News

A New Soul Food Restaurant To Open In Downtown Duluth

Doc Witherspoon's Soul Food Shack is expected to open on April 6th.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new soul food restaurant is opening soon in downtown Duluth. Former NAACP President Stephan Witherspoon will be opening Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Shack. Customers will get to enjoy a family dining experience that serves food like fried catfish and mac & cheese. Witherspoon says he’s excited to continue sharing the African American food culture with the…

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes A New Black Bear

Syke is an 11-year-old black bear and weighs over 400 pounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is welcoming a new member to its family. A black bear named Syke is now home at one of the zoo’s newly renovated bear dens. Syke is 11 years old and weighs over 400 pounds. He comes from the Minnesota Zoo, where he previously lived with his siblings. Most bears typically live alone…

New Commission to Fight Against Human Trafficking Created for City of Superior

On March 2nd, the Superior City Council voted to create a special city commission dedicated to combat and address the issue of human trafficking in the city.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On March 2nd, the Superior City Council voted to create a special city commission dedicated to combat and address the issue of human trafficking in the city. To fill the new Commercial Sexual Exploitation Commission, the city council president will appoint one councilor every year and the mayor will assign five members from the community. Members will…

Breweries Advocate for Drink Local Economic Recovery Package

A new "Drink Local" Economic recovery package introduced during yesterday's Minnesota legislative session is getting the support of small craft breweries in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new “Drink Local” Economic recovery package introduced during yesterday’s Minnesota legislative session is getting the support of small craft breweries in the Northland. Staff at Ursa Minor in the Lincoln Park Craft District says Minnesota liquor laws have remained unchanged for some time. Currently, the brewery is only allowed to see certain vessel sizes for off-sale….

Wisconsin Man Surpasses 1 Million Pushups for a Good Cause

A man in Wisconsin is working to break the record for the most push-ups done in a 12-month period and he's doing it for a good cause. 

WISCONSIN – A man in Wisconsin is working to break the record for the most push-ups done in a 12-month period and he’s doing it for a good cause. This past week, Nate Carroll completed his one-millionth push-up. He’s using the physical feat to raise money for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Home Program, which pays off…

More Than 1 Million in Wisconsin Get Vaccinated

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 1 million people in Wisconsin have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine as of Friday. Additionally, more than 572,000 people have been fully vaccinated, based on the latest totals from the state Department of Health Services. As of Thursday, Wisconsin had administered at least one dose to 17.6% of its population,…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in the Piedmont Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a broken water main located in the Piedmont neighborhood. The break was reported at 12:43 p.m. and is located on Hillcrest Drive just off of Piedmont Avenue. Water has been shut off in the following locations: Hillcrest Drive from Piedmont Avenue to Allegheny Street, Allegheny Street from Hillcrest Drive to…

Midday Update 3-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 5, 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

3rd-Degree Murder Count Could Be Reinstated in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Friday ordered a judge to reconsider adding a third-degree murder charge against a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death, handing a potential victory to prosecutors. A three-judge panel said Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill erred when he rejected a prosecution motion to reinstate the third-degree murder charge…

St. Louis County Public Health Launches Phone Line to Help Seniors Register for COVID Vaccination Appointments

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health announced Friday the launch of a new phone line to assist St. Louis County residents over the age of 65 with scheduling vaccination appointments. The phone line was launched to ensure no seniors are being overlooked to receive a vaccination due to an inability to register online. Anyone over the…

Morning Update 3-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 5, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News

Wisconsin Health Officials: ‘Couple Months’ to Other Side of Pandemic

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin health officials have detected more coronavirus variants in the state but predict every adult who wants a vaccine shot will get one by mid-summer. Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said Thursday that sequencing has now detected 19 cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom in Wisconsin….

Spirit of the Lights Returns to Glensheen Mansion Friday

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Glensheen Mansion continues to leave their Christmas decorations up into March, they’ve also brought back another Christmastime tradition. The mansion’s self-guided Christmas candlelight tours and the outdoor light display spirit of the lights on Friday. “The never ending Christmas experience continues with these new night time experiences,” said Jane Pederson Jandl, marketing manager for the Glensheen…

West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens for 71st Season

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s starting to feel a little more like spring here, and that means a long-time west Duluth establishment is opening their windows. The Dairy Queen on Grand Avenue next to Denfeld High School reopened for the season on Wednesday. People wasted no time getting their hands on some sweet treats. The location is the last of the original…

Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol Continues

This was the 24th annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland leaders gathered Thursday morning for a virtual event to discuss this years legislative session. The event hosted by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce was geared towards showing support for Northland projects in the 2021 legislative session. One of the focuses being on providing broadband internet access to all Minnesotans with many schools having more virtual options…

Itasca County Receives Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine this week.

ITASCA COUNTY – Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine this week. Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital was the recipient of the vaccines and the shots are available for those who are 65 years of age and older. Health leaders say this new vaccine will push the community closer to being healthy. “And we’re so thankful…

Young People Stand Together To Help Bring An End To Gun Violence

"I just want to spread awareness for my brother and make a stand towards gun violence. It's not only taking our native youth, but our youth in general," said Aaliyah Peterson, the sister of 16-year-old Joesph Peterson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Young Northland community members are spreading the message that they are no longer staying silent and are proudly saying no to gun violence. The man charged in the shooting death of a 16-year-old on the Fond Du Lac Reservation back in December was in court on Thursday. The real action happened outside the St. Louis County Courthouse,…

Gun Permits Spike in Minnesota

According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension nearly 100,000 permits were issued last year.

CLOQUET, Minn- A record number of Minnesotans received permits to carry a firearm according to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension with nearly 100,000 issued. The owner of Dead on Arms in Cloquet says he’s also seen an increase in the number of people wanting to learn how to use a firearm. He said people are more nervous and want to…

Food Boxes Distributed to Northland People in Need

Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland to help those struggling their families during the pandemic. Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods. About 1,300 boxes with over 30,000 pounds of food were at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown or…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one shot vaccine after St. Luke's and Essentia received theirs yesterday.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine after St. Luke’s and Essentia received theirs yesterday. The county hasn’t received confirmation on when they will be getting it or how many doses they’ll be receiving. As multiple systems are getting out and receiving more vaccines in general, the issue…

Wessman Arena Vaccine Site to be Operational in April

The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April. According to Douglas County Health officials, they expect to offer later evening hours along with weekends. This is a regional site to increase capacity in the Northwest region of Wisconsin. To find out how to register for the vaccine, click here. Categories:…

UPDATE: One Person Taken Into Custody After Standoff in Superior

Woman seen jumping out window at seen on 1900 block of Banks Avenue.

    UPDATE: More information has been released by the Superior Police Department concerning the standoff earlier today. At approximately 6:25 a.m. officers were requested to respond to the 1900 block of Banks Avenue to investigate a neighbor dispute. Officers learned that the upstairs tenant of the duplex had allegedly threatened the downstairs tenant with a hammer and later, with…

Prosecutors: Officer Was on Floyd’s Neck for About 9 Minutes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the trial approaches for a Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in George Floyd’s death, prosecutors are putting the time Derek Chauvin’s knee was on Floyd’s neck at about nine minutes. The time has fluctuated before. It was given as 8 minutes, 46 seconds in an initial criminal complaint, a figure that became symbolic to many…

More Minnesotans Have Received COVID-19 Vaccine Than Have Tested Positive

(FOX 9) – More Minnesotans have now been fully vaccinated against coronavirus than having tested positive in the state. New data from the Minnesota Department of Health says more than 500,000 Minnesotans (500,188) have been fully vaccinated. A total of 487,374 Minnesotans have tested positive to date. Officials warn, however, that there were many COVID-19 cases that went undiagnosed early on because…

Police Request 60-Day Extension of Guard at US Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the Capitol Police have requested that members of the National Guard continue to provide security at the U.S. Capitol for another two months. And defense officials say the proposal is being reviewed by the Pentagon. The request underscores the continuing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol,…

Midday Update 3-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Police Chief Releases Statement on Last Week’s Fatal Standoff

On Thursday, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken posted a statement on his Facebook page about last week’s nearly 20-hour long police standoff in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. You can read his full statement below: In the past days, our department, community and partner agencies have experienced a multitude of emotions in trying to make sense of the tragedy that happened…

MidCoast Catering Shares Easy, Delicious Recipe for Coconut Crusted Chicken with Sweet Rice

Chef Jonathan Reznick Owns MidCoast Catering and The Rambler Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Jonathan Reznick, owner of MidCoast Catering and The Rambler food truck, shares a delicious recipe for Coconut Crusted Chicken with Sweet Rice. MidCoast Catering is located 315 North Central Avenue in Duluth’s West End. Reznick and his team specialize in putting together creative menu options for any occasion or event. Reznick…

Northland Newborns 3-4-21

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. Calling all proud parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Email a picture and date of birth to fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv for a chance to see your little one on the big screen. Click here for more information.  Categories: Community, News,…

Morning Update 3-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Law Enforcement on Alert After Plot Warning at US Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — Law enforcement is on high alert around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again. The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the original…

US Jobless Claims Tick up to 745,000 as Layoffs Remain High

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims rose by 9,000 from the previous week. Though the…

‘Change Is Coming’ To Grandma’s Sports Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…

Northland Organization Gives Energy Saving Tips

Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they're not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is working to promote more energy efficiency during all seasons. Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they’re not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic. The thermostats should be set at 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, and…

Lift Bridge Operators Donate to Local Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.– Financial impacts from the pandemic have made it hard for some Northlanders to put food on the table. But help is coming in from all over the place, including from those who work at Duluth’s iconic bridge. The lift bridge operators donated around $170 to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Operators say that while they’ve been working,…

30th Anniversary of Big Enbridge Spill Sparks Protest Over Line 3 Replacement Project

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Wednesday marked the 30th anniversary of the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history that happened right here in the Northland. Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline ruptured on March 3rd, 1991 near Grand Rapids. 1.7 million gallons of crude oil got loose, including into the Prairie River, which leads into the Mississippi River. On Wednesday, more than 75…

Students Take Learning Science To A New Level

"They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know how to sled, but they never really thought about it from a physical perspective," said UMD Physics Professor Margaret Elmer-Dixon.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD students used Chester Bowl Ski Hill as their classroom for the day to learn more about science. Physics is a subject most people learn about in a classroom or lab but a University of Minnesota Duluth professor is taking a new approach. “They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know…

Grandma’s Marathon Hires A Crowd Scientist To Help Safely Host 2021 Race

Instead of a mob of runners starting the race at all once, this year they will be released onto the course five at a time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizers of Grandma’s Marathon has enlisted the services of a crowd scientist… to help provide a COVID safe event this summer. Through the partnership with the crowd scientist, the organization was able to gather a computer simulation of previous races to help create a plan to safely carry out this year’s event. Some changes would include transporting…

CHUM Looking to Capitalize on Minnesota’s Annual FoodShare Month

The organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is looking to capitalize on Minnesota’s annual FoodShare month. Because it is typically a slow time for the CHUM food shelf and over 300 other food shelves across the state, the organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors. They are also partnering with local farms…

Douglas County Increases Vaccine Efforts

Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine. Previously, first responders, police and the elderly could get the vaccine but now it’s opened up more including for those working in the childcare and education fields. For schools, Essentia will be focusing on other public schools, private schools, and rural schools. There are close…

Women’s Workforce Hit Hard By the Pandemic

Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women's workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began.

MINNESOTA – The pandemic continues to have long-lasting impacts on employment in the Northland, including hitting the women’s workforce hard. Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women’s workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began. According to local workforce experts, several factors impeded the ability of women to stay and hold jobs. These…

Wisconsin Launches Vaccine Registry With Just 1 County

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin launched an online registry Wednesday where people can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine if they are eligible and appointments are available near where they live, but so far only one health department is participating. The registry was supposed to launch on March 1 but was delayed as those testing the system worked to fix problems and migrate…

Official: Dems OK Tighter Income Limits for COVID-19 Relief

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic official says President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats have agreed to tighten the upper-income limits at which people could qualify for stimulus checks in the party’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. That’s a major concession to moderates as party leaders prepared to move their legislation through the Senate. As part of Democrats’ legislative thrust on…