Community

Lake Superior Zoo Starts Campaign To Fund Rescued Animal Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — Since March, the Lake Superior Zoo has been home to a few new residents, and now, those residents are needing a little public support to ensure a comfortable future at the zoo. “We are trying to raise awareness for our “New Beginnings” campaign that is supporting our rescue.” said Lead Zookeeper Emily Perala. “Earlier this year, the…

Social Media and Kids

Duluth, Minn- Apps such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and X (formally known as Twitter) are examples of social media platforms we easily get lost in.  It’s easy to get distracted while doom scrolling for a couple of hours. Adults can tell the difference between skits and Artificial Intelligence, but young children may lack that skill.  Child psychology specialist, Lauren Browender says,…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Brinn Gordon A.K.A Octavia Forté

DULUTH, MINN- Superior resident Brinn Gordon is a multi-talented individual. During the day, they’re a bank teller. By night,  they’re a DJ, rapper, and a drag performer. As a child, their family would either sing in choir or play instruments.  They would watch music videos on the Black Entertainment Television and Music Television channels, that’s when they knew there was…

Governor Tim Walz Addresses Labor Day at Bayfront Picnic

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluthians and politicians gathered Monday at Bayfront Festival Park to represent all things labor and union. Hotdogs, sides and fixings were dished out by volunteers and several union reps. Numerous musical groups accompanied the event, while everyone shared a meal. The crowd got to hear from several speakers, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Tim Walz. Both of…

Dragons, Dungeons and Drinks Hosts Second Duluth Adventure

DULUTH, Minn. – People gathered at Bent Paddle Brewing Company to participate in an inclusive ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ adventure, hosted by the Minneapolis‑based gaming collective, known as ‘Dragons, Dungeons and Drinks.’ The gaming collective is based in the Twin Cities and hosts approximately 2,000 adventures, with 150 game masters. Lately, they have expanded to other parts of the state, including…

“Movies in the Park” Wraps Up Its 2025 Season

DULUTH, Minn. — School returning and cooler weather means a family favorite Duluth event has concluded for the season. “Movies in the Park” at Leif Erickson Park wrapped up its 2025 lineup on Aug. 29, and in the spirit of “back-to-school”, the event finished the summer off with a classic in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, as moviegoers propped up a…

London Road Businesses Host Blood Drive

DULUTH — Minn. Statistics show that 1 in 3 people will need a blood transfusion of some kind during their lives, so when supplies get low, especially during holiday weekends, it’s blood drives like the one hosted by London Road businesses, Fox21 included, and Memorial Blood Centers that become critical for maintaining the Northland’s supply. “Right now we are in…

Hurricane Katrina 20Year Anniversary

    DULUTH, MINN.- It’s been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina hit. Many lives were taken and changed forever; many more struggled just to survive.  West Duluth resident, Cooper Joseph says Katrina was a devastating storm.  He lived in Louisiana at the time, 75 miles from New Orleans. Joseph was a Fire Captain of the volunteer fire department.  He happened…

More than 100 lives impacted from London Road Business Blood Drive

DULUTH, Min. – The donations are still being counted and processed, but it is very safe to say at least 100 people had their lives impacted or saved at our recent blood drive. That the results of the London Road Business Blood Drive on August 28, 2025. The London Road Business Blood Drive was sponsored by FOX21, Cora Christman State…

The Twin Ports Kicks off Pride Weekend

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In Superior, Mayor Jim Payne started Pride Weekend today, with a reception at the Spirit Room. ‘Duluth-Superior Pride’ returns this Labor Day Weekend, with events on both sides of the Twin Ports. The weekend marks the 39th year of pride in the Northland, highlighting the 2SLGBTQIA community while bringing the ‘spirit of inclusivity’ to the area for…

Duluth East Class of 1955’s 70th Reunion

DULUTH, Minn. — A very special high school reunion was held at Blackwoods today, This group graduated together from Duluth East back in 1955 and 70 years later, they’re still partying. They started out meeting every five years. At their 60th reunion they saw they were losing people and decided to meet every year. Today’s party started off with lunch,…

Concerts on the Pier to be Extended

DULUTH, Minn. – People gathered at Glensheen for the last regularly scheduled concert on the pier event. Throughout the summer, people have been attending the free concert series every Wednesday except for two, which are Superior Siren with Jumpsuit and Big Wave Dave and The Ripples with Born Too Late. The two concerts were canceled due to weather, but they’ll…

Feedback: Park Point Recreation Area Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The future of Park Point’s public recreation area has city officials wanting more feedback beyond those who live on the point. Throughout the summer, people have been attending focus groups, workshops, and pop-up events to give input and review potential redesigns of the end of Park Point. That input has been compiled into three concept plans focusing…

Hibbing’s Memorial Building Arena to get new digital scoreboard

Memorial Building Arena Scoreboard Takedown HIBBING, Min. – The City of Hibbing is announcing a major upgrade at the Memorial Building arena. The arena’s longtime scoreboard was removed after more than three decades of service. It was in 1993 and weighing more than 4,000 pounds. A new four-sided digital video board will be installed in mid-September. The city says, “The upgrade…

Millions in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects across the Northland

ST. PAUL, Min. –The Minnesota Public Facility Authority (MPFA) announced more than $236.4 million in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The announcement made on August 26, 2025 is to hep cities replace aging infrastructure and make system improvements to protect public health and improve water quality. “The MPFA provides crucial financing and technical assistance to communities who might…

Retired Duluth Firefighter Unexpectedly Passes Away

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the weekend, 52-year-old Steve Swanson, a former Duluth firefighter, unexpectedly passed away. The beloved firefighter retired last May, after fifteen years as a fire equipment operator, where he worked on 7 engine, 4 quint, 2 engine, and 1 tower. Duluth Fire held a send-off as Swanson was flown to the Mayo Clinic, where his organs will be…

Minnesota DNR Now Accepting Urban and Community Forest Grant Applications

DULUTH, Minn. – Local governments, non-profits, and Tribal governments can officially apply for urban and community forest grants of up to $500,000 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The two grants total $12 million, making this the largest grant amount since the beginning of the DNR’s urban and community forest grant programs. The funds will be used to help…

Superior Welcomes Sister City Delegates and Students

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With it being an odd-numbered year, Superior is once again playing host to delegates from their sister city. Ami-Machi (AH-MEE MAH-CHEE), OR “Ami Town” is a Japanese city of about 47 thousand people and has been Superior’s sister city for nearly 30 years, with delegates from one city visiting the other depending on the year. Superior delegates…

‘Dimitri’ the Tiger Undergoes Dental Procedures

SANDSTONE, Minn.– It was a busy dentist day at The Wildcat Sanctuary. And now, Dimitri the tiger has a ‘grrrreat’ smile! The seventeen-year-old tiger was worked on by the ‘Minnesota Vet Dentist Specialist’ team from Duluth. What initially started as a routine root canal, turned into three extractions, and two root canals. And even when wild animals are in captivity,…

Todd Johnson Named Executive Director for Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Foundation has announced its new Executive Director, Todd Johnson. Johnson has nearly 3 decades of experience in non-profit leadership. He previously served as Chief executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland. The Northern Lights Foundation helps support families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. With the announcement, Johnson said “The Foundation’s…

Donors at upcoming London Road Blood Drive qualify for all-expense-paid vacation for two sweepstakes

DULUTH, Min. – Blood donors to Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) from Wednesday, August 27th, through Wednesday, September 3rd will be entered into a sweepstakes for an all-expense-paid vacation for two. The vacation is provided by Winspire. It will also include a $1,500 Flightgift gift card for airfare. The location option are La Costa Golf Escape (San Diego, CA), Farmhouse Luxury…

3rd Annual Clover Valley Farm Festival

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The third annual Clover Valley Farm Fest brought people together in Two Harbors today, celebrating the end-of-season harvest. Held at Agate Acres Farm, the annual festival features over 25 vendors, including the Clover Valley Farm Trail, a co-operative group of local farms located between Duluth and Two Harbors. “This helps people become aware of what they…

Northern Minnesota produced film releases poster

Small Town Girl Poster DULUTH, Min. & CHISHOLM, Min. –  A movie produced in large part in Northern Minnesota now has an official new poster. “Small Town Girl” director Bill Cooper announced the poster in an e-mail blast to film followers. He also announced composer Brian Bryson will officially be the music supervisor for the post-production of the film. The…

Duluth Veteran and Volunteer Recognized for Significant Service

DULUTH, Minn.– a Duluth based veteran has dedicated his life of service through a lens, and even volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota. Following his dedication for sharing history, the ‘DAV’ is filming a tribute video to honor Shaw, during his service both in and out of uniform. Meet Patrick Shaw, a veteran, a volunteer, grandfather and friend….

The 7th Annual Natasha Lukacs Memorial Motorcycle Ride Kicks Off

Image courtesy of Natasha’s Ride Facebook Event BRAHAM, Minn. — Starting with a celebration of community and connection, attendees GET to enjoy live music food, and camping at the Braham Moose Lodge. The ride rolls off at 10:30 in the morning August 22nd. You don’t need a motorcycle to take part, cars and trucks can follow the route, too. They’ll…

London Road Blood Drive taking place August 28

DULUTH, Min. – The London Road Business Blood Drive is taking place Thursday, August 28th.  CLICK HERE to sign-up to donate. It’s more necessary than ever with blood shortages around our area. Any one can donate – you don’t have to live or work on London Road. FOX21 is a sponsor.  Another co-sponsor is Peace of Mind Duluth. Caelee Buell, a Team…

2025 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival starts the party, and raises money for 23rd Veteran

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The 2025 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival (LSDBF) is here! Kicking off with an opening ceremony and 5k tonight, this family friendly event is an iconic tradition in the twin ports. This year’s charitable partner, 23rd Veteran, helps veterans adjust to civilian life after serving. The Boat Races begin at 8am Saturday August 22nd. Teams of 22…

DFD Holds Pinning Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Firefighters gathered at the DECC for their annual pinning ceremony. At that ceremony, the Duluth Fire Department honored members of their force who passed their probationary period and others who recently got promotions. Family members of the firefighters were there to hear speeches from the recipients, and some family members hopped on stage to hand over…

The DECC Wraps up Regional Listening Series

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center wrapped up its final public listening session aimed at learning how to better set priorities for the venue. Two years ago, the DECC decided to work toward a clearer public purpose. Part of that effort was setting up three 90-minute sessions, which include a survey that attendees can take throughout the meeting….

16th Annual “Battle of the Badges” Takes Over Wade Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Lights Foundation held its 16th annual charity softball event at Wade Stadium this evening. Duluth police and firefighters are competing in a friendly Battle of the Badges softball game to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps financially support Local families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. The event will also feature an auction, food trucks,…

Local Environmental Organizations Proving “Everyone Can Bird”

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Everyone can go birding, and a group of nonprofits, and outdoor enthusiasts around Superior are proving this time and time again. For the fourth year now, Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve has been organizing birding trips each year. To make the outings as accessible as possible, just about every type of accommodation is included. Binoculars, track chairs,…

MN Office of Cannabis Management Announces Recipients of CanRenew Grant

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the recipients of $1 million in grant funding. The CanRenew grant funding goes towards projects designed to restore communities negatively affected by cannabis prohibition. Roughly 150 organizations applied for the grant, requesting over $22 million in funding across Minnesota. 11 Projects were chosen to receive the $1 million available….

Governor Tim Walz Participates in Nashwauk-Keewatin School Ribbon Cutting

Nashwauk, Minn. – The community of Nashwauk came together back in 2022, approving $42 million to go towards building a new school and $5.7 million to build the community wellness center. “Many of you here today may recall with great, heartfelt memories our historic schools. 1000s of children received a top-notch education at those schools, and 1000s more will receive…

Summit School Honors Duluth Murder Victim With Memorial Tree

DULUTH, Minn. — Summit School is honoring the life of a former beloved co-worker, MaeDean Davin, 74, who Duluth police said was killed by her 46-year-old son, Nathan, over the weekend. MaeDean worked at Summit School, an early childhood education facility in Duluth, from 2018 to 2022. After learning about her tragic passing, the team at Summit planted a memorial…

Gov. Evers Highlights Childcare Bridge Program While Touring a Childcare Facility in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers visited Superior today, touring a childcare and education facility. It was all about highlighting Wisconsin’s new childcare bridge program, which Evers says is helping childcare providers across the state. The new state funding for childcare providers is derived from an investment of over $360 million approved by the state legislature. This will help provide…

Renovation Plans Unveiled for Duluth’s Historic Breakwater Light Station

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve taken a stroll down Canal Park, chances are you’ve seen the iconic lighthouse with the striking red roof. But today, there was more than what meets the eye. Doors opened to show just how much work is needed to restore the light station. The ‘Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association’ nonprofit will be giving it a second…

The DECC Hosts Regional Listening Series

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is hosting a series of listening sessions this week to gather input throughout the Northland regarding future organizational priorities. Two years ago, the DECC decided to work towards a clearer public purpose. This is being accomplished through three 90-minute sessions, aiming to bring together community members, partners, and local leaders from various…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Lays Out Plans for Park Point Improvement

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation have now shared some concept plans with the Park Point community as they continue steps towards improving the point’s recreation area. This comes after both climate patterns and time have worn down the rec area over the past years. Three concept plans were laid out, all of which are intended to support items…

Superior First Responders Receive Grants Towards New Equipment

SUPERIOR, Wis.– When it comes to living alongside countless lakes and rivers, it’s crucial for fire, rescue and police to have adequate equipment. And now, thanks to a large grant, this has become a reality for Superior. The Superior Fire, Rescue, and Police departments partnered with Cenovus energy to receive $130,000. Officials told FOX 21 the equipment has already impacted…