News – Latest News

Northland Boy Scouts Practice Outdoor Skills in Beargrease Derby

Dog sled style race in Cloquet helps kids develop winter outdoor skills.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Boy Scouts were out in the sunshine practicing their outdoor winter skills Saturday. The annual Beargrease Derby took place at the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center. The mile long course is named after John Beargrease, with 10 stations named after spots on the real Beargrease trail. Kids go to each station to perform different outdoor tasks….

First Person Dies from Coronavirus in U.S.

(FOX NEWS) Health officials in Washington confirmed Saturday that one person has died from coronavirus, marking the first disease-related death in the U.S. Seattle and King County Public Health officials issued a vague media advisory announcing the first COVID-19 death in the U.S., adding that there was an undisclosed number of new cases as well. News of the death comes…

Duluth International Airport Contributes Big to Local Economy

DULUTH, Minn.– A new study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation shows just how much the Duluth International Airport contributes to the local economy. The study shows that the airport brings in over $760 million in annual economic activity. It also supports more than 6,000 jobs and provides advantages that help local businesses. Officials say the airport impacts a…

Local Hospitals Stay Prepared For Coronavirus Threat

DULUTH, Minn.– More than 83,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported worldwide. Now growing concern in the United States as the World Health Organization raises the virus’ threat level to “very high”. Here in the Northland, hospitals are doing what they can to prepare for the disease if it reaches this area. As of right now, there are no confirmed…

UMD Hosts Third Annual Sustainability Education Summit

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted its third annual Sustainability Education Summit. It’s an opportunity for professionals and students to share ideas. They also learn how the topic of sustainability could be incorporated into classes. UMD’s Sustainability Coordinator says it’s important to have these discussions to help give a better understanding of the topic, which often can…

Fourplex In Superior Is Selling For One Dollar, But It’s Not That Simple

The buyer will have until June 30th to move the structure.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A fourplex housing unit in Superior is now up for sale for one dollar, but city officials tell us there is one catch to buying the four-unit structure. The lucky buyer would have to move the structure from its current location. Right now the building sits on the site planned for the new Cobblestone Hotel on Ogden…

Free Cybersecurity Workshop at LSC

Are you prepared for potential cyberhacks?

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you prepared for potential cyberhacks? Instructors at Lake Superior College are making sure students have the skills to prepare themselves. 25 6th through 12th grade participated in a workshop today…learning how to defend themselves on their computers. LSC hosted the event since 2007. “Making yourself stronger at your house will stop whatever you get from getting…

Coronavirus Impacts Local Study Abroad Programs

Universities in the area have postponed study abroad programs because of the coronavirus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials say students are still interested in study abroad programs even as the virus spreads. “It’s kind of a mixed bag, so students are still inquiring about study abroad programs. I’m sure that a lot of students are re-calibrating where their student abroad destinations might take them,” said Karl Markgraf, the Chief International Officer and Director International…

Duluth Police Officer Sustains Minor Injuries in Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth Police officer sustained minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon. According to the Duluth Police Department, the crash happened around 2:00 p.m. at the intersection at Lake Avenue and Superior Street. One of the vehicles involved in the crash was a Duluth Police Squad. The officer driving the squad car was taken to St….

House Approves Bill to Ban the Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has approved a bill to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. Lawmakers say the bill will stem a vaping epidemic among young people. The bill would place new restrictions on the marketing of e-cigarettes and ban flavors in tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. It also would place a new excise…

Physical Therapy to Help Injury or Illness Restricting Daily Tasks

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Physical Therapy at Viverant

  DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we head up the hill to Viverant with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot. After Merlot’s recent back break in August left her unable to walk, she has been in physical therapy for months getting back on her feet. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they…

Midday Update 2-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minnesota Still Has No Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus

(FOX 9) – There remain no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health had sent one case to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing this week, but those test results came back negative for the COVID-19 virus. The new respiratory illness first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. There are…

Superior YMCA Hosting Community Clothing Drive

Donated Clothing Items Will Be Distributed Sunday, March 15 at the Superior YMCA

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Happening now through March 11, the Superior YMCA is looking to collect donations of new or gently used clothing for those in need in the Twin Ports. The Superior YMCA is hosting a drive called Clothing our Community. They are seeking clothing donations for the drive to then be distributed for free to anyone, regardless of economic…

Morning Update 2-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Semi Tips Over on Highway 2 in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – Multiple agencies responded to reports of a semi that had tipped over on Highway 2 Friday morning. According to a post on the Cloquet Area Fire District’s Facebook page, the accident happened around 6:00 a.m. Friday morning on Highway 2 at Highway 33. The semi had tipped over and spilled a load of lime on the highway….

Geared Up: Duluth Police Train For Potential Civil Unrest

DULUTH, Minn. — With a use-of-force policy now in place for Duluth’s newly purchased protective gear, officers are going through specialized training for those rare events when protesters can turn violent. And while full-blown riots are not a common occurrence in Duluth by any means, Chief Mike Tusken believes it’s his responsibility to be prepared for the worst to keep the…

Free Culinary Boot Camp Helps Superior Residents Gain Skills

The free course is sponsored by the Nortwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – this week about a dozen Superior residents tested out their cooking skills during a free, two-week culinary boot camp. The class focuses more on food safety, which is critical in many commercial kitchens. The group is learning basic skills like the proper way to use knives. Each day the culinary students also learn how to make different…

Talking with Doctor, Airport Authority About Coronavirus Preparations in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Duluth right now, but if one were to hit tomorrow, accurate test kits that detect the virus haven’t been distributed to most hospitals in the United States yet. During a strong influenza season, it’s critical to have the kits to determine if a patient has coronavirus, or just the…

Chili Cook Off For CHUM Food Shelf

DULUTH, Minn.– The chili was flowing in west Duluth tonight. The 10th Annual Chili Cook Off at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. There were 12 different tasty versions of chili for people try and then vote for their favorite. Proceeds benefit the CHUM Food Shelf. Organizers say the cook off is a great way for people to come together to support…

Girl Scout Cookie Season Comes to the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– Well it’s that time of year again, Girl Scout cookie season is upon us and people all over the Northland are stocking up on the tasty snacks. But where do those cookies come from and how does it benefit girls in the Northland? Every year the Duluth area girl scouts look for a temporary home in the Twin…

The City Of Superior Steps Up To Provide Snacks For Elementary School Students

"I think its really important kids are nourished throughout their day," said Third-grade Teacher Jasmine Haroldson.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In January the City of superior put out a call for action to get the community to donate snacks to local elementary schools. The snack drive was geared to help bring awareness to the hundreds of kids who can very often go without food. The call for action for the snack drive evolved from a teacher seeing…

High Water Levels In The Great Lakes Could Delay Shipping

Lake to lake shipping is not expected to be impacted in the Twin Ports.

DULUTH, Minn. – High lake levels on Lake Ontario are pushing back the start of the international shipping season. The lake’s locks will now open in April rather than the end of March. In the Twin Ports, officials tell us the delay is not expected to have any short term impacts on the Duluth-Superior port. Although, potential high water levels…

Skiers with Disabilities Hit the Slopes

Hitting the slopes once again...

DULUTH, Minn. – Hitting the slopes once again. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute hosted the 17th annual monoski and race camp. The event is the largest adapted learning how to ski event in the Midwest. Participants learn how to improve on their mono-ski skills and gain extra confidence to become independent at the sport. They also get to learn from Olympic…

6 Million Dollar Apartment Project in Lincoln Park Craft District

The Enger Lofts project is the third of three recent redevelopments of furniture stores in Lincoln Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some new apartments are coming to the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth. Deconstruction has already started on the $6 million project at an old furniture store. The Enger Lofts project is the third of three recent redevelopments of furniture stores in Lincoln Park. Deconstruction at the site on West Superior Street, which was most recently Furniture…

Milwaukee Police ID Brewery Shooter as 15-Year Electrician

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Authorities on Thursday identified the man who gunned down five co-workers at one of the nation’s largest breweries before taking his own life a 51-year-old electrician who had worked at the Milwaukee Molson Coors complex for 15 years. Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales identified the shooter as Anthony Ferrill during a news conference. He also identified the…

UWS Suspends Study Abroad Program in South Korea

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin – Superior announced Thursday that they are suspending the Study Abroad Program in South Korea due to Coronavirus concerns. The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Maria Cuzzo, issued a statement saying: Upon reviewing the growing numbers of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in South Korea, the University of Wisconsin-Superior…

Minnesota’s Projected Surplus Grows to Over $1.5 Billion

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s projected surplus has grown to over $1.5 billion, state budget officials said Thursday. The new estimate from Minnesota Management and Budget is $181 million higher than the agency’s last budget forecast in November. And it means lawmakers will have more money available to spend, save or cut taxes. The agency attributed the larger surplus…

First Ship Contest Kicks off Shipping Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The First Ship contest is back and ready to help usher in the 2020 shipping season. Visit Duluth has once again partnered with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority for the annual First Ship Contest where people can submit their guess of the exact date and time they think the first “saltie” of the season will pass under…

Italian Beef Brisket Sandwich

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make an Italian Beef Brisket Sandwich! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years. ADDRESS: 4960 Miller Trunk Hwy…

Midday Update 2-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Suspect in Lincoln Park Shooting Incident Formally Charged

Allen is Scheduled to Appear in Court Again March 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The 24-year-old Barnum man arrested earlier this week after shooting a gun in an alleyway in Lincoln Park has been formally charged. Bianca Leshun Allen, 24, was charged Thursday with one count of felony reckless discharge of a firearm within a municipality. According to the criminal complaint, authorities were called to the 2800 block of West First…

Superior Outdoor Ice Rinks to Close Friday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s outdoor skating rinks will be closing for the season at the end of the week. According to the city of Superior, all outdoor ice rinks will close for the season the evening of Friday, February 28 due to deteriorating ice conditions. For more information, you can visit the city of Superior website here. Categories: News, News…

Happy Birthday, Ludwig! Celebrate Saturday With The DSSO

The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is Hosting a Concert Saturday, February 29, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) is thrilled to be presenting a concert centered on Beethoven turning 250 this year. The concert on Saturday, February 29 will begin with the continuation of The Beethoven Project in collaboration with Minnesota Public Radio, featuring the performance and recording of Symphony No. 2. DSSO Music Director Dirk Meyer said Beethoven composed…

Gunman Kills Five at Milwaukee Brewery Before Taking Own Life

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Milwaukee police say they have cleared out more than 20 buildings at one of the nation’s largest breweries after a gunman killed five employees there. Authorities identified the assailant who attacked the Molson Coors complex on Wednesday as a 51-year-old Milwaukee man who worked there. Police say he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting occurred…

Morning Update 2-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Minnesota House Proceeds on Insulin, Voter Privacy and Guns

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Democrats are moving full speed ahead on some of their top priorities for the 2020 session. They’re holding floor votes on insulin affordability, voter privacy, and gun violence prevention, just two weeks into the legislative session. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler told reporters Wednesday that some things can’t wait. The…

Duluth East Hosts Robotics Open House

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth East Daredevils robotics team hosted an open house tonight. The 32 students on the robotics team showed the public what this year’s robotics competition will look like. Those in attendance also got a look at the robot the team has been building since January and saw a demonstration of what it could do. Members of the…

UMD and Duluth Transit Authority Celebrates 8 Millionth UPass Rider

A UMD student is crowned the 8 millionth UPass rider with the Duluth Transit Authority.

DULUTH, Minn. – A UMD student is crowned the 8 millionth UPass rider with the Duluth Transit Authority. The UPass partnership started in 2000. It allows full-time students to ride the bus to campus and around the Twin Ports for just 16 dollars a semester. The pass is funded in part through student fees. Sophomore Mahjur Ahmed is that lucky…

Young Girl Partners With A Local Radio Station To Collect Cards For Kids Battling Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – Cancer may be one of the hardest things any child or a family would ever endure. knowing this hardship, little Evy Keppers who started the organization “Fighting for Friends” says by partnering with Life 97. 3 she’s hopeful something as little as a homemade card can uplift the spirits of kids going through the tough battle. Every…

St. Louis County Adds Short-Term Rental Standards

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The Saint Louis County board has officially passed a zoning ordinance allowing short term rental homes in the county. The approval allows vacation rental properties such as Airbnb’s to grow in areas of St. Louis county other than Duluth. Officials say, they made the ordinance as streamlined as possible. The zoning ordinance is also geared…

Needles Found in Area as Snow Melts

It's not about being fearful in the situation when encountering used needles in your community, but instead, taking proactive steps to carefully discard them.

TWIN PORTS – Fear and shame. Those are words experts want people to avoid using when talking about needles. They say proper education and protocol are needed when disposing of needles. It’s not about being fearful in the situation when encountering used needles in your community, but instead, taking proactive steps to carefully discard them…especially when the snow melts after…

Trump to Detail US Coronavirus Efforts, Schumer Seeks $8.5B

(NOTE: News conference to be streamed on Fox 21’s Facebook page.) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is pushing back against criticism that his administration isn’t doing enough to meet the coronavirus threat. Trump plans to hold a news conference late Wednesday to talk about what the U.S. is doing to prepare for the virus. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are…

Report: Shooting Leads to Multiple Fatalities at Molson Coors in Wisconsin

UPDATE: Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says multiple people have been killed in a shooting on the Molson Coors Brewing Co. campus. Barrett did not give an exact number of people killed in Wednesday’s shooting. He called it “a horrible, horrible day for the employees here.” The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that at least seven people are dead, including the suspected gunman,…