Business

Love Creamery Hosts Open House For Billings Park

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

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

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

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…

UMD Releases Statement Amid Possible Strike By Teamsters 320

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

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

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’ Bookstore Celebrates One Year of Business

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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…

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…

Minnesota Nurses Association agrees to terms with Essentia for nurses at downtown Duluth clinics and Superior

DULUTH, Min. – Nurses with the  The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) at Essentia Health’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Street Clinic locations in Duluth, as well as Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic, voted to ratify tentative agreements on their first contracts. The union says the vote was cast by more than 200 nurses on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The agreements…

Donors at upcoming London Road Blood Drive quality 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…

$100,000 Powerball winner in Duluth; Huge jackpot on Monday

ROSEVILLE, Min & DULUTH, Min.  – A lucky winning ticket was sold over the August 23, 2025 Powerball drawing. A ticket with the Power Play option was purchased Saturday. They matched four numbers plus the Powerball to win $100,000. The winning ticket was sold at Miller Hill Super One, located at 5401 Burning Tree Road in Duluth. The winning numbers…

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…

Essentia Health & MNA reach tentative agreements for clinic nurses in Duluth and Superior

DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health has announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at he Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st, 2nd and 3rd street buildings and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Superior Clinic. The nurses are first contracts covering ambulatory care nurses. The tentative agreements will last through March 31, 2027. Upon making the announcement Essentia…

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…

Canada dropping retaliatory tariffs against US

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney TORONTO (AP) — Canada is dropping retaliatory tariffs to match U.S. tariff exemptions for goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday. Carney said Canada will include the carve-out that the U.S. has on Canadian goods under the 2020 free trade deal that shields the vast majority of goods…

AMSOIL reflects on life of former employee allegedly murdered by son

DULUTH, Min. & SUPERIOR, Wis. – People across the Twin Ports are reflecting on the life of MaeDean Davin. She was a long time employee for AMSOIL. Nathan Davin, 46, of Duluth is accused of shooting and killing his mother, MaeDean Davin, 74, of Duluth. AMSOIL released a statement reflecting on MaeDean, “MaeDean was a wonderful person. She managed the…

Gov. Walz Tours Mesabi Metallics Project

Gov. Walz cutting the ribbon of the new concentrator line NASHWAUK, Minn. — Governer Tim Walz visited Mesabi Metallics for a tour of the construction progress. The project will be the first mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in 50 years. The focus is on creating ‘Green Steel’, using environmentally friendly mining practices and de-carbonizing steel making. While on site,…

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…

Kari Toyota Breaks Ground On New Dealership Headquarters In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One of the Twin Ports’ longest-running family owned dealerships has officially broken ground on a new facility in Superior. The Kari Toyota family and city and county leaders recently celebrated a groundbreaking in the 3200-block of Belknap Street in Billings Park next to The Shack restaurant. The new dealership will be larger than the current one on…

Interim Executive Director named to Lake Superior Zoo

Noah Hobbs DULUTH, Min. – The Lake Superior Zoo Board of Directors has announced Noah Hobbs as its Interim Executive Director. Hobbs will take the role effective August 25, 2025. Lake Superior Zoo Board President James Lewis said in the announcement, “Noah brings a unique blend of local knowledge, community connection, and proven leadership…  His deep roots in Duluth and…

London Road Blood Drive announced; Urgent need for blood

  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. The state’s blood supply has dropped below a 2-day inventory, far below…

Visit Duluth’s New Leader Hired; Full Tourism Marketing Control 1 Year Away

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth, once the city’s sole tourism marketing organization for 85 years, is one step closer to gaining back full control like it had for decades. Visit Duluth has tapped Haley Hedstrom as its new executive director. She was chosen out of 50 applicants for the critical marketing job for the city. Earlier this year, the city…

4 Northland communities awarded contamination clean up grants

DULUTH, Minn. — 8 Minnesotan communities have been awarded grants for contamination clean-up. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced over 1.6 million in grant money to tackle contaminated sites. The grants will support the investigation and clean up of over 184 acres of contaminated land. Many of the individual projects will support the creation of jobs and…

City of Superior Now Operating Local Museums

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today, it was announced that the employees at the Fairlawn Mansion, S.S. Meteor, and Police and Fire museums are now considered city staff. This transition is something that has been in the works for a while. “It’s been a long discussion, but ultimately, we’ve been evaluating our relationships with all outside organizations. What we found is everything works…

Haley Hedstrom Announced as Visit Duluth’s New Executive Director

Haley Hedstrom DULUTH, Minn. — Visit Duluth has announced their new Executive Director. Haley Hedstrom, Executive Director for the Lake Superior Zoo, has been chosen to lead the tourism organization. Her achievements at the zoo demonstrated her strong dedication to Duluths tourism and economy. She will lead the effort to grow tourism while overseeing the strategy, culture, and operations of…

Septic system tank manufacturer fined $75K for potential sealing issue

WRENSHALL, Minn. — A Wrenshall Septic Tank manufacturer has been fined for septic tanks that may contain weep holes. The Minnesota Pollution Control agency fined Del Zotto Products $75,000 for the issue. Weep holes were drilled near the bottom of tanks to drain rainwater from the tanks while they are stored. While the holes were sealed before installation, it was…

From DWI to Service Dogs: New laws go into effect in Minnesota

Great Seal Of The State Of Minnesota DULUTH, Minn. – Many new laws are going into effect in Minnesota on August 1, 2025. Housing protections for service dog trainers: Minnesotans who train service dogs will now receive the same housing rights as people who rely on trained service animals. This means homeowners associations and landlords are not allowed to deny…

40 Years Later, Leif Erickson Viking Ship To Become Housed Exhibit In Knife River

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — The day has finally arrived — 40 years in the making.  The Leif Erickson Viking Ship is fully restored, has a permanent home and will soon be fully protected from the weather with a roof and public exhibit. “One-of-a-kind ship. This is an antique that’s been restored,” said Neill Atkins, chair of the Leif Erickson Restoration…

Authority Elite Launches First Non-Profit Cheer Program

DULUTH, Minn. – A first-of-its-kind non-profit all-star cheerleading organization opened its doors last month over on West Third St. Authority Elite offers a variety of affordable youth cheer classes, including competitive and non-competitive teams, as well as skill classes. Their program prioritizes removing financial barriers, giving young athletes the chance to be part of a team while building confidence and…

Solvay Hospice House reopens after pause for MNA strike

DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health and the Miller Dwan Foundation is resuming hospice patient care at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. The facility had temporarily suspended services as a result of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) strike. Starting Thursday, July 31 Solvay Hospice House will reopen and be ready to provide hospice care. Solvay will welcome residential hospice patients and…

‘Force on Fifth Avenue’ Close to Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – “Force on Fifth Avenue,” the new housing development, is close to opening in downtown Duluth. “I’m proud of this particular project because it’s really the gateway to downtown Duluth and to our community. And as you can see, we’re doing work out there now to make sure it’s beautiful,” said Brian Forcier, president of Titanium Partners. That…

New Housing Data Shows Duluth Has Much More Work To Do

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re having trouble finding somewhere to live in Duluth, you’re not alone. And a recent study confirms the problem. The local vacancy rate for rentals is only at 1.8 percent, and only around 58 percent of people living in Duluth actually own the roof over their head, according to Maxfield Research and Consulting, who was hired by the…

‘Head of the Lakes United Way’ Launches Free Babysitting Classes

  DULUTH, Minn.– ‘Head of the Lakes United Way’ teamed up with the American Red Cross to give kids the opportunity for a valuable childcare class. The babysitting classes caters to kids aged 11 to 17 who are interested in seeing what it’s all about. The free 1-day course covers everything from basic first aid, to fun activities while babysitting….

City Charter Commission Recommends Duluth Council Pay Increase

DULUTH, Minn. — A pay increase is being recommended for Duluth city councilors, which would be the first increase since 2018. The City Charter Commission is proposing councilors be paid $1,425 a month, up from $1,150 per month, bringing a councilor’s annual pay to $17,100. For all nine councilors, the increase would add up to $29,700 out of the $108…

‘Duluth Whiskey Project’ Opens its Doors

DULUTH, Minn.– Lincoln Park is ‘uncorking’ its latest addition to the craft district today. Nestled onto superior street near brewery neighbors, ‘Duluth Whiskey Project’ was undergoing construction since last August. But this opportunity has been a dream for owner Kevin Evans for over a decade. The building features seating for 124 guests at the bar, and taproom. They’re offering a…

Duluth’s Best Bread Speaks on Incline Village Fallout

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The owner of Duluth’s Best Bread expressed disappointment after hearing a business fallout involving the proposed Incline Village Development in Duluth. The popular bakery planned to be the first retail tenant for the development on the old Central High School property off of central entrance. But just this week, the project’s construction development company, ICS, terminated its contract…

Governor Walz: Canadians should visit Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Min. – Governor Tim Walz is asking Canadians to visit Minnesota. In a news release he said, “We value that connection and the many ways our cultures overlap — from hockey to fishing, and from buffalo plaid to a bold winter spirit. We want our Canadian neighbors know they’re not just welcome here — they’re encouraged to visit…

Founders of Hibbing-based non-profit removed after settlement with Minnesota Attorney General

HIBBING, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has worked to remove George and Georgia Andria from the Borealis Art Guild’s board and bank accounts. The Attorney General’s Office announced July 23, 2025 they reached separate settlements with both the Borealis Art Guild, and its founders, George and Georgia Andria. There have been allegations that the nonprofit’s…