News – Latest News

Grit & Gratitude: 5th Annual Bike Race for Pediatric Cancer Research

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Coming up on August 17th, a bike race for a very important cause will be taking place at Two Harbors. ‘Grit & Gratitude’ is a bike race that raises money for pediatric cancer research. The event was inspired by the organizer’s daughter Lily, who fought with stage four liver cancer. After overcoming this hardship, the family decided…

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…

Essentia Health Foundation Hosts 24th Annual Legacy of Hope Golf Classic

DULUTH, Minn. — The Essentia Health Foundation hosted the 24th annual Legacy of Hope Golf Classic on Monday. The 18-hole scramble saw golfers at Northland Country Club teeing off for a good cause. The proceeds raised by the event go towards local health care programs and supports Essentia Health patients and their families The funds also help provide state of…

70 Duluth Locations Participate in National Night Out

DULUTH, Minn. – Communities across the Northland celebrated National Night Out to help strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and people of all ages. “Community partnerships is super important, you know, and a lot of times people are calling they need help for something bad happening, whereas this gives us opportunity to come out and meet people, make those connections in a…

St. Louis County Expands Public Land Ownership

DULUTH, Minn. — More of Northern Minnesota’s forests are now protected and publicly owned. Map of New Forest Land Managed by St. Louis County St. Louis County has acquired over 4 and a half thousand acres of timberlands. Originally owned by a timber company, The Conservation Fund purchased the forests to be incorporated into public land. The county will manage…

The Nature Conservancy Plants 2.5 Million Trees in Minnesota in 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — 2.5 million seedlings were planted across six counties, including Cook, Lake, Saint Louis, Itasca, Cass and Carlton County. A TNC employee plants a tree in the area affected by wildfire. © Derek Montgomery It’s the second year they’ve planted more than 2 million seedlings and a record number for the organization. Over 5,000 of those trees were…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center Fundraiser, Empowered by Zenith City Radio

DULUTH, Minn. — The Family Freedom Center is set to host its fundraiser, It Takes a Village, on Wednesday, August 13th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Greysolon Ballroom. This year’s event is proudly presented in partnership with Zenith City Radio. Victor Martinez, CEO of Zenith City Radio, appeared on FOX 21 Tuesday morning to share details…

New Trail Center Underway

SILVER BAY, Minn- The Silver Bay multi-modal trailhead center had their ground breaking Monday, August 4, 2025. The recreational center will allow people to park large vehicles like RVs and trailers in its parking lot. It will also come with a coin operated showers. Most importantly, Minnesotans can enjoy the outdoors safely. Trails will be provided for activities like hiking,…

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Advises Families to Vaccinate Ahead of School Year

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released the vaccination data report from the previous school year The data shows 86.4% of students in Wisconsin met the minimum immunization requirements, which is below the national public health standard of 95%. DHS says a majority of Wisconsin families are getting their children vaccinated, but this level is not quite where…

Police Investigator suing City of Superior has also filed union grievance

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Investigator suing the Superior Police Department in Federal Court, Mikayla LeRette, has also filed a union grievance. It was filed by Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) Local #27 Grievance and Discipline Committee. The filing was submitted on June 30, 2025. That was about five months after her federal lawsuit was filed. The grievance was submitted to Chief…

Park Point Forestry Project Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting today, you may begin to notice a lot of noise and commotion over at park point. That’s because a new project aiming at preserving and landscaping park point has just started. The goal is to remove invasive species, trim down overpopulating trees, and eventually fill in space with white pine seeds. “There’s a strip running from the…

Xcel Energy Announces Ashland-Ironwood Transmission Rebuild Project

ASHLAND, Wisc. — Xcel Energy announced the start of construction on the Ashland-Ironwood Transmission Rebuild Project Over the course of a few years’ crews will be rebuilding two power transmission lines previously built in the 50’s and 70’s. The project will improve reliability and long-term growth across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The three main phases will be prepping…

Juvenile in Custody After Pursuit

COOK, Minn. — A 17-year-old male is in custody after a pursuit in Cook Aug. 2nd. Around 7:45am, deputies received reports of a man passed out in a driver’s seat of a parked car. The juvenile woke up and sped off when Cook ambulance arrived on the scene. A pursuit took place but the male did eventually stop on his…

National Night Out to Take Place Tuesday, August 5

DULUTH, Minn. — Communities across the nation, including here in the Northland, are gearing for National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual event where communities host block parties and other gatherings to connect with local law enforcement and their neighbors. The mission of the campaign is to promote strong police-community partnerships. Across the Twin Ports, dozens of residents…

Carl Crawford Appointed to Governers Council on MLK Jr. Holiday

Carl Crawford DULUTH, Minn. — A former Human Rights Officer for Duluth has been appointed to the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Governer Walz appointed Carl Crawford on Aug. 1st. Crawford currently serves as the Senior Accessibility & Engagement Coordinator for St. Louis County. The Council on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday helps plan celebrations…

Coffee Conversation: St. Joseph’s Church Neighborhood Night Out

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Joseph’s Church is gearing up for its 2nd annual Neighborhood Night Out, happening Tuesday, August 5th, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Gloria Brunette and Father John Petrich from St. Joseph’s Church joined Fox 21 live on the Monday morning newscast to share more about the event. The event will feature free food, live music, a bounce…

Popular 1980s actor Loni Anderson of the hit TV series ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ has died

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio station’s empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday. Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness, said her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,”…

Whoopsa Daisy Kicks off 5TH Annual Weekend Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – The Whoopsa Daisy Farm held its 5th annual weekend opening. The family-friendly farm welcomed visitors throughout the weekend, offering a wide variety of outdoor activities. The farm activities include an obstacle course, exploring fairy land and dino land, feeding donkeys, goats, and chickens, a corn pit for playing, and a 14-foot mushroom you can walk into. “We’re…

Duluth Coast Guard Station Celebrates 235th ‘Coast Guard Day’

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday afternoon on the Duluth harbor of Park Point, laughs, and yells can be heard across the bay. Because today, the Coast guard Station has something big to celebrate. “We’re celebrating the 235th year of the Coast Guard’s founding. So, we were found in 1790 this is just a day to celebrate that. So, we get all the…

Entire state of Minnesota has Unhealthy Air Alert until midday Monday

Air Quality Alert 08/01/2025 DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for all of Minnesota through noon Monday, August 4, 2025. Surface high pressure will camp out over the region through Friday evening and will result in light winds and poor dispersion. Smoke with widespread red/unhealthy air quality index (AQI) concentrations will likely…

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…

House fire in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A fire broke out in the Village of Superior the night of July 31, 2025 around 11pm. It was a two-story residential building at 6614 John Ave. The building had heavy fire conditions on the 1st and 2nd floors when crews arrived. The Superior Fire Department crews say they found the lone occupant of the residence in the…

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…

Local Swimmer to Compete at World Aquatics Championship for Fifth Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Local competitive swimmer Amy Flessert has qualified for the upcoming world aquatics masters swimming championship. Flessert qualified for the 2025 Worlds swimming competition after meeting the time standard at Long Course Nationals in Mission Viejo, Calif., last year. Throughout her 34 years of competitive swimming, this will be her fifth time competing at Worlds, which will he…

40th Annual ‘Finn Fest’ Returns to the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– For forty years now, the Finn Fest at the DECC has connected the northland with both old, and modern Finnish cultures and customs. Guests can immerse themselves with everything ranging from art & music, food, and simply language. “‘Fin Fest’ is all about celebrating all things Finnish and Finnish American, and bringing modern Finland with Finnish America and…

Duluth Judge Eric L. Hylden to retire

Honorable Eric L. Hylden DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the retirement of the Honorable Eric L. Hylden. He’s a judge in the Sixth Judicial District seated in Duluth. Governor Walz is now asking for application for the vacancy. A news release from the Governor’s Office says applications for the position are due by 4:00 pm on August…

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…

Two New Members and Officers Announced on Northland Foundation Board of Trustees

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees has two new members and announced its Board Officers for the coming year. The new Trustees are Rachel Hedlund of Ely and Dr. Rick Revoir of Duluth. Hedlund works for Friends of the Boundary Waters as the Ely Education and Outreach Manager. Rachel Hedlund She has spent a decade working for…

Coffee Conversation: Local Christian Band Presence Music Upcoming Performances

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of local Christian pop-worship band Presence Music stopped by to share exciting updates on their ministry and music. The band, led by owner, vocalist, and pastor Brandon Monson and his wife Leah Monson, has some major performances on the horizon. Fans can catch Presence Music live at: Recovery on the Hill – Thursday, July 31, 6:00–8:30 PM at…

‘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 allegations from Investigator suing Superior Police Department

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Investigator suing the Superior Police Department, Mikayla LeRette, has filed an amended complaint in Federal Court. The new amended complaint lists new allegations and actions of more people within the department. LeRette is the wife of current Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt. The suit is against the City of Superior,  former Superior Police Captain Thomas Champaigne, Assistant…

Community Boards ‘Blue Heron’ Research Vessel for “Freshwater Discovery Day”

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the community got a front row seat to discover what student scientists at the ‘Blue Heron’ research vessel participates in. The Large Lakes Observatory is a research group that is in connection with UMD. It brings an opportunity for both undergraduate, and graduate students to receive hands on experience. “It is the only research-intensive campus that sits…

Staying Fit in the Northland During Poor Air Quality

DULUTH, Minn. — With summer wildfire smoke blanketing the region and triggering repeated air quality alerts, local gyms offer ways to stay active indoors. Northland Fitness, a 24/7-access gym in Lincoln Park says workout facilities are a great way to avoid the smoke and get your exercise in. While Duluth is known for its scenic trails and active outdoor lifestyle,…

Green Bay Packers Family Night on TV in Northwest Wisconsin

DULUTH, Min. – You will be able to watch the Green Bay Packers Family Night festivities live on Antenna TV in the Duluth-Superior Television Market. Antenna TV channel 21.2, will have the broadcast from 7pm to 10pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Host Drew Smith will presents on-field football drills plus and an intra-squad scrimmage between the Packers’ Offense and…

Minnesota teen the youngest ever to medal at World Aquatics Championship

DULUTH, Minn. – An 18-year-old from Minnesota medaled in the High Dive at 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Just three weeks prior you might have seen Maya Kelly jumping into Duluth Harbor in the Superior High Dive Challenge. Fast forward she won a bronze medal. Making her the youngest ever to make the podium for the High Dive World Aquatics…

Report Of Man With Firearm Creates Standoff With Superior Police

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A man accused of pointing a firearm at someone caused a standoff with Superior police Tuesday. Officers got a report around 2:50 p.m. of an intoxicated man inside a home in the 1700 block of Iowa Avenue who pointed the firearm at “another occupant” who was trying to leave, according to police. “Officers arrived and attempted to…

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…

Most of Minnesota will have ‘Unhealthy Air’ until Saturday afternoon

DULUTH, Min.  – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. Most of the state will be in the “Unhealth Air” category until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Effective 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 parts of Minnesota north of Mankato are in the Red Alert status. Air Quality Alert…