News

Cool School Plunge Held Today

Another Polar Plunge Takes Place Tomorrow in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.-The staff from Fox 21 is diving into Lake Superior tomorrow for the Polar Plunge, but today some local high school students took center stage. Today’s plunge was also meant to raise money for Special Olympics. Students from across the region gathered in Canal Park as part of their special event the Cool School Plunge. Some of the participants…

Yeti Tour Tomorrow

Snowmobile Ride Raises Funds for March of Dimes

DULUTH, Minn.-If you like snowmobiling, a special fundraiser being held tomorrow is something that may fit your need for speed. Beginning at 9 a.m. a snowmobile ride will begin at Sunset Bar and Grill to raise money for the March of Dimes. A celebration of the event will also begin at 6 p.m. at the Sunset. To find out more…

Duluth Sports Show Continues

Events Continue Through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Sports Show has been packing the DECC for much of the week and that trend is expected to continue through the weekend. The event showcases a variety of outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. Staff from the show tell Fox 21 they try to change things up every year to keep people coming back. “We try…

UMD Hosts Pruning Workshop to Save the Trees

Pruning removes dead or dying branches and is considered preventative maintenance for trees.

DULUTH, Minn. – Taking care of trees is not easy even for professionals. That’s why the Third Annual North East Minnesota pruning workshop was held at University of Minnesota Duluth. The workshop brings training experience and knowledge to the Northland about working with different sized trees. Pruning removes dead or dying branches and is considered preventative maintenance for trees. “The sooner we can start…

Essentia Health Needs Hospice Volunteers

Essentia Health will have hospice training in March.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Caregivers Day and for some being a caregiver is a calling. If you are one of those people Essentia Health in Duluth is asking for your help. The medical center needs more hospice volunteers. Essentia Health is looking for compassionate people willing to dedicate some of their time helping someone else with different needs like…

Minnesota Legislature Considering Five Bills Related to Guns

Legislators Responding to Recent School Shooting in Florida

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The deadly school shooting in Florida has revived discussion over gun control and highlighted Minnesota’s pending bills on the issue. The Pioneer Press reports that there are at least five bills currently on file this session relating to firearms or the Second Amendment. A “stand your ground” bill would allow lethal force to be used to stop felonies,…

13 Russian Nationals Charged in Mueller Investigation

Charges Include Conspiracy and Wire Fraud

WASHINGTON-The office of special counsel Robert Mueller says a grand jury has charged 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities. The defendants are accused of violating U.S. criminal laws to interfere with American elections and the political process. Charges include conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. One of those indicted in the Russia probe is a businessman…

Commerce Dept. Backs Tariffs on Imported Aluminum and Steel

President Has Until April 19 to Make Decision on Deal

WASHINGTON-The Commerce Department is saying that imported aluminum and steel threaten U.S. national security and is urging President Donald Trump to impose tariffs or quotas to boost American production. The recommendations unveiled by Secretary Wilbur Ross are likely to escalate tensions with China and other U.S. trading partners. Stepped-up production of steel and aluminum, especially by China, has driven down…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs Restrictions on Food Stamp Junk Food

Measure Has Been Sent to Wisconsin Senate

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a Republican bill that would create a pilot program to prohibit the use of food stamps for purchasing junk food. The Assembly passed the proposal on a voice vote Thursday, sending the measure on to the Senate. The bill would require the state to identify food and beverages that lack nutritional value and restrict…

Joseph Nease Gallery features “Sweep” Exhibition

Display Shows Work of Contemporary Artists

DULUTH, Minn. – A new exhibition of artwork at a local gallery is showing a range of contemporary painters. Joseph Nease Gallery is currently featuring “Sweep”. “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters, presenting new or recent artwork by all of the painters currently represented by the Gallery, as well as an equal number…

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visits Duluth Boat Show

Foundation Focuses on Conservation

DULUTH, Minn. – An exhibit new to the Duluth area is now on display at the 52nd Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s traveling conservation exhibit showcases some of the largest bull elk from across North America. The RMEF’S Great Elk Tour celebrates elk, conservation, and hunting heritage. The event is taking place…

President Heading to Florida to Console Shooting Victims and Their Families

Vigil Held Last Night for Victims

(Photo: FOX NEWS)UPDATE: The FBI says it failed to investigate a specific report in January that Nikolas Cruz could be plotting a school shooting. The agency said Friday that the tip should’ve been investigated thoroughly because it was a potential threat to life. Cruz has been arrested and charged with killing 17 people at a high school earlier this week….

Three More Child Deaths From Flu Reported in Minnesota

4,200 Hospitalized in Minnesota With Flu Symptoms

ST. PAUL, Minn.- State health officials say three more children have died of complications of the flu, bringing the number of Minnesota children who have died of influenza this season to four. The number of Minnesotans hospitalized with flu symptoms has topped 4,200. That’s the highest number since the Minnesota Department of Health began tracking flu hospitalizations in 2008. Preliminary…

Partial Demolition For Former London Road BP Gas Station

DULUTH, Minn. – Signs of demolition are happening at the former BP gas station on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. Crews on scene told us Thursday that they’re take out the gas lines and tearing down the awning. The prime property is being offered up for lease for future development. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Superior Wants Kestrel Aircraft to Pay Up

These loans date back to 2012.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kestrel Aircraft was supposed to bring a big economic boom to the city of Superior promising hundreds of new jobs. So far Kestrel has not built its planned manufacturing plant in the community. Now the Superior City Council is asking the company to pay up. City Council President Dan Olson says Kestrel defaulted on a $2.4 million…

Experts Share How to Speak to Children In the Wake of Tragedy

Seventeen people were killed in the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

DULUTH, Minn. – The safety and well being of all students is something area school districts take seriously. Even though the mass shooting in Florida happened far away, students in the Northland can still have a hard time coping. With their sense of security when events like this occur. As difficult as this topic may be experts say it’s an important conversation to…

Organizations Concerned for Future of Great Lakes Funding

The White House's proposed budget plan would cut $30 million to $300 million dollars in GLRI funding.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local organizations are concerned on how the Great Lakes will be kept clean and for the future of job for the workers involved in the various projects for many years. The White House’s proposed budget plan cuts funding From the Great Lakes Restoration Innitiative. The GLRI It helps fund universities, state, and federal agencies. The GLRI launched in 2010 with…

Bannon Interviewed in Mueller’s Russia Investigation

Bannon interrogated for 20 hours over two days

Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, arrives for questioning by the House Intelligence Committee as part of its ongoing investigation into meddling in the U.S. elections by Russia, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, the combative former chief strategist for President Donald Trump, was interrogated for…

CHUM Community Hosts Legislative Send-off

The next legislative session starts Feb. 19.

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth opened its doors for a legislative sendoff. The meeting was with elected state representatives to inform them of issues CHUM says matter the most to them. “Often the needs of people who are homeless are not heard. So we can really work for affordable housing and make sure that there’s bonding…

UMD Closes Ice Rink After Mold Is Found

About 90 percent of UMD students take part in recreation and outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink in the Sports and Health Center on the University Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus is closed after mold was found in the ceiling tiles last week. The closed area covers about 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. “The type of mold that we found is the most common organism in the outdoor environment during the spring…

Polar Plungers to Dive into Frigid Lake Superior Saturday

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge Supports Special Olympics Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of brave souls will be jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Superior this weekend and it’s all for a good cause. The Duluth Polar Bear Plunge, benefitting Special Olympics Minnesota, is Saturday. “Special Olympics athletes, just in our area, we have a few hundred people. There’s 8,000 in the state and they range anywhere from…

Warning Signs May Have Been Missed in School Shooting Case

“I'm going to be a professional school shooter,” - “Nikolas Cruz” posted in September

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — Months before authorities say Nikolas Cruz walked into his former high school and slaughtered 17 people, the troubled teen began showing what may have been warning signs he was bent on violence. “I’m going to be a professional school shooter,” a YouTube user with the screen name “Nikolas Cruz” posted in September. The 19-year-old had gotten…

Former Duluth News Personality Running for Congress

Michelle Lee Running for Rep. Rick Nolan's Seat

FROM FACEBOOKDULUTH, Minn.-Former Duluth news personality Michelle Lee has announced she’s running for the Eighth District congressional seat up for grabs. Her announcement comes just a week after Rep. Rick Nolan (DFL) announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. Lee would be running as a Democrat. To find out more about her campaign, visit her website…

1998 Tornado Causes Missing Bell Mystery

Historians are one step closer to uncovering the origin of a 132-year-old bell in St. Peter, MN.

Photo by Jackson Forderer (Courtesy: Mankato Free Press)ST. PETER, Minn. (AP) – History experts in southern Minnesota are investigating the possibility that a large bell anonymously left at a historic site in the state a few years ago is the same one that once hung in St. Peter’s history center. The Mankato Free Press reports that the 132-year-old brass object…

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge is Saturday

Plungers Dive into Lake Superior for Good Cause

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend hundreds of people will be jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Superior all for a good cause. The Duluth Polar Bear Plunge is taking place on Saturday, February 17. The annual dive ito the lake raises money for Special Olympics Minnesota. Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm says Minnesota has one of the biggest Special…

NE Minnesota Moose Population Still Stable, But Low

DNR Releases Moose Survey Results

Photo: MN DNRST. PAUL, Minn.-The Department of Natural Resources says the moose population in northeastern Minnesota remains stable but relatively low for the seventh year in a row. The department released results of the 2018 moose survey Thursday. DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr says while the moose population appears stable, low numbers of moose “are still a major concern” for the…

UMD Students to Perform with Orchestra

17th Annual Student Competition Concert

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week musicians at UMD will be performing in the 17th Annual Student Competition Concert. This is taking place on Wednesday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Weber Music Hall. Tickets can be purchased by calling 218-726-8877, or by visiting tickets.umn.edu. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Orchestra, UMD, UMD Orchestra,…

Two Suspects Could be Facing Multiple Charges in Hibbing False Imprisonment Case

Incident Happened Yesterday Afternoon in Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn.-Two men were arrested in Hibbing yesterday for alleged false imprisonment. The incident occurred at about 5 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a call of a male being held against his will by another male with a gun in the 3800 block of Second Avenue West. A reporting party said her boyfriend had been contacted by a male to…

Florida Shooting Suspect’s ‘Disturbing’ Social Media Posts Being Dissected

Florida Shooting Suspect Facing 17 Counts of Premeditated Murder

PARKLAND, Fla.-A law enforcement official says the former student suspected of killing at least 17 people at a Florida high school posted “very, very disturbing” material on social media before the deadly shooting rampage. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said the suspect, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, had been expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for unspecified disciplinary reasons. Israel says…

Lake Superior College Has An Issue With Leaking Roofs

School administrators say a lot of the updates have been put off for too long.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whenever it rains, water leaks into offices at Lake Superior College in Duluth. That’s one reason the college is included on Gov. Dayton’s proposed bonding bill list for $6 million dollars in funding. Many buildings on campus are state of the art, but have been built around older buildings that are almost 60 years old. School administrators…

Stabbing in Lincoln Park Sends One to the Hospital

The Stabbing Remains Under Investigation by the Duluth Police Department

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they responded to reports of a stabbing incident early Thursday around 1:45 a.m. The stabbing involved multiple people, and occurred at North 21st Avenue West and 3rd Street in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. Officials say they located one male at the scene. The person was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor…

With Nolan Out, Radinovich Joins Race for 8th District

Rep. Rick Nolan Announced His Retirement Last Week

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Former Democratic state lawmaker Joe Radinovich is entering the race for Rep. Rick Nolan’s seat in Congress. Nolan announced last week he wouldn’t run for a fourth term representing Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. It was a sudden reversal, as the 74-year-old Democrat had turned down calls to run for governor and said he wanted to remain in Congress….

Local Businesses Preparing for Minnesota’s B20 Mandate

All Diesel Sold in Minnesota Must Contain Twenty Percent Bio-Diesel by May 1, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting on May 1st, all diesel sold in Minnesota will have to contain at least twenty percent bio-diesel. Right now, all diesel must be ten percent bio-diesel in the summer and five percent the rest of the year. State officials were in Duluth Wednesday preparing business leaders to comply with the upcoming “B20” mandate. “People are always…

Duluth Church Offers Drive-Thru Ash Wednesday Service

Our Savior's Lutheran Church Offered Prayer and Ashes for People Unable to Attend Mass

DULUTH, Minn. – Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of lent on the Christian calendar. For Christians seeking convenience, a West Duluth church offered a drive-thru Ash Wednesday service in their parking lot. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Grand Avenue wanted everyone in Duluth to have an easy opportunity to receive ashes this Wednesday, even if they couldn’t make it to…

Couple Celebrates 74 Valentine’s Days Together

Ernest and Betty Share Some Love Advice

One couple in Duluth is celebrating a bit of a anniversary this Valentine’s Day,  because it was 74 Valentines  ago that their love story began. Seventy-four years ago a certain guy caught a young, bright-eyed Betty Petersen’s eye. Even then, she says she knew he was ‘the one.’ “He had lots of other girls looking at him, but I knew…

Preparing Restaurants for Valentines Day

The New Scenic Cafe receives some reservations a year in advance.

DULUTH, Minn.- Its Valentine’s Day which for some means taking your partner out for a bite to eat, making it a busy day in the kitchen for Northland eateries. The New Scenic Cafe says they stock up on over %50 more food and ingredients than usual for Valentine’s Day. To honor couples that can’t celebrate on a week night the…

Experiencing the Outdoors, Inside at the Boat Show

The boat show offers many of unique displays.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the warm weather outside and the new boats inside, the Boat Show is a great place to create your summer wish list. From fishing boats, speed boats, to kayaks the show offers a wide selection if you’re looking for a new summer ride. Sadly you can’t test drive the boats this week but show includes many interactive…

The Duluth Downtown Waterfront District Is In A Giving Mood

Duluth Downtown Waterfront District gave out the candy from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – People passing through the Holiday Center in downtown Duluth were in for a treat on this Valentine’s Day. They received candy hearts as they walked through the Skywalk. It’s a way for the Duluth Downtown Waterfront District Clean and Safe Team to show its gratitude. The candy had a special message on it that reads: we love…

Northland Florists Busy On Valentine’s Day

A recent national survey showed consumers are expected to spend an average $143 on Valentine's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for florists. Here in the Northland it’s no different. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Duluth saw its first customer at 6:30 a.m. The most popular purchase has been roses. Engwall employees tell us they didn’t receive too many crazy requests this year. People have been sticking…

Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy Celebrates Reading Month

Students from many grade levels went outside to cheer on their classmates.

DULUTH, Minn. -Students at Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy had a special race. Feb. is I Love to Read Month and students have been learning about the history of John Beargrease and the Iditarod. They’re honoring John Beargrease with sled-less dog races. Fifth graders took it outdoors and made their way down the trails. “It builds wonderful teamwork…

Governor Dayton Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Opioid Abuse

Opioid overdose deaths increased 66% between 2010 and 2016 - noticeable spike in St. Louis County.

Opioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically in recent years – increasing 66 percent between 2010 and 2016. Prescription opioids continue to be the most common cause of opioid overdose deaths. In 2016, there were 194 prescription opioid overdose deaths. Heroin-involved overdose death and synthetic opioids deaths also have seen a significant increase. There were 150 heroin involved deaths in 2016,…

Shooting at Florida High School; Numerous Fatalities Being Reported

School is Currently in Lockdown

UPDATE: Police are now reporting 17 fatalities in this shooting incident. PARKLAND, Fla.-A school official says there are numerous fatalities from the high school shooting in South Florida. Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcie says “There are numerous fatalities. It is a horrific situation.” He added, “It is a horrible day for us.” The tweet added: “Victims have been and continue…

Missing Grand Rapids Teen Found Safe

17-Year-Old Went Missing Monday

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office has announced a 17-year-old missing since Monday has been found safe. Bali Mariah Frazer went missing on Monday after she left a meeting in Grand Rapids. Police say she was found safe.     Categories: News, News – Latest News Tags: news missing

Mac and The Big Cheese Bring Funny Flavor to Cooking Show

Comedy Duo will be Presenting at Duluth Sports Show

DULUTH, Minn. – The 52nd Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show is starting up in Duluth Wednesday. The show runs through Sunday, Feb. 18 at The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. There is not a lack of entertainment and information to take in at the show. A presentation you won’t want to miss is with Mac and The Big…

Trampled by Turtles to Tour Again

Tour Will Begin May 4 in St. Paul

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth-based band Trampled by Turtles has announced they will be touring again starting May 4 in St. Paul. May 4 will also be the day they release a new album titled “Life is Good on the Open Road.” In October of 2016, the band announced they would be taking a hiatus after spending 13 years on the road. To…

Lawsuits Loom Over Next Week’s Start of Legislative Session

Legislative Session Begins Next Week

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s legislative leaders are heading back to the Capitol soon and promise they’ve put months of contentious legal battles behind them. But it’s clear that lingering disputes could still snag a session already constrained by election-year politics when lawmakers return to St. Paul next week. Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature’s top Republicans and Democrats discussed the upcoming…

Former Duluth and Superior Mayor Arrested

Herb Bergson Arrested Yesterday in Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Sheriff Tom Dalbec of Douglas County says former Duluth and Superior Mayor Herb Bergson was booked into Douglas County Jail yesterday just after 5 p.m. for allegedly leaving the scene, after crashing his vehicle into a tree somewhere in Douglas County. Information on where the incident occurred is still not available, according to Dalbec. Dalbec said, after the crash,…

Money Raised for Large Animal Net Gun After Duluth Snare Incident

Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth has Received a Generous Donation to Purchase a Large Animal Net Gun

DULUTH, Minn. – Just days after a wolf had to be shot and killed in Duluth due to a snare being wrapped around its mouth, animal activists are questioning how this could have ended differently. “It’s not unusual and how many of them we don’t see that die in the woods,” said Farzad Farr, Director of Wildwoods. For many it’s…

Birkie Preparations Underway

Full installation of the infamous American Birkebeiner International Bridge will begin next week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northern Wisconsin is preparing for the American Birkebeiner. Racers are anxious for trail condition updates and nearly 25 hundred volunteers are working to make it happen. “I think it’s beyond anybody’s wildest dreams, certainly we know the impact for Hayward, we know the impact for Cable,” executive director Ben Popp said. “We also know what it means to…