News – Latest News

Stuffed Animals Are Spending the Night at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is Located at 305 East 2nd Street in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Stuffies are invading the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior Friday, March 13. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting their 3rd Annual Stuffie Boot Camp. The camp, lead by Sgt. Presley, is designed to be a fun and educational event for children Pre-K through third grade or for anyone who has a…

Meatball Mania Takes Over This Week’s Cooking Connection

COOKING CONNECTION: Lulu's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot headed over to the brand new pizza place in town, LULU’S PIZZA! With their grand opening just under their belt and a changing menu to feed Duluthian’s needs, they offer a calm and welcoming environment when you walk through the door. Delivery will soon be offered to businesses,…

Morning Update 3-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 12, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

US Capitol Closing to Public Until April Amid Virus Outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress is shutting the Capitol and all House and Senate office buildings to the public until April in reaction to the spread of the coronavirus. The House and Senate sergeants at arms said in a statement that the closure will begin at 5 p.m. EDT Thursday. Lawmakers, aides, journalists, and official visitors will be allowed into the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Quarterfinal Series Versus Miami to be Closed to the Public Amid COVID-19 Concerns

All NCHC quarterfinal series taking place this weekend will be closed to the public.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The NCHC has announced that all four quarterfinal series taking place this weekend, including the UMD  men’s hockey game against Miami (OH) at AMSOIL Arena, will be closed to the public. Only student-athletes, coaches, event and team staff, credentialed media and student-athlete family members will be permitted to attend. This comes on the wake of the…

Mobile Sauna Take Up A Residency On The Lakewalk

Cedar and Stone will be open on the Lakewalk until May.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new mobile sauna is taking up a residency on the Lakewalk in Duluth. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna, which launched in December, is partnering with the Inn on Lake Superior in Canal Park to offer a unique experience. Visitors to the wood fire sauna will have a chance to enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Superior…

UWS Extends Spring Break, Moves Classes Online for Coronavirus; WITC Weighing Options

UWS moves to online classes until April.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- College campuses in Superior are making adjustments and preparations for the Coronavirus. University of Wisconsin Superior is extending its Spring Break and moving all classes online until April, and WITC is considering alternate delivery modes for classes. “I like staying busy. So part of me, I don’t mind it,” UWS Student Body President Zack Abt said. “It’ll be…

Harlem Globetrotter Visits Duluth Elementary School

Flip White showed off moves and taught kids about the dangers of bullying

DULUTH, Minn. – A member of the Harlem Globetrotters stopped by Lakewood Elementary in Duluth. Flip White showed off some of his moves for the kids while teaching them about the dangers of bullying in schools. “I come in with the tricks, get their attention, they look like what’s going to happen next, boom, hit them with the message. They’re…

Duluth Passes Ordinance Approving Census Workers to Enter Multi-Unit Housing Structures

Officials say ordinance is key to getting accurate count of Duluthians

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance giving census workers access to multi-unit housing structures, like apartment buildings, as they conduct the upcoming 2020 census. “Meaning that we can now officially access residents who want and need and deserve to be counted that we were previously unable to get to on a door to door basis,” explained…

Twin Ports Interchange Construction Delayed One Year

$343 million project delayed because of contaminated materials found at construction site

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the Twin Ports Interchange, also known as the ‘Can of Worms,’ has been delayed a year because of unexpected problems. The I-35 and Highway 53 Interchange Project is budgeted at $343 million, but the whole project is expected to cost millions more. Construction was supposed to start this spring. It’s been pushed back largely because…

UMD, CSS Cancel Class Due to Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.– The growing concern of the virus has talk shows, game shows, and even sporting venues going audience free. Here in the Twin Ports, UMD, CSS and UWS are now doing a version of that. All three are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return. Colleges and universities in Duluth are taking some unprecedented measures to…

NBA Suspends Season ‘Until Further Notice’ Due to Utah Jazz Player with Coronavirus

Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19

The Spalding NBA official game ball is seen before an NBA basketball game between an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (Matt Patterson via AP) MIAMI (AP) – The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came…

CSS Joins UMD, UWS By Extending Spring Break, Moving Classes Online Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced Wednesday it would be joining the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior by extending spring break for students and moving classes online when those students return amid concerns about the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus.   Below is the statement from the president CSS: Dear St. Scholastica Family, As…

Bell Bank Signs Lease To Move Into Historic Temple Opera Building

The historic structure was originally built in 1889.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of downtown Duluth’s historic buildings now has a new tenant. Fargo-based Bell Bank recently signed a lease agreement to occupy all three floors of the Temple Opera Building to expand into the Twin Ports. Bell Bank officials have been on the hunt for several months for the right space to begin operations in Duluth. The Temple…

Free Reusable Bags by Swim Creative

Duluth's single-use bag ordinance is taking affect on April 1st...

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth’s single-use bag ordinance is taking affect on April 1st. In response, marketing and advertising agency swim creative designed what they call the incredible grocery bag. It’s an all-cotton bag the company hopes consumers will use to break their dependence on one-time use bags that can be harmful to the environment. Consumers who don’t bring reusable bags…

Local Tech Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The electronics industry is among those now seeing the impact of coronavirus concerns.

DULUTH, Minn. – The electronics industry is among those now seeing the impact of coronavirus concerns. Colin Mackin of Tech Medics says he’s never experienced a shortage of supplies like this because of a virus in his 10 years of owning the business along London Road. One of Mackin’s specialties is iPhone repair, but parts to make the fixes are…

Local Shops Have Dresses Available During Coronavirus

While nationwide it's a big concern, local prom and bridal dress shops are not necessarily facing the impact of the virus...

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While nationwide it’s a big concern, local prom and bridal dress shops are not necessarily facing the impact of the virus. Local stores such as Angie’s Close in Superior are experiencing good business amidst the illness. The business says it does not buy dresses from factories from China. Rather, it buys from locals on consignment. “A lot…

UMD, UWS Extend Spring Break; Classes Moving Online When Students Return

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior have announced they are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return because of the growing concerns involving the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus.  Below are the two official releases from each university. UMD: Dear students, faculty, and staff, As the challenges presented by COVID-19…

Duluth School Board Releases Names Of Six Superintendent Candidates

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board has released the names of the six candidates who will be interviewed for the Duluth Public School District superintendent job. The board approved the final six candidates on Tuesday. The semifinalists were selected from 20 applicants. The candidates are James Wagner, the superintendent of the Johnson County School District in Buffalo, Wyoming, Fabby…

Fourth Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota

The Fourth Confirmed Case in Minnesota is in Olmsted County

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have confirmed the state’s fourth case of the coronavirus in a person in Olmsted County. That county’s public health department planned a news conference later Wednesday and no additional details were immediately available. The state’s earlier cases involve residents of Anoka, Ramsey and Carver counties. The state earlier this week set aside $21 million…

University of Superior Extending Spring Break, Suspending Face-To-Face Classes due to Coronavirus

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Superior Chancellor Renee Wachter announced on Wednesday that the UWS campus will begin taking precautions to help slow the potential spread of coronavirus in the region effective next week: We are acting out of an abundance of caution and taking proactive steps to better prepare in case our area becomes impacted. In addition, we are…

WHO Declares That Virus Crisis is Now a Pandemic

ROME (AP) – The World Health Organization is declaring that the global coronavirus crisis is now a pandemic. The assessment comes as Italy is weighing even tighter restrictions on daily life and has announced billions in financial relief to cushion economic shocks from the coronavirus. Premier Giuseppe Conte says he will consider requests to toughen an already extraordinary lockdown. The…

University of Wisconsin Madison Suspending Face-To-Face Instruction

MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced on Wednesday that they will be suspending spring semester face-to-face instruction due to coronavirus concerns. According to a message from the Chancellor posted to the University’s website on Wednesday, the suspension will be effective Monday, March 23 and will continue at least through Friday, April 10. Additionally, students are being asked to…

Midday Update 3-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Annual Ice Breaking Ritual Begins at Duluth-Superior Harbor

The Great Lakes Shipping Season Begins March 25

DULUTH, Minn. – A U.S. Coast Guard cutter has started ice-breaking activities in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior, an annual ritual that signals the approach of spring. The cutter Alder began clearing the channels Tuesday for the upcoming shipping season. It’s so the 1,000-foot long ships loaded with taconite, coal, limestone and other cargo can maneuver through without…

Harlem Globetrotter Flip White Visits Duluth Ahead of Upcoming Tour

Amsoil Arena Will Host the Harlem Globetrotters Sunday, March 29

DULUTH, Minn. – Harlem Globetrotter Flip White slam dunked his way into the FOX 21 Local News Studios Wednesday morning. The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at Amsoil Arena Sunday, March 29. White will be making two stops Wednesday, March 11. One at Lakewood Elementary School and the other at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness. In advance of the Harlem…

Morning Update 3-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

Minnesota Senate GOP Unveils Gun Violence Prevention Bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Senate Republicans have moved to try to change the direction of the contentious gun control debate in this election year. They unveiled a slate of bills Tuesday to address the problem of gun violence, mostly by increasing penalties for crimes involving firearms. Members of the Senate GOP majority say their bills can actually pass…

Late Night Fire Destroys Former Coachman Lounge in Hibbing

(courtesy: Northland FireWire) HIBBING, Minn. – A fire has gutted the former Coachman Lounge located on First Avenue in Hibbing. According to the Northland Firewire, the fire broke out shortly after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night. Firefighters from Hibbing, Chisholm, and Keewatin battled the blaze. Officials say when crews arrived on the scene flames could be seen coming from the back…

Bentleyville Opens Survey for Public Input

DULUTH, Minn.– Winter may be about over but Bentleyville Tour of Lights is looking for your feedback to make the annual attraction better than ever. A survey is open right now online. It’s been seven years since Bentleyville has done a survey. It only takes about 2-3 minutes to fill out. Some questions are multiple choice others let you type…

McDonald’s Retaining Wall Crumbles

City contractors coming in to evaluate the wall.

DULUTH, Minn.- A big portion of a retaining wall collapsed at a busy Duluth McDonald’s. It happened around 5:30 Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. The railing detached from the parking lot, and chunks of the wall fell down below along the road. City officials told FOX 21 that contractors were…

Keene Creek Park Improvements Presented to the Public

An informational meeting was held to discuss the improvements and upgrades to the park.

DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s most popular Dog and Recreation Parks is getting some big upgrades this year. We’re talking about Keene Creek Park near Grand Avenue in West Duluth. Planned changes include accessibility upgrades, a new playground, dog park improvements, trail resurfacing, and a new bicycle pumping rack. In 2016 the City Council approved the Keene Creek Mini Master…

State Allocates Funds for Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species

Each year the state legislature delegates funds to attack Aquatic Invasive Species.

DULUTH, Minn.- The fight against Aquatic Invasive Species in St. Louis County lakes continues as the County Board has approved the distribution of funds for their prevention and elimination. Each year the state legislature allocated funding to counties to be used to prevent the introduction and limit the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, or AIS. These species disrupt the health…

Duluth Police and Fire Departments Face Off on the Ice

Each team has players of skill levels ranging from recreational up through guys who played some semi-pro hockey.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police and Fire Departments faced off on Tuesday night in their annual hockey game. Over a dozen players on each team competed fro the win. Each team has players of skill levels ranging from recreational up through guys who played some semi-pro hockey. The real prize for winning the game is a year of bragging…

City Of Superior Follows Lead Of Douglas County’s Public Health Department During Coronavirus Concerns

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over in Wisconsin, a third person has also been found with coronavirus. We spoke with Superior city leadership about how they hope to battle the virus. The city officials tell us they are following the lead of Douglas County’s Public Health Department when it comes to educating the community. Superior Mayor Jim Paine says they are also…

Cloquet Man Charged With Three Counts Of Second Degree Murder Appears In Court

He faces up to 40 years in prison for each charge.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Sheldon James Thompson appeared in court for the first time for his bail hearing, held on Tuesday in Carlton County, on three charges of second-degree murder. Sheldon Thompson showed little to no emotion or remorse while in the courtroom even after the judge set his bail at $1 million. During the bail hearing, which lasted no more…

School Board Meeting Determines Superintendent Final Candidates

The process continued to find Duluth Public Schools new superintendent.

DULUTH, Minn. – The process continued to find Duluth Public Schools new superintendent after current superintendent Bill Gronseth previously announced he will be leaving this summer. The Duluth School Board has partnered with a consulting group to find a match for the superintendent position. During today’s meeting, the candidates were spoken about anonymously, specifically about their work experiences and their…

Aerial Lift Bridge to Go Through Sidewalk Repair and Lighting Upgrades

Work continues today for a major renovation project on the aerial lift bridge...

DULUTH, Minn. – Work continues today for a major renovation project on the aerial lift bridge, which includes some lighting upgrades and sidewalk improvements. This will be the first time since 1980 that the lights will be upgraded. The new LED lights are expected to last for nearly 23 years. Officials say they are expected to increase lighting efficiency and…

27th Annual Toothpick Bridge Competition Takes Place at UMD

Many talented students came together to evaluate their engineering capabilities...

DULUTH, Minn. – Toothpicks, sand and more toothpicks. Many talented students came together to evaluate their engineering capabilities at the 27th Annual Toothpick Bridge Competition. 150 students from several area schools created 120 separate bridge projects. Rules have changed this year. The weight limit is now .1 pounds, half of what it used to be…while the bridge was shortened to…

Minnesota Confirms Third Coronavirus Case, Patient in Critical Condition

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Health Department confirmed the state’s third coronavirus case Tuesday. According to officials, the person is an Anoka County resident in their 30s who was likely exposed through contact with international travelers. The patient developed symptoms Feb. 28 and sought health care on March 9. Samples were collected from the person and sent to the MDH…

Minnesota Legislature Speeds $21M in Coronavirus Money

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted unanimously to earmark nearly $21 million to reinforce the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz praised lawmakers for “working in a totally nonpartisan manner” shortly before the  64-0 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate. The Democratic-controlled House passed the bill soon afterward,…

Midday Update 3-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Cloquet Man Charged With Three Counts of Second Degree Murder

CLOQUET, Minn. – The 33-year-old Cloquet man arrested in connection to the deaths of a young mother, her unborn child, and her one-year-old son on the Fond Du Lac Reservation in Cloquet has been formally charged with second-degree murder. Sheldon Thompson appeared in court Tuesday in Carlton County where he was charged with three counts of second-degree murder. Bail was…

Third Wisconsin Person Tests Positive for New Coronavirus

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A third person in Wisconsin, and the second in Dane County, has tested positive for the coronavirus. State health officials announced the latest positive case on Tuesday. The news came on the same day that the Osceola School District in western Wisconsin canceled classes so that its facilities could be thoroughly cleaned because someone sickened by…

Curling Considers New Rules to Speed up the Sport

Among the Proposals are Putting Players on a More Demanding Clock

(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)   (AP) – The 500-year-old sport of curling is looking for ways to shorten games and keep fans engaged. The sport’s governing body is considering radical rule changes as it tries to balance centuries of tradition with the modern need to move things along. Among the proposals being tested are putting players on a more demanding…

Salvation Army of Duluth Encourages Food, Monetary Donations This Month

March is FoodShare Month in Minnesota; Food, Monetary Donations will be Doubled

DULUTH, Minn. – The March food drive is happening at the Duluth Salvation Army. In the past, the organization has collected over $18,000 and more than 11,000 pounds of food. During the month of March, all donations of food and money will be matched from the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign. “It really helps a lot with just helping get over a…