News

Morning Update 2-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

UMD Finishes Updates on Recreational Rink

DULUTH, Minn.– After a year and a half of updates and renovations, UMD has re-opened its ice rink. The rink opened in January after undergoing renovations that started in the summer of 2018. The $3.6 million project updated the rink’s heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. UMD students have spent the past month using the rink to make up for…

Raleigh Academy Celebrates Global School Play Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Kindergarten through second-grade students at the Raleigh Academy in Duluth had a day full of playtime. For Global School Play Day, which is an effort to promote open play without the interference of an adult. Students were able to bring toys from home such a Barbies and animal figures. Electronics or toys with batteries were not allowed….

How Can Northern Minnesota Become a Hub for TV and Film Production?

Local film and TV professionals discuss how to make the Northland a regional center in the media industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Movies like ‘North Country’ and ‘Iron Will’ were shot right here in the Northland. And according to media professionals, more producers want to bring their projects here. “We have some of the most talented people in the United States if not in the world, we have scenery that is unmatched,” said Steven Sanders of Ironbound Studios. In…

Developers Closing in on Redeveloping Esmond Building

Now, 69 of 70 tenants have relocated and recently the HRA has selected a developer to gut the inside of the building and transform it.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Esmond Building, formerly known as the Seaway Hotel, is currently waiting for its final tenant to vacate before redevelopment plans can start. The building once held 70 residents, and 38 of them have now moved into the brand new Garfield Squar Building just down the street. Back in 2014, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority saved the…

Madoff Seeks Prison Release, Citing Terminal Kidney Failure

NEW YORK (AP) — Epic Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff asked a federal judge Wednesday to grant him a “compassionate release” from his 150-year prison sentence, saying he has terminal kidney failure and less than 18 months to live. Madoff’s attorney filed court papers saying the 81-year-old has end-stage kidney disease and other “chronic, serious medical conditions,” including hypertension and cardiovascular…

A Late Night House Fire Takes The Life Of A Superior Man

The Superior Fire Department has confirmed there were no working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in the home at the time of the fire.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A 52-year-old man is dead after his home on East Second Street in Superior was swallowed in smoke and flames late Tuesday evening. The Superior Fire Department has confirmed there were no working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in the home at the time of the fire. Shortly after 10 p.m. on Tuesday fire crews were alerted…

Electric Buses are Made Available

The wheels on the bus go round and round...

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The wheels on the bus go round and round, but the more important question: is the bus diesel or electric? In the midst of the climate change debate, many companies are coming out with more energy efficient products that burn little to no fossil fuels. The Blue Bird corporation was the first to introduce the electric bus…

Burger Competition at Proctor High School

Culinary students at Proctor High School grabbed their spatulas to compete for the title of making the best signature burger today. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – Culinary students at Proctor High School grabbed their spatulas to compete for the title of making the best signature burger today. Students battled for the best burger to be featured on the menu of Canal Park Brewing Company. It’s not the first time students participated in a food competition. In the past, they’ve competed to create the…

One Dead in Fatal Superior Fire

UPDATE: The Superior Fire Department has confirmed that a 52-year-old man was killed. He had no working smoke detectors. We’ll update this story tonight at 5:30 and 9 p.m. ——- SUPERIOR, Wis. – One person is dead following a house fire in Superior Tuesday night. According to the Superior Fire Department, fire crews responded to reports of smoke coming from…

President Trump Acquitted in Impeachment Case

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Senate has acquitted President Donald Trump of impeachment, ending only the third presidential trial in American history with votes that split the country and tested civic norms. The proceedings also are feeding the tumultuous 2020 run for the White House. A majority of senators expressed unease with Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine that resulted in the two…

Midday Update 2-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Trump Impeachment Acquittal on Track Ahead of Senate Vote

A Vote is Expected Wesneday Afternoon

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is on the verge of acquittal by the Senate. An afternoon vote will bring an end to only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. One key Democrat, Alabama Sen. Doug Jones has now announced he will vote to convict. The impeachment vote comes at the start of a tumultuous campaign for the…

Health Committee to Take Input on GOP Sex Assault Kit Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin legislators are set to take public comments on a new Republican bill designed to prevent a backlog of untested sexual assault kits. The proposal has deepened the rift between Republicans and Democrats. In addition to kit submission protocols, the bill mandates police to notify immigration authorities of anyone in the country illegally arrested for sexual…

Escape the Bong 2.0 Raising Funds for Educational Programs

Five Escape Rooms Will Be Set Up at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center February 6 - 8, 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Are you feeling extra intelligent or lucky this week? If so, you may want to visit the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior February 6 – 8. Escape the Bong 2.0 is presented by Heritage Window & Door. The fundraising event is back by popular demand for a second year in a row. The escape…

Morning Update 2-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Pedestrian Killed in Itasca County Crash

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 46 in Alvwood Township around 9:12 p.m. Tuesday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the man was standing near a southbound vehicle that was stalled in the traffic lane when he was struck by a southbound GMC Sierra pickup. The man suffered fatal injuries and died at the…

Whole Food’s Co-op Raises Over $11,000 For Life House

The Whole Foods Co-op has been able to raise a quarter-million dollars for local organizations.

DULUTH, Minn. – The generosity from customers at both Whole Foods Co-op locations in Duluth has helped raise more than $11,000 for the local organization Life House. On Tuesday, at the Denfeld Location, Co-op staff presented the large check to representatives from Life House. For the whole month of January, Co-op customers have been rounding up the cost of their…

Music, Bingo Collide in Superior to Support ‘Siggy’s Musical Garden’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The daubers were out and the music was flowing at the Spirit Room in Superior for a “Musical Bingo” fundraiser. It was all to support Siggy’s Musical Garden Incorporated. Sigrid “Siggy” Johnson The non-profit creates outreach programs that connect local musicians, like Similiar Dogs who played at the Bingo event, with elder care facilities, youth programs and…

Bait Shops Provide Ice Condition Update For Area Lakes

DULUTH, Minn. – “People are getting them. You just can’t go wherever you want right now,” Marine General Sales Manager, Rob Hering says. With the higher than average temperatures for this time of year, ice fisherman have to be cautious before dropping a line. “You can get out there, but you’re not pulling a truck or pulling your crank down,”…

Coast Guard Advises Caution When On Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coast Guard here in Duluth is warning the public to be aware of the thin ice on Lake Superior. The coast guard has three boats which are used for such occasions. Historically, all of them are winterized by December. This year, however, they have one boat still remaining because of the amount of open water and…

Poocher Pet Shuttle Looking For Customers

DULUTH, Minn.– There’s a local business in Duluth making sure your pet gets to the vet. Poocher Pet Shuttle opened for business in November and has been picking up pets around the Twin Ports taking them to and from their appointments. They will now even pick up and deliver dog food upon request. While work has been slow lately, owner…

Tortoise And Hare Footware To Add Second Location

DULUTH, Minn– A West Duluth business is planning on adding a second store downtown. Tortoise and Hare Footwear has announced they are opening a second location along the 300 block East Superior Street. They will have some of the modern equipment featured in their original store but will be smaller than the current location. The business says the new store…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Attends State of the Union with Sen. Tina Smith

Larson calls it an opportunity to discuss Duluth issues with national officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson attended the 2020 State of the Union as the guest of U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (DFL-Minnesota). Larson told us before the President’s speech she thinks this is a great opportunity for her to talk with national officials about issues that are important to Duluth. “We’re talking about the St. Louis River corridor, we’re…

Community Leaders Meet With State Politicians Ahead Of Legislative Session

DULUTH, Minn. – State-elected officials and local leaders came together, at the CHUM food shelf in Duluth, for a legislature send-off to discuss the needs and issues impacting the community. Clergy and community organization directors were among those at the table with state leaders hoping to come up with longterm solutions. The legislature send-off has been happening for several years….

Competition at UMD Encourages Students’ Interest in Math

DULUTH, Minn.-Middle school students from across the region were at UMD today to test their math skills during a unique competition. The event was set up through the Professional Engineers Society to encourage middle school students to take an interest in the STEM fields. Organizers say they hope these competitions give kids a greater understanding of these areas. “They’re being…

Local Impacts of Iowa Caucus

What does the Iowa Caucus mean for locals in the Northland?

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What does the Iowa caucus mean for locals in the Northland? We talked with one political expert who says that even though the caucus was only in Iowa, it has a large effect across the country as it could help shape results in other states. “They have such an impact and such an influence on the rest…

New Partnership Between LSC and Southwest Minnesota State University

Starting in the fall of 2020, LSC and Southwest Minnesota State University will offer a joint partnership where students will be able to attain Bachelor's degrees on LSC's campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – For two schools in Minnesota, it’s all about collaboration. Lake Superior College and Southwest Minnesota State University have announced a new partnership that gives students more opportunities to reach for their dreams. Starting in the fall of 2020, LSC and Southwest Minnesota State University will offer a joint partnership where students will be able to attain Bachelor’s…

Minnesota Officer Charged With Sexually Touching Students

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors have charged a Minnesota police officer with sexually touching female students while hugging them at a suburban high school where he was a school resource officer. Forty-year-old Adam Pelton of River Falls, Wisconsin, was charged Monday with three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of fourth-degree sexual conduct. Pelton is accused…

Iowa Democratic Party Starts Releasing Partial Caucus Results

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Initial data released by the Iowa Democratic Party shows Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders ahead in the state’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. The tally of state delegate equivalents released Tuesday shows Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar trailing behind. The party released 62% of results from all 99 counties after a daylong delay sparked by…

Democratic Convention Host Committee Leaders Put on Leave

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The two leaders of Milwaukee’s host committee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention have been placed on leave pending an investigation into allegations that they oversaw a toxic work environment. The Associated Press obtained a letter on Tuesday about the probe into the group’s president, Liz Gilbert, and its chief of staff, Adam Alonso. They didn’t…

The Latest: Dems Say Delay Due to Coding Error, Results Soon

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Democratic Party says delays in reporting the outcome of Monday’s caucuses were due to a coding issue that has been fixed. The party says it hopes to release results “as soon as possible.” In a statement Tuesday, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price says, “We have every indication that our systems were secure…

Midday Update 2-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Ready, Set, Ride! Winter Bike Week Kicks Off in Twin Ports

Zeitgeist Hosts the Annual Winter Bike Week to Encourage People Powered Modes of Transportation Year-Round

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders find themselves cooped up throughout the winter months, but one local organization is looking to promote activity with people powered modes of transportation year-round. Zeitgeist is proud to present the annual Winter Bike Week February 5 – 15. Currently, Zeitgeist’s active transportation coordinator, Shawna Mullen, is in Joensuu, Finland for the 8th Annual Winter Cycling Congress…

Morning Update 2-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

What Went Wrong: Tech Troubles Behind Delay in Iowa Results

The Delays Were Not the Result of a Hack or Intrusion

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A new mobile app is being blamed for the delay in reporting the results of Iowa’s 1,700 caucuses. Glitches with the mobile app caused confusion and left the caucus results unknown early Tuesday. Some caucus organizers were forced to call in results for the state party to record manually, introducing delays and the possibility for…

Delegates Prepare One Week Ahead of Superior Days

Nearly 100 delegates met to go over issues, meet with lobby teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Nearly 100 delegates from four Wisconsin counties met at UWS to go over their final agenda to take to Madison for Superior Days next week. Delegates learned about each of the legislative issues, including, according to officials, the drug crisis and mental health service improvements. They also met with their lobby teams and received final instructions for the…

Officials Present New Protective Gear Policy with Police Chief, Community

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 10 months of 12 meetings, the Duluth Police Policy Working Group presented its Protective Gear Policy to Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken, with the public having the chance to share their questions and concerns. The Policy Working Group consisted of 20 members from groups including the Duluth Citizen Review Board, Duluth NAACP, Homeless Persons Bill of Rights,…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Duluth Figure Skating Club

Founded in 1926, the Duluth Figure Skating Club has become the go-to spot for aspiring figure skaters in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – For over 90 years the Duluth Figure Skating Club has been the go-to spot for aspiring figure skaters in Duluth. Now, with over 200 individual members, they look to continue their influence on the greater skating community in the Northland. Fox 21 caught up with members of the Duluth Figure Skating Club during their annual Northland competition…

UW-Superior Blood Drive Brings Superior Law Enforcement Agencies Together

The American Red Cross, UW-Superior and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Partnered to Host the "Battle of the Badges" Blood Drive.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – On Monday, the American red cross partnered with UW-Superior and local law enforcement agencies to host the “Battle of the Badges” blood drive. Everyone who donates can vote between the superior fire department and police department to decide their favorite area law enforcement agency. Organizers say the goal is to try and get more people to donate…

5th Annual Mobile Book Fair Kicks Off

Read read read...that's what organizers of the mobile book fair are encouraging young people to do.

DULUTH, Minn. – Read, read, read…that’s what organizers of the mobile book fair are encouraging young people to do. The 5th annual event at the Gary New Duluth Recreation Center today showcases books ranging from sports books to graphic novels. Classes from Stowe Elementary School rotated in and out of the event where they got to pick out two new…

Youth in Action Make a Difference Conference Kicks Off

Students from schools throughout the Northland came together today to learn about student leadership and how to bring a positive change to northern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students from schools throughout the Northland came together today to learn about student leadership and how to bring positive change to northern Minnesota. It’s called the Youth in Action Make a Difference Conference and it was held in Duluth for the first time ever. The annual conference was back for its 25th year. More than 400 students…