Business Archives - Fox21Online

Schedule for The Haunted Ship 2025

October 3, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – The Haunted Ship at the William A, Irvin is back for its 30th year. This year, you can look forward to more activity outside of the ship on Harbor Drive—picture strewn lights, bonfires, drinks and food available for purchase, and more. The Announced Schedule for The Haunted Ship: Friday, October 3 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday, October 4 4:00pm-10:30pm Thursday,…

Kwik Trip announces new penny rounding policy

October 2, 2025

Matt McConico,

Kwik Trip Logo DULUTH, Min. & LA CROSSE, Wis. – Kwik Trip has announced a new cash transaction policy in response to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s decision to end production of the penny. Cash purchases at Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations will be rounded down to the nearest five cents if the store is out of pennies. Kwik Trip…

FOX 21 Local News, Townsquare Media Form New Partnership

Townsquare owns MIX 108, B105, KOOL 101.7, Sasquatch 92.1 and The Northland FAN

October 1, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – October 1st was a first for FOX 21 Local News, as the television station officially became partners with Townsquare Media Duluth. Townsquare operates multiple popular radio stations in the Northland, including MIX 108, B105, KOOL 101.7, Sasquatch 92.1 and The Northland FAN. Dan Hanger and Maria Vollom will provide morning news updates on all radio stations during…

Ghost Tours Help Ring In Spooky Season In Duluth

October 1, 2025

Xavier Walt, Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Are you fascinated by the spooky, mysterious, and paranormal? If so, a new company in Duluth might have just what you’re looking for. US Ghost Adventures recently launched its new ghost tour location in Duluth. The company offers a one-hour, narrated tour that explores the city’s most haunted and eerie sites. The tour covers a variety of…

The Depot Hosts Fundraiser Ahead of 2025 Fall Arts Season

September 30, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULTUH, Minn. — The 2025 Depot United Campaign has kicked off as another season of arts in the Twin Ports is under way. The fundraising campaign supports 6 different organizations under the depot’s roof: The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, MN Ballet, Lyric Opera of the North, the St. Louis County Historical Society, and the Depot…

CHI CHI's Restaurants Opening On October 6 At 1602 West End Blvd

CHI-CHI’s Restaurant is back

September 30, 2025

Matt McConico,

CHI CHI’s Restaurants Opening On October 6 At 1602 West End Blvd. ST. LOUIS PARK, Min. — The legendary CHI-CHI’s Mexican restaurant is officially coming back. The first store will open October, 6 2025 in St. Louis Park’s West End. Restaurant industry veteran Michael McDermott, son of CHI-CHI’s co-founder Marno McDermott, is leading the brand’s relaunch. In a news release…

Cirrus Aircraft Up For “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota”

September 29, 2025

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — An aircraft made by Cirrus Aircraft is in the running for the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO have announced the four finalists in the contest for “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” The SR Series G7+ Aircraft by Cirrus made the list. The aircraft features a Garmin flight deck…

Carlton County Animal Rescue’s First Fundraising Gala A Success

September 28, 2025

KQDS Staff,

CARLTON, Minn. — Nearly 200 people came together Saturday night to support Carlton County Animal Rescue’s foster program and its efforts to build a physical animal shelter. The Seasons of Love Gala was the first-ever fundraiser for the non-profit, which formed in 2022. The gala was held at the Four Seasons Event Center in Carlton. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger was…

Trump says China’s Xi has approved of proposed deal putting TikTok under US ownership

September 25, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that he says will allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States in a way that meets national security concerns laid out by the law. President Joe Biden signed legislation last year calling for China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok’s assets to an American company by early this year…

Essentia reopening Hermantown urgent care for afternoons

September 25, 2025

Matt McConico,

HERMANTOWN, Min. – Essentia Health reopening its urgent care at the Essentia Health-Hermantown Clinic. It is slated to reopen Monday, September 29, 2025. It will be open in the afternoons from 3:00pm to 7:00pm Mondays through Fridays. Essentia’s urgent care locations provide treatment for illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening but may need X-rays and/or lab tests requiring a…

Boreal Waters Community Foundation gives out more than $1,000,000

September 24, 2025

Matt McConico,

Boreal Waters Community Foundation Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Boreal Waters Community Foundation (formerly Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation) has awarded $1.34 million in Community Opportunity Fund grants to 32 nonprofits. That’s the largest grant cycle in its 40+ year history. “We are stewards of these resources, and the best way to honor our donors’ vision is to make sure their…

Xcel Energy will pay $640M to settle claims from Denver-area wildfire that burned 1,000 structures

September 24, 2025

Matt McConico,

Xcel Energy Logo DENVER (AP) — Xcel Energy expects to pay about $640 million to settle lawsuits alleging it was responsible for starting Colorado’s most destructive wildfire that killed two people and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes in 2021, the company said Wednesday. The announcement came as jury selection was set to begin Thursday in a two-month trial combining lawsuits brought…

The Wildflower Boutique to open at Miller Hill Mall

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

The Wildflower Boutique, Logo DULUTH, Min. – Locally owned “The Wildflower Boutique” will be opening the the Miller Hill Mall. The store celebrates individuality through a curated selection of women’s, plus-size, and men’s apparel. Its first day will be October 1, 2025. The store will be in between American Eagle and Bath and Body Works. The store says it has “multiple…

PBS North to conclude Almanac North

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – PBS North announced in a news release the final broadcast of Almanac North will take place October 2, 2025. The news release continued to read, “With shifts in available funding and a need to focus resources where PBS North can provide the greatest community impact, PBS North has determined that now is the right time to bring…

Cities test limits of Minnesota cannabis law, exposing legal gray areas

September 23, 2025

Matt McConico,

(MinnPost/AP) – Whether it comes from courtrooms or the Capitol, Minnesota’s cannabis laws look in need of clarification in response to wide interpretations by cities. Local governments by law can cap the number of cannabis retailers, place restrictions on where businesses are located and set hours of operation. Prohibition is a step too far. Cities are using the law’s language, or finding…

Minnesota Power Reminds Customers of “Cold Weather Rule”

September 22, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — With the seasons changing and cold air on the way, Minnesota Power is reminding customers about the state’s “Cold Weather Rule.” The rule prevents residential customers from getting their natural gas or electric service shut off for non-payment between Oct. 1, and Apr. 30. Minnesota Power encourages customers, who believe the higher winter bills will be too…

Duluth Folk School Fundraising for Class Renovations

September 22, 2025

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Folk School is currently fundraising to help renovate the back side of the building into more classrooms and workshops. The school has been offering classes since 2016, and the surrounding community has grown over the years. There is currently one classroom available, located on the second floor, making it less accessible. Their main goal is…

Trump Administration Suggests Tylenol During Pregnancy Causes Autism, A Link Experts Say Is Unproven

What we know about autism’s causes

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House announcement about autism is expected Monday afternoon after President Donald Trump’s weekend comment that “I think we found an answer” to the developmental disorder. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised earlier this year to determine the cause of autism by September. That baffled brain experts who say there is no single cause and that the rhetoric appears…

President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz

Trump administration suggests Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism, a link experts say is unproven

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy may contribute to rising autism rates in the U.S., a potential link experts have studied and say is unproven. Speaking Monday from the White House, the president said women should not take acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, “during the entire pregnancy.” He…

The White House says it blocked US Steel’s decision to stop processing steel at Illinois plant

September 22, 2025

Matt McConico,

US Steel Corporation Logo HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The White House said Monday that it intervened under the terms of a three-month-old national security agreement with Japan-based Nippon Steel to block a decision to stop processing raw steel at U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works plant in Illinois. In a statement, the White House said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick delivered the message…

Ursa Minor Celebrates Oktoberfest and Anniversary

September 19, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s all Lederhosen and beer steins as Ursa Minor Brewing is holding their annual Oktoberfest. The cultural celebration, which also doubles as the brewery’s 7th anniversary party, is a rain-or-shine event, with the weather not putting a damper on the festivities. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the best weather, but that’s all right, we have plenty of covered…

“Pints for a Purpose” Raises Funds at Wild State Cider

September 19, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth area YMCA partnered with Wild State Cider as the two came together to fundraise for a good cause. The partners’ “Pints for a Purpose” event raised funds for the YMCA, with a dollar from every cider bought being donated to the organization’s “Food Access Program,” which helps provide meals for locals who need them. “We…

‘Force on Fifth’ Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Duluth

September 19, 2025

Jadie Jones, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Force on Fifth Avenue held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the grand opening of its extended stay corporate housing project in downtown Duluth. Courtesy: Force on Fifth Originally, the multi-story building at the corner of 5th Avenue West and Superior Street was going to continue as a non-profit office center, which it was known for years…

Trump administration stepping into Line 5 battle

September 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

This photo provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in June 2020 shows damage to anchor support EP-17-1 on the east leg of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan, displayed on a television screen. (AP) – The Trump administration is stepping into the legal fight over whether Enbridge can continue…

‘Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions’ Opens New Facility in Hibbing

September 19, 2025

Paige Hansen,

HIBBING, Minn. — Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions (AMGS) has opened its new manufacturing facility in Hibbing. AMGS manufactures equipment that is designed to protect and guard machinery. The protective paneling, fencing, doors and other equipment keep workers and machines safe. Equipment produced at the facility is even used to protect the machines that built it. The new state-of-the-art facility allows…

Kamala Harris: Tim Walz wasn’t her first choice for Vice President

September 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, with running mate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at the Democratic National Convention DULUTH, Min. – In a sneak peak at Kalama Harris’ new book, it is revealed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was not Kamala Harris’ first choice for Vice President. The Atlantic Magazine has obtained excerpts of Harris’ new book title…

Lake Superior Zoo launches animal trading cards program

September 19, 2025

Matt McConico,

Coyote Millie Trading Card DULUTH, Min. – The Lake Superior Zoo now has a 2025–2026 trading card collection. It features 15 animals including: Alaskan brown bear, axolotl, bald eagle, Burmese python, capybara, caribou, Chilean rose-haired tarantula, coyote, North American river otter, pygmy slow loris, red-footed tortoise, red panda, ring-tailed lemur, sand cat, and three-banded armadillo. You can get the cards…

UW-Superior’s Semi-Annual “Jacket Fest” Helps Students Connect

September 18, 2025

Xavier Walt,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s semi-annual “Jacket Fest” student event took place on campus again this Fall. The event is a regular at the college, with potential employers gathering to speak to students about a future outside of school. The school is welcoming in its highest volume of first-year students in the last three years, so events like…

Lake Superior College Holds 80th Birthday Open House

September 18, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College turned back the time in order to celebrate 80 years of education. Students, faculty, alumni, and curious community members were treated to a packed house at the campus, with dozens of booths lined up featuring various clubs and programs that the school has to offer. Much of the theme of the event centered around…

Duluth 1200 Fund Announces Childcare Grant Recipients

September 17, 2025

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth 1200 Fund has awarded $150,000 in grants to 21 local childcare facilities. On Sep. 17, Duluth 1200 Fund board members, funding partners, and City of Duluth staff gathered at the new Divine Konnections childcare center in West Duluth to announce their Tiny Steps Childcare Grant recipients. Together, they celebrated the expansion of not only the…

ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night following comments made about Charlie Kirk’s killing

September 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

Jimmy Kimmel Live NEW YORK (AP) — ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely following comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s killing. The network’s decision Wednesday came as Nexstar announced its ABC affiliates would pre-empt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely over his comments. “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time…

Federal Reserve cuts key rate by a quarter-point and signals two more cuts by year end

September 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

Federal Reserve Seal WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%,…

4:20 P.M.: Duluth’s ‘Legacy Cannabis’ Becomes State’s First Licensed Dispensary

September 16, 2025

Xavier Walt, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — History was made in Duluth Tuesday when Legacy Cannabis expanded its operations to become the state’s first licensed dispensary of marijuana. Legacy Cannabis is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park Craft District, and the line was out the door Tuesday afternoon for people wanting to buy cannabis. The store was granted a license to sell…

Excitement Is Building For Proctor’s Sports Dome, Housing Development

September 16, 2025

Jadie Jones,

PROCTOR, Minn. — A project aimed at bringing innovation and transformation to the region is making progress in Proctor. The Nexus Project is a $100 million+, multi-phase development spread out over 89 acres. This project will build housing, stores, childcare and so much more. The jewel of the project will be a massive indoor sports dome. The dome will feature…

Strike Over: Teamsters, U of M Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

September 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A strike at the University of Minnesota campuses ended over the weekend involving 1,400 employees with Teamsters Local 320. At UMD, 185 employees were on strike. The union represents employees in custodial, maintenance and food service. While the university said they gave their “last, best and final offer” on Sept. 5, a new offer has been made…

Love Creamery Hosts Open House For Billings Park

September 10, 2025

Xavier Walt,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Over in Billings Park in Superior, local residents were offered a sweet treat on the house, courtesy of their newest neighbors. Love Creamery, the ice cream shoppe with two locations in Duluth, will be expanding into Superior shortly, and held an open house for Billings Park locals to introduce themselves, and their product, to the community. “I…

Dual Training Pipeline Offers New Opportunities to Employers

September 9, 2025

Jadie Jones,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown employers got together at the Chamber of Commerce to learn about the Minnesota Dual Training pipeline. This program helps employees to get on the job training while getting formal instruction to grow within the industry. Employers participating can apply for a grant to aid with related costs. The industries this program focuses on are high-growth industries,…

Union: 1,400 University Of Minnesota Service Workers Go On Strike

September 8, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A strike is officially on for 1,400 University of Minnesota employees with Teamsters Local 320 – and that includes 185 employees at UMD. Teamsters President Erik Skoog confirmed to FOX 21 around 4:30 p.m. Monday that some campuses within the U of M system began the picket Monday evening. UMD’s picket will begin Tuesday morning, according to…

Pho’holic Celebrates Opening Of Second Duluth Location

September 8, 2025

Emily Halling, Adam Jagunich,

DULUTH, Minn.– A popular Vietnamese restaurant in Duluth has officially opened a second much-larger location on London Road. Ever since China Cafe closed back in April, plans for this new expansion have been simmering. “Yeah, got a lot going on. Super excited. The nerves are flowing, yeah, super excited just to be here,” said Elijah Nguyen, Manager Phoholic. Six years…

Bremer Bank to lay off 244 people in Minnesota

September 8, 2025

Matt McConico,

Bremmer Bank Logo DULUTH, Min. & LAKE ELMO, Min. – Bremer Bank has filed paperwork with the state of Minnesota saying they plan to lay off 244 employees. All of those employees are at the Bremer Service Center in Lake Elmo. The filing says the layoffs are “a result of the acquisition of Bremer with Old National Bank”. The layoffs are…

UMD Releases Statement Amid Possible Strike By Teamsters 320

September 7, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD responded Sunday evening to a possible strike by its service workers with Teamsters Local 320, which involves those in custodial, maintenance and food service. This update comes after the union voted down the university’s “last, best and final offer” on Friday. “While we respect our employees’ rights to collective bargaining, our priority remains ensuring that vital…

‘Force on Fifth Avenue’ Shines Brighter in Downtown Duluth

September 7, 2025

Emmaleah Allen, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The skyline of downtown Duluth is shining a little brighter with a new addition to the downtown’s latest housing development. Inside Force on Fifth Avenue New signage has been installed on Force on Fifth Avenue’s building at the corner of 5th Avenue West and Superior Street. Brian Forcier, president and CEO of Titanium Partners, is behind this…

Ravin Crossbows Opens Pro Shop in Superior

September 5, 2025

Paige Hansen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Ravin Crossbows in Superior has officially opened a pro shop that’s open to customers. Since its start in 2014, Ravin Crossbows has served customers through national dealers and an online website. After years of customers asking for a in-person store, the time has finally come. The store is located in Ravin’s production building where the crossbows are…

'foxes And Fireflies' Celebrates One Year Of Business

‘Foxes and Fireflies’ Bookstore Celebrates One Year of Business

September 4, 2025

Emily Halling,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The pages have been turning at superior’s Foxes and Fireflies bookstore for one year now. The store got its origins when Superior Telegram reporter, Maria Lockwood, decided enough was enough. With the help of some grants, Superior finally opened its first bookstore in 17 years. ‘Foxes and Fireflies’ has a strong mission of local author support, and community…

‘Broadway At The DECC’ Unveils Season 2 Lineup After Successful Debut

September 4, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Back by popular demand, as the saying goes. The 2025-2026 season of Broadway at the DECC is a go. Season 2’s line-up includes The Book of Mormon, Hadestown, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, and the beloved classic, The Music Man. There will also be a seasonal performance with A Magical Cirque Christmas. Indiana-based promoter The Roberts…

$1,000,000 Powerball winner in Minnesota; Jackpot rolls over

September 4, 2025

Matt McConico,

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) ROSEVILLE, Min & DULUTH, Min. – The Powerball jackpot is an now estimated $1.7 billion for the Saturday, September 6, 2025 drawing after nobody won the latest jackpot. The winning Powerball numbers drawn on September 3, 2025 were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69 and the Powerball was 22. A $1 million Powerball ticket was sold in Inver…

Source: Duluth Mayor To Propose Inflation-Only Property Tax Levy Increase

September 3, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert will be proposing a property tax levy increase of 4.1% for the city’s portion of the 2026 levy, a credible source inside city hall told FOX 21 Wednesday. But because there’s been new growth within the city, the 4.1% would actually end up being an inflation-only increase of 2.7% to property owners, according…

Opposition of Minnesota Power Sale Host Press Conference

September 3, 2025

Xavier Walt, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn. — Opposition of the potential sale of Minnesota Power held a press conference today This is the latest response to the news of Minnesota Power and Allete’s potential acquisition by Global Infrastructure Partners, a BlackRock company, and C.P.P. Investments. The sale, which would take Minnesota Power off the publicly owned market, is seeing opposition from groups like The…

Downtown Duluth Wells Fargo branch set to close

September 3, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Wells Fargo downtown Duluth branch is set to close in December. Officials say that customers can continue to use the branch until 11 a.m. December 3, when they must switch to the Kenwood branch or other nearby locations. A statement sent to FOX21 by a Wells Fargo spokesperson regarding the closure stated: “Branches continue to play…

St. Louis County Board Backs 12.4% Maximum Property Tax Levy Increase For 2026

September 2, 2025

Dan Hanger,

St. Louis County DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board has approved a 12.4 percent maximum property tax levy for 2026. A final vote will happen at the next board meeting Sept. 9 before a state-required deadline of the end of the month. The full budget will be voted on by the middle of December. Below is the full…