Business Archives - Fox21Online

New District Court Judge named for Duluth

October 17, 2025

Matt McConico,

Nathan Lacoursiere DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. In making the announcement Gov. Walz said, “Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge… What makes him so…

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

October 16, 2025

Dan Hanger,

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…

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

October 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

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…

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce head weighs in on Non-Disclosure Agreements

October 14, 2025

Matt McConico,

Matthew Baumgartner DULUTH, Minn. – Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) discussions have been making headlines in the St. Louis County Commission and Hermantown City Council. Matt Baumgartner, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, released a statement saying NDAs are a common and needed thing in business. Baumgartner wrote NDAs, “simply provides the space to explore the facts—costs,…

Investigator suing the City of Superior resigns

October 13, 2025

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mikayla LeRette, the Investigator suing the city of Superior, has resigned. She resigned in good standing about the same time both LeRette’s legal team and the City of Superior’s legal team agreed to some confidentiality terms in her federal lawsuit. On October 2, 2025 an agreement was made to keep some parts of evidence in the lawsuit…

Minnesota Nurses Association members created “hostile environment” at DECC

October 13, 2025

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) says Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members created a “hostile environment” in the facility where security had to be called. A statement from the DECC says an incident happened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, around noon at its Harbor Side Convention facility. The DECC statement says, “Reports from DECC staff and…

Local Creativity Fills the Proctor Fairgrounds

October 10, 2025

Lauren Martinson,

PROCTOR, Minn. — Excitement is building as the Proctor Fairgrounds comes to life again. The afternoon of Oct. 10, vendors began setting up for the second annual Craft and Vendor show, featuring between 60 and 80 local vendors and creators. The free event runs Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers can expect to find handmade jewelry,…

Students Making Connections at Networking Night

October 8, 2025

Emmaleah Allen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Students, faculty, and local businesses gather at UWS for the annual Networking Night inside the Yellowjacket Union. Networking Night allows students the opportunity to meet with employers in a low-stress environment, the evening before the Fall Career and Internship Fair. The event features theatre skits, tips, headshots, and employer tables to help students practice networking skills, gather…

Sun Country airlines suspends seasonal service between Duluth and Fort Myers

October 8, 2025

Matt McConico,

Sun County Airlines Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Airport Authority has announced Sun Country Airlines will not be returning for service to Fort Myers International Airport (RSW) for the winter season. The Duluth International Airport (DLH) had featured regular seasonal flight to Southwest Florida on Sun Country. Duluth Airport Authority Executive Director Tom Werner said, “While we are disappointed that…

2026 Budget Proposal Heads To Superior City Council

October 7, 2025

Xavier Walt,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine released his 2026 budget proposal, which is heavily focused on infrastructure and public safety. In addition, Paine says the budget will decrease the city’s property tax levy by 1.55%, while maintaining Superior’s spending levels for all city services. “This budget lowers the tax levy. We are one of the only municipalities, probably the only…

Bookstore at Fitger’s Highlighting Banned Book Week

October 7, 2025

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– The bookstore in Fitgers is showcasing novels that have been removed from schools, libraries, and other public spaces. Decorated with caution tape and explanation bookmarks, the bookstore is highlighting the growing trend of banned books, which has been happening since 1982. The bookstore manager told FOX 21 that last year alone 2,000 books joined the list. They’re included…

Bear Head Lake State Park wins America’s Best Restroom 2025

Restroom in Ely named “America’s Best Restroom 2025”

October 7, 2025

Matt McConico,

ELY, Min. – The best restroom in the country is in the Iron Range. A restroom in Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely has earned the title of America’s Best Restroom 2025. Jody Popesh, Assistant Manager of Bear Head Lake State Park was presented the award at an October 7, 2025 ceremony. The state park restrooms earned, “a Cintas…

Imagine Downtown Unveils 5 Year Plan

October 7, 2025

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn — After a year of focus groups, surveys, tours and more the Imagine Downtown plan is finally unveiled. The 5-year plan addresses the pressing concerns of the downtown area. Those concerns included safety, housing, amenities and services, and infrastructure. MIG Consulting has been the firm spearheading this initiative. The plan involves enacting changes over the next 5 years,…

Gold futures rise above $4,000 per ounce for the first time

October 7, 2025

Matt McConico,

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold futures rose above $4,000 per ounce for the first time on Tuesday, as many investors seek a “safe haven” for to park their money as the U.S. government shutdown continues. Gold futures in New York briefly jumped above the $4,000 mark just after 9 a.m. ET, marking a new record. The going price for New…

Duluth Preps For West Superior Street Reconstruction

October 6, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Another massive reconstruction project is on the horizon for Duluth as West Superior Street in Lincoln Park is in line for a rebuild. The nearly 2-mile stretch that will see the reconstruction begins at West Michigan Street and heads through Lincoln Park, past 27th Avenue W, and ends at the Carlton Street intersection. The construction will be much…

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…