News – Latest News

Wildfire Smoke Prompts Statewide Air Quality Alert

DULUTH, Minn. — An air quality alert has been released across Minn. as wildfire smoke makes its way throughout the state. Due to wildfire smoke drifting from Canada, the entire state of Minn. has been issued an air quality alert by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This alert will remain in effect until noon on Wednesday, June 4, as the…

Minnesota issues first ever “Maroon” Air Quality Alert

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the first time ever the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued a “Maroon Alert” which means hazardous air quality. The alert is issued from Monday, June 2, through Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The Maroon Alert is for Northwest Minnesota including the areas generally from Red Lake to the north and west including…

Union Gospel Mission Continuing Plans to Relocate Facility

DULUTH, Minn. — Union Gospel Mission is in the process of a three year plan that aims to transition its services to a new space. The future Mission Engagement Center would be constructed across from the St. Louis County Government Center. The new location would include hygiene and laundry facilities and a much larger dining hall and kitchen. Currently the mission…

Snively’s Lounge Hosts Grand Opening

DULUTH, Minn. –  A new cocktail lounge opens its doors to the public in downtown. Snively’s Lounge held its grand opening today in Duluth’s historic city hall, inviting locals in for craft cocktails and a first look at the elegant new space. Bartenders were there to serve up signature drinks as guests mingled at this downtown venue. “We’re opening Snively…

Wired Whisker celebrates success with drinks, music, and adoptable cats

DULUTH, Minn.– Wired Whisker has been the cat’s meow for the Duluth area, and tomorrow, there’s lots to celebrate. From 10 Am to 4 PM, they will be joined by 18 vendor and rescue partners for a maker’s market. Throughout the year, the business has seen quite the success. And for one of the workers, she told FOX 21 seeing…

‘Project Search’ graduates celebrate 9 months of impactful internship experience

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A handful of graduates are walking the stage today, celebrating 9 months of hard work and ton of impactful job experience. The internship caters to members of the working force with disabilities. And it gives them the opportunity to experience rotations throughout the Superior Essentia. It was there they got to learn how to be a good coworker,…

Gov. Walz Announces Recovery Efforts as Wildfires Dwindle in Northern Minnesota

ST. PAUL/BRIMSON, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials announced recovery efforts are now underway for areas affect by wildfires. These efforts will be worked on simultaneously across the state like repairing infrastructure, roads, and telephone poles. So far this fire season, Minnesota has seen nearly 1,100 fires that burned more than 48,ooo acres, which is well…

Essentia Health to Take Over Ownership of Virginia Location from City

VIRGINIA, Minn. — After a vote by the city council, Essentia Health will officially take over ownership of the Essentia clinic building in Virginia. The facility was previously only leased by Essentia, but the City of Virginia will eventually transfer its ownership. Essentia will be committing around $8 million towards repairs of the building over two years. The agreement includes…

Hibbing School Board Pursues a $2.6 Million Referendum

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing School District is addressing a $2.6 million shortfall, which the school board has approved a motion to pursue a referendum. The Superintendent of Hibbing Schools Richard Aldrich says that the increasing costs and lowering enrollment numbers has led the district to this shortfall. This year to address the $2.6 million in reductions Hibbing Schools had…

Iron Range Hells Angels Members’ Kidnapping Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor

The St. Louis County Attorney said "victims are either unwilling or unable to testify"

EVELETH, Minn. -The St. Louis County prosecutor dismisses charges against four Hells Angels members accused of kidnapping and assault in 2023. Four members of the Iron Range Hells Angels had their charges dismissed on Wednesday. Jerand Paul French, Eric Anthony Newman, Paul Anthony Debelak, and Jake Douglas Novaczyk were cleared of charges for a kidnapping and sexual assault that allegedly…

Mayor’s State of City Address: Superior Aiming to Continue Growth and Address Old Issues

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At Superior’s ‘State of the City’ address, Mayor Paine said he is hoping to continue the city’s growth but wants to address lingering issues. Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke to members of the public on Thursday for his annual ‘State of the City’ address. Mayor Paine highlighted the addition of new businesses and community involvement in planning…

Duluth East Students Fundraise for National History Day Competition

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East students held a project showcase to help raise funds for their trip to Nationals On Wednesday, May 28, local high school students hosted a fundraiser at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, showcasing their state and national history day projects. The event aimed to raise money to support their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where they will compete…

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Announces Summer Programming

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center has announced its summer programming. They’ll have events for Lake Superior Day in July and National Lighthouse Day in August. The Tall Ships Fest is also returning this July. These events and others help bring in more visitors to the museum and promote the mission of the center. “A lot of people…

127th St Louis County Habitat for Humanity Home Nears Completion

HIBBING, Minn.– One Hibbing community member says, the process of helping put together her new habitat for humanity home has been a “heartwarming and humbling” experience. Since 2006, the North St Louis County Habitat for Humanity has been helping people become homeowners. Officials are calling today a day of celebration, as members of the community gathered to see the home…

Senator Tammy Baldwin Continues “Hands Off Medicaid” Tour in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — As US Senator Tammy Baldwin continues her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour,” she made a stop in Superior to talk with community members who could be affected. Senator Baldwin is pushing back against the plan to slash Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, which is backed by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. Medicaid, widely known…

‘Stepping on Up’ Holds Press Conference Addressing Safe Bay Program Appeal

DULUTH, Minn.– Back on May 14th, Stepping on Up alongside CHUM in Duluth expanded their ‘Safe Bay’ Program to the Vineyard Church. It’s an opportunity for those living in their vehicles to have a secure place to park overnight. A big reason for this expansion, The Damiano Center is also undergoing an expansion of their own. But now, an appeal…

State and City Officials Visit New C. Reiss Shipping Dock in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — After relocating to across the bridge, C. Reiss Company’s new Superior shipping facility getting in the swing of things. Wednesday state and local officials, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, got a glimpse of the work that has been done since the opening of the dock earlier this year. Increasing water levels promoted the move from Duluth to…

Coffee Conversation: Gordy’s Hi-Hat Gears Up for Curbside Classic Car Show

Duluth, Minn. — Gordy’s Hi-Hat is revving up for its annual Curbside Classic Car Show, happening Thursday, May 29 from 5 to 7 PM! Co-owner Sever Lundquist, along with his kids Wilk and Kennedy, joined Fox 21 on the morning show to share more about the beloved event. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Cloquet Police Ask for Help Finding Missing Couple

CLOQUET, Minn. — Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating two vulnerable individuals who have been missing since Sunday, May 25th. 64-year-old Daniel Latterell and 62-year-old Jane Korpela were last seen near Cloquet Avenue and 16th Street in Cloquet. Police have expressed concerns for their mental health and overall safety. Daniel Latterell is described as 5 feet 9 inches…

St Louis County Deputy Gave Alleged Attacker Ride Before Assault – Charges Claim

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A St. Louis County deputy was choked by a man after giving him a ride, charges say. Gideon Joseph Martin, 37 of Duluth, was charged with Monday’s assault on a St. Louis County deputy. Martin allegedly wrapped his arms around the deputy’s neck from behind during an assault that lasted around 20 seconds, according to the charges….

Duluth Donates Blood in a ‘Giant’ Way

DULUTH, Minn. –   Local firm encourages community members to donate blood The firm known as Giant teamed up with the Memorial Blood Center to host its “Giant Giving” blood drive. Locals were invited to stop in and donate blood aboard the mobile donation bus, which was parked out front. “Every one pint donated can save up to three lives. And…

Re-Entry Program at Damiano Center Receives Grant

DULUTH, Minn. — The Damiano Center received a new grant for their re-entry assistance project. The Re-Entry Assistance project aims at helping those recently released from jail, prison, and treatment programs. It provides things like new clothing and hygiene products. They also can provide bus passes or gas cards for people to get to appointments and job interviews. One of…

Kevin Beardsley Announced as New CEO of Duluth Seaway Port Authority

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has announced its new CEO. Kevin Beardsley will be officially taking over as CEO on June 3rd, following current CEO Deb Deluca’s retirement. Beardsley has served as Chief Financial Officer to the Authority since 2014. “Some of the first priorities, obviously, is going to be replacing myself as CFO, so that’ll be…

NIMO Takes Command as Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires Persist in Minnesota

BRIMSON, Minn. — On Wednesday, the National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) assumed command of both the Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. The Jenkins Creek Fire is still 84% contained and is has burned 16,089 acres. Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS/drone) flights detected multiple heat sources in the south…

From Field to Market: ‘Brule River Farms’ Gears Up for Farmers Market Season

BRULE, Wis.– What started off as a personal hobby garden for Brule River Farms, has grown into an impressive 4-acre plot for growing just about anything you can think of. “We have asparagus, that’s kind of been a staple right now and soon to come. Oh, we’ve also had lettuces and then spinach, more lettuce, Bok choys, a lot of…

Memorial Day Golf Scramble Supports Veteran’s Hockey Group

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Minnesota Warriors Hockey North Region held a memorial day golf scrambled on Monday which looked to give back to disabled veterans. The scramble was held at Eagle Ridge Golf Course with all proceeds heading to Minnesota Warriors Hockey. Minnesota Hockey Warriors is a 501c3 non-profit hockey team that helps disabled veterans fight through addiction and mental…

Chester Bowl Launches Year-Round Cadet+ Program for Young Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. — The Chester Bowl Improvement Club has announced that they’re expanding their cadet programming. The Cadet Program has helped shaped youth in the community for generations. The club has typically offered their teen and tween leadership training program during the club’s winter and summer programing. Today, the club announced the launch of their Cadet+, which would run year-round….

‘Small Town Girl’ Preps to Film in Northern Minnesota

Small Town Girl Poster DULUTH, Minn. – A new indie film is being shot in Northern Minnesota. The film, titled ‘Small Town Girl’ is a mystery movie. It focuses on a single mother and her daughter who disappears. The film looks at the interactions and gossip following the disappearance. In addition to the filming being done in Minnesota, Seventy percent…

S.S. Meteor Closed for Repairs

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The S.S. Meteor Museum in Superior is temporarily closed for repairs. Over the winter, a crack appeared in the ship. The museum has been working with the City of Superior and AMI Engineers to review the ship and repair the damage. They hope to get it back open this summer, but there is no timeline yet. The…

Nearly $100,000 lottery winner at Side Lake

SIDE LAKE, Minn. –  One Minnesota Lottery players won the nearly a $100,000 jackpot playing Minnesota’s Progressive Print-N-Play game. The winning ticket was sold at C C Campground 717, located at 7595 McCarthy Beach Road in Side Lake on May 23. C C Campground will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Progressive Print-N-Play is an instant-win style…

Coffee Conversation: Self-Taught Mushroom Expert Turned Kid’s Book Author

DULUTH, Minn. — Self-taught mushroom identification expert turned local author Ariel Bonkoski joined FOX 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to share details about her new children’s book, Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology. Click here for more information on Bonkoski, mushroom foraging, and her book.  Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Main federal team battling Brimson Fire Complex to soon leave

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSON, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 84% contained.  It has burned 16,089 acres north from the Fairbanks-area to well past Skibo. The portion that is not contained is the northeast edge, burning away from the most inhabited areas. Brimson Fire Complex Crews are focusing on mop-up and patrol, hazard tree removal, log hauling, and…

102nd Annual Memorial Day Observance Held in Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. — Over in Proctor, the 102nd American Legion Memorial Day Observance honored and recognized those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Family, friends and members of the public gathered at the Community Center to remember and honor our nations heroes. The Proctor American Legion Honor Guard read off the names of local vets who lost their…

Richard I Bong Museum Honors ‘Wisconsin Remembers’ Exhibit & Memorial Day

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Richard I Bong Museum in Superior is highlighting Memorial Day for a few reasons this year. Right on time for this day of observance the Veterans Service Office of Douglas County selected the museum to display the ‘Wisconsin Remembers’ exhibit. The exhibit showcases the servicemen that came from each county, that served in the Vietnam War. The…

TAPS Across America at Fleet Farm

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Taps for Veterans teamed up with Fleet Farm to participate in the annual tribute TAPS Across America to honor fallen soldiers. This Memorial Day, the Duluth Honor Guard was at Fleet Farm in Hermantown for their annual TAPS Across America event. The ceremony, which is held in partnership with the Taps for Veterans organization, includes the honor…

Greenwood Cemetary Hosts Memorial Day Remembrance Gathering

Superior, Wis.– On a picture-perfect sunny day, a large crowd gathered today at the Greenwood Cemetary. They had the opportunity to witness a variety of events to spotlight those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The rifle ceremony, and a variety of guest speakers highlighted the importance of Memorial Day. I know for all of us, that we may know someone…

Duluth’s New Homeless ‘Safe Bay’ At Vineyard Church Closed — At Least For Now

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s new Safe Bay location for homeless to sleep in their vehicles overnight has been shut down — at least temporarily — after only being operational for about a week. City and CHUM officials told FOX 21 on Sunday that an attorney for nearby neighbors of the Safe Bay location in the church’s back parking lot has…

More Progress on Jenkins Creek Fire; Superior National Forest Ordered to Close

BRIMSON, Minn. — Over the weekend, firefighters battling the Jenkins Creek Fire were able to grow containment lines. The fire is now 78% contained. Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 26, 2025 The Eastern Area Incident Management Team saying fire activity is minimal on the Jenkins Creek Fire. Fire crews are continuing to patrol and monitor the area while…

Duluth City Council to Discuss Renters Rights Proposal

DULUTH, Minn. — This week the Duluth City Council will be discussing a new proposal mandating landlords give renters more information about renters rights and resources when signing leases. The proposal says landlords must provide tenants a summary of tenants rights protected by Minnesota Laws, plus contact information for the City of Duluth’s Life Safety Division and One Roof Community…

MN Senate Job Conference Committee Agrees to Extend UI Benefits to Steelworkers

HIBBING/VIRGINIA, Minn. — Iron Range Miner’s are one step closer to getting approved for up to a year of Unemployment Insurance. Cleveland-Cliffs, the leading steel producer in North America, announced in March that they are temporarily idling more than 600 steelworkers at Hibbing Taconite and Minorca Mine. Minnesota’s UI benefits are good for up to 6 months and are able…