Minnesota

Duluth Residents Dig Out After Snowstorm

DULUTH, Minn. — Even though Spring is officially in 8 days, the Northland got hit with yet another snow storm. As Duluthians break out the shovels once again. The many inches of snow didn’t stop people from getting outside to clear off some fresh powder. While city plows hit the road, residents can do their part by clearing of their…

Remembering Bud Grant: Legendary Vikings Coach Passes at 95

Bud Grant led the Vikings to 11 Division Championships in 18 seasons, with a 152-96-5 record during his coaching career.

On Saturday, not just Minnesota, not just Midwestern sports fans but the sports world was shattered by the loss of Superior, Wis. native, Harry Peter Grant Jr., better known as Bud Grant. Grant who grew up in Superior, excelled from a young age as a three-sport athlete. Leading him to the University of Minnesota where he lettered in football, basketball…

Glitterati Helps Raise Money for Ronald McDonald House

Duluth, Minn.  — The Ronald McDonald house has been keeping families together in the twin ports since 2021. This weekend they are the charity of choice for Glitterati’s spring craft and vendor event at Clyde Iron’s Malting Building. Glitterati brought together 25 local vendors which sold a variety of goods like candles, paintings, and even Guatemalan jewelry. Amber Brostrom the…

It’s Snowing Again!

Duluth, Minn.  –The official start of spring is just ten days off….right? Well, apparently that’s true only in other parts of the country but not here in the Northland. Old Man Winter is telling Mother Nature  he wants more time and to prove it we’re receiving more snow. The snow in Duluth started lightly enough just after the lunch hour…

UPDATE: Duluth I-35 Southbound Changes Happening Tuesday

UPDATE (March 10, 4:10 p.m.) — The traffic changes on I-35 through the Twin Ports Interchange are now starting Tuesday. Originally the change was supposed to happen Monday, but due to weather, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says it will begin Tuesday. ORIGINAL POST: DULUTH, Minn. — A heads up for drivers, if you use I-35 through the Twin Ports…

Ida Rukavina, Commissioner Of IRRRB Confirmed

EVELETH, Minn. — Ida Rukavina was appointed as commissioner of the IRRRB by Governor Walz last December and she assumed the role on January 2. Thursday, the Minnesota Senate officially voted to confirm Rukavina as the commissioner of the IRRRB. FOX21 talked with her last month, and she told us she is confident her past experience working with schools, businesses,…

Coffee Conversation: The Postpartum Period for News Moms and Spouses

DULUTH, Minn. — A deep-dive into perinatal mental health during the postpartum period for new moms and spouses. New moms experience a blend of physical, hormonal and emotional changes both during pregnancy and postpartum. Founder of Duluth Perinatal / Perinatal Mental Health Specialist / and new mom herself, Celleste Schnellbach, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about postpartum…

Safe Kids Northeast Minnesota Partners With Local Fire Departments

DULUTH, Minn. — 73% of car seats are not installed or adjusted correctly according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safe Kids Northeast Minnesota is partnering with local fire departments to provide car seat clinics to help keep kids safe. Thursday the car seat clinic was held at a Duluth Fire Station. A local technician was there helping teach…

Pro Boxers Weigh In Before Friday Night Event In Duluth

FOX 21's Dan Hanger will be your ring announcer

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building for Friday’s big pro boxing event at The Garden in Duluth’s Canal Park. Headliner Danny “Lionheart” Huffman was one of the fighters getting weighed in Thursday. “I feel great, weighed in, weights on point. Came in right at the 154-weight limit. Opponent came a little heavy, that was expected. So, I’m not worried about…

Police: ‘Partial Jaw Bone’ Discovered During Interchange Construction

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police confirmed Thursday that a human bone was found Feb. 14 during construction of the Twin Ports Interchange project. The “partial jaw bone” was located in the area of North 22nd Avenue W and West 1st Street, which is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. An archaeologist was called to the scene to confirm the bone was…

Two Lumber Yards In Grand Marais Merge Into One

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Two lumber yards in Grand Marais are now merging into one. According to a press release from a Cook County Home Center representative, Sawtooth Lumber Inc will become the Westside branch of the Home Center located just east of Grand Marais. The representative says this will provide customers who go to both businesses with more inventory…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Presents Transformational Memoir

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Author Heather Wilde shared her personal story, “Tumbled: A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth, and Magical Transformation,” on the morning newscast. The book features a collection of memories about codependency, budding sexuality, abuse, abandonment, introspection and the need for a new identity, according to Wilde. “I’ve learned that vulnerability is a superpower,” a quote from Wilde…

Minnesota Unemployment Rate Remains Steady, 14k Jobs Added In February

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota gained 14,100 jobs in February, according to data from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. DEED says the private sector gained 12,000 and the state’s unemployment stayed near historic lows at 2.9%. Across the country, unemployment fell 0.1% to 3.4% as 517,000 jobs were added nationally. “Our biggest month-to-month job growth in nearly a year indicates our…

Homicide Investigation In Grand Marais Involving Elderly Man

Victim is a 78 years old

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — A homicide investigation is underway in Grand Marais involving a 78-year-old Lawrence Scully, who police say died after an altercation with another man. The call for help came in around 4:48 p.m. Wednesday at Scully’s home on the 1100 block of East 5th Street, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies found the victim suffering…

DECC In Need Of Concessions Workers For Women’s Frozen Four, Offering Incentive

DULUTH, Minn. — The DECC is hosting the NCAA Division I Women’s Frozen Four next weekend and they badly need help keeping concession stands open for thousands of hockey fans from across the country. A spokesperson at the DECC tells FOX21 they’ve gotten 50 organizations to volunteer through the DECC’s paid fundraising program, but it’s still not enough. So, to…

Order Protecting Gender-Affirming Care Signed By Gov. Walz

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday signed an executive order protecting the rights of the state’s LGBTQ+ community to seek and receive gender-affirming health care. “As states across the country move to ban access to gender-affirming care, we want LGBTQ Minnesotans to know they will continue to be safe, protected, and welcome in Minnesota,” Gov. Walz said in a…

Former County Atty., Former Legal Partner Remember Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski

DULUTH, Minn. – The legal community in Duluth was reflecting Tuesday on Judge Sally Tarnowski’s impact within Minnesota’s 6th Judicial District one day after she died in Florida was on vacation. According to the Star Tribune, Tarnowski was stuck by a vehicle while out on a jog in Venice, Florida. Duluth Lawyer Joe Roby worked with Tarnowski when she first…

Special Coverage: The Death Of Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski

Tarnowski died Monday after being struck by a vehicle while out running in Venice, Florida, according to the Star Tribune

DULUTH, Minn. — Click the video above to watch FOX 21’s 5:30 p.m. newscast Tuesday with special coverage on the death of Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski.   We’ll have more tonight at 9 p.m.   Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political, Public Safety

AG Ellison Launches Civil Investigation Into Kia, Hyundai Over Vehicle Thefts

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a civil investigation into Kia and Hyundai amid a surge of vehicle thefts in the Twin Cities. In a press conference on Tuesday, Ellison said the investigation will look into whether the two automotive companies violated Minnesota consumer protection and public nuisance laws for failing to equip their vehicles with the industry standard anti-theft…

‘Driver’s Licenses For All’ Becomes Law In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – New legislation that aims to provide “driver’s licenses for all” has officially been signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz. The official signing is the culmination of a long-running campaign to give a currently estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants the right to drive legally in Minnesota, according to a news release. After progressing through the DFL-controlled House and Senate, Democrat lawmakers…

Northern Minnesota’s 218 Is Among Area Codes Most Associated With Spam Calls

BRAINERD, Minn. (FOX 9) – A northern Minnesota area code is among the area codes most associated with spam phone calls. According to the Federal Communications Commission, around 60 million Americans reported a phone scam in 2021. GoBankingRates has listed the top area codes you should never answer if you don’t know who is on the other line, and that includes the 218 area code in northern…

Remembering Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski Through Rare 2014 Interview

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski died Monday while on vacation in Florida, according to the State Court Administrator’s Office.   Details around the cause of death were not immediately released Monday evening. Tarnowski showing off her stylish high heels in her office in 2014 interview. Judge Tarnowski gave FOX 21 rare access into her life as a female judge…

Former Duluth Advocate, City Councilor Barb Russ Remembered As ‘Exemplary Public Servant’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman is one of many city leaders reflecting on the life of Barb Russ, a longtime Duluth advocate and former city councilor. “She didn’t get high or low, and she wasn’t going to be baited by sort of the circus element of it. I always enjoyed it, especially out of certain other councilors…

West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens for Season

DULUTH, Minn. — There’s finally a sign of Spring! The West Duluth Dairy Queen has opened for the season after a long snowy Winter. It opened up on Friday, and even with the fresh snow that fell overnight there was a line outside Monday. From blizzards to sundaes there is plenty of cold treats for people to enjoy. Coming up…

Food Farm Planting Seeds as Ground Thaws

WRENSHALL, Minn. — After a few dry years, the Food Farm in Wrenshall is hoping for a great growing season as the snow starts to melt and their greenhouse opens. Lots of snow means plenty of moisture to grow the more than 150 varieties of crops that they produce. The farm recently planted their first batch of seeds and are…

Shamrock Shake Fundraiser For Ronald McDonald House

St. Patrick’s Day is less than 2 weeks away leading McDonald’s to bring back its Shamrock Shake, for a good cause. Starting March 6 through March 16 select McDonald’s locations in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and Michigan will donate 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry purchased. This will be to support Ronald McDonald House Charities in Minnesota….

DXC Hosts Youth Ski Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — The recent snowfall and winter temperatures are giving skiers the chance to get some final runs in before Spirit Mountain expects to close later this month. Sunday, Feb. 5, Duluth’s Cross Country Ski Club had its annual Youth Ski Festival at Spirit Mountain Chalet.  Kids had the chance to participate in a “Fish Scale Frenzy” to see…

Bloody Mary Festival Raises Money for Life House

DULUTH, Minn. — People are gathered here Sunday at Clyde Iron Works for a Bloody Mary Festival where all moneys for the festival will benefit Life House and their mission to support at-risk teens and young adults in the twin ports Life House has provided mental health and substance abuse services in the Twin Ports for 30 years now. They…

Tour Duluth Candlelight Ski

DULUTH, Minn.– At the Lester- Amity Chalet the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club hosted Tour Duluth Ski Festival, giving people a chance to ski surrounded by candlelight. There was a raffle raising money for DXC, including a ski package worth 700 dollars. Ski Hut and Continental Ski and Bike were lending equipment to demo on the lit trials. The Duluth…

Tweed Museum Family Day

DULUTH, Minn.– The Tweed Museum of Arts at UMD hosted a family day event with guided tours and plenty of fun activities. The museums current exhibition is by the Duluth Fiber Guild created by founder Janet Meany and other artisits of the guild. People could try their hand in creating art based on the current artwork in the gallery. The…

Adaptive Skiing at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.– Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has partnered with Spirt Mountain to bring adaptive skiing programs to the Northland since 1979. Saturday was the first time that kids from Gillette Children’s Clinic were able to participate in the program in Duluth. A couple of kids were able to go down the snowy hills with big smiles while riding on sleds…

Tourism in Minnesota Coming Back

Duluth, Minn — After taking a step back for a couple of years, the tourism industry is starting to rebound again. In 2022, Minnesota had over 77 million people visit the state, bringing in over 13 billion dollars to the economy.  To keep the tourism momentum going, governor Walz recommended increase covers all industries including the outdoors, parks, attractions, and…

Robotics Tournament at the DECC

Duluth, Minn. – More than 4,000 high school students with more than 100 robots were at the DECC for two different tournaments this week. Both the Northern Lights Regional and the Lake Superior Regional Tournament were held at the same time. Photojournalist Adam Jagunich visited the tournaments and filed this report. Categories: Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Singing with the Stars Raises Money for Duluth Playhouse

DULUTH, Minn. — The NorShor Theatre held its “Singing with the Stars” event. Ten local celebrities’ sang their hearts out on stage for entertainment and a good cause. All money raised went toward the Duluth Playhouse. Songs like Frank Sinatra’s “Something Stupid” and “Popular” from the Broadway musical Wicked were performed. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger sang his own version of…

One Dead After Snowmobile, Groomer Crash In Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A man is dead after crashing his snowmobile into a groomer Thursday in Grand Rapids. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office says it happened just before 5:30 p.m. on the Driftskipper/Blandin Snowmobile Trail. The snowmobiler was passing around a corner when he crashed into an oncoming groomer, resulting in the man to be pinned under the groomer….

Singing With The Stars: Ness, Hanger Are Nervous But Excited

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21’s Dan Hanger and former Duluth Mayor Don Ness discussed their nerves Thursday night about the Duluth Playhouses’ ‘Singing With The Stars’ event happening Friday night at the NorShor Theatre. Needless to say, they are both nervous but excited to help raise money for the Playhouse.  Click the video for a listen. For tickets, click here. …

Robotics and the Brains Behind Them at the DECC

Multi-State High School Competition Brings Out the Best

If you’ve ever wondered who all the smart people are who design the machines around us…they are at the DECC for the next two days. One hundred and twenty teams have gathered for an electronic gladiator competition of sorts. It is called the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition and it is part of an international program involving high school students. This…

Hyundai, Kia Thefts: Twin Cities Mayors, AG Call For Safety Recall

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are calling on Kia and Hyundai to issue a recall and outfit all vehicles with industry-standard anti-theft technology to curb the spike in vehicle thefts in the Twin Cities metro. In a joint letter to the North American CEOs of Kia and Hyundai dated March 2,…

Coffee Conversation: DPD to hold Women in Law Enforcement Open House

DULUTH, Minn. — In efforts to draw in more women to the workforce, the Duluth Police Department is holding a Women in Law Enforcement Open House event on Saturday, March 18. DPD Public Information Officer Mattie Hjelseth joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the event and its purpose. The event is taking place Saturday, March 18 from…

Special Report: Heart And Hope, From Ukraine To Duluth

Russia continues to destroy parts of Ukraine, killing innocent men, women and children. In a special report – Heart And Hope – we’re bringing you the story of a Ukrainian family that found refuge in Duluth. Kupriichuk and Gasele families The family arrived this summer, and a Northland couple opened their home and hearts – offering hope when it was…