a Committee of the Whole meeting before Monday’s council, and many of…

Local Business Transforms From Catering to Food Truck Service Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

To Keep Business Booming, the Owners of 'Room at the Table' Have Turned to Food Truck Service

CLOQUET, Minn. – The past year has been interesting, to say the least for folks in the food service industry. From a lack of indoor dining to canceled events, many changes have had to occur for folks to make ends meet. “With COVID, we started flipping burgers and it worked out great,” said Paul Sapyta, owner of Room at the…

National Salvation Army Week begins in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Today marks the first day of National Salvation Army week to fund-raise for the organization which has a budget of nearly three million dollars. 60% of that comes from private donors. Dan Williamson, the Development Director at the Duluth Salvation Army said that “2020 was the year of the giver, people just gave and we are just so…

The Historical Old Central High School Sells for $3 Million

DULUTH, Minn. — A famous landmark in Duluth is officially being sold. The historical Old Central High School is selling for $3 million dollars to Saturday Properties, which intends on restoring the property and maintaining its historic beauty while turning it into 121 housing units. Superintendent John Magas, says the school is one of the most iconic buildings in Duluth,…

Memorial Blood Centers is Holding Regular Mobile Blood Drives

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Memorial Blood Centers was holding a blood drive at Fairlawn Mansion in Superior today. With a current shortage of all blood types across the country, especially type O blood, blood drives are happening virtually every day, including some weekends, to make it easier for everyone to donate blood that could save a life. “The people on our bus are…

Minnesota to Get $200M More Than Expected in Federal Aid

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s state government will get about $200 million more than it was expecting under President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief package, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz expressed hope Monday that new guidelines over how states can spend the aid might help speed up the slow pace of negotiations over the state’s next budget. The legislative session is due to adjourn next Monday,…

Job Market for New Grads: Much Hiring but Much Competition

(AP) – This year’s graduating class of college seniors is poised for better prospects than were the 2020 graduates, who had the misfortune to graduate in the depths of the disastrous coronavirus recession. Though the competition will be stiff — this year’s graduates will have to compete, in many cases, with 2020 graduates who are still seeking their first full-time…

Midday Update 5-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Reports 1,191 New COVID-19 Cases, 0 Deaths Monday

(FOX 9) – Minnesota reported 1,191 new COVID-19 cases and no deaths Monday. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the state has now seen a total of 588,952 COVID-19 cases and 7,231 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state hit 60 percent of its eligible population getting at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which amounts to more than 2.6…

Clinical Dietitian Reports Rise in Patients Dealing with Weight Gain, Eating Disorders

The COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Individuals on Different Levels Including Weight Gain & Eating Disorders

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve packed on a few pounds over the past year, you’re not alone. In a poll of more than 1,000 WebMD readers, nearly half of the women and almost one-quarter of the men said they’d gained weight “due to COVID restrictions.” St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, Mary Cherne, says she’s seeing an influx of patients coming in…

Morning Update 5-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Two Injured in Pequot Lakes ATV Crash

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. – Authorities say two were injured, one seriously, in a Saturday night ATV accident in rural Pequot Lakes. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report around 7:34 p.m. Saturday of a serious ATV crash near 17th Avenue Southwest. When officers arrived at the scene they learned that a 58-year-old female had been…

Reversing Trump, US Restores Transgender Health Protections

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration says the government will protect gay and transgender people against sex discrimination in health care. That reverses a Trump-era policy that sought to narrow the scope of legal rights in sensitive situations involving medical care. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said Monday that LGBTQ people should have the same access to health…

Business at Engwall’s in Full Bloom on Mother’s Day

Floral designers at Engwall's say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days.

DULUTH, Minn.- Of course it wouldn’t be mother’s day without a bouquet of flower’s for mom, making local florists like Engwall’s in Duluth busy. Floral designers at Engwall’s say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days, with plenty of people coming in the store to pick something up today too. They say the most popular…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Busy for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a the pandemic put a damper on Mother’s Day activities last year, many restaurants were packed again with families treating their moms to a meal. While Fitger’s Brewhouse doesn’t serve the traditional mother’s day breakfast or lunch, it was still busy for lunch and dinner. Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate…

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

UMD 2021 Graduates Make Most of Virtual Commencement

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota graduates were sent off into the world Saturday celebrating their years of hard work. More than 2,300 students will be graduating this year from UMD. Like the year before, the UMD class of 2021 commencement took place virtually due to the pandemic. School chancellors say to ensure everyone could stay safe. One of the students…

Twin Ports Gymnastics Speaks Out After Arrest of Superior Coach Charged with Sexual Assault

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Twin Ports Gymnastics are speaking out following the arrest of George Deppa Jr., a Superior gymnastics coach who was alleged to have sexually assaulted two teenagers he coached. In a written statement to FOX21, Twin Ports Gymnastics said they were “shocked and saddened by the recent arrest” and said in-part that, “Our main priority, as always, is the…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Looking for Donations to Match Pledge

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area recently received a pledge to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations. The center, with operates through volunteer work and donations, is in the process of expanding their facilities with the construction of a skate park, small pavilion, and parking lot.  While the money will help go towards…