Minnesota

Duluth Angel Of Hope Vigil Helps Parents Of Deceased Children Grieve

DULUTH, Minn. – Parents who have lost children gathered together by candle light in Duluth Friday evening. Duluth’s Angel of Hope statue in Leif Erickson Park is one of more than 100 identical statues that echo back to a book called “The Christmas Box.” In the book, an elderly woman visits her young daughter’s grave, adorned with an Angel Statue….

Scores Released For Top 5 Finalists Of Duluth’s Next Tourism Marketing Contract

Council to vote for or against Madden Media of Arizona at Monday night's city council meeting (Dec. 9)

DULUTH, Minn. — We now know the scores for the top five marketing agencies that applied for Duluth’s next multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract. Below are the scores based off a 100-point scale: Madden Media of Arizona: 81.65 Hailey Sault of Duluth: 78.31 AIMCLEAR of Duluth: 78.29 Lawrence & Schiller of South Dakota: 75.20 Swim Creative of Duluth: 73.55 Any…

Stolen Ruby Slippers Worn By Judy Garland In ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Auctioned For $28M

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A pair of iconic ruby slippers that were worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” and stolen from a museum nearly two decades ago sold for a winning bid of $28 million at auction Saturday. Heritage Auctions had estimated that they would fetch $3 million or more, but the fast-paced bidding far outpaced that…

Local Veterans Honor Pearl Harbor Fallen

DULUTH, Minn. — 83 Years ago, on December 7th, 1941, over 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor Now, decades later, Duluth Veterans held a ceremony, to honor and remember the fallen. The ceremony started with the presentation of colors by the Duluth Honor Guard, which was followed with the singing of…

Shoppers Pick Up Gifts at Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Loves Local hosted the 8th annual Duluth Winter Village at the DECC this weekend. As Christmas gets closer each day, shoppers explored vendors from over 50 local businesses. While many vendors were in Pioneer Hall, dozens of wooden cabins were also set up outside of the DECC, bringing a festive feel to the Northland. One of…

Volunteers Prepare for Hmong New Year Celebration

  DULUTH, Minn.– The annual Hmong New Year is right around the corner and volunteers are rolling out 800 egg rolls and purple rice for this celebration. Every year, the Northland has the opportunity to experience the Hmong New Year celebration. The event is described as a reunion, regulars will often return every year to experience the gathering. The Hmong…

Finishing Touches on the 8th Annual Winter Village at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the DECC, as they prepare for their 8th annual winter village weekend. Taking inspiration from European winter villages the DECC is excited to bring this back for another year. This year, they’re introducing their tinsel tavern, where you can immerse yourself in a Christmas wonderland. In addition, they’re featuring…

Coffee Conversation: Boat Club Productions Presents the Winter Wonderettes

DULUTH, Minn. — The holiday season just got a little brighter with the debut of Winter Wonderettes, presented by Boat Club Productions. This morning, Producer Jason Vincent and Denfeld High School senior Reagan Kern, who plays Betty Jean, joined us in the studio to talk more about the production and what audiences can expect. Winter Wonderettes continues the beloved story of…

New $16.5M Snowmaking Operation At Giants Ridge

BIWABIK, Minn. — 74 new automated snow machines are now operating at Giants Ridge in Biwabik as part of a $16.5-million dollar investment there. A small ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, to celebrate. The new snow-making system is weather controlled turning on and off automatically for optimal snow production based on optimal air conditions. The 74 new snow…

Councilors’ Hands Tied in Tourism Agency Decision

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite an angry public, councilors will need to certify the city’s decision of tourism marketing firm or possibly face legal repercussions. At tonight’s committee of the whole meeting, council members heard from representatives of Madden Media, the Tuscon-based firm that is likely to secure the city’s tourism marketing contract. Madden Media came out on top of about…

Duluth Federal Prison Shutting Down

DULUTH, Minn. — The decades-old Duluth Federal Prison is shutting down. The Federal Bureau of Prison said Thursday that it’s one of six prisons across the country being “deactivated.” The agency said the decision is being made to help deal with significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources. The Duluth camp is not only…

Birders Flock to Sax Zim Bog

MEADOWLANDS, Minn.– The bog is back in full swing, and guests are wasting no time in getting out in nature. The welcome center recently opened at Sax Zim Bog, and people are back to check out the trails and the boardwalks. Lots of nature enthusiasts travel near and far to check out the variety of wildlife the bog has to…

Bicyclist Stuck, Killed By 2 Vehicles At Busy Duluth Intersection

DULUTH, Minn. – A bicyclist was struck and killed by two vehicles at a busy intersection in Duluth Wednesday evening. Duluth police said the 60-year-old man was struck around 5 p.m. on Mesaba Avenue below West 1st Street. Investigators believe the man was riding westbound when he went through the crosswalk without checking for oncoming traffic, which is when the…

Holiday Light Display Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn.– According to the National Fire Protection Association, December is the leading month of house fires. And the Duluth Fire Marshal is urging homeowners to decorate with caution. Whether you’re stringing lights outside, or putting up the tree, remembering fire safety is crucial. Preventing these fires is all about making sure your displays are not outdated and set up…

CHUM in Need of Winter Clothes

DULUTH, Minn.– The temps are getting cooler and organizations like CHUM needs help keeping families who use their shelter stay warm. With winter on the brink, more and more people are accessing the shelter. And with that, the demand for winter clothes is going up. CHUM specifically needs gloves to help avoid frost bite. Another thing they’re looking for, is…

UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In ‘Targeted Shooting’ Outside New York Hotel, Officials Say

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what police said was a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference. The 50-year-old executive was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police…

Kmart Lot Still at Top of Spirit Valley Concerns

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – A meeting meant to generate ideas from the public, becomes joint calls to address vacant Kmart lot. The Spirt Valley Core Investment Plan held its first community meeting at City Center West Tuesday evening. City planners hoped that small group activities amongst residents would generate ideas and feedback, as to what those living in the area would…

‘Tinsel Tavern’ to Shine at Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — This year’s Duluth Winter Village at the DECC is expanding to include a Tinsel Tavern. The tavern includes 1,000 feet of tinsel, 600 feet of wrapping paper and 36 strings of lights.  As for the tavern, Vikre Distillery will be creating holiday cocktails and mocktails, like a Gingerbread Old Fashion. The Winter Village is Saturday and Sunday…

Minnesota Ballet Performs at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn.– After trying for several years, the Minnesota Ballet took their show on the road to spread some holiday spirit. Dancers of the Minnesota Ballet visited Essentia Health and performed several scenes from the Nutcracker for visitors passing by. In addition, they also passed out coupons for the upcoming Friday and Saturday performances. A free child ticket, with a…

Trump Vows To Block Japanese Steelmaker From Buying US Steel

President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp., and he’s pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker. Trump said during the campaign that he would “instantaneously” block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a Monday night statement. President Joe Biden…

Coffee Conversation: Julebyen Christmas Village Returns to Knife River This Weekend

Knife River, MN – The Julebyen Christmas Village is back this weekend, offering a festive experience in the heart of Knife River. The popular holiday event, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 8 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), celebrates a centuries-old Nordic tradition with ethnic foods, crafts, holiday decorations, and music. Festival…

4th Annual Holiday Decor Sale at Boulder Lake ELC

DULUTH, Minn.– Boulder Lake is also taking advantage of holiday sales by using materials on their property. For 4 years now, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center has sold homemade wreathes, porch pots, and even kits to make your very own wreath. This is the largest fundraiser for that Boulder Lake hosts every year. They use freshly harvested material to create…

Biden Pardons Son Hunter Despite Previous Pledges Not To

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members. The Democratic president had previously said he would not pardon his…

Santa and His Reindeer Arrive to Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. — With Thanksgiving being over, Christmas is just around the corner, and the Holiday Spirits were high at Fitger’s as Santa came to town today. Santa and his reindeers Comet and Cupid arrived to Fitger’s for the first time this Holiday season. A long line of families were waiting to get their picture taken with Saint Nick, and…

Black Friday Frenzy at Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — Black Friday shoppers flocked to stores for a day of big deals. Across the country shoppers hit the stores for Black Friday, and in Duluth, thousands roamed through the Miller Hill Mall looking for gifts for the holidays or just trying to snag some deals. The doors of the mall opened up at 6 a.m., so people…

19th Annual Gobble Gallop

DULUTH, Minn.– For 19 years Duluth Running Company has put on the Gobble Gallop. And this year, they had quite the turn out! Over 1,700 runners took on the annual Thanksgiving run. This is the largest turn out they’ve had since 2019. The younger runners participated in the Gobble Giddy up kids run, There was also the Tough Turkey 1…

Coffee Conversation: Author Trish Berger’s New Book, “Little Baby Santa”

DULUTH, Minn. — This morning on Fox 21’s Morning Newscast, author and illustrator Trish Berger joined us live in the studio to share her heartwarming new children’s book, Little Baby Santa. The interactive social-emotional learning book provides a unique learning experience for young readers, combining fun, creativity, and important life lessons. The book is available for purchase online and in…

American Red Cross Partners with First Responders on Battle of the Badges Blood Drives

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Red Cross is partnering with first responders to help make a difference for those in need of life-saving blood. It’s called the Battle of the Badges blood drive. It is a 2-day event where Duluth and Superior Police and Fire and the St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Departments will be taking part. It’s all…

Santa Arrives at the Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Santa Claus has officially arrived at the Miller Hill Mall. The annual Santa Photo Experience has kicked off at the mall, where kids can get their picture taken with Saint Nick. Time slots can be booked ahead of time, but walk ups are also welcome. And as Christmas…

The DECC Preps for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.– With Thanksgiving being a day away, volunteers at the DECC is wasting no time with getting their meals squared away. After planning all year, the 1,540 Thanksgiving meals are being boxed up. They have quite the crew helping out this year, even booking out volunteer slots. The DECC has been feeding the Northland for 35 years. “We have…

Street into Morgan Park Still Closed After CN Rail Bridge Concerns

The road has been closed for nearly two months, after the CN bridge running over it was found to have "advanced deterioration"

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the only roads into the Morgan Park Neighborhood remains closed after a Canadian National-owned rail bridge was shut down due to “advanced deterioration” nearly two months ago. On October 4, city officials announced that an annual inspection of a CN-owned rail bridge of Idaho Street in West Duluth found “advanced deterioration” that made travel over…

AFSCME Rally Food and Fund Drive

DULUTH, Minn.– AFSCME union members collected food donations for Second Harvest Northland today outside Duluth city hall, while rallying for a fair contract with the city. AFSCME represents hundreds of City of Duluth employees. They have been calling for fair wages and better benefits and working conditions. Today’s rally came ahead of a meeting with city administration today. “You know…

Cannabis Ordinance Passes in St. Louis County

County Commissioners Prepare for Commercial Cannabis

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County is preparing for commercial cannabis, passing an ordinance establishing regulations at Tuesday’s meeting. County commissioners heard public comment Tuesday on Ordinance #68, which aims to regulate in-public use and create an infrastructure for zoning and licensing requirements of cannabis businesses. In a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Ashley Grimm voting opposed, the “Cannabis Ordinance” will…

Officers Assaulted, Student Arrested After Fight At Denfeld High School

DULUTH, Minn. — A fight at Denfeld High School Tuesday ended with one student arrested and officers assaulted. A school resource officer responded to help staff members try to separate the students. During the chaotic scene, one staff member and two officers were assaulted, according to a police spokesperson. Three other staff members suffered the effects of a chemical irritant,…

Tim Walz Accepts Turkey Presentation As He Eases Back Into His Duties As Minnesota’s Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As feathers flew, Tim Walz accepted the symbolic presentation of a turkey Tuesday as he eases back into his duties as Minnesota’s governor following the Harris-Walz ticket’s defeat in the presidential election. Unlike the Minnesota-grown turkeys that President Joe Biden pardoned at the White House on Monday, Walz didn’t pardon this turkey, he said, “because in Minnesota we know…

Cooking Connection: Chicken Wellington with Chef Chris at Ledge Rock Grille

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — If turkey isn’t your preferred choice for Thanksgiving, why not try Chicken Wellington instead? Fox 21’s Maria Vollom joined Chef Chris to prepare the dish at Ledge Rock Grille ahead of the holiday. The restaurant will be hosting a Thanksgiving buffet on Thursday, November 28, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Cooking Connection, Minnesota,…

Coffee Conversation: Local Music Duo North of Montgomery Performs

Northland — The local musical duo North of Montgomery, featuring Ava and Kaleb, appeared live on Fox 21’s morning newscast on Tuesday, November 26, for an interview and performance. Stay connected with North of Montgomery on all social media platforms. Catch their next performance at SandRocks in Sandstone on December 5 at 6 PM. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News…

Former Duluth Youth Pastor Sentenced in 2 of 5 Cases

Jackson Michael Gatlin pled guilty to sexual assaulting children, while he served as a youth pastor from the Duluth Vineyard Church

DULUTH, Minn. -A former youth pastor for Duluth’s Vineyard Church, was sentenced to 13 years in prison Monday, after entering a guilty plea earlier this month. Jackson Michael Gatlin, 36, of Duluth, was a former youth pastor for Vineyard Church, where he sexually assaulted five girls from the congregation. On Monday, Gatlin was sentenced to 13 years in prison in…

CHUM Distributes Thanksgiving Boxes

DULUTH, Minn.– For over a decade, CHUM has pitched in to help as many people as possible to make sure they have a Thanksgiving meal they deserve. For the season of giving, CHUM has prepared 100 Thanksgiving boxes filled with all of the essentials. There are favorites such as the turkey itself, stuffing, potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and even…