Community

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes Visitors For International Snow Leopard Day

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo celebrated International Snow Leopard Day, welcoming locals in to help share the love with the zoo’s resident big cat. The zoo’s guests were able to ring in the day by designing their own “enrichment item”, which would later be given to Kiran, the snow leopard. Guests were able to decorate a colorful…

Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash

Todd Eckart on FOX21 Morning News DULUTH, Min. & AMNICON, Wis. – The uncle of Todd Eckart has confirmed to FOX 21 that the popular local musician was killed in a head-on crash in Wisconsin. The crash happened at 2:12 p.m. on October 22, 2025 in Amnicon Township. Todd was a standout when it came to entertaining the Duluth area…

Data Center Debate: Hermantown’s Comm. Dir. Talks Public Process

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The city of Hermantown’s communications director, Joe Wicklund, talked to FOX 21 Wednesday about concerns surrounding a proposed data center and the way the city is or is not including the public in the process. “We protect the environment so well in Minnesota with robust environmental standards. That has not changed. What has changed is these types…

Castle Danger Heads into 10 years of ‘Pints for a Cause’

  TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Once again, Castle Danger is turning good beer into a good cause as they head into their 10th year of ‘Pints for a Cause.’ Throughout the entire year, the brewery hosts beer release parties every other month in collaboration with six different non-profits from across the region. Each release party showcases one organization’s work through…

Fairlawn Mansion Celebrates Halloween In Superior

SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN-  Fairlawn Mansion is celebrating Halloween early with their flashlight tours.  Folks gets to come to the mansion after dark for a 30minute tour. During the tour you learn about superstations from the Victorian era and the staff shares paranormal experiences that happened while they were alone in the mansion. The manager of Fairlawn Mansion says they’re just really excited…

Completion of LNPK Grocery delayed to early 2026

  DULUTH, Minn. — The completion of Ecolibrium3’s Lincoln Park Grocery store is experiencing delays, which resulted in a revised timeline that could extend into 2026. Ecolibrium3 (Eco3) officials say that, due to various snags in the construction process and bringing the building up to code, the store opening is being delayed. Located at the previous Eco3 office over on…

Global Rising Coffee Prices Being Felt Locally Amid Tariffs

DULUTH, Minn. — Tariffs and global issues are forcing coffee houses, including local shops like Duluth Coffee Company, to raise their prices for your morning cup of joe. “Duluth Coffee Company is going through unprecedented times in the purchasing and selling of coffee, not only because of tariffs, but because all of the raw coffee that we buy is connected…

UMD Seminar Explores AI Deep Fakes

  DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted an online seminar regarding the potential threat of artificial Intelligence leading to an “info-pocalypse.” The meeting featured two professors of philosophy from Northeastern University who spoke about how digital fakes, fake news, and bots posing as humans have the potential to confuse people to the point of not knowing if…

Duluth Right to Repair Hosts Labor Rally

DULUTH, Minn. — Local labor unions stepped out in support of tenants and the “Duluth Right to Repair” initiative that’s on the Nov. Ballot. The ‘Duluth Right to Repair’ gives renters a tool to get timely fixes for common repairs such as bathroom fans, leaks, cabinet doors, and appliances. The cost of the repair would not exceed $500, and then…

‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Hosts Free Mattress Drop-Off Event Oct. 22

A winter clothing drive is also part of the event

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports Trailer Trash is hosting a free mattress drop-off event Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Duluth while also hosting a winter clothing drive. The drop-off location for both causes is 215 S. 37th Avenue West from 8 .m. until 4 p.m.  There is a limit of two mattresses or box springs. “I’m constantly trying to just figure…

Annual Energy Expo Brings Community and Resources Together

It’s Energy Awareness month and the Annual Energy Expo kicked off to help inform the community about the resources available to them. The expo was designed to inform attendees what resources are available to them. OneRoof, Ecolibrium3, Citizens Utility Board, and many other representatives were there. They had a free hot lunch, the opportunity to sign up for energy assistance,…

Hermantown Council Approves Rezone for Potential Data Center

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown City Council has voted 4-0 to rezone land for a potential data center, officially changing the property from residential to business and light manufacturing. While the vote marks a major step forward for the proposed project, city leaders say it’s a rezone only and does not approve the data center itself. The decision came just…

Blatnik Bridge Project Update Meeting Held In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation held a public meeting in Superior to present community members with updates on the Blatnik Bridge project. The presentation, which took place in front of a packed house at the Superior Public Library, gave Twin Ports residents the chance to hear some of the updates on the long awaited project and see…

6th Avenue East Re-opens with Safety in Mind

DULUTH, Minn. — 6th avenue east is officially open now. The resurfacing project added vegetated medians, reduced the lanes to 3, updated crossings for ADA compliance, and replaced lead water service lines. These changes make walking and crossing 6th avenue much safer for pedestrians. According to the project webpage, 20% of Duluth’s Pedestrian deaths in the past ten years have…

‘Dance TV’ Performs Halloween Edition at Zeitgeist in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The heat was on, the music was turned up and the competition was fierce Saturday night at Dance TV’s Halloween edition at Zeitgeist in downtown Duluth. Dance TV produces live theatrical productions that take you behind the scenes of a fictional hit television show, Dance TV. The audience serves as the live studio audience and is immersed…

Thousands Attend ‘No Kings’ Protests in Duluth, Cities Across Northland

NORTHLAND — Thousands of protesters gathered at rallies in the Northland Saturday for the “No Kings” demonstrations against what they see as the government turning into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.   In Duluth, thousands filled the courtyard outside City Hall, the St. Louis County Courthouse and the Federal Building.  Click the video above to see an drone’s view.  Click the…

Haunted shack bringing fall screams

CARLTON, Minn. — The Haunted Shack is back for its 32nd season, to bring spooky activities to the Twin Ports. The haunted attraction is located on a working farm that is transformed each year to bring people from around the Midwest out for some fun. The festivities include the haunted shack, corn maze, haunted hay ride, petting zoo, and outdoor…

Expect delays on Lift Bridge next week

Aerial Lift Bridge DULUTH, Min. – Both drivers and pedestrians could be facing minor delays with bridge inspections. Starting on Monday, October 20, 2025 the Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota Slip Bridge will undergo inspections. The inspection work is expect to last throughout the week. The inspections will require frequent and slow lifts of the bridge Aerial Lift Bridge to allow…

Large Turnout for MN State Fire Chiefs Association Conference

DULUTH, Minn.– The DECC is seeing quite a large turnout for its annual Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Conference. Over 540 fire chiefs from around the state are gathering to network and develop connections and strategies. It’s also an opportunity for the attendees to learn about new technology, leadership skills, and resiliency. With the conference, it gets all of the…

St. Louis County Launches Shutdown Update Webpage

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County has launched a website where you can track the impacts of the federal shutdown. The page also highlights resources for help. Currently, the page is updating for Snap, The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and WIC. Those programs help families and individuals access healthy food and other resources. For Snap and MFIP, funding for…

Essentia Health Mammogram Trucks Seeing Trend of Success

CLOQUET, Minn.– October is known as breast cancer awareness month. And Essentia Health has been bringing opportunities for testing in rural communities. For the past three years, Essentia health has introduced a fleet of trucks traveling to rural and tribal areas. It began with three locations, but now they have over twenty stops. Thursday alone, Cloquet’s stop was booked up…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Talks NDAs, Public Comments, Commissioner’s Words on Minneapolis’ FOX 9

St. Louis County Commissioner Chair Annie Harala responded to concerns Thursday over elected officials signing non-disclosure agreements regarding a proposed data center project in Hermantown. She also addressed a video that shows a confrontation between Commissioner Keith Nelson and the Duluth Monitor’s Publisher, John Ramos, who pressed the commissioner on the topic during Tuesday’s board meeting. Click the video above…

First Indigenous Coast Guard Unit Inducted in Grand Portage

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn.– A ceremony on Wednesday in Grand Portage celebrated a new beginning for the reservation and surrounding areas. They’ve been hard at work to bring in additional support for marine safety, patrol, and rescue. The first ever Indigenous Coast Guard unit was officially inducted in Grand Portage. After the Grand Marais coast guard unit discontinued back in 2022,…

Construction underway for Chum expansion project

DULUTH, Minn. — The Chum Shelter and Drop-in Center expansion project is officially underway. A brief ceremony was held Wednesday to mark the start of construction as keys to the building were handed over to Johnson Wilson Constructors, Inc. $10 million in funding from federal and state sources was secured in 2022, enabling the project. The shelter currently accommodates more…

City Council Considers Pause on new Short-Term Rental Permits

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council held a first reading on an ordinance proposing a 12-month pause to new short-term rental permits. City officials report that the number of vacation rentals has increased rapidly, resulting in the conversion of many single-family homes into short-term rentals. The proposed pause would give the city time to think about how these rentals…

Minnesotan Man Carves Giant Jack-O-Lanterns

DULUTH, Minn. — One man is carving up something spooky for the Halloween season at Pier B. Michael Rudolph, a giant pumpkin carver, was commissioned to carve two giant pumpkins for display at the resort. Using improvised tools and 17 years of experience, Rudolph spends several hours perfecting his creations. “The best part is seeing the faces of people and…

Fire Chief, Neighbors React To Hibbing House Explosion

HIBBING, Minn. – A house explosion in Hibbing Sunday night sent flames into the air and injured one person.  One day later, heavy equipment moved in, as the investigation into a cause of the blast continued. “All the neighbors were out, pajamas, bathrobes, whatever. People just came out. Everybody was chasing dogs every which way trying to, I suppose, when…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Annie Harala Talks Process Of Non-Disclosure Agreements

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala was one of three commissioners to sign a non-disclosure agreement involving a proposed data center in Hermantown.  Some members of the public have voiced frustration over what they call a lack of transparency involving the proposed project.  Commissioner Ashley Grimm responded to those concerns by calling for a ban on…

Topics Of Transparency, NDAs Take Over St. Louis County Board Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.– The topic of transparency boiled over Tuesday at the St. Louis County Board meeting in Duluth. What was supposed to be public comment about banning commissioners from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) turned into residents feeling silenced. The St. Louis County board meeting included a motion by Commissioner Ashley Grimm to prohibit commissioners from signing non-disclosure agreements going forward,…

Twin Ports Celebrates Indigenous People’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports residents celebrated Indigenous People’s Day at Duluth City Hall with a ceremony. Both Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and superior Mayor Jim Payne were on hand to officially proclaim October 13th as Indigenous People’s Day in both cities. Various Duluth and Superior schools and the Fond du Lac Honor Guard were in attendance as well, paying…

Trail Access Restricted Due to Crosby Fire

FINLAND, Minn.– When the Crosby Fire began last week, the DNR and Superior Hiking Trail officials wasted no time implementing safety measures. “We just got word of the fire, kind of beginning yesterday, kind of coordinated with the DNR. We didn’t hear until about 5:30 kind of in the evening, about looking to close a section of the Superior Hiking…

Residents Meet About Proposed Data Center Development In Hermantown

SOLWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Residents of Hermantown and the surrounding area attended a meeting Sunday evening at Solway Town Hall regarding a proposed plan to build a data center in Hermantown. The large project is being proposed as a 1.8 million-square-foot facility that could be situated near Midway Road and Morris Thomas Road on 403 acres. Sunday’s meeting provided an…

Tattoo Fundraiser Supports Family After Devastating House Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at Duluth Tattoo Company for a fundraiser in support of the Rosendahl family as they recover from a devastating house fire. The family is part of the tattoo community here in Northland, and multiple tattoo shops, including Duluth Tattoo Company, Benchmark, and Resurrection, came together, spending the last few weekends fundraising. The events brought people…

“No Man’s Land” Film Festival Arrives In Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — A traveling film festival has found its way to Duluth. The “No Man’s Land Film Festival” took place at Clyde Ironworks for the first time in the Twin Ports. The festival is dedicated to showcasing multi-sport films from “women and gender non-conforming athletes and storytellers”, and for Duluth’s outdoor community, bringing the film festival to town, was…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hosts First Official Tailgate

DULUTH, Minn. — University of Minnesota-Duluth Men’s Hockey hosted its first official tailgate ahead of their home opener, giving fans the chance to take in the gorgeous evening, before the night’s main event The festivities took place along Harbor Drive, behind Amsoil Arena, where fans were encouraged to hang out and enjoy food and drink, while the UMD Pep Band…

CASDA holds ‘Paw’sitive Project event, raising awareness for pets in domestic abuse situations

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse, also known as CASDA, held an event on Friday to raise awareness for pets in domestic abuse situations. The ‘Paw’sitive Project event raised awareness about the correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse, highlighting that a large percentage of victims report harm to their pets, which may prevent them from…

Safe Haven Hosts 20th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Haven hosted their 20th annual fall fundraiser at Clyde Ironworks. The powerful evening brought people from across the Twin Ports together to support survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence. The event program included a cocktail hour, live music, dinner, and a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting survivors of…

Fall Career Fair Brings Potential Internship and job Opportunities

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The start of the school year brought in the opportunity to showcase some potential at UW-Superior. More than 77 booths gave students the scoop on what their future could look like. Each booth offered careers ranging from healthcare, business and even law enforcement. Students spent the day networking and seeing what the Twin Ports have to offer,…

Marine Corps Celebrates 250th Birthday in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The evening of Oct. 9, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center commemorated the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The department was established on Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, and this year marks its 250th birthday. The event centered on honoring that legacy and recognizing the Corps’ long-standing history of service and sacrifice. “Tonight,…