Education

Unified Bocce Ball Tournament brings students together

Unified Bocce Tournament (November 20, 2025) PROCTOR, Minn. — Local High Schools and Special Olympics Minnesota teamed up to hold a Unified Bocce Tournament. The tournament pairs up students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Unified sports is an inclusive initiative from Special Olympics Minnesota to promote equality and respect through shared experiences in athletics. 80 unified…

New Essentia apprenticeship program celebrates its first graduates

Essentia Health Apprenticeship Graduation DULUTH, Minn. — A new program designed to bridge a crucial gap in health care has its first graduates. Jake Galatz and Elijah Zielke are the first graduates of the Surgical Technologists Apprenticeship at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s. Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons to ensure procedures are conducted safely and efficiently. This apprenticeship program is…

Trump administration takes major step toward dismantling the Education Department

FILE – Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks during a meeting in the East Room of the White House, Sept. 4, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Education Department is handing off some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies as the Trump administration accelerates its plan to shut down the department. The changes announced Tuesday represent a…

Lake Superior College hosts first ever winter safety fair

DULUTH, Minn.– With winter well on its way, Lake Superior College wasted no time to put on its first ever winter safety fair. Resources such as Duluth Fire and Police Departments, MNDOT, and Minnesota State Patrol came prepared to help educate students. Topics ranged from navigating winter driving, checking smoke detectors, and safely heating homes. In addition, the college was…

Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting

Michigan Department of Education Logo (AP) – Despite opposition from some parents and pastors, the Michigan State Board of Education approved revised state health education standards Thursday that include recommendations that students be taught about gender identity and sexual orientation. Proponents of the standards say they are age-appropriate and will help LGBTQ+ students understand themselves. Opponents say the standards undermine…

CURE hosts educational event surrounding data centers

DULUTH, Minn. — Zeitgeist has welcomed Twin Ports residents in for a conversation about data centers. The evening, which was hosted by CURE, was meant educate locals interested in the topic on the different impacts data centers have on communities. The organizers say that when data centers are discussed, it’s important to have all the facts before conversations are had….

Red Cross Day Returns to UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS Students learned a lifesaving skill and at Red Cross Day. Students learned hands-only CPR training and had the opportunity to practice on CPR dummies. There were also cards that students could write for service members in the military and veterans. The ‘Refugee for 90 Minutes’ exhibit let students learn about life as a refugee and international…

3rd Annual Youth Wellness Summit Educates 130 Students

SUPERIOR, Wis.–More than 130 students representing 10 school districts had the chance to dive into a variety of activities focused on promoting wellness. At University Wisconsin Superior, there were thirteen breakout sessions ranging from learning how to cope with stress, to balancing sports and wellbeing. The entire opportunity was planned and put on by high schoolers. The middle schoolers attending…

UMD hosts “Gales of November” in honor of Edmund Fitzgerald

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth played host to a special night of remembrance in honor of Lake Superior’s most famous ship. The production “Gales of November” took the stage at the school’s Marshall Performing Arts Center for a 1-night-only performance to relive the tale of the sinking of the S.S Edmund Fitsgerald. Just like the Fitzgerald, the show’s…

Minnesota Senators tour UMD science labs to discuss federal impacts

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota senators toured UMD’s science labs to talk about potential cuts to grants and budgets. The legislators met with researchers to better understand how UMD science students impact research in the area. Professors told FOX 21 University Minnesota Duluth is filled with financial uncertainty under the Trump Administration. The tour itself was able to give senators an eye-opening…

Whistleblower Lawsuit filed against Hermantown School District

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A Whistleblower Lawsuit has been filed against the Hermantown School District on behalf of a former employee of the schools. According to the lawsuit which was filed on Nov. 2, Emily Bellamy, a former speech-language pathologist at the schools, was retaliated against by the district after she reported to the district that Individualized Education Program services for…

UMD’s Tau Kappa Epsilon to Host Annual Fundraiser for St. Jude

DULUTH, Minn.– A fraternity chapter UMD has spent nearly a decade raising an impressive amount of money for St. Jude Research Hospital. Over the past eight years, the Tau Kappa Epsilon UMD Duluth chapter has kept busy with fundraising for the organization. Each yearly campaign involves collecting donations from friends, families, and local businesses. The first year they began, the…

New principal announced for Superior High School

Ryan Haroldson SUPERIOR, Wis. – The School District of Superior will welcome Ryan Haroldson as the next Superior High School Principal effective January 1st, 2026. Kate Tesch has been Interim Principal since the start of the new calendar year. Tesch will resume her full-time duties as Director of Continuous Improvement and Assessment for the school disrrict. Haroldson joined the school district in…

30 votes separate candidates for Deer River School School Board

Deer River Schools Logo DEER RIVER, Min. – 30 votes separated LuAnn Robinson and Richard Fieldsend in the special election for Deer River (ISD #317) School Board. LuAnn Robinson finished with 450 vote besting Richard Fieldsend’s 420 votes. There were 17 write-in votes. Categories: Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Deer River Schools tax increases fail at ballot

Deer River Schools Logo ITASCA COUNTY, Min. – Voters in the Deer River School District (ISD #317) rejected two tax increases. Question #1 failed with a 63% to 37% margin. Question #1  asked, “The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.945% times the net tax capacity of…

Littlefork-Big Falls School District special election decided by four votes

Littlefork-Big Falls School District Logo KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Min. – In the Special Election for School Board Member Littlefork-Big Falls School District (ISD #362) the race came down to just four votes. Chelsey Melander garnered 134 votes compared to Delane Klemetse’s 130 votes.   Categories: Community, Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

UMD DEI winter clothing drive begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Happening now until the beginning of December, you can support the community, while supporting UMD bulldog games. The UMD DEI clothing drive aims at gathering donations for k-12 students. Over the past three years, they’ve accumulated over 200 bags of clothes. Drop boxes are available during all home UMD basketball games. The UMD ticket office, and Minnesota Power…

UW-Superior Theatre Debuts “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior Theatre Program has begun showcasing its first production of the 2025-2026 season. The play is a familiar name for audiences, though this time there will be a twist. “It’s called ‘Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,’” said the show’s Assistant Director Andy Hill. “It’s kind of taking the original Dracula script, but it’s…

Scholarship Applications for the Bluebird Foundation Are Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. — Bluebird foundation Scholarship Applications are now open. Eleven $500 Scholarships are available to students grades 9-12, involved in theater, dance, music, or even culinary arts. In addition, the $2,500 Audrey Lundeen scholarship is open to high school seniors who plan to continue having their art be part of their college experience. Eligible applicants include students attending traditional,…

Students Launch Weather Balloon Experiment

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from Piedmont released a weather balloon as part of a STEM project. The balloon is expected to reach an altitude of 100,000 feet and land 3 hours after launch in northwest Wisconsin. There are multiple cameras watching over experiments connected to the balloon. Students also attached a Labubu with an alien head to the project. “Hands…

WIAA Begins New “Hear It? See It? Report It!” Initiative

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has begun rolling out a new initiative to help remove inappropriate behavior from sporting events. The “Hear It? See It? Report It!” Sportsmanship Initiative is the WIAA’s newest method tackling inappropriate behavior along the sidelines of high school sports. The reporting system, which will be quickly accessible through a QR code or…

UW-Superior and Universities of Wisconsin system enrollment up

UW Superior Logo SUPERIROR, Wis. – The Universities of Wisconsin overall enrollment increased for the third straight year. It was led by a record increase of Wisconsin-resident new freshmen, according to official fall 2025 enrollment figures. It was the first time since 2010 that system-enrollment has increased three years in a row. The numbers are from “10th day enrollment”. Those…

New District Court Judge named for Duluth

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…

University of Wisconsin- Superior Hosts Undergraduate Research Symposium

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Oct. 14, student researchers gathered at the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Yellow Jacket Union as the university hosted its undergraduate research symposium. The event provided students with an opportunity to showcase their academic work and share innovative projects with the campus community and the public. More than 30 students from a wide range of disciplines presented research…

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…

Threat against Proctor school was made by students but not credible

UPDATE: The Proctor Police Department tells FOX21 the threat was made via a phone call. PROCTOR, Min. – In the late morning of October 13, 2025 the Proctor School District Superintendent said a recent threat against the school was not credible. Proctor High School In a statement Superintendent of Schools Tim Rohweder said, “The Proctor Police Department was made aware of…

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,…

Duluth Fire Department “Charges into Safety”

DULUTH, Minn. — For this year’s Fire Safety Week, the Duluth Fire Department has chosen the theme, “Charging into Safety.” The Department is emphasizing the importance of properly caring for lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power everything from power tools to cell phones, and with so many around us, it’s important to handle them safely to prevent fires. To help prevent…

Students Making Connections at Networking Night

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…

UW-Superior Hosts “Freedom of Speech” Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior invited the community in once again for a discussion on politics. The “Freedom of Speech” event, which featured a guest from the “Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression”, was part of the UW-Superior Link Center’s ongoing “Superior Dialogues” series. The 2nd year series is designed to help maintain healthy conversations and relationships for people with differing…

Ashland School District Impacted by Northland College’s Closure

ASHLAND, Wis.– The Ashland community is coming to terms with what they’re calling a significant loss after the Northland College closed its doors last spring. “We are definitely nervous about what it will do to our staffing and our entire community. About 15% of our staff is Northland College graduates, and over 20% of our staff is related to Northland…

ISD 709: Duluth East Football Players Accused of Racial Slurs Toward Duluth Denfeld Players

DULUTH, Minn. — Reports of racial slurs toward Denfeld High School football players by Duluth East players are being investigated by the Duluth School District (ISD 709).  Below is a statement from the district to FOX 21 on Sunday: “Duluth Public Schools has been made aware of reports that racial slurs were directed at Denfeld High School football players by…

UW-Superior Alumni Host Scholarship Fundraiser “Soirée”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-Superior alumni came together to help raise scholarship funds for students. The event, which was dubbed a “Superior Soirée”, is an annual tradition from the “University of Wisconsin-Superior Alumni and Friends Foundation”, with the money being raised going towards various scholarships for current students. “Thank you for your generosity and your presence here tonight, for…

S.S Meteor Hosts Evening Remembering “The Mighty Fitz”

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior locals were invited to the S.S Meteor in order to honor the S.S Edmund Fitzgerald. The event was part of Superior Historic Properties’ “History Talks” series, with this evening’s showcase involving the history of the Fitzgerald. While this specific evening was all about the 50 years since the “The Mighty Fitz” sank, the series itself covers…

Boreal Waters Community Foundation gives out more than $1,000,000

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…

UW-Superior’s Semi-Annual “Jacket Fest” Helps Students Connect

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

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

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…

Great Lakes Elementary Adds Puppy Staff Member

SUPERIOR, Wiss. – Great Lakes Elementary School has added a fluffy new staff member making this the first dog to become a part of the Superior School District. The school brought in a five-month-old purebred Labrador Retriever named Libby as a therapy dog, whose main job is to help students feel calm and supported throughout the school day, making learning…

UW-Superior Hosts ‘Skills for Conversations about Public Policy and Race’ Workshop

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior hosted a workshop today in order to help people of differing political views connect. The workshop, hosted by the school’s Link Center, was an event for students and the local community to help build the skills that it takes to have productive conversations with people of other political beliefs. The event was a partnership with Braver…

Strike Over: Teamsters, U of M Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

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…

Stowe Elementary hosts Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at Stowe Elementary took part in the annual Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Show Friday morning. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students had the chance to bring their fruit, flower, and vegetable creations for a chance at impressing the judges. A 5th grader at Stowe Elementary, Ruby, entered Gloria the potato person and her Beet dog, “Beet”hoven in this…

100 Employers Connect with Students at UMD STEM Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota Duluth students got a firsthand look at potential career opportunities in STEM. Whether there’s students getting a glimpse into their future, or upperclassman doing some job hunting, the STEM career fair is meant to give students an idea of potential out of college. Other than careers, many booths also honed in on recruiting for internships….

UW-Superior Music Begins 2025-2026 Recital Series

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS has begun its 2025-2026 recital series, starting a new season of music in Superior. The series began with a performance from a few UWS faculty and is always free for students to attend. While all the performances will feature classical music, the variety of performances is a big reason why the music department believes everyone should…