Business

Castle Danger rolls out “Trailblazer” THC drink amid national ban speculation

Two Harbors, Minn. — As speculation continues at the national level surrounding a potential ban of THC and CBD-based products in the future, Castle Danger, true to their name, have decided that now is the perfect time to show the world their version of the popular beverage. “We’re launching our new brand of THC and CBD infused drinks called ‘Trailblazer’,…

Minnesota Power presents grant to Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power showed their support for the Hartley Nature Center with the presentation of a new grant for the center. The gift is for $6,000, and will be used to help build classroom enhancements, which will help support the center’s outdoor education for thousands of area students and their families, many of which have their own roots…

Three former Holiday Station Stores in Duluth to be permanently closed

Circle K Logo DULUTH, Min. – Holiday Station Stores around the northland recently went through rebranding to Circle K stores. Now three of those newly branded stores have closed with caution tape placed around the buildings or gas pumps. Those closures are permanent. A Circle K spokesman tells FOX21, “After a recent review of our operations, we made the business…

Feds accuse Minntac of violating pregnant woman’s rights

US Steel Corporation Logo DULUTH, Min. –  The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Steel – the company that runs Minntac. The lawsuit says the violated a pregnant woman’s rights. During her pregnancy she needed to avoid working on the most physically jarring machinery as an accommodation during her high-risk pregnancy. The lawsuit claims, “Instead…

Office of Inspector General Coordinating Council established to combat fraud

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is putting more resources toward preventing fraud across state, instead of being reactive. In September, the Office of Inspector General Council was formed by an Executive order from Governor Tim Walz. The announcement comes during a time the federal government is sounding the alarm on fraud they believe is roughly $9 billion…

Duluth Police Dept. sees significant spike in applications to join force

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa is celebrating a significant increase in applications to become Duluth police officers. The winter application process recently closed with 41 applicants, which Ceynowa said is unheard of. He said the department usually gets around 10 to 12 applicants. And on top of that, there is an increase in interest from lateral officers…

Minnesota Power terminates partnership with proposed NTEC in Superior

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power has officially terminated its partnership with the proposed natural gas power plant in Superior known as NTEC. Minnesota Power said “permitting and litigation delays” around the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) project are factors in the decision. This means, Minnesota Power customers will not receive energy from the plant — if it becomes a reality,…

Pete Stauber expresses concerns over newly proposed Canadian border crossing rules

DULUTH, Min. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Senator Kevin Cramer (ND), and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) on Friday, December 19, 2026 sent a letter to the Canadian government inquiring about new border crossing rules that were just announced. Canada Border Services Agency announced that the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program will end on September 14, 2026. Rep. Stauber said…

Legacy Cannabis Grand Opening in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The grand opening of Legacy Cannabis in Minneapolis will be Saturday, December 20, 2025. This party also doubles at Legacy glassworks 9-year anniversary party. Legacy Cannabis is in the same location of Legacy Glassworks, making it a first-of-its-kind dispensary and glassblowing studio and gallery. Legacy Cannabis’ Duluth location became the state’s first licensed dispensary of marijuana on…

Local CBD shop reacts to cannabis reclassification

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Thursday, December 18, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the reclassification of cannabis, moving it from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug. Craig Sutherland of Sutherland CBD in Superior says the move fights the stigma surrounding cannabis. “It’s huge, the stigma it will still always be there a little bit, you…

Amazon Distribution Center tackling busy holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.– The holidays are here, and for many people, that means finding the perfect gift for their loved ones online. For the Amazon Distribution Center in Duluth, that means a significant increase in package deliveries. But the station manager said, it’s been like that for a while. “The holiday season for us started the day after Thanksgiving. We saw about…

USPS deadlines for shipping Christmas 2025 packages

DULUTH, Min. – Postal deadline are coming soon to ensure packages and letters arrive before Christmas 2025. December 16, 2025 was the recommended deadline for any service for international or military packages. Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25. Domestic Mail Class/Product Date (excluding Alaska & Hawaii) USPS Ground Advantage® Service Dec. 17 First-Class Mail® Service Dec. 17 Priority Mail® Service Dec. 18 Priority…

Hartel’s Disposal wraps up $75,000 gift for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army and Hartel’s Disposal have wrapped up their “Hartel’s Holiday Impact Challenge”. The challenge invited local businesses to “dump their donations” into a trash bin at Hartel’s, with the disposal company matching up to $75,000 in donations. At the end of the 2-week campaign, the contributions totaled approximately $8,000. Despite not reaching the goal,…

St. Lukes Foundation “Boot Drive” gives warm clothes to patients

DULUTH, Minn. — The re-freezing temperatures may be catching some people off guard, and for patients at Aspirus St. Lukes who may not have the best clothing for the cold, the St. Lukes Foundation is doing what they can to help. The foundation’s Boot Drive is focused on gathering new and lightly used winter clothing for patients at the clinic…

UW-Superior starts new online AI Essentials certificate classes

UW Superior Logo SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is introducing a new online certificate called “AI Essentials: Strategies for Efficiency & Productivity.” Classes for the AI certificate will start in February 2026. UW-Superior says, “This certificate is designed for learners who want to build strong, non-technical artificial intelligence skills that support today’s workforce needs.” The program also looks…

Behind the scenes: Duluth factory is the country’s only producer of popular ingredient

DULUTH, Minn.–Whenever you decide to crack open a bag of salt and vinegar chips or break into a bag of some sour candy you’ve likely tasted malic, or fumaric acid. For 47 years, a key ingredient found in many popular food items has been made right here in Duluth. The factory, Primient Duluth, is the country’s only producer of the…

Family Freedom Center hosting first “Hillside Holiday Market”

DULUTH, Minn. — Family Freedom Center is welcoming in the Twin Ports community for its first Hillside Holiday Market. The market will be featuring over 30 different area vendors, as well as items designed and made by some of the children who are a part of the Freedom Center and their S.T.A.R.T program. The event is designed as a by-the-community, for-the-community…

Minnesota DVS opens final vehicle inspection location

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services division has opened its eighth vehicle inspection site. The new facility, located along Carlton St. in Duluth, signals the end of the DVS’s expansion, which began in 2021. The Duluth location, along with the 7 others scattered around Minnesota, are put in place to help protect the…

Founding partner of Duluth Folk School passes away

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the founders of the Duluth Folk School, Tim Bates, has passed away. Since the inception of the school Bates, along with those around him, worked hard to establish a comforting environment where people could learn new skills. Bates was also a long-time figure within the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s outdoor education program, where he taught students…

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show takes over DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoors people of the Twin Ports united at the DECC once again for the annual Arrowhead Ice fishing and Winter Show. With the venue packed to the gills with goods and activities, the yearly event, which is now a decade old, has been a favorite of fishing and outdoors community in the Northland, as attendees get a…

Community Action Duluth now under ‘Enhanced Monitoring’ by the state

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families is now doing what they are calling “enhanced monitoring” of Community Action Duluth (CAD). Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) tells FOX21, “DCYF observes board meetings as part of the standard grant monitoring and program oversight processes. Staff are conducting enhanced monitoring in response…

Governor Walz announces ‘Director of Program Integrity’ to fight fraud

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in St. Paul, denounces President Donald Trump for calling Minnesota’s Somali community “garbage” and dismissing the state as a “hellhole.” ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Tim O’Malley will join the state as Director of Program Integrity. O’Malley will work across state government…

Time Magazine ‘Person of the Year’ for 2025 revealed

(AP) – The “Architects of AI” were named Time’s person of the year Thursday, with the magazine citing 2025 as when the potential of artificial intelligence “roared into view” with no turning back. “For delivering the age of thinking machines, for wowing and worrying humanity, for transforming the present and transcending the possible, the Architects of AI are TIME’s 2025 Person…

The 12 scams of the holidays: Better Business Bureau

Better Business Bureau Logo SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin has released their top 12 scams of the holiday season. They say you can avoid most of them by taking a few simple precautions. They says common scams involve social media ads promoting discounted items, holiday events, job opportunities, and donation requests – plus direct messages from…

’12 Hours of Giving’ Blood Drive nearing Twin Ports debut

DULUTH, Minn. — In continuing with Fox 21’s partnership with the Red Cross’ 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive, Fox 21 is taking the weeks leading up to the event to tell the stories of those whose lives have been affected for the better through blood donation. The event itself will be Dec. 18. and 19, at The Garden Event…

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gave $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025, a major increase

Mackenzie Scott NEW YORK (AP) — The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years. Writing in an essay on her website, Scott said, “This dollar total will likely be reported in the news, but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal…

Nearly a quarter million visits to Great Lakes Aquarium in 2025

Great Lakes Aquarium Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Great Lakes Aquarium is projecting a record number of visits in 2025. 2025 is the aquarium’s 25th anniversary year with a projected 235,000 visitors. It’s the fifth consecutive year of attendance growth. Great Lakes Aquarium commissioned the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at UMD’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics…

Canelake’s Candies brings nostalgic holiday cheer to Virginia, MN

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Canelake’s Candies in Virginia is spreading holiday cheer and nostalgia with its classic Christmas display. When the candy store came back to the Canelake family in 2018, it was the perfect opportunity to display a piece of Minnesota history. After the Dayton’s department store in Minneapolis closed and auctioned off items, the Canelake family purchased an animatronic…

Sabor by Pedro’s to take over MadHouse Burgers location

Local Mexican chain is adding a third location in Duluth

SUPERIOR, Wis — Sabor by Pedro’s will be taking over the space previously held by MadHouse Burgers on Woodland Ave. The restaurant will be an extension of Pedro’s Grill & Cantina, bringing a unique twist on their current menu, focusing on brunch items and fun Mexican dishes. The new location will not compete with their existing restaurants in Cloquet and…

The Original Louis’ Cafe closing its doors permanently

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Popular Greek restaurant The Original Louis’ Cafe in Superior is shutting down permanently. After serving the Twin Ports for over 50 years, the local favorite is closing its doors on Friday, December 5. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for every moment we’ve shared with our amazing customers and community. The memories we’ve created…

Duluth Armory receives largest ever donation amid restoration

DULUTH, Minn. — For over 20 years, the Duluth Armory has been looking for funds and donations wherever they could them. However, thanks to a very generous anonymous local, the finish line is in sight. “We are so appreciative,” said Michelle Miller, co-executive director of the Armory Arts and Music Center. “This is a local supporter of the project who…

MadHouse Burgers featuring Chilly Billy’s to close Woodland Avenue location

Chilly Billy’s DULUTH, Min. – MadHouse Burgers featuring Chilly Billy’s has announced that it will close its Woodland Avenue location. In a news release the restaurant said the location will soon become Sabor by Pedro’s, The owners of Sabor by Pedro’s approached MadHouse Burgers about taking over the location. The new Mexican spot from the Pedro’s team is promising to,…

Huge debts listed in Lutsen Lodge fire criminal complaint

Lutsen Lodge Fire DULUTH, Min. – The Bryce Campbell, the owner of the Lutsen Lodge, has been charged with burning down his own business. The fire happened on February 6, 2024.  He was officially charged on February 3, 2025. Campbell’s debts and money problems were featured in the charging documents. It reads Campbell’s companies, “North Shore Resort Company, North Shore…

Aldi celebrates grand opening in Hibbing Minnesota

HIBBING, Minn.– A popular European grocery chain has opened another location in the Iron Range. Aldi, the budget-friendly grocery store known for its fun finds, celebrated its grand opening today. The new location sits along highway 169 west. Shoppers can also enter a $500 gift-card sweepstakes throughout the opening weekend. One customer shared that she’s thrilled to see this new…

New catering company serving up smiles alongside home cooked food

DULUTH, Minn. — A new catering company in Duluth is serving up smiles alongside a good meal. “Cooking is my life. Cooking is like my breath, cooking is my heartbeat, cooking is the blood that flows through my veins,” Solomon Witherspoon, Unity Cooking Owner said. Duluth Native Solomon Witherspoon has always used cooking to spread joy. Now, following his fathers…

New Finance Director for Duluth

Juanita “Nina” Salinas DULUTH, Min. – Juanita “Nina” Salinas is the new City of Duluth Finance Director. Nina most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of San Antonio Council District 6, where she oversaw constituent services, zoning, public works, and events and outreach for the district. She also supported the district’s review of the city’s $4 billion…

Michael and Susan Dell donate $6.25 billion to encourage families to claim ‘Trump Accounts’

Michael and Susan Dell pose for photographs Nov. 26, 2025, in New York. NEW YORK (AP) — Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion Tuesday to provide 25 million American children under 10 an incentive to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation. The historic gift has little precedent,…

Hartel Disposal matching $75,000 in donations for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn.–Hartel Disposal, a local waste management company is wasting no time helping out the Salvation Army. Starting on Tuesday December 2nd Hartel Disposal will match up to $75,000 in donations towards the Salvation Army. Perfect for the occasion, a special Hartel garbage can is decorated, and ready to receive. Donations can only be dumped at the West Duluth location,…

Farmer Doug’s Tree Farm gaining statewide attention

DULUTH, Minn.– Tis the season for trees, and many of the local tree farms are now in full swing. Some of the customers are traveling hours to make the trek for their perfect tree. Farmer Doug said, it’s been a slow fall season. Now, pumpkins are done, and winter has finally shown itself. They’re fully stocked with their supply of…

Farmers market vendors say they are still waiting on payments from Community Action Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — During the ongoing tensions between Community Action Duluth and its employees, Twin Ports vendors with the Duluth Farmers Markets are still yet to be paid their promised fee by the organization. According to one of the vendors, many sellers attending these markets have yet to receive compensation from Community Action Duluth, as part of the non-profit’s EBT…

What a federal ban on THC-infused drinks and snacks could mean for the hemp industry

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The production lines at Indeed Brewing moved quickly, the cans filling not with beer, but with THC-infused seltzer. The product, which features the compound that gets cannabis users high, has been a lifeline at Indeed and other craft breweries as alcohol sales have fallen in recent years. But that boom looks set to come to a crashing…

US retailers are about to see if Black Friday benefits from a holiday halo effect

The shirt of a woman who has matching shirts with 4 other friends and all shop together on Black Friday as shoppers browse through Kohl’s department store for Black Friday looking for deals, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Woodstock, Ga. (AP Photo/Megan Varner) NEW YORK (AP) — Black Friday no longer tempts people to leave Thanksgiving tables for midnight mall runs, but…

Lutsen expects to open first runs of the season Friday

Lutsen Skiing LUTSEN, Min. – The team at Lutsen Mountains expect the first runs of the season to open on Friday, November 28, 2025. They say the expected snow over Thanksgiving should be enough to open a few runs. In a news release, “For opening day, our plan is to operate Raptor Express along with the Flapjack Conveyor, giving us a blend…

Campbell’s fires executive who was recorded saying company’s products are for ‘poor people’

Campbells Soup Logo (AP) – The Campbell’s Co. said Wednesday it has fired an executive who was recorded making racist comments and mocking the company’s products and customers. Martin Bally, a vice president in Campbell’s information security department, was named in a lawsuit filed last week by Robert Garza, a former Campbell’s employee who said he was fired Jan. 30…