News

UMD Chocolate Lab Hosts Annual Valentine’s Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Chocolate Lab experts hosted their annual Valentine’s Day sale this week. Students in the Department of Chemical Engineering take a course on chocolate making. Part of the course is to travel to Trinidad to harvest cocoa and then bring back beans to eventually make it into chocolate. A lot of the principles in chocolate making relate…

After ‘Threat Complaint,’ Solon Springs School District Board Criticized For ‘Lack of Communication’

UPDATE Following 2/14 Story

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — Emotions were high Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting over safety and security procedures within the district. The meeting was called after a “threat complaint” by a student on Monday, February 5th. According to the district and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, they determined the threat was a misunderstanding. They say…

Mild Winter Still Finds People Seeking Shelter

Those working with people on the street say less snow and cold does not solve lack of permanent places to sleep.

The unusually mild and snowless winter has created challenges and problems for those who are counting on a real winter, but it has not necessarily meant a break for those who live on the street. The warming centers operated by CHUM provide relief and safety for those who need it, but this winter they have still been seeing sixty to…

MN Sen. Hauschild Identifies Priorities for Legislative Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature is now in the third day of its new session, and Senator Grant Hauschild, (DFL) from Hermantown, has identified the issues his constituents believe are the most urgent. Following meetings with residents throughout the summer and fall, Hauschild says the need for EMS services, childcare availability, and housing in rural Minnesota stood out…

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Honored In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday was a day to honor indigenous women and relatives who have been murdered or are missing. It is part of the 9th Annual Memorial March for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The event starts with an opening ceremony at the Robert Powless Cultural Center in Duluth, transitions to a march downtown, and ends with…

Newly elected Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy running for County Commissioner

DULUTH, MN – Newly elected Duluth City Councilor no longer wants the job. Three months in, Janet Kennedy has decided she will run for County Commissioner. Kennedy made the announcement standing on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. Kennedy, in explaining her reason for changing her mind and wanting to switch jobs, said with her two major initiatives focused on…

1 Dead And Up To 15 Injured After Shooting Near Kansas City Chiefs Parade, Police Chief Says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — At least one person was killed Wednesday in a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, police say. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference that one person is dead and up to 15 were injured. It’s not clear how many were injured by gunshots “I’m angry at what…

Political Season Ramping Up, MN DFL Chair Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — With the general elections only nine months away, political activity is ramping up. That includes getting out the vote, but before that, getting out to precinct caucuses. The chair of the Minnesota DFL party was making the rounds in the northland Tuesday. Ken Martin was encouraging people to mark their calendars for caucuses on February 27th, and…

Flu Hangs On In US, Fading In Some Areas And Intensifying In Others

NEW YORK (AP) — The flu virus is hanging on in the U.S., intensifying in some areas of the country after weeks of an apparent national decline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday showed a continued national drop in flu hospitalizations, but other indicators were up — including the number of states with high or very high…

Emotions Erupt At Solon Springs School Board Meeting Over Recent ‘Threat Complaint’

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Emotions hit a breaking point Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting involving safety and security procedures within the district. Officials at the district said the meeting was about providing facts and dispelling rumors around what parents said was a gun threat by a student that wasn’t handled properly. The meeting started…

Island Lake Inn Hosting Valentine’s Dinner, Spots Still Open

Call 218-721-5000 to make a reservation between 5 and 9 p.m. Wednesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. — Island Lake Inn is busy preparing for their annual Valentine’s Dinner that’s happening Wednesday night. The dinner is Surf and Turf style and includes an 8-ounce lobster, 12-ounce ribeye steak, garlic mashed potatoes, a salad, popover, and special dessert. That’s all for $65. The marketing director says the restaurant has a comfy cozy atmosphere perfect for couples…

GND REC Receives $25,000 Matching Grant Challenge

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. — Gary New Duluth’s Development Alliance, which is the non-profit in charge of the GND Recreation Center received a matching grant challenge from a major contributor. The donor will match contributions dollar for dollar up to $25,000 and that money will not be tied to any project in particular. The president of the Alliance, Mark Boben,…

Senate Passes A $95.3 Billion Aid Package For Ukraine And Israel, But Fate In The House Is Uncertain

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. The vote came after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through…

Lake Superior College Hosts Spring Student Success Day

LSC is taking the day to set their students up for success -- and not just in the classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — School was out at Lake Superior College today, but it wasn’t just a day for students to relax! Each semester, LSC’s Student Success Day is an opportunity for students to build community through networking and skill building. LSC President Patricia Rogers said the college is all about getting students ready for the next phase of their life,…

Police Release Photo in Duluth Armed Robbery

Police say the person is a suspect in Sunday's gas station robbery.

DULUTH, Minn. –The Duluth Police Department has a put out a photograph of a suspect in a weekend armed robbery. The person appears to be a man, and in one of the pictures it looks like the person is holding a large handgun. The armed robbery happened on Super Bowl Sunday, about 7 p.m. It happened at the Cenex Short…

Coffee Conversation: 218 Days Northland Celebration Returns

NORTHLAND — 218 Days returns for year two to northland communities this weekend, featuring live music along with art and local food. It runs Feb. 16-18. Director of Sales at Odyssey Resorts Sara Zeleznikar and Hakkon Nelson with Vikre Distillery joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the event and its purpose. A collection of events and…

Snow-Making Machines Save 50th American Birkebeiner, But With Changes

CABLE, Wis. – Officials with the 50th Annual American Birkebeiner announced Monday evening that the races will go on next week in one form or another. The Birkie won’t be taking its traditional path from Cable to Hayward and will instead take place on a 10 kilometer loop in Cable. Races that go beyond 10 kilometers will do loops. Organizers…

Injured Duluth Firefighter Cheered On As He Continues His Recovery

24-year-old Ray Skoglund left Monday for specialized hospital care.

DULUTH, Minn. – When a Duluth 148th Fighter jet flew overhead Monday morning, it was offering a greeting of sorts to a young man below. Under the roar of the engines was the message, “We love you, Ray. Go get ’em!” The Duluth International Airport was the scene of a large, extended family gathering. They were there to send off…

One Roof Community Housing Constructing New Affordable Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing is in the process of constructing two new affordable housing buildings for people who have experienced homelessness. The building, deemed Plover Place, will hold 12 individuals for each apartment. The affordable housing project has been in development since 2020. One Roof says the priority was to construct cost-effective and efficient buildings. Plover Place…

25th Black Woods Blizzard Tour Raises $2 Million

DULUTH, Minn. — The 25th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour raised a record-breaking $2 million, supporting people battling ALS. The snowmobiling portion was canceled because of the lack of snow this winter, and the three-day event became “The Games of the 25th.” Held at Skyline Social and Games and Curl Mesabi, people competed in indoor games, from duckpin bowling to…

Wreck Of Ship That Sank In 1940 Found In Lake Superior

Courtesy: Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society WHITEFISH POINT, Mich. (AP) — Shipwreck hunters have discovered a merchant ship that sank in Lake Superior in 1940, taking its captain with it, during a storm off Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain announced Monday the discovery of the 244-foot (74-meter) bulk carrier Arlington in about 650…

Final Live Q&A Update On Birkie Monday Night

HAYWARD, Wis. — A final live Q&A will take place regarding the status of the Birkie Monday night at 7. The 50th Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner is happening February 24th in Hayward, Wisconsin. Organizers hoping the event will be pulled off in some form. The last Q&A session focused on four contingencies. Monday night’s update will share which option was…

Patrick Mahomes Rallies The Chiefs To 2nd Straight Super Bowl Title

(AP) LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions. Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman with 3 seconds left in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champs in 19 years and ninth overall….

Duluth Firefighter Injured In Hit-And-Run Incident To Get ‘Advanced Physical Therapy’

Raymond Skoglund DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth firefighter who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident last month will soon be getting specialized care at a hospital in Colorado. Ray Skoglund, 24, will fly out of Monaco Air around 11:45 a.m. Monday to head to Craig Hospital in Denver to receive advanced physical therapy, according to the city of Duluth….

Iron Range Firefighters Tackle 3 Weekend Structure Fires

Gilbert fire, courtesy of Northland Fire Wire Firefighters were busy this weekend fighting three separate structure fires on the Iron Range. The latest fire happened Saturday evening in downtown Gilbert in an apartment building. Gilbert fire, courtesy of Northland Fire Wire Multiple agencies assisted in this fire. One tenant was treated on scene for minor burns, according to the Northland…

Vanilla Bean To Close Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Vanilla Bean Duluth is closing in two weeks at its Mt. Royal location after six years in business. Owners Jason Vincent and Jeff Anderson made the announcement on social media. The last day of business will be Feb. 25. The post said two young entrepreneurs looking for restaurant space will take over the location. There was no…

Northland BIPOC Business Showcase Returns To Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — The 4th annual Northland BIPOC Business Showcase took place Saturday, featuring local artists and entrepreneurs. Over 30 vendors filled the great hall at the Duluth Depot. From BIPOC owned businesses, handmade crafts and even multiple food tables. The founder of the event, Kia Ronning, says it started with just 10 vendors the first year and has grown…

Duluth Protestors Demand Immediate Cease Fire in Gaza

DULUTH, Minn. –A group of protestors gathered Friday at a main entry point into Canal Park to let people know their position on the conflict in Gaza. The Palestine Solidarity Working Group, organized the event to continue its efforts to have a cease-fire declared. One of the leaders, Mary Owens explained why a protest in Duluth would make any difference…

Celebrating 3 Years of Duluth Ronald McDonald House Helping Families

Anniversary a time to reflect and be thankful.

There is nothing like an anniversary party to brighten up a gray February day. And Friday people were celebrating a place that has brightened up the day of many families. The Ronald McDonald House in Duluth has been a welcome landing place for three years. Friday, Essentia Health medical staff and others gathered to think about the resource it has…

Sheriff Says News Release Worded “Incorrectly,” Lutsen Fire Not a “Crime Scene”

Cook County Sheriff apologizes for "confusion."

LUTSEN, Minn. — Less than an hour after describing the Lutsen Resort Main Lodge fire, as a crime scene, the Cook County Sheriff’s office said it is not a crime scene. In response to an email from FOX21, Sheriff Pat Eliasen replied, “It is not a crime scene. The release was worded incorrectly. We are sorry for the confusion…the release…

Police Search For Person Who Shot A Tourist In Times Square Then Fired At An Officer

NEW YORK (AP) — A suspected shoplifter opened fire inside a Times Square sporting goods store after being confronted by a security guard Thursday night, hitting a tourist in the leg before fleeing into the street, according to police. As police chased the shooter a few blocks on the busy streets of Midtown, Manhattan, he fired twice at an officer,…

Barnum High School Students Learning Life Skills Through Business Organization

BARNUM, Minn. — February is Career and Technical Education or CTE Awareness Month and over at Barnum High School students are going above and beyond what they’re learning in the classroom. Business Professionals of America is a student organization for 9th through 12th grade students. Students choose from around 60 events to compete in ranging from accounting, marketing, computer programming,…

First-Ever February Tornado Forms In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The first-ever tornado in February was spotted Thursday just south of Madison, the National Weather Service confirmed. It was the first tornado ever for the state of Wisconsin during the month since records have been kept, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Rock County officials, in the area where the tornado was reported, received reports of about…

ALS Black Woods Blizzard Tour Does Not “Surrender” to Lack of Snow

25th Anniversary fundraiser adjusts and pushes forward.

Snowmobile trails across the area are closed or have limited amounts of snow, making tough sledding impossible sledding. For some people it is just an inconvenience, but if you are putting together a snowmobile tour fundraiser, it could be a backbreaker. But, not so, say those putting on one of the area’s biggest annual events. Thursday, the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour…

Superior’s The Strength Factory Makes Working Out ‘Safe and Inclusive’

Kelly Kellar's passion project promotes community and fitness for everyone

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…

St. Louis County Receives New Fire Suppression Tools

The Glen Avon and Euclid Masonic Lodges Donated 10 New Devices to the County

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received a new tool today that will help first responders who arrive at fires before firefighters. First responders will use be able to use to ten new fire suppression tools to quickly reduce the temperature by nearly one thousand degrees and flame activity. Once activated, they can throw the device into…

UMD Indigenous Student Organization Raising Funds For Spring Powwow

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s Indigenous Student Organization is raising funds for their spring Powwow by selling grilled cheese and tomato soup. The organization focuses on different indigenous cultures that surround the college encouraging students to embrace their backgrounds and feel more comfortable doing so. The second annual Spring Powwow is happening March 23rd and donations from the grilled cheese fundraiser…

The Supreme Court Seems Poised To Reject Efforts To Kick Trump Off The Ballot Over The Capitol Riot

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems poised to reject attempts to kick former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot. A definitive ruling for Trump, the leading Republican candidate for president, would largely end efforts in Colorado, Maine and elsewhere to prevent his name from appearing on the ballot. Conservative and liberal justices alike questioned during arguments Thursday whether Trump can be disqualified from being president again because of…

Special Counsel: Biden ‘Willfully’ Disclosed Classified Materials, But No Criminal Charges Warranted

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden “willfully” retained and disclosed highly classified materials when he was a private citizen, including documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other sensitive national security matters, according to a Justice Department report that nonetheless says no criminal charges are warranted for him or anyone else. The report from special counsel Robert Hur, released Thursday, represents…