News – Latest News

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…

Minnesota’s Task Force 1 Returns from Texas

Minnesota Task Force 1 ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota’s Task force 1 has returned from their deployment to Texas. They were sent to assist with search and rescue efforts following the deadly flooding on July Fourth. Minnesota Task Force 1 is one of the state’s two urban search and rescue teams. A team of five rescuers and two K-9s, Red and…

Tree Falls on Boy While Camping, Boy Uninjured

Buhl, MN. via Bing Maps © 2025 Microsoft BUHL, Minn. — A child is unharmed after a tree fell on him during a camping trip on Sunday. Emergency responders were dispatched to the Stubler Beach Campground in Buhl following a report of a 7-year-old child trapped beneath a tree. Strong thunderstorms and high winds that swept through the area early…

St. Scholastica & Mankato State Launches Engineering Dual Degree Pathway

  DULUTH, Minn.– The College of Saint Scholastica is partnering with Minnesota State Mankato to launch a new engineering program partnership. This dual pathway program is giving students the chance to earn a degree in both natural science and also integrated engineering. This is the first dual degree pathway of its kind. The five year long degree covers two and…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office releases Body-Worn and Squad Video video of Normanna shooting

Muzzle flash shown on Squad Camera from July 15th, 2025 Normanna Officer Involved Shooting. DULUTH, Min. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office released videos from the the officer-involved shooting that took place in Normanna Township on July 15, 2025. The released video is from the body-worn cameras and squad video during the moments leading up to, during, and immediately…

The ‘Federal Budget Bill’ impacts on SNAP in Minnesota

Who Currently Receives Benefits MINNESOTA — The Federal Budget Bill also called Trumps “Big, Beautiful Bill” has significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 440,000 Minnesotans currently participate in SNAP in an average month. Most of those utilizing SNAP are children, adults with children, seniors, and those with a disability. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families…

Governor Walz activates Minnesota National Guard following cyberattack

ST. PAUL, Min. – Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order activating the Minnesota National Guard following a hack on the city of St. Paul. The order went into effect on July 29, 2025. Minnesota National Guard’s cyber protection assets were called up. The Governor’s Office says the magnitude and complexity of the cybersecurity incident have exceeded the city’s response…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musician Ross Thorn Releases New Album, Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Ross Thorn joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast Tuesday, July 29, to talk about his new album and an upcoming album release show. Thorn, a folk and country musician in Duluth, will be playing  an album release show at Bent Paddle on Wednesday, August 6th, before heading out on a national tour. He performed…

Wanted Man Arrested In Greysolon Apartments After Standoff

DULUTH, Minn. — The Greysolon Apartments in downtown Duluth became the center of a standoff Monday. Duluth police said a 37-year-old man wanted for felony domestic assault barricaded himself in a bedroom of an apartment. The man was originally arrested Friday for the alleged assault. But at some point Friday, police said he fled a local hospital while in custody….

Vehicle smashes into State Patrol vehicle spinning it 75-feet

UPDATE: The vehicle that hit the trooper’s squad was a 2018 Kia Sportage. — DULUTH, Min. – A vehicle crashed into a Minnesota State Patrol vehicle on Highway 53, spinning it 75-feet from the impact site. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash that happened just after 11am on Monday, July 28, 2025. They’re reporting the Trooper’s…

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Urging Safe Driving in Work Zones

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With nearly 100 road projects scheduled across Northern Wisconsin this summer drivers are urged to reduce speeds and pay attention to ensure safe driving through work zones. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation joined Douglas County to hold a press conference, urging safe driving in road construction zones. Last year more than 2,00 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin…

Air Quality Alert for northern half of Minnesota until Wednesday night

Air Quality Alert 07/28/2025 DULUTH, Min.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the northern half of Minnesota. Northwesterly winds will transport heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan into northern Minnesota, beginning Tuesday morning. Smoke will spread south into central Minnesota through the day Tuesday and may continue into southern Minnesota overnight…

‘Mango’ the Lion Cub Has Successful Surgeries

Mango the Lion Cub’s surgery 7/28/25 SANDSTONE, Minn.– The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone rescued an 8-week-old lion cub last week. On Monday, July 28, 2025 she had to undergo surgery to correct some genetic complications. Mango the lion cub at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone was gearing up for surgery. She had a herniated umbilical cord that caused her intestines…

‘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….

New Rice Lake Mayor

Jayme Heim RICE LAKE, Min. – Council Woman Jayme Heim has been appointed mayor of Rice Lake by council after Mayor Suzanne Herstad resigned. “It makes me feel proud that rest of the council trust me with this position.” says Mayor Heim. While, Mayor Heim says reasons for the resignation are not clear; she states Herstad said in a letter,…

Bridge Repairs on I-35, Traffic Reducing to One Lane

Courtesy of MnDOT Website DULUTH, Minn. — Crews are starting road is starting on a section of I-35. The northbound lane of I-35 between 40th and 26th avenues west will close for bridge repairs. Traffic will be crossed over into the southbound lanes once the crossovers are created. Motorists can expect single lane head-to-head traffic until the repairs are completed….

Duluth Council to Review Revised Child Care Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will discuss the amendments made regarding daycare facilities and definitions tomorrow. The proposed ordinance will allow childcare facilities to operate in residential areas by modifying zoning rules and definitions, and was tabled last Monday. This delay was decided on by the council, allowing time for revisions that clarify the language and ensure the rules align…

City Council to Revisit Transportation Commission

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will be discussing the ordinance regarding establishing a Duluth Transportation Commission tomorrow. This proposed ordinance was tabled last Monday due to staff edits that still needed to be put together and reviewed before proceeding further. At last Thursday’s meeting, the City Administrator said it will be a few more weeks before the…

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…

Man With Mental Health Issues Found Naked in MN Capitol, Raising New Security Cncerns

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A naked man with apparent mental health issues was found in the Minnesota State Capitol late at night, officials said Saturday, raising questions about security after the top Democrat in the state House was killed in what authorities have called a political assassination. The discovery just six weeks after the fatal shooting of Democratic former House Speaker…

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Small Lion Family from Canadian Roadside Zoo

SANDSTONE, Meet Mango, a feisty ambitious 8-week-old lion cub. She is just one of three recent rescues the Wildcat Sanctuary took on just two days ago. They were saved from a Canadian roadside show. “This is a really unique rescue, not only because it was international and we had so many permits and so much process to get through, to…

Sen. Nicole Mitchell resigns early following felony conviction

ST. PAUL, Minn. — State Senator Nicole Mitchell has officially resigned from office. Mitchell had previously announced plans to step down on August 4th, saying she needed time to finish legislative work and secure health benefits for her son. State Senator Nicole Mitchell/Facebook However, in a Facebook post, Mitchell said today would be her final day in the Senate. “I…

Gov. Evers Grants 204 Pardons, for a total of more than 1,600 Pardons as Governer

WISCONSIN — Governer Evers granted 204 pardons today, July 25th, bringing his total pardons during his tenure to 1,640. The pardons are described as an act of forgiveness. Individuals pardoned have completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges. Most of those pardoned did the crime in their late teens and 20s, and these…

Katie Sandstrom 2nd woman Promoted to Captain in Duluth Fire History

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department has promoted Katie Sandstrom to Captain. She is the second female to be promoted to captain in DFD history. She has been with the Department for over 8 years, recently serving as a fire fighter on Tower 1 out of Headquarters. Captain Sandstrom receiving her Red Helmet, Courtesy of Duluth Fire Department Facebook…

DLH Debuts Visual Sound Bath

DULUTH, Minn.- The Visual Sound Bath art installation officially opened at the Duluth Airport. For many, traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to flying, and over the years, airports have turned to public art to create a welcoming and calming environment for passengers. “The airport has a long-standing history of the public display of art and…

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin Addresses Retirement in ‘Love Letter’ Video

DULUTH, Minn.–Earlier today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not be running for a third time for his seat as Governor. With this announcement, Evers released what he called his ‘love letter’ to Wisconsin, to reminisce on his time as Governor. “I cherish every moment, every tour, every visit high five, question and selfie. It’s the honor of…

‘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…

Governor Tony Evers announces he will not run for re-election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years. It will be Wisconsin’s highest profile race next year, as Democrats also angle to take control of the Legislature thanks to redrawn election maps that…