News

Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Held Virtually

Labor Day weekend is also traditionally the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival and while it wasn't in person this year because of the pandemic, celebrations did happen virtually.

DULUTH, Minn. – Labor Day weekend is also traditionally the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival and while it wasn’t in person this year because of the pandemic, celebrations did happen virtually. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, Superior Mayor Jim Paine and even Minnesota Senator Tina Smith were among the politicians who recorded messages of acceptance and inclusivity that were posted on Pride’s Facebook…

People Spend Time Outdoors on Labor Day

Whether it was hopping on bikes, hitting the tennis courts, or simply enjoying the weather, families and friends came together to spend some quality time this Labor Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it was hopping on bikes, hitting the tennis courts, or simply enjoying the weather, families and friends came together to spend some quality time this Labor Day. Some families tell us that they went outside to take advantage of the weather, especially since school is just around the corner for some. “School’s coming up, it’s starting…

Bishop-Elect Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to be made a bishop for a Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to be made a bishop for a Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post. The Vatican announced without giving details on Monday that Francis had accepted the resignation of the Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy, who was…

ATV Passenger Dies After Collision with Car

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. — A 31-year-old woman has died in a hospital after she was involved in a crash between an ATV and a car on Saturday. According to the Carlton County Sherriff’s Office, the collision happened around 3 p.m. east of Moose Lake. The ATV was riding along the Soo Trail when it traveled into the trail’s intersection with…

Blacklist Serving Up Orange Whips on a Busy Labor Day Weekend

Employees at Blacklist say it's been a busy summer, a trend that has continued into Labor Day Weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – On a busy Labor Day Weekend the Blacklist Brewing Company has been serving up a special kind of drink called an orange whip. The drink is shot of beer with a splash of orange juice. Employees at Blacklist say it’s been a busy summer, a trend that has continued into Labor Day Weekend. Blacklist also has axe…

Fireworks Light up Two Harbors in Honor of First Responders

People from Two Harbors and neighboring communities gathered around Agate Bay on Saturday to take in the loud booms of fireworks over the water.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – After a summer where many events have been canceled, Two Harbors lit up the sky with fireworks on Saturday in honor of first responders. People from Two Harbors and neighboring communities gathered around Agate Bay on Saturday to take in the loud booms of fireworks over the water. “If you can get a little bit of…

OMC Smokehouse Shuts Doors Temporarily After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

The restaurant says they will be identifying anyone who may have been in contact with the employee and encourage them to get tested.

  DULUTH, Minn. — A popular restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood, OMC Smokehouse is closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19 Sunday. “We are just working on trying to understand this and trying to do it the right way,” said owner Tom Hanson. In a post on their Facebook page Sunday, OMC Smokehouse said they will…

Duluth Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Male in Friday Night Shooting, Victim Condition Unknown

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, on Friday night officers responded to a shooting in the area of the 200 Block of 70th Ave. W, adding to the 14 shootings in Duluth in the past two months that have resulted in injuries. Authorities say officers responded to a call at 10:25 p.m. Upon arrival they learned two males,…

Goats and Yoga Help De-stress in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Experts say yoga and spending time with animals can help reduce stress. One Duluth group has been putting them together for a unique experience in Superior. Duluth Goat Yoga hoofed it to over earth rider brewing’s cedar lounge for a relaxing session. Participants got in a good stretch and managed stress with goats of all shapes sizes and…

Couple Opens Yard to Renaissance Festival Vendors

DULUTH, Minn.– As many of the area’s conventions and festivals have been canceled due to the pandemic, one Duluth couple is giving some special vendors a chance to work and sell their magic. The Meier’s opened up their yard along the north shore to pop-up vendors selling so-called mystical items including crystals, scents, and more. These vendors normally set up…

Fireworks Light Up Two Harbors Sky

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The North Shore of Minnesota was aglow on Saturday evening during fireworks in Two Harbors. They blasted off over the Agate Bay and were one of the few fireworks that happened in the Northland this summer. They were done in honor of first responders and essential workers. For some people, it was a nice way to…

Hundreds Celebrate Opening of Iron River’s “Across the Pond” Veterans Park

Five years ago Ray Kangas, a veteran himself, had a dream to start a veterans' park in Iron River and Saturday, that dream started coming true as phase one of the Across the Pond Veterans' Park officially opened.

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Hundreds came out to see the cutting of the ribbon at the brand new Across the Pond Veterans Park on Saturday after five years in development. Five years ago Ray Kangas, a veteran himself, had a dream to start a veterans’ park in Iron River. Saturday, that dream started coming true as phase one of the…

Howie’s Mud Bog Coming to Finlayson This Weekend

The event attracts people with all different types of mega trucks and four-wheelers to jump through the mud bog.

FINLAYSON, Minn. – Howie’s Mud Bog is open and ready to get some vehicles dirty. The event attracts people with all different types of mega trucks and four-wheelers to jump through the mud bog. The whole event started 27 years ago when Howie and his friends hosted a party for people to go mudding. Normally, the event brings more than…

Iron Range Community Honors 15-Year-Old Alaric Lamke

A Celebration of Life is Happening Saturday, Sept. 5 at Miners Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Iron Range community is mourning the loss of one of their own as they prepare to say a final farewell Saturday, Sept. 5. On Saturday, Aug. 29, in the blink of an eye, 15-year-old Alaric Lamke of Britt, Minnesota, lost his life after an accident involving a skid steer. Now Alaric’s family and friends are looking…

Labor Day Gas Prices May Hit Lowest Since 2004

The lowest price per gallon since 2004 was $1.82 according to Gas Buddy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices may be the lowest they’ve been in over a decade just in time for those Labor Day travelers. According to Gas Buddy, fuel prices during Labor Day are expected to be the lowest since 2004. Experts are predicting the national price per gallon for gas to hit $2.19. This is down by nearly 40% from…

Health Officials Reminding Folks Of The Potential COVID-19 Risks During Labor Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Although celebrating the Labor Day holiday is often a way to take a break and say goodbye to summer, St. Louis County health officials are urging folks to use caution when participating in holiday gatherings. Labor day is typically a holiday where people celebrate with barbecues and other social events., but attending these types of gatherings can…

Labor Day Travelers Still Find A Way To Celebrate

DULUTH, Minn. – Labor day may feel a little different this year, but many travelers across the Northland are looking to celebrate the best way they know how. I’m going to hang out with some family and friends. Possibly do some four-wheeling,’  said Andre Jackson. Pequot Lakes resident Sarah Dawdy said “we have visitors here from central Illinois. They have…

Lyft and Taxi Drivers Face the Pandemic

Transportation has changed dramatically because of the pandemic, and this doesn't exclude ride-sharing apps like Lyft and taxi companies. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Transportation has changed dramatically because of the pandemic, and this doesn’t exclude ride-sharing apps like Lyft and taxi companies. From one destination to the next, the way people have traveled has changed in light of the pandemic. Kyle Arndt is one local Lyft driver who has been driving in the Duluth area for his part-time job. He…

DECC Gets Ready For Donald Trump Jr. Visit

The president's son Donald Trump Jr. is coming to the DECC next Wednesday for a "Make America Great Again" event.

DULUTH, Minn. – The president’s son Donald Trump Jr. is coming to the DECC next Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. The facility is preparing to make sure everyone is safe while attending the event. The DECC will allow a maximum of 250 people inside the building including campaign staff and people participating in the vent. Masks will…

UMD Freshman Reacts to Delays with Move-in

Colleges are implementing different procedures to establish safety and freshmen are responding with their thoughts.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges are implementing different procedures to establish safety and freshmen are responding with their thoughts. At UMD, students’ move-in day has been pushed back two weeks from the original date until September 9th. Some freshmen expressed frustration over the inability to move in on time. One student from the Twin Cities said he wished he could have…

Minnesota Starts Paying $300 a Week Unemployment Boost

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota started paying the $300 a week boost in unemployment benefits to laid-off workers Friday. The payments are backdated, meaning people who were laid off from late July through late August will get up to five separate payments of $300 apiece over the next week. Minnesotans who lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic do not…

Kamala Harris, Mike Pence to Both Be in Wisconsin on Monday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris is scheduled to make her first campaign appearance in battleground Wisconsin on Labor Day in Milwaukee, while Vice President Mike Pence was headed to western Wisconsin. The dual appearances by Pence and Harris come just days after President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden were in Kenosha two days…

Kanye West Lawsuit Over November Ballot Stays in State Court

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Rapper Kanye West’s lawsuit demanding election officials place him on Wisconsin’s presidential ballot in November will remain in state court. U.S. District Judge William Griesbach decided late Thursday to keep the matter in state court, rejecting the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s attempt to move it to federal court. Griesbach said the case should remain in state…

Midday Update 9-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Sept. 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, September 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,966 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,847 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,558,831 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,537 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,635 patients have required hospitalization…

Court Finds That Polymet’s Water Permit Issued With Proper Procedures

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge ruled the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not deviate from most of its procedures when it issued a key water quality permit for the proposed PolyMet mine project. The ruling is a victory for supporters of the state’s first copper-nickel mine and the agency, which mine opponents accused of “procedural irregularities” in…

Morning Update 9-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Sept. 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Denfeld High School Teachers Bring A New Meaning To Welcoming Students

This year, Denfeld will be welcoming nearly 300 incoming freshmen.

DULUTH, Minn. – The class of 2024 at Denfeld High School received a welcoming like no other from their teachers. It might be the key to helping incoming freshmen feel at ease as they look forward to embracing a new normal. The 2020-2021 school year is going to look a lot different for many students in Duluth. Freshmen at Denfeld…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Launches Fudge For Troops

The Duluth branches of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are now working to make sure troops have some sweet treats overseas.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth branches of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are now working to make sure troops have some sweet treats overseas. Both the Canal Park and Miller Hill Mall locations are doing a match donation. For every pound of fudge purchased, one pound of fudge will be sent overseas to troops. Workers say it’s rewarding to be…

Duluth Mayor, Police Chief Address 14 Recent Shootings

As of Thursday, the Duluth Police Department has faced 24 shootings so far in 2020 with more than a dozen happening since July compared to the 22 shootings for all of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Police Chief Mike Tusken and Mayor Emily Larson addressed a concerning rise in violence at a press conference Thursday after 14 shooting incidents within the past two months resulting in injuries and a sense of fear for some. As of Thursday, the Duluth Police Department has faced 24 shootings so far in 2020 with more than a…

Gov. Walz, MN Health Leaders Warn Of High COVID-19 Numbers as Fall Approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn.– The number of people infected by COVID-19 in Minnesota has steadily been growing all summer, adding to total more than 78,000 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic. And with the summer winding down the impact could look a lot different in Minnesota in the coming months. With Labor Day weekend coming up and fall around…

Essentia Health Encouraging Child Checkups Before Fall

DULUTH, Minn.– With the school year approaching, Essentia Health says parents should still find time to get their kids in for a checkup. Essentia says now more than ever, parents should be getting their kids in for their annual physicals. Doctors say that besides keeping up with a child’s development, it’s important to stay up to date on vaccinations as…

Visit Duluth Releases July Tourism Numbers

DULUTH, Minn.– Visit Duluth, the city’s primary marketing operation, is transitioning furloughed staff to temporary layoffs on October 1st as tourism tax revenue continues to be far below normal projections. Five positions will have temporary layoffs while one position will have a permanent layoff. Visit Duluth has announced at least six furloughed staff members will be officially laid off by…

City Unveils Artwork At Sister Cities Park in Duluth

The art is being displayed at the Sister Cities Park until the end of next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth and the city’s Public Arts Commission gathered to celebrate the unveiling of new art now being displayed in the Sister Cities Park. The piece, which is entitled the “Unweaving” took nearly a year to create. It was inspired by the suppressed stories of the artist’s maternal grandmother who is of Finnish descent. It…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A former Hermantown Middle School science teacher and junior high volleyball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a student she used to teach. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a “current or recent position of authority over the victim,” which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint filed in St. Louis…

Passing Of Movie Star Chadwick Boseman Sparks The Importance Of Getting Checked For Colon Cancer

more than 50,000 are expected to die from the disease in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Studies from the National Cancer Institute show colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer besides lung cancer. Health professionals are stressing the importance of getting screened to uncover the illness in its early stages. Its been nearly a week since the passing of…

Itasca County Health Officials Express Flu Shot Importance This Fall

Flu Shots Will Be Available Within One to Two Weeks at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As the Labor Day weekend inches closer, officials with Itasca County Public Health Department want to remind residents and visitors that their actions could have long-term effects amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials say the last time they saw a huge spike in cases was two weeks after the 4th of July holiday weekend. This is…

School Bus Preparations For School Year

With school getting underway around the area, bus drivers are focusing on the safety of their young riders.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With school getting underway around the area, bus drivers are focusing on the safety of their young riders. As the start of the school year arrives, bus drivers are ready to see students on board once again. “People are excited to get back to work,” said Dean Wargin, the transportation director of Hermantown schools. “Excited to see…

Campaign Announces Donald Trump Jr. Will Host Rally in Duluth Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9/FOX21) – On the same day that Dr. Jill Biden is set to visit the Twin Cities, Donald Trump Jr. is planning a rally in Duluth. The president’s son will host a “Make America Great Again” event on Wednesday, September 9 at 5 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Supporters wishing to attend the rally can register for tickets…

Watch Live: Duluth Police Department to Hold Press Conference Regarding Recent Shootings

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is holding a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Public Safety Building to discuss a string of shootings that have taken place in the area in July and August. We will also be live-streaming the 3:30 p.m. press conference on our Fox 21 Facebook page. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Uw-Whitewater Chancellor on Leave, Complaint Investigated

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been placed on paid leave while a complaint against him is investigated. A statement from UW System President Tommy Thompson did not disclose the nature of the complaint against Dwight Watson. Thompson said university officials will have no further comment on the personnel matter right…

Pilot Killed in Leech Lake Plane Crash

WALKER, Minn. – Authorities say the pilot of a small plane was killed after his plane crashed in Leech Lake Tuesday evening. According to the Natchez Democrat Newspaper, 62-year-old Thomas Borum, of Mississippi, was traveling from Missouri to Bemidji for a new job. He was grounded for a short time in St. Cloud due to bad weather. The plane left…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,837 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,540,107 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,175 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,592 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 9-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News