News

Duluth Company Launches FashionBrain with Oscars

Fashion software hopes to make things easier for content creators.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 91st Academy Awards showcased stars, their movies, and their fashion. But for fashion publishers and content creators, sorting through and finding the right images to write stories can be a challenge. A new software is looking to change that, launched from right here in Duluth–an unlikely team up of the complex world of artificial intelligence and the…

Powerful Winds Don’t Stop People From Getting Out

50 mph winds rip through lake and Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind didn’t stop people from getting out in Canal Park. Even tourists braved the elements, fighting the gusts to get that perfect shot of the lake. “Madison’s not on a lake like this, so the wind is just nothing that, yeah nothing that we’ve ever seen,” said Weston Erickson, visiting Duluth with his girlfriend. “For me it’s kinda…

New National Bonspiel Brings Less Experienced Curlers to Duluth

Curlers from all over the nation spent the weekend in Duluth for the first ever five and under national curling bonspiel.

DULUTH, Minn. – Curlers from all over the nation spent the weekend in Duluth for the first ever five and under national curling bonspiel. Local Olympic champion John Shuster came up with the idea to hold the event where less experienced curlers can compete for a national title. Curlers were from places as far away as California and Massachusetts all…

UMD Engineering Students Make Electric Bike

Bike can travel up to 25 miles per hour

DULUTH, Minn. – A custom-built electric bike was created by UMD engineering students for their final design project. The pedal bike was turned into an electric-powered one using lithium-ion batteries, a hub motor, motor controller, and a throttle. The students also created an app that records the bike’s total distance, average speed, and ride duration. “In Duluth it’s kind of…

Protecting the Birkie with Birkie Security Team

Security prepares for inclement weather.

HAYWARD, Wis.- Behind the scenes, the Birkie Security Team of about 25 volunteers say they’re Sawyer County law enforcement’s eyes and ears for the huge event. They tell us the weather’s cooperated so far, but they’re preparing for much worse as athletes and fans head home. Just be safe driving we have a major weather event heading our way,” said…

American Birkebeiner Winners Race to the Finish

Winners were crowned for the 50K Skate and the 55K Classic races.

HAYWARD, Wis. – The 45th Annual 2019 Slumberland American Birkebeiner took place this weekend in Wisconsin. The men’s and women’s winners of the 50K Skate race were Akeo Maifeld-Carucci and Alayna Sonnesyn both from the United States. The men’s race ended in a sprint to the finish between three different men. “The finish was unbelievable today, the crowd was so…

American Birkebeiner Skates Into 45th Year

Northland tradition again brings many to Hayward.

HAYWARD, Wis.- “It’s the Birkie, man!” The gun fires, and in one fluid motion the surge of skiers and skaters pushes off in Cable. “The day will go on to be talked about for years.” Main Street is lined with Birkie fans, the whole town of Hayward, and many others, lining the track with the sound of cowbells. “Your whole…

Duluth Dolls Promotes Confidence through Burlesque Dance

The dance troupe celebrated individuals with their 6th annual "Big Show" performance,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Dolls got down and a little dirty in their “Hot Days, Cold Nights” performance at the Underground Theatre. On the surface the Duluth Dolls are a cabaret and burlesque team, incorporating different genres of dance from hip-hop to classical. But the Dolls have an underlying purpose of promoting confidence and body positivity. The Dolls started in 2012….

Kal Randa Enters Race for St. Louis County Board

22-year-old University of Minnesota student joins three other candidates in race

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A fourth candidate has entered the race for the open seat on the St. Louis County Board. Kal Randa is a 22-year-old college student from Hermantown. He’s expecting to graduate soon from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a major in political science. He is president of the group, Minnesota Students for Liberty. Randa joins candidates Keith…

Carter Hotel Deconstruction to Start Monday

Fond du Lac Band plans to turn property into parking lot

DULUTH, Minn. – Deconstruction is set to begin Monday, February 25th, for the old Carter Hotel in Downtown Duluth. The building is located between the Fond du Luth Casino and the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial at 17 N. 2nd Avenue East. The Fond du Lac Band owns the property. They tell us a new parking lot will replace the old…

Free Day at Lake Superior Zoo

The free day was introduced last year in the spring

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Duluth Public schools have been on winter recess. Today, many students and their families spent their time off enjoying a free day at Lake Superior Zoo. Visitors had a chance to check out Lana the Tiger and all the other animals at the zoo. The free day was introduced last year in the spring, but…

New Minnesota Pollution Control Commissioner Visits Duluth

About $500,000 is needed to complete the cleanup project at Rice's Point and the St. Louis River.

DULUTH, Minn. – The new Minnesota Pollution Control Commissioner visited Duluth to check out ongoing projects in the area. This comes after Governor Walz included funding for pollution cleanup and climate–change outreach in his budget proposal. The city of Duluth and the MPCA is involved in a multi–year effort to clean up around Lake Superior, but more money is needed…

Local Veterans’ Organizations Need Your Help

Recently veterans' organizations in Superior donated more than $2,000 in Super One gift cards to Coast Guard members who weren’t getting paid during the government shutdown.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Recently veterans’ organizations in Superior donated more than $2,000 in Super One gift cards to Coast Guard members who weren’t getting paid during the recent government shutdown. Now those organizations are wanting to raise more awareness about what they do to help even more people. Earlier today we spoke with a representative from the Superior American Legion and he…

I-35 Tunnel Traffic Temporarily Shutdown After Multiple Crashes

All Lanes are now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Three separate crashes on southbound I-35 temporarily shut down lanes in the tunnel from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. I-35 southbound lanes were closed at 26th and 21st Avenue East until authorities could clear the scene. According to the Minnesota State Patrol one crash involved an SUV rollover and two other crashes involved three vehicles…

Inmate Dies After Collapsing at St. Louis County Jail

The Inmate had Been at the Jail Since Feb. 5

DULUTH, Minn. – An inmate at the St. Louis County Jail was pronounced dead at 8:45 a.m. Thursday morning after collapsing in the day room area, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. After inmate Kenneth Kyle Beaupre, 32, collapsed Corrections Officers, Jail Medical Staff, and First Responders performed life-saving measures but were unable to revive Beaupre. Preliminary results…

Woman Facing Numerous Charges After Police Seize 30 Dogs

The Animals Were Taken to a Shelter in Green Bay

GREEN BAY, Wis. – A Brown County woman is facing numerous charges after authorities seized more than 30 dogs and a parrot from a home in Eaton. Authorities say charges against 36-year-old Lisa Kraszewski include mistreatment of animals and neglect of a child. Officials with the Wisconsin Humane Society Green Bay and Door County and law officers rescued the animals…

Money Sought for Lake Avenue Project

Construction Would Begin 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Duluth City Council will vote on whether to apply for a $1 million grant for the reconstruction of a portion of Lake Avenue from the Aerial Lift Bridge to South 13th Street. The overall cost of the project is expected to be about $3 million which the city would share. It would include improvements…

IRRRB Recommends Funds to Combine Iron Range Schools

The Project is Estimated to Cost About $160 Million

EVELETH, Minn. – The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board has voted to recommend dedicating about $100 million toward a new high school that would combine students from Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia School districts. The project, with an estimated cost between about $160 million and $180 million, would also need funding from the state and local taxpayers to become a reality….

One Injured After Snowmobile Crashes Into Tree

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

KABETOGAMA, Minn. – A snowmobiler traveling with a group of sleds on the Arrowhead Trail Friday morning was injured after his sled crashed into a tree. Authorities say the crash happened off of the Camp 90 Forest Road near Kabetogama around 10:26 a.m. According to a report of the incident, 72-year-old Robert White was traveling with the group when his…

Five People Charged in Timber Theft Conspiracy on Reservation

Suspects cut Down Trees Without Permissions at Least 100 Times

MILWAUKEE – Federal authorities say five people have been indicted for allegedly cutting down trees on the Menominee Indian Reservation in order to sell timber to saw mills outside the reservation without consent from the Wisconsin tribe. Conspiracy charges have been filed against 43-year-old Melvin Caldwell Jr., of Neopit; 49-year-old Arthur Fish, of Keshena; 49-year-old Chauncey Webster Jr., of Neopit;…

Police: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Solicited Prostitute

A Warrant Will be Issued for his Arrest

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Police in Florida have charged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution, saying they have videotape of him paying for a sex act inside an illicit massage parlor. Jupiter police told reporters Friday that the 77-year-old Kraft hasn’t been arrested. A warrant will be issued and his attorneys will be notified. The…

Kalevala Day to Offer Finnish Fun in Duluth

The Finnish Cultural Event is Happening Sunday, February 24, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Kalevala Day is celebrated in Finland on the 28th of February, in honor of the day on which the Old kalevala’s forward was dated by Lonnrot (February 28, 1835). Kalevala Day is an official flag-raising day in Finland, and simultaneously the Day of Finnish culture. A local celebration is happening Sunday, February 24 at Kenwood Lutheran Church…

Forest Service to Relaunch Balky BWCA Permit System March 4

Those who Reserved Permits Earlier Will Have to Reapply

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service plans to relaunch a balky new Boundary Waters Canoe Area reservation system on March 4. The system crashed when it first went live Jan. 30 on the first day to apply for permits. Only a few people were able to reserve permits before the system failed. The Forest Service says the technical issues…

UPDATE: Duluth Firefighters Respond to Kitchi Gammi Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to the historic Kitchi Gammi Club in Duluth Thursday night. According to authorities there was a small chimney fire in the building located on 831 East Superior Street. Officials say there was no damage from the fire and no injuries were reported. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Minnesota House Votes to Eliminate ‘Marital Rape Exception’

The Vote was 130-0

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has voted to eliminate a defense that prevents people who rape a spouse or domestic partner from being prosecuted for criminal sexual conduct. Rep. Zack Stephenson, the bill’s lead author, told lawmakers before the 130-0 vote Thursday that repealing the “marital rape exception” will result in seven additional convictions per year. The Coon…

Stride, Ride & Glide A Triathlon

Get Your Friends Together And Run, Bike & Ski Through The Superior Municipal Forest

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed to the beautiful woods, in the middle of winter, for a TRIATHLON! The Stride, Ride, Glide Tri is in the Superior Municipal Forest on Sunday March 3 at 10am. It consists of a 5k run on a flat snow covered dirt road, a 10k bike on a very scenic…

Duluth Firefighters Respond To Kitchi Gammi Club

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth firefighters responded to the historic Kitchi Gammi Club in Duluth Thursday night. Thick smoke could be seen coming out of the top of the building on 831 East Superior Street. No flames were visible when a FOX 21 photographer was on scene at 9 p.m. before the fire crews wrapped up to leave the scene. As…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

Thousands of Kids Race in Barnebirkie on Day One of Birkie Weekend

"Birkie fever! I am a true believer!"

HAYWARD, Wis. – Barnebirkie is the one event that makes Birkie dreams happen for thousands of kids from around the region. “The Birkie gets in your blood in different ways. I’ve been coming here since I was eight or nine,” said Cordell Manz. For more than 30 years, big smiles have been seen on the bright faces of many young…

Cabin Fever Painting Night Raises Funds for MS Society

People painted beach scenes to raise money for MS 150 bike ride

DULUTH, Minn. – For people dreaming of warm days and tropical sunshine, an event at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth helped them get there. The Cabin Fever Painting fundraiser taught guests how to paint beach scenes while raising money for the MS Society before their MS 150 bike ride in June. “Being we got so much snow lately, we thought…

Ignite Vapor and Tobacco to Open in Superior

Specialty shop on Hammond Avenue opens on Friday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new tobacco and vapor store opens Friday on Hammond Avenue at the site of the former “Chicken Spur.” The specialty shop will sell cigars, vapor products, pipes and Wisconsin-licensed CBD products. Ignite Vapor and Tobacco already has two locations: One in Spooner and one in Hayward. They’re excited to open their new Superior store. “I know…

DOC Offers Look Inside Moose Lake Correctional Facility

More than 1,000 offenders are housed in the state prison

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Minnesota State Correctional Facility in Moose Lake opened its doors, giving a look inside the walls of the medium-security prison. More than a thousand offenders– the majority of whom are convicted for sex offenses– are housed in the Moose Lake Correctional Facility. We were given a rare tour through the building to see first-hand what…

Social Justice Forum Connects Young People to Organizations

Event at Duluth Cider featured local social justice groups

DULUTH, Minn. – Young people interested in social justice met with local organizations trying to improve the Twin Ports area. The “Social Justice Forum” at Duluth Cider was organized by the Duluth branch NAACP. It included groups like Men as Peacemakers, the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, and many more. The event aims to help people under forty get active in…

Business Picks Up in Hayward During Day One of Birkie Weekend

It's like seeing an old friend you haven't seen in forever."

HAYWARD, Wis.- Business is booming throughout Hayward as thousands of visitors are in the area for the Birkie. Over at Coop’s Pizza Parlor staff say they are seeing many returning guests who are more like family now. “I love it because some of them I won’t recognize at first,” said Coop’s waitress Lora Hills. “They come in all frosty and…

Kids Take Part in Space Camp

Kids got the opportunity to explore the universe today during a special camp at the Duluth Children's Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.-Kids got the opportunity to explore the universe today during a special camp at the Duluth Children’s Museum. During the event, which included NASA designed experiments, kids learned all about planets, asteroids and comets. Those organizing it, said today’s program really defines what the museum is all about. “Our whole experience at the Duluth Children’s Museum is to create…

Northlanders Dig Out from Snow Storm

Northlanders woke up to nearly five inches of fresh powder this morning as Duluth closes in on a February snowfall record.

DULUTH, Minn.-Northlanders woke up to nearly five inches of fresh powder this morning as Duluth closes in on a February snowfall record. With all that, snow removal volunteers were out in full force including one in Lincoln Park who has been snow blowing out his neighbors for years, not expecting any money in return. He says he does it because…

Kaul Wants $2m for Salaries, 19 More Analysts

Kaul's Budget Request was Obtained Thursday

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has asked Gov. Tony Evers to let him spend $4.4 million in the next state budget to hire more evidence analysts and set up pay raises for them. The Associated Press obtained Kaul’s budget request Thursday through an open records request. Kaul wants to spend $1.8 million to hire 15 additional lab workers,…

Behind The Counter Rolling Up Sushi

Cooking Connection: Cloud 9 Asian Bistro & Hibachi

DULUTH Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we took our lunch break at Cloud 9 in Canal Park for some amazing specials and tips on how to roll our own sushi roll! LUNCH SPECIAL: Mon-Sat 11am – 3pm HAPPY HOUR: 3-6pm ADDRESS: 308 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 CONTACT: (218) 786-9888 HOURS: Thursday 11AM–9:30PM Friday 11:30AM–10:30PM Saturday 11:30AM–10:30PM…

Snowfall in the Upper Midwest This Week Setting Records

Some Areas saw a Foot of Snow

MINNEAPOLIS – Upper Midwest snowfall is setting records. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the nearly 9 inches of snow Wednesday in the Twin Cities shattered the snowfall record for February, at 31.5 inches. The previous record was 26.5 inches in 1962. Other parts of Minnesota got as much as a foot of snow, and St. Cloud also set a record…

Study: Wisconsin most reliant on property taxes in Midwest

Wisconsin is Ranked Seventh in the Country

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s municipalities rely on property taxes far more than most states, according to a new report. The state’s municipalities received about 42 percent of their revenue from property taxes, Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a study released Thursday. The national average totals around 23 percent, according to the nonpartisan research group. The study ranks Wisconsin seventh…

Report: University of Minnesota Should Rename 4 Buildings

A Report was Released Wednesday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A task force is recommending that the names of former administrators who promoted racist and anti-Semitic policies be removed from four University of Minnesota buildings. The group appointed by university President Eric Kaler released a report Wednesday that suggests scrubbing the school’s student union building of its namesake Lotus Coffman, a former president who was behind efforts…

Wisconsin GOP Propose $3.7 Million to Combat Homelessness

Republicans Unveiled Their Plans Thursday

MADISON, Wis. – Assembly Republicans are proposing $3.7 million to combat homelessness in Wisconsin. Republicans unveiled their plans Thursday. Some Democrats complained that they weren’t contacted to work with Republicans on the measures. Republicans hold majorities in the state Senate and Assembly. Bills fighting homelessness passed last session with bipartisan support. The new GOP bills include spending $500,000 on a…

Another Candidate Joins Race for St. Louis County Board

Musolf Joins Candidates Boucher and MacDonald

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Longtime District 5 resident Keith Musolf has officially entered the race for the St. Louis County Board District 5 special election. Musolf has lived in the district for over 20 years and is a proud union member and activist with the Ironworkers Local 512. Keith said in a statement, “I’m excited to be a strong voice and…