News – Latest News

Boat Club Productions Debuts New Show, The Last 5 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions presents The Last 5 Years, debuting Thursday, Feb. 13, at Spirit of the North Theatre. This emotional musical by Jason Robert Brown tells the story of a marriage in reverse and chronological order, starring Stuart Gordon as Jamie. Gordon joined Fox 21’s morning newscast Thursday to share more about the show. Performances run through…

“Love, Judy” Brings Valentine’s Joy to Senior Residents

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — This Valentine’s Day, local teacher Karla Line is honoring her late mother with a heartfelt project titled “Love, Judy.” Students of Karla, a teacher in International Falls, have been crafting sweet Valentine’s cards for residents of a nursing home. Karla started this project last year in memory of her mother, Judy, who passed away in 2023,…

Hermantown High-Speed Pursuit Caught On Video

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A high-speed pursuit took Hermantown police for quite the ride early Tuesday morning. The chase started just after midnight after an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle behind the Goodwill store on Miller Trunk Highway. When the officer initiated a discussion, the driver took off. The chase went on for 11 miles until a pit maneuver was used…

Nearly 15-Year Saga Ends With Demolition Of Former Kozy Building

DULUTH, Minn. —  Demolition began Tuesday on the burnt-out former Kozy building and apartments in downtown Duluth. The tear-down is part of a roughly $2 million settlement agreement between the city of Duluth, the building’s former owner, Dr. Eric Ringsred, and Respect Starts Here, which is a group of preservationists. $1.4 million is partially being used for the demolition across…

Charges Filed, Following ‘Firearm Call’ Sunday in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A 19-year-old is in custody for threatening his friends with a pistol during a night of drinking, according to Superior Police. On Sunday, Superior Police responded to an apartment on the 1800 block of Iowa St in the Billings Park neighborhood around 8:46 p.m. for what the criminal complaint described as originally for, “an unwanted guest, but…

C. Reiss Move to Superior Port, Allows for Larger Ships & More Cargo

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A long-standing Duluth company moved over the waters to Superior in hopes to grow their bulk cargo commodities and expend their business. For the last few weeks, C. Reiss has been operating out of their new facility on Winter Street. It took nearly $23 million for the company to make this move. Federal funds covered roughly $10…

Coffee Conversation: 218 Days Winter Celebration Returns Bigger Than Ever

DULUTH, Minn. — Northern Minnesota’s biggest winter event, 218 Days, kicks off this Friday, marking its third year with expanded festivities. Vice President of Marketing at Odyssey Resorts, Aaron Bosanko, joined Wednesday’s morning newscast to share the exciting news. The five-day celebration will run through the weekend and includes a full slate of new events, activities, and dozens of participating local…

‘Cold Water Dolphins’ Group Braves Freezing Waters

DULUTH, Minn.– What started off as a curiosity for the cold, has now grown to a group of 1,500 dedicated plungers taking on the icy Lake Superior in Duluth. The ‘Cold Water Dolphins’ started five years ago, after the group’s leader Loralee Pasley read up on benefits from plunging into cold water. She said it helps boost immunity, mental health,…

‘ARPA’ Powered St. Louis County Through COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning St. Louis County board members reflected on the impact that the American Rescue Plan Act or ‘ARPA’ brought to the community. At the height of the COVID pandemic, the U.S. Federal Government allocated 5.5 million dollars to the St. Louis County. The large sum of money went towards responding to the public health emergency and addressing…

Snow sculptures at the Ely Winter Festival

ELY, Minn. — The 2025 Ely Winter Festival snow sculptures are now complete. Snow sculptors from all over the world, including Quebec, Argentina, Germany, and England, joined Minnesota and Wisconsin natives in Ely. They were given only three days to make their best snowy creation. The Ely Winter Festival goes from Feb. 6th through 16th. For more on this event,…

Gunflint Mail Run Recap

  COOK COUNTY, Minn. — After a year hiatus, the Gunflint mail run continued after being postponed earlier this year. The race was made up of 11 different mushers who competed for the best time across two, 32.5 mile legs. In the past, the mail run held two races, a 12-dog and a 8-dog race. This year, the event switched…

KYN: El Jefe’s Sees Successful Start South of Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — You know that feeling when you go home to your parents’ house, and they’ve redecorated? That’s what the owner of El Jefe likely felt returning to his former Bucktails location near Pattison Park. Don’t let the name fool you, El Jefe is so much more than a Mexican restaurant. While the menu does feature some classic Mexican…

Urbane 218 Set to Open this Fall, New Restaurant Planned to Open on First Floor

DULUTH, Minn. — A new restaurant space is looking to move into an developing apartment complex in Duluth’s Lincoln Park. After a few delays, construction has picked up as schedule at Urbane 218. The site looks to house 45-units with space on the first floor for a new restaurant to lease out. Merge Urbane Development, the project’s developer, has experienced…

Big Top Chautauqua Facing Significant Financial Struggles

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. — There are serious financial challenges facing Big Top Chautauqua at the ski hill it sits on in Bayfield County. Despite this, board members told FOX 21 they are determined to reinvent the operations for long-term success. In 2022, the Ashwabay Alliance, which operates Big Top Chautauqua and Mount Ashwabay ski and recreation area, racked up a…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth & St. Louis County Capitol Days

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol Days will be held on February 12-13, 2025, to advocate for key legislative priorities that will benefit Northeastern Minnesota, including housing, economic development, workforce support, and local projects. Daniel Fanning, Duluth Area VP of Strategy & Policy and Executive Director of the Chamber Foundation, joined Fox 21 on the…

Brainerd Man Charged with Sexual Assault of Stepchild

BRAINERD, Minn. – Charges allege that a Brainerd man sexually assaulted his stepdaughter for years, before she came forward to her mother and police. Authorities have charged 34-year-old Fred Robert Stumbo of Brainerd with three counts of criminal sexual conduct after allegations that he sexually assaulted his stepdaughter. The girl, who the report said is now 15, and her mother…

London Road Undergoing Major Construction in 2026

  DULUTH, Minn.– Next year one of the busiest roads in Duluth will be reimagined. And with this construction, 10-17,000 daily commuters will be impacted. In 2026, 26th Avenue East on London Road over to 60th Avenue East in Duluth will undergo major construction. The 20 million dollar project will include the addition of round-abouts replacing sidewalks, as well as…

Duluth Police Investigating After MCCU Card Skimming Incident

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is investigating after customers at Members Cooperative Credit Union have reported card fraud with the use of a skimmer. The credit union reports that less than 100 members were impacted by the incident. The DPD is encouraging any victims of the fraud to call the credit union to report it at 800-296-8871. A…

26th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour Raises Over $1.6 Million

MINNESOTA. — The 26th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour raised over $1.6 million, supporting the fight against ALS. 260 snowmobilers covered an average of 420 miles each. For three days, riders hit the trails, from Black Bear Casino Resort, to Tower, to Grand Rapids and back. Throughout its 26 year history, the tour has raised nearly $21 million, supporting individuals…

5th Annual Musical Bingo Raises Nearly $6,000 For Local Music

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two hundred people came out to the annual Musical Bingo fundraiser at Barker’s Island to help support local artists and musicians. Superior City Councilor and local business owner Lindsey Graskey and FOX 21’s Dan Hanger hosted the fun with plenty of one-liners. Musical Bingo is a version of bingo. The band Mackie Brothers sings a short clip…

Woodstove To Blame For Duluth Township House Fire

DULUTH TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A woodstove is to blame for a house fire in Duluth Township, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The fire broke out around 8:30 a.m. Sunday in the 5400 block of Ryan Road. Investigators said the homeowner inside got out without injury. The homeowner told authorities the fire started near the chimney before taking…

Duluth Police: Stabber Is Victim Of Domestic Assault

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a stabbing at one of the city’s newest apartment buildings. The stabbing happened around 7 p.m. Friday at the Brewery Creek Apartments in the 600 block of East 4th Street. Investigators located a 29-year-old man with a non-life-threatening wound to the chest. The man stabbed ended up being arrested for preliminary charges of…

Duluth Judge Rules Serial Break-In Suspect Incompetent to Stand Trial

DULUTH, Minn. – A judge rules that the suspect in a series of violent break-ins last November is incompetent to stand trial. For three days in November, Duluth Police were attempting to catch the perpetrator of brazen home invasions in the Woodland neighborhood. Police arrested and charged 59-year-old Jeffery Scott Montana with five felony counts, that together, could carry up…

Man Arrested After Vehicle Prowls At Duluth Trailhead Parking Lots

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police arrested a 36-year-old man Friday related to multiple vehicle prowls. The break-ins happened at trailhead parking lots throughout the city. The suspect is facing multiple preliminary charges, including financial fraud and felony theft. Police are reminding drivers to keep valuable out of sight and lock your doors when out enjoying the trails. Categories: Crime, Minnesota,…

Human Remains Recovered After House Fire In St. Louis County

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire LEIDING TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities have recovered remains of a man who died in a house in northern St. Louis County. At 4:30 p.m. Friday, investigators located the remains at the fire scene believed to be 57-year-old Matthew Bisbee, of Orr, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The fire happened just before 7 a.m….

Superior Council Debates How To Fund Lead Pipe Replacements

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior City Council had quite the lengthy discussion Tuesday night on whether to support a change to state statute that would allow federal dollars into the city to help replace lead water pipes. The discussion went on so long that a vote will happen at the next council meeting Feb. 18. The change in state statute…

Fundraiser to be Held for a Duluth East Girls Basketball Coach Who is Battling Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth East Basketball Community is coming together to support one of their own. Kailee Olson, who has been a Duluth East Girls Basketball Assistant Coach for 11 years,  is receiving immense support after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Saturday, Feb 8, at 2:30 p.m. a fundraiser is being held during the Duluth East Boys Basketball game….

Mama T’s Smokin’ Eats Fights to Overcome Costly Setbacks

VILLAGE OF SUPERIOR, Wis.– It’s hard for a business to survive its first year. But for Mama T’s Smokin’ Eats in the Village of Superior, they were doing everything right. Receiving 21 award nominations and winning “Best Place to Work”. “Oh, the community. I love the community, I love the people, I love meeting people. My first question is, ‘Where…

Minn House Reaches Agreement to End Historical Standoff

ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the first time this legislative session, the Minnesota House of Representatives saw chairs fill up on both sides of the aisle. The historic standoff between the DFL and Republican caucuses came to an end, after party leaders reached a power sharing agreement earlier today. When the session began three weeks ago, a vacancy in the…

26th Annual Blackwoods Blizzard Tour Kicks Off

GOODLAND, Minn.– Engines roared to life this morning as one of the state’s largest snowmobile fundraising races began. After last year’s event was canceled, the recent snowfall brought in over 200 racers to compete in the three-day Blizzard Tour event. The money raised from this race will toward ALS research. The course spans about 180 miles. Starting at Black Bear…

Duluth Hotel Rates Still Affected from Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth is a popular destination for conventions, events, and conferences, but lately, it’s been facing its own set of challenges. Since the pandemic, Duluth’s hotel industry has been working to recover to pre-pandemic levels. The general manager of the Sheraton Hotel says that over the past year, their average daily rates have remained flat, and they’ve seen a…

Walz Announces $6 Million in Child Care Grants

MINNESOTA — On Thursday, January 6, Governor Tim Walz announced $6 million in new grants to expand child care access for working families statewide. This follows record funding announced in May, expected to create thousands of new child care slots. In a press release, Governor Walz stressed that affordable child care is key for parents to return to work, benefiting…

One Believed Dead After Leiding Township Fire

LEIDING TOWNSHIP, Minn. — One man is presumed dead after a house fire erupted in Leiding Township. Around 6:50 a.m. Thursday morning, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and several fire departments were dispatched to a house fire at the 3500 Block of Highways 119. The caller reported the house to be on fire and was unable to locate her…

Students participate in annual winter walk to school day

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a frigid morning for those students participating in the annual winter walk to school day. On Feb. 5, schools across the state of Minnesota encouraged students to walk or bike to school if able, instead of their usual mode of transportation. Congdon Park Elementary was one such school, and had many families who lived close…

HRA Celebrates Skyridge Flats for Duluth Seniors

The affordable housing apartment complex reserved for seniors age 55+

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Housing & Redevelopment Authority held a ribbon cutting Wednesday for their newest affordable housing apartment building. The complex is called Skyridge Flats and looks to home seniors 55 and up. All 70-units inside are affordable to households at or below the 50% of the median income. All units have 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, with…

View Search Warrants into Investigation of Infant Left At Duluth Shelter

FOX 21 provides the signed warrants and sworn affidavits from department's search of Safe Haven

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Chief of Police Mike Cenoywa released a video statement Wednesday regarding two search warrants that were executed at a shelter operated by Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center on Jan. 21. According to the two warrant applications sworn to by Officer Ryan Puhle, and warrants signed by Judge Shawn Reed, officers responded to a call from…

MN House Democratic, GOP Leaders Reach Power-Sharing Agreement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic and Republican leaders of the Minnesota House reached a power-sharing agreement Wednesday night to end a three-week stalemate the state’s chief justice said left the chamber “completely dysfunctional.” Democrats had stayed away from the state Capitol since the 2025 legislative session opened Jan. 14. Republicans argued that only 67 — the number of GOP…

Local Woodworker Crafts Hobby into a Career

SOUTH RANGE, Wis.– Josh Dumke of South Range Wisconsin has worn many hats throughout his career. “So, for twelve years I was a research scientist at the national resources research institute. I did fisheries, and aquatic invasive species research. That was about the time that I kind of started my woodworking business. And my interests kind of changed. What I…