Minnesota

Shredding into Spring with Urban Snowboarding and Skateboarding

Duluth thrillseekers make extreme fun out of the remaining snow

DULUTH, Minn.- Winter has now officially ended, but some Northlanders know how to make it last. Hills like Spirit Mountain or Chester Bowl are always a good time in winter. But these gnarly rippers get together, and get innovative to shred some powder closer to home, in the beginning of Spring. To your left, a skateboard seems to float off the…

WHEDA Hosts Homebuying Forum for Realtors

Share new programs, tips and tricks to help those looking for a home.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For first-time homebuyers and homebuyers needing assistance in Wisconsin, finding the right property can be difficult, according to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. So WHEDA and North Shore Bank of Commerce at V.I.P. Pizza in Superior to discuss programs to help buyers broaden their horizons. Among the new services they have a financing option where first-time homebuyers…

2020 Hopeful Amy Klobuchar Pitches Major Infrastructure Plan

(AP) – Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar is proposing an infrastructure plan she says will provide $1 trillion to fix roads and bridges, protect against flooding and rebuild schools and other projects. The plan announced Thursday is the first policy proposal from the Minnesota senator since she joined the 2020 race. Klobuchar’s campaign says her plan would leverage $650 billion…

$2 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Minnesota

Holiday Stationstores Earned a $5,000 Bonus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — While someone in neighboring Wisconsin hit the top Powerball jackpot, a ticket sold in Minnesota will make someone a new millionaire. The ticket that matched all five white balls drawn Wednesday night, but missed the Powerball, is good for $2 million. That’s because the player chose the Power Play option to double the prize for those numbers….

Chisholm Teachers Begin Negotiations Again

Chisholm Elementary is the only district in the state without a contract for 2017-2019

CHISHOLM, Minn.- According to the Teachers Union, Chisholm Elementary School District is the only district in the state that hasn’t reached a 2017-2019 contract agreement with teachers. Despite lengthy negotiations, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. Tonight, teachers met to rally before they go back to the bargaining table. Chisholm teachers want to be valued and respected….

Hottest Tech Gadgets for Summer Travel

Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Chad Fajkus Stops by FOX 21 Local News with the Best Summer Tech Gadgets

DULUTH, Minn. – With spring officially here to stay, many of us have the itch to get outdoors or maybe even do a little traveling to places we’ve missed over the winter. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Chad Fajkus stopped by FOX 21 Local News to show off the hottest summer tech gadgets of 2019. • Tile or Samsung SmartThings Tracker…

Community Donations Help CHUM Offer Vital Services to Homeless Pets

CHUM Works Directly with Dougherty Veterinary Clinics in Duluth to Provide Much Needed Services to Homeless Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – Dougherty Veterinary Clinics in is helping make a big impact in Duluth. Officials with CHUM have announced an ongoing partnership with the local clinic to help secure shots and other medical treatments for homeless animals in the region. This week’s Animal Answers introduces us to the woman behind the mission in progress along with a Duluth resident…

Bill Gronseth to Step Down Next Year

His Contract Will be up June 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Superintendent Bill Gronseth announced his decision to not seek another contract after his current contract expires in June 2020. Gronseth has served as Duluth’s Superintendent since 2012. “My family has been a part of Duluth since the 1880’s and it has been my honor to serve the Duluth Public Schools for the past 22 years as a…

Spirit Mountain Community Day

Spirit Mountain kicked off their 'community days' event today that goes until Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite a lack of snow on lawns in Duluth, Spirit Mountain is still open for business, and is giving out daily deals. The sun was shining on the slopes still full of snow. Families soaked in what’s almost the end of the skiing and snowboarding season. It was all part of Spirit Mountain’s Community days through Thursday that…

Proctor Car Wash Burglarized

Thieves broke into a change machine stealing $30 dollars in quarters and dollar coins

PROCTOR, Minn.- A small car wash owner in Proctor is out thousands of dollars after one or more thieves broke into a change machine. Only about thirty dollars in quarters and dollar coins were taken, but the damage to the self-serve car wash is more like three thousand. Owner Mike Podgornik says he came into work this morning to find…

2019 Movies in the Park Line-up Announced

The Season Will Kick off on July 12

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer’s movie line-up has been secured for the Greater Downtown Council’s Movies in the Park series, presented by Carlson Orthodontics. After some robust online voting, eight movies shot to the top as fan favorites to be shown at Leif Erikson Park this summer. The 2019 Movies in the Park season will kick off on July 12…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Upholds Enbridge Line 3 Approval

The is the Third Time MPUC has Upheld Their Decision

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota utility regulators have granted a final green light to Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement. The Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday unanimously rejected the last pending petitions for reconsideration, including one from the state Commerce Department. The Commerce Department had joined with tribal and environmental groups…

Duluth Salvation Army Looks to Surpass $18,000 FoodShare Goal

March Minnesota FoodShare is the Largest Food Drive in the State, Helping Restock Over 300 Food Shelves in the State

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Salvation Army food shelf and hot lunch programs provided more than 81,000 meals to those in need last year. It’s a large number that couldn’t be reached without the generosity and kindness of community members in the Northland. March Minnesota FoodShare is the largest food drive in the state, helping restock over 300 food shelves in…

Drama, Comedy Collide with “Sweeney Todd” at NorShor Theatre

The Production is Showing at the NorShor Theatre March 27 - April 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The musical thriller “Sweeny Todd” is coming to life at the historic NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth March 27 – April 14. Sweeney Todd tells the story of a vengeful barber and his twisted partnership with the outrageous Mrs. Lovett who comes up with a devilish plot to add a special ingredient to a recipe that has…

House Democratic Budget Plan Includes College Tuition Freeze

Senate GOP Majority Will Release Their Budget Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Leaders of the Minnesota House Democratic majority have unveiled a budget framework that’s similar to Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget but adds a tuition freeze for students at public colleges and universities. The plan announced Monday also includes additional corporate tax loophole closings to raise more revenue. It includes the governor’s proposal for raising the…

Knowing Your Neighbor: 144 Music, Fashion and More

Looking to spice up your style? 144 has it all

DULUTH, Minn.- Looking to add some drip to your fashion style this spring and summer? Look no further than 144 Music, Fashion and More here in Duluth. You may be asking, what is drip? Drip is adding some bling and glitter to your since of style. And with so many concerned about how we look out in the public, this…

Sensory Friendly Planetarium

UMD hosted an event for those with light and sound sensitivities tonight

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Planetarium hosted a night for those with light and sound sensitivity tonight. Staff gave people who came out a guided sky tour and showed a movie. The goal is to make sure each person is comfortable. Madalina Kelner, President for ‘Access for All’ stated that “it’s important to make sure that sensory friendly events happen so…

Gov. Walz Talks Healthcare Reform in Duluth

Roundtable held at Snooty Fox Tea Shop.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over a month after releasing a new budget proposal, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared more about a feature of that proposal, his OneCare health care reform. At a roundtable discussion at Snooty Fox Tea Shop, the governor promised to “cut out the middleman” by not paying insurance companies hoping they lower costs. Instead he plans to provide direct subsidies…

Workshop Helps with Climate Change Conversations

AICHO and Climate Generation hold two day Climate Institute.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) and Climate Generation hosted a climate institute in Duluth. The two-day event aims to open up meaningful conversations about climate change, humanizing what they say is a normally science-dominated discussion. “We’re really beyond the science because we know that information alone is not enough to move someone to behavior change,” said Jothsna…

Duluth Police Respond to Shooting Incident in East Hillside Neighborhood

The Incident Occured Shortly Before Noon Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to the scene on Fifth Avenue East and 10th Street around noon today of reports of shots being fired from a vehicle at a home. A witnesses reported the suspect vehicle spotted was a newer black Chevy Impala with four occupants. Authorities are reporting no injuries occurred. “The believed victims were uncooperative but officers…

Historic Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad in Search of Volunteers

Volunteers are Invited to Attend an Upcoming Meeting at the Superior Public Library Saturday, March 30

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent study conducted by UMD, the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad (LSMR) is responsible for bringing nearly $1.6 million dollars to the Duluth area thanks to tourism every year. President of LSMR Joel Manns says he and his team are surprised at the recent results, but honored to be making such a big impact in…

Mustache March Run Held Today

A perfect day for a 5K, as mustaches filled the board walk of Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn.- Mustaches of all shapes, colors and sizes were on display for the Mustache March Run 5K along Lake Superior. Runners are encouraged to grow their mustaches out for the whole month in preparation for the event. Even though its still early in the year, today’s weather was on the runners’ side. Mike Ward, Race Director stated that “we…

Day Two of Motorhead Madness

Day two of three was held this afternoon with hundreds in attendance

DULUTH, Minn.- Motorhead Madness continued today at the DECC. With the warm weather, hundreds flocked to check out all the old fashion cars, trucks antiques, and even a radio controlled car race. One shop from the Twin Cities has been to the event since 2011. They travel all over the country showing off their cars and cycles. They really enjoy…

Mad Hatter Fundraiser Held Today

Spirit of The lake Community Schools held a fundraiser today for a new building

DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit of the Lake Community School wants a new building later this year. Today, they had a fundraiser to raise money for the project. Kids got all dressed up for a spring tea and silent auction. School officials say the need for early childhood education isn’t about screen time, but about a bond between student and teacher using…

Paddling Film Festival

The World Paddle Film Festival was in Duluth Friday evening

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland Paddlers Alliance brought the World Paddle Film Festival to Duluth, a place where paddle sports has always been big. There were nine adventure films to watch at the festival. Money raised from the auction tonight went to a good cause to get even more people out and paddling. Scott Neustel, Director of Paddling Film Festival for…

Mustache March & 5k Fun Run

Active Adventures: Slap On The Fake Mustaches And Run For Fun!

DULUTH, Minn. — The Mustache March Run is back for 2019! Join Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot with the event organizer Mike Ward in the video above for the hairy details! WHAT: 5k fun run, plus prizes and a “Best Mustache Contest” WHERE: Fitger’s Rex Bar. The 5k (3.1 mile) run/walk course is on the Duluth Lakewalk, starting and finishing below…

51st Annual Motorhead Madness Revs up Northland Auto Enthusiasts

The 51st Annual Arrowhead Auto Body Motorhead Madness is Happening March 23 - 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland’s biggest indoor car show is coming to the DECC March 23 – 24. The show is in its 51st year, featuring four overflowing arenas filled with customs, street rods, trucks, 4X4s, race cars, cycles, rat rods and antiques. Vendors will be on site along with a swap meet and flea market for folks to enjoy….

Unemployment Inches up in February in Minnesota

Jobless Rate Inched up to 3.1 Percent

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota’s unemployment rate increased slightly in February for the second consecutive month as brutal winter weather idled more than 6,000 construction workers. The state Department of Employment and Economic Development says the jobless rate last month was 3.1 percent, inching up from 3 percent in January. In addition to the loss of 6,200 construction jobs last month, Minnesota’s…

Motorcycles Start Hitting the Roads

Sunshine and warm temps are allowing those on two wheels to get back on the pavement

DULUTH, Minn.- Motorcycle riders here in the Northland are finally able to get back and out on two wheels again. Terry Ludwikowski, owner of Color & Chrome in Superior, says “the riding, the wind in your face, and you just feel like you’re all of a sudden free again after all winter”. With sunshine here and temperatures rising, Northland bikers…

Carrots Take The Spotlight

Carrot Béarnaise Salad At New Scenic Café

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are turning carrots into a main ingredient! Check out this fancy Carrot Béarnaise Salad that New Scenic Café cooked for us! The New Scenic Café, nestled along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior near Duluth, Minnesota, is a destination for thousands of Minnesota travelers all year long. And now the…

Woman Killed in Crash Days Before Husband’s Funeral

The Driver Suffered Critical Injuries

DEERWOOD, Minn. – A woman has died in a crash in Crow Wing County just days before her husband’s funeral. The Minnesota State Patrol says a Crosby man crossed the centerline on Highway 6 near Deerwood Wednesday and hit the woman’s car head on. Seventy-year-old Barbara Jo Blood died at the scene. The driver of the car that crossed over…

Hundreds of Area Students Jazzed About 47th Annual Music Festival

The 47th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival Begins Friday, March 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of area students are getting jazzed for the 47th Annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival happening in Weber Hall on the campus of UMD. The festival kicks off Friday, March 22 and will run through Saturday, March 23. Not only will students have the chance to perform during the festival, there will also be special…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens For 59th Season!

Spring Is Here When A 1960's Famous Restaurant Opens In Cloquet!

CLOQUET, Minn. — It’s officially Spring and that means Gordy’s Hi-Hat opened back up for their 59th season today! “A whole WOOHOO, I’ve come here probably like 20 times!” said a Saginaw, MI resident who was eating at Gordy’s. Eagerly waiting customers began to arrive early as a line formed around the building. 50 free tee-shirts were handed out to…

Using Science to Connect Parents and their Children

Stem + Families Science Festival took place at Homecroft Elementary Wednesday night

DULUTH, Minn.- Tonight, the world of science connected students and their parents from Homecroft Elementary School. The packed gym saw families learning and experimenting with all types of fun science activities as part of the “Stem + Families Science Festival” Duluth PTSA Council President Stacey DeRoche says “we really are wanting that engagement piece with parents and their kids. Not…

Free Ice Cream Cone To Celebrate Springs Arrival

Dairy Queen Offers A Free Vanilla Cone Today Only!

WEST DULUTH, Minn. –The tastes and celebrations of Spring are upon us! Dairy Queen’s across the Northland and offering a free ice cream cone today only! (Mall locations not participating). Limit 1 per person and vanilla only, no purchase is necessary! The past years, individual locations have given out over 2,000 cones! This year the temperatures are a little cooler…

Bitter Health Insurance Debate Erupts in Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bitter, partisan debate erupted on the Minnesota House floor when Republicans tried to bring up a health care reinsurance bill that House Democrats oppose as a giveaway to the insurance industry. Republicans passed a $549 million reinsurance plan to hold down individual marketplace premiums when they controlled the Legislature in 2017. A bill the Senate…

Convenience Stores Find Loophole to Sell Flavored Tobacco

Korner Store in Gary New Duluth opening up smoke shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- At least two convenience stores in Duluth have found a way around a year-old city ordinance that bans the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products. Derek Medved, owner of the Korner Store in Gary New Duluth, is creating a separate retail establishment as a smoke shop within his convenience store. The 10 foot by 10 foot section…

Northland Group Training for Grandma’s Marathon

North Park Run Club enjoying outdoors with warm weather

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow in the Northland is melting which means that one local group is preparing for Grandma’s Marathon finally has the opportunity to get onto the pavement and enjoy the fresh air. North Park Run Club Coach Jessica Rossing says “this kind of helps to even it out a bit, to help everyone get back into a grove of…

House Lawmakers Pass Hands-Free Driving Bill, on to Senate

State Highway Patrol in favor of law.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota House has approved a bill requiring drivers to use hands–free devices when talking on the phone. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. Sponsors of the bill say the measure will help cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. Today the Minnesota State Highway Patrol told us that they’re…

Duluth Public Works Crews Tackle Potholes, Encounter Obstacles

Crews' work doubling due to weather and water.

DULUTH, Minn.- Warmer air means Duluth Public Works crews are out in force tackling all those potholes around town. But the melting snow is making any permanent solution, temporary. It took crews an hour to finish 100 yards of a stretch of 35th Avenue East. But looking back on their work, they saw the water runoff and tire treads already…

Senate Republicans Revive Private School Scholarships Plan

MN School Board Association Says it Would Divert Resources From Public Schools

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Senate Republican leaders say a proposal to use tax credits to funnel donations into scholarships for low- and middle-income students to attend private schools is a priority for them. And they’re hoping to make it the subject of negotiations with Democrat Gov. Tim Walz and House Democratic leaders late in the session. Senate Taxes Chairman Roger…

Rare Full Worm Supermoon Set To Shine On Spring Equinox

How to See Last Supermoon of 2019 on Spring Equinox

NORTHLAND – This full moon is the third and final Supermoon for the rest of 2019, so if you missed the first two in January and February, be sure to catch this one—it’s your last chance of the year. It’s set to fully form on March 20, 2019 at 8:43 p.m. Central Time. It falls on the same day as the…

Super Heroes to Take Over Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth

The 2019 Ice Show is Happening Saturday, March 23 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Super heroes are set to skate into the Mars Lakeview Arena in Dultuh Saturday, March 23 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Duluth Figure Skating Club is proud to present the 2019 Ice Show. This year’s event is super hero themed and will include many choreographed routines along with fun for the whole family to enjoy….

Teen Injured in Vehicle Rollover Accident in West Duluth

The Driver Sustained Non-Life Threatening Injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota State Patrol, an 18-year-old female from Hermantown sustained injuries Tuesday morning after she lost control of her vehicle due to icy road conditions. Authorities say the female lost control of her Chevy Blazer on the icy 46th Avenue West ramp to southbound I35 causing her vehicle to roll. She was transported to a…

Minnesota House Passes Bill to Fight Opioid Epidemic

The Bill Passed 94-34

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has voted to hold drug manufacturers responsible for the state’s growing costs for dealing with the opioid crisis. The bill passed 94-34 Monday night. It would support prevention, education, intervention, treatment and recovery strategies. The state would pay for them by sharply raising its annual registration fees for pharmaceutical manufacturers and drug wholesalers…

Opioid Deaths, Suicide Reach Record Levels in Minnesota

A Bill to Address the Opioid Crisis Passed Monday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – State data shows the number of deaths from opioids and suicides in Minnesota reached record levels in 2017. The Minnesota Department of Health says 783 people took their own lives in 2017, a 5 percent increase from the previous year. There were 422 deaths from opioid overdoses, a 12 percent increase from 2016. State officials have…

Hands-free Driving Bill Passes in Minnesota House

The House Passed the Bill Monday Night

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has approved a bill that would require motorists to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone. Sponsors say the measure will cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. A similar bill is working its way through…