Community

Northland father seeks community support for daughter’s unexpected illness

  DULUTH, Minn.– A northland family is hoping for community assistance, after their daughter needed unexpected brain surgery. Her father, Jakell Ross said, the 10-year-old was airlifted to the children’s hospital in St Paul last week for emergency surgery. Ross said his daughter, Ahlyna Stamps, had been struggling headaches, which turned out to be a sinus infection. The infection quickly…

Cold conditions bring hot competition to Barkers Island

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Engines roared across the ice as racing enthusiasts gathered for a winter competition on a track far from traditional. From bikes, to quads, and side-by-sides, the competition welcomed a variety of racers taking to the ice in front of Barkers Island. The event, hosted by the nonprofit group Midwest Ice Racing Association, takes place during the Lake…

Zenith Bookstore sees increased sales in the dystopian genre

DULUTH, Minn. — A local bookstore has seen an uptick in sales for one particular genre. As many Minnesotans express uncertainties about the state’s future, many readers are gravitating toward dystopian novels. Zenith Bookstore in Duluth has noticed the trend, spanning everything from the classics to new releases. Store manager, Sarah Brown said, “history repeats itself, and what these books…

Lake Superior Ice Festival kicks off for weekend of fun

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Lake Superior Ice Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From hockey to disc golf, a tubing hill, arts, crafts, food trucks and so much more – there is something for everyone at this fun family friendly event. It’s not all out in the cold either. There is an escape room, bonfires, warming tents, and other indoor…

Rep. Stauber ducks out of Teamsters meeting, dodging blocked media and protesters

FOX 21 confirmed two Duluth police officers were contracted by U.S. Capitol Police to be at the union hall; Non-local law enforcement were also there

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber’s office responded to FOX 21’s request for more information Thursday involving a Wednesday night protest outside the Teamsters Local 346 building in Duluth involving the congressman. The spokesperson said Stauber was invited to the private gathering inside the union hall with the Teamsters to give an update on the Faster Labor Contracts Act….

“No NDA’s in the DFL” meeting held at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — The topic of non-disclosure agreements took center stage at a public meeting at Zeitgeist. Elected officials and community members alike gathered to discuss NDA’s ahead of an upcoming caucus. The focus was on how NDA’s have been used by officials, but an update was also provided on the Hermantown data center. Small groups broke out for discussions…

ISMA hosts 136th Grand Lodge Convention

DULUTH, Minn. — A gathering was held for the 136th annual Grand Lodge Convention hosted by the International Ship Masters’ Association. Founded in 1886, the organization represents licensed Great Lakes mariners. Its mission focuses on education, safety, and environmental stewardship from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. That mission will be reflected throughout this weekend-long convention. The event…

Brightwater Health reveals re-branding

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest mental health and addiction services provider has officially re-branded. Brightwater Health, formerly known as the Human Development Center, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included remarks from Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce president Matt Baumgartner and guided tours of the space. “Most people in our community, at some point, will have…

St. Louis County welcomes new deputies and corrections officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office swore in new sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Nine deputies and seven corrections officers were sworn in by Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and pinned by friends and family. The event also recognized new civilian staff hires, promotions, and the swearing-in of the department’s newest K-9, Ollie. Among the new deputies is retired…

Protestors gather outside Rep. Pete Sauber’s meeting with Teamsters

DULUTH, Minn. — A protest was held outside the Teamsters Local 346 union hall in Lincoln Park, where Congressman Pete Stauber was believed to be attending a private gathering. People outside said they showed up looking to share their concerns with proposed legislation easing federal restrictions on mining near the Boundary Waters, and the current unrest in Minneapolis involving ICE…

St. Louis County Historical Society seeks community feedback

DULUTH, Minn. — Renovations are taking place at the Depot, and the St. Louis County Historical Society is using this is an opportunity to make some improvements as well. As Historical Society staff move exhibits and put some things in storage to make room for the building renovations, they plan on using this transitional period to find out how to…

Two federal agents involved in shooting of Alex Pretti have been on administrative leave since Saturday, DHS says

(AP) – The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that two federal agents involved in Pretti’s shooting have been on leave since Saturday. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. The announcement came as Trump seemed…

UMD students explore opportunities at Spring Volunteer Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — Students and organizations looking to do some good today gathered at UMD’s Kirby ballroom. Over 40 different groups were at the annual spring volunteer fair. The fair lets students see a variety of volunteer opportunities around the northland without having to go out and find them. Volunteering also gives students experience beyond what school and most students…

Northland lawmakers address increasing mistrust in law enforcement, amid ICE operations

DULUTH, Minn.–Four Northland lawmakers held a press event at Duluth City Hall to address their growing concerns around ICE operations in Minnesota and its effects on the Northland. Democratic representatives Liish Kozlowski, Pete Johnson, and Senator Jen McEwen of Minnesota joined Wisconsin Rep. Angela Stroud. Rep. Pete Johnson is a first responder as a longtime firefighter, and he said seeing…

DEED awards nearly $2.5 million in grants for Northland contamination cleanup

DULUTH, Minn. —  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) has awarded multiple Northern Minnesota communities nearly $2.5 million dollars in grants to clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. These grants pay up to 75% of the costs to assess and clean up the sites. Communities in Northern Minnesota that received funds: The Duluth Economic Development Authority was awarded…

Pipe burst leaves Lakeside Early Learning with thousands of dollars in damage

DULUTH, Minn.– On Sunday afternoon, the extreme cold caused a pipe burst that has wrecked half of Lakeside Early Learning Center. We’re told, luckily no children or staff were harmed while this occured. However, the incident has left the daycare with at least $25,000 in damage so far. The executive director said, thousands of gallons of water soaked through all…

Positively 3rd Street Bakery to donate profits to Minneapolis families affected by ICE activity

DULUTH, Minn. — Positively 3rd Street Bakery announced a new campaign to raise donations for Minneapolis residents affected by ICE. The bakery announced that all profits until Feb. 1, will be donated to the International Institute of Minnesota, which will use the funds to buy groceries or provide rent relief for families affected by the ongoing ICE-related activity. The small…

Sixty CEOs of Minneapolis-based companies call for ‘immediate deescalation of tensions’

Logos of Minneapolis-bases companies who signed letter The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released a letter Sunday on behalf of more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies after the second death of a Minneapolis resident involving federal agents. The full text of the letter: The business community in Minnesota prides itself in providing leadership and solving problems to ensure a strong…

Mayor Reinert says Duluth stands with Minneapolis, calls for end of Operation Metro Surge

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert released a lengthy statement Sunday regarding the fatal shooting in Minneapolis Saturday involving federal agents.  Reinert also released a video message on the topic (see below).  Reinert said the city of Duluth stands with Minneapolis.  Reinert also said the city joins fellow Minnesotans in a call to de-escalate federal operations and end Operation…

Music fills Duluth City Hall as Lyric Opera of the North begins artist residency

DULUTH, Minn. — The rotunda at Duluth City Hall filled with music and voices from Lyric Opera of the North as Mayor Roger Reinert welcomed the 2026 Artists in Residence to the City Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 21. This year marks the opera company’s 20th year of performances and education in the community. At the event, guests…

Mayor Reinert comments on Duluth City Hall protest

DULUTH, Minn. — As many Minnesotans participated in anti-ICE protests, and some businesses shut down for the day as part of statewide demonstrations. Nearly 100 community members gathered at the Duluth City Hall rotunda for a civil protest organized by Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert spoke on the protests and addressed the city’s role. “We…

Large group of community members attend ICE out of Duluth Sit-in at City Hall

DULUTH, Minn.–Bright and early on a freezing Friday morning, a large group of community members, gathered in solidarity to protest against ICE escalations. “I was very impressed with the turnout. Our car didn’t start, so I didn’t know if it was going to be a little bit lower of a turnout, but everyone did definitely turn out,” said Kaylee Spencer,…

Longstanding Downtown Duluth businesses to close for ‘ICE Out of Minnesota’ day

DULUTH, Minn. – At least two longtime downtown Duluth businesses, Sir Benedicts Tavern and Carmody Irish Pub, are closing Friday in support of the “ICE Out of Minnesota” day. The owners of both establishments released videos on social media Thursday evening with personal messages to their customers and the community. “Both my wife and I have worn the uniform of…

Duluth businesses embrace the deep freeze with fun opportunities

DULUTH, Minn.– When it comes to experiencing the arctic-like air, many businesses decide to close their doors. However, a few of them around town see it as an opportunity. “Our hot shop comes in at a nice hot 2100 degrees,” said Katie Timmerman, Director of Operations at Lake Superior Art Glass. “Even though the ovens are hot, it’s colder than…

Minnesota Attorney General warning of crowdfunding scams tied to ICE activity in Minnesota

Keith Ellison at news conference announcingMinnesota and Twin Citiesare suing Trump administration over widespread immigration operations ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is warning people of crowdfunding scams purporting to help those impacted by immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. The Attorney General’s Office is saying “bad actors” are taking advantage of people’s generosity.  The Attorney General’s Office…

Hoops Brewing set to close after nearly 10 years of business

  DULUTH, Minn. —  Hoops Brewing is set to close after nearly 10 years of operation. In a video posted to Facebook, owner Dave Hoops announced that the brewery would close on February 23. “For more than 10 years, this place has been bigger than beer. It’s been a community, neighbors, friendship, and it’s been home,” said Hoops. The Duluth-based…

Minnesota Twins players meet with fans in Duluth during Winter Caravan tour

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth welcomed in some extra special visitors today as part of their Winter Caravan Tour throughout the state. Wednesday morning, Minnesota Twins players Justin Topa and Mick Abel, stopped by the Elite Sports Complex in West Duluth. The turf was filled with excited community members, ready to get their winter baseball fix. Fans got to check out a…

45th annual Arrowhead EMS Association draws in around 700 attendees

DULUTH, Minn.– For 45 years, first responders, medical professionals, and EMS from all over the region have met to collaborate and learn from one another. This year, the DECC is expecting to welcome in nearly 700 first responders. Each attendee will participate in a series of classes, keynote speakers, as well as the national expo. Getting familiar with one another…

Free Wisconsin nonprofit’s reentry housing plan meets resistance

ASHLAND, Wis.– In Ashland, one resident has been making a difference in his community by giving back to released incarcerated individuals through his nonprofit. And now, he’s looking to expand his services. “We’re a newer nonprofit that actually works with criminal justice impacted people. We try and support them and meet them where they’re at. So, we focus on a…

Maria Vollom joining FOX 21 evening team

DULUTH, Minn. – An exciting new chapter has begun at FOX 21 Local News. Morning anchor Maria Vollom has been promoted to evening co-anchor with Dan Hanger, Rusty Mehlberg on weather and Neil Vierzba on sports at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the evening newscasts. After waking-up early for FOX 21 Local News from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m….

Twin Ports reflect on public reading of the Constitution

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered for a public reading of the United States Constitution at Northern Waters Smoke House. Everyone was handed pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, allowing people to follow along as it was read aloud. With the event taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it gave the community a chance to reflect on the Constitution, honor…

Northland honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

DULUTH, Minn. — People across the Northland spent the day honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing the long-standing tradition of marching, reflection, and celebration. The annual MLK Day celebration, organized by the Duluth NAACP, began with a community breakfast at the First United Methodist Church. Around noon, attendees marched through the DECC’s skywalk,…

Brimson Strong nonprofit featured in Castle Danger Brewing’s Pints for a Cause

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– After the massive Brimson Complex fire took out a large portion of northern St Louis County, efforts are still strong to help towns such as Brimson rebuild. Since then, a nonprofit called “Brimson Strong” lead by founder Mikala Schliep has dedicated time and effort to help her community. The fire also affected Schliep, as it took the…

Pj’s Rescue hosts adoption event at Fleet Farm

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — PJ’s Rescue hosted a pet adoption event at Fleet Farm in Hermantown on Saturday. Pj’s Rescue is a non-profit organization that fosters animals until they find their forever home. Event coordinator Katerina Anderson said PJs doesn’t have a sheltered building, so the best way for people to see the pets is to hold adoption events all through…

Loll Designs surpasses $100K in donations to Chester Bowl with check presentation

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl received a large donation, in the form of thousands of dollars from a local furniture company. Loll Designs donated the check of over $9,000 to Chester, as part of a six-year donation cycle from the furniture company, which surpassed $100,000 in 2025. The continued support from Loll has helped Chester get the point of renovating…

Northern Waters Smokehaus appears on “Triple D Nation”

DULUTH, Minn. — Grab your popcorn, grab your snacks, and hunker down in front of the TV, because this local eatery is featured on a popular Food Network Show. In 2010, Northern Waters Smokehaus appeared on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” hosted by food personality star, Guy Fieri. Recently, the restaurant returned for the spin-off series “Triple D Nation.” The show…

‘Sprint Medic Pilot Program’ set to hit the road in northern St Louis County

VIRGINIA, Minn.– The Sprint Medic Pilot program is hitting the road, in northern St Louis County, its main goal is to improve medical response times in rural areas. The Minnesota Legislature funded the Sprint Medic Pilot Program back in 2024, aiming to provide life-saving emergency care across northern St. Louis County. But now, starting Monday, the program will have an…

Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation brings awareness to wildlife lead poisoning

DULUTH, Minn.– The Executive Director at Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation, is urging hunters and fishers beware of lead, after dealing with a pattern of poisoned animals, at their doorstep. The Executive Director said this problem has been ongoing for years. Last year, out of 33 eagles rescued, only ten of them were treatable. We’re told lead poisoning affects gastrointestinal system, muscle…

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation awards $850,000 in Culture & Tourism grants

Minn.– Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation has awarded $850,000 in grants to 34 community projects. The Culture & Tourism grants will support community projects across the Iron Range. Many of the grants will be going towards trail maintenance, upgrading community parks or remodels to historic buildings. Some of the grant receivers include the International Wolf Center, snowmobile clubs and various…

“Food for Thought” takes over Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

CLOQUET, Minn. — Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College once again hosted their annual “Food for Thought” fundraiser, bringing community members together to support local higher education. The tasting event welcomed in the community to taste various foods and drinks that were donated by Twin Ports businesses. For $30 a ticket, the guests were treated to “all-you-can-eat food”, plus…