Minnesota

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…

Duluth Police Chief Releases Statement After Newborn Surrendered at Shelter

Police say the newborn is safe with a foster family

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say their investigation into the events from January 21, are focused on the health of the infant and the mother and identifying who dropped the baby off at Safe Haven; not into the shelter itself. Chief of Police Mike Ceynowa, released a video statement, followed by a written press release, Wednesday afternoon. Two search warrants…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Ballet Presents “Harvest Moon” Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, dancers Juliana DeBellis and Karl Von Rabenau joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to discuss the upcoming Harvest Moon performance, presented by the Minnesota Ballet. The story follows the adventures of three WW2 servicemen enjoying their last night out before being deployed. The performance will also include original works by Minnesota Ballet company members….

Oasis Del Norte offering Superbowl Party Packs

DULUTH, Minn. — Oasis Del Norte is ready for the big game this Sunday. They are offering party packs of queso birria tacos in packs of 10 or 20 tacos, and come with corn elote and guacamole. These mouthwatering mini tacos are made with slow roasted beef, melted cheese, and grilled in corn tortillas. “I thought that me being especially…

Cloquet Area Fire District Looking to Build New Facility

CLOQUET, Minn.– The chief of the Cloquet Area Fire District said, it’s beyond time for a new headquarters because the current one is falling apart, packed beyond capacity and a safety concern. The current fire station downtown was built decades ago and no longer meets the standards required for modern emergency responses. The Cloquet Area Fire District serves well beyond…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Free Air Life Co. Reopens Doors at a New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Free Air Life Co., an outdoor lifestyle store has reopened its doors to a new and bigger space after a 2-year hiatus. Husband and wife Sarah and Justin Steinbach first started the store in 2019. “We had a space down the block in Lincoln Park, and it was very small. Things were going really well for us….

‘Climate Future’ Conference at UMD

DULUTH, Minn.– The future climate of Duluth is the center of a two-day public conference at UMD this week. Environmental experts throughout the state of Minnesota are part of the “Climate Future” conference, including the D-N-R, NOAA and ‘the institute of environment’ a U-M-D. Workshops, panel discussions and presentations are all part of the process to engage everyday citizens who…

Cannabis Business License Set to Open for Minnesota

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced it will be accepting applications for cannabis license starting this upcoming February 18, 2025. The application window will close by March 14, 2025. During this license cycle, OCM is accepting applications for both verified social equity applicants and any applicants looking for a general licensing. General licensing includes micro business,…

Woman Charged for Hit and Run in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Police arrested a woman for a hit and run that occurred last week in Duluth and sent a woman to the hospital. Brittney Elizabeth Johnson-Hamilton, 39, of Duluth was charged for last Tuesday’s hit and run at the intersection of North 12th Ave East and 2nd Ave East. According to the police report, a witness told officers…

Pass Program Begins between DTA and Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — High School Students in Duluth have more access to transportation around the city. Duluth Public Schools and the Duluth Transit Authority have partnered to offer all high school students and staff free bus rides through the DTA. This will help give students more ways to get to and from school. There aren’t limits on the passes, so…

Coffee Conversation: NYS Black History Month Brunch & BIPOC Business Showcase

DULUTH, Minn. — Neighborhood Youth Services presents a Black History Month Brunch and BIPOC Business Showcase this weekend. Pez Davila from NYS joined Fox 21 Local News on Monday morning to chat more about the brunch and business event. The brunch will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 300 E. 2nd St., Duluth,…

Newborn Left at Duluth Shelter Triggers Police Investigation

Duluth Police say they were called to Safe Haven, over claims a baby was left outside the shelter

DULUTH, Minn. – Search warrants for the Safe Haven Shelter in Duluth show an ongoing investigation, after a staff member called police to report a newborn was abandoned outside in subzero temperatures. Around 5:00 pm on January 21, Duluth Police responded to a call from the Safe Haven Shelter. According to warrant applications, Shelter Director Ethan Powers had found a…

Visit Duluth, Madden Media Talk 2025 Duluth Tourism Outlook

DULUTH, Minn. — Visit Duluth and the city’s new tourism market agency, Madden Media, are one month on the job together with a common goal of showcasing what makes Duluth the gem it is. Madden Media is a national tourism marketing organization tasked with promoting Duluth over the next two years. We spoke with Madden Media’s CEO, Daniel Janes, to…

Cold Front Festival Returns to Bayfront for 8th Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The 8th Annual Cold Front festival returned to Bayfront Park on Saturday, celebrating all things winter. Duluth Parks and Recreation first started the winter event to get people outside during the cold months. The fest included many activities that kept even young ones entertained, from a sledding hill, an ice skating rink, play areas and more. People…

3rd Annual Cider North Event Held at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Cider lovers from across the region flocked to the DECC for the 3rd annual Cider North event on Saturday. Around 10 different cideries from across Minnesota and Wisconsin were serving up popular and exclusive flavors. Each guest received a Cider North sampling glass and unlimited samples. Many people went for the VIP experience and got early access…

Carbo Found Guilty at Second Trial For 1986 Chisholm Murder

  DULUTH, Minn. – After the Minnesota Supreme Court overturned his previous conviction, a jury re-convicts Michael Carbo of the rape and murder of Nancy Daugherty in her Chisholm home back in 1986. The 1986 murder and sexual assault of 38-year-old Nancy Daugherty in her home rocked the largely quiet Iron Range community of Chisholm. The case remained cold for…

‘Green Iron Project’ Paves Way for Hydrogen-Based Steel Manufacturing

DULUTH, Minn.– A first of its kind project using hydrogen-based energy is in limbo after a federal pause on grants loans took place but was quickly revoked. That first of a kind project is called ‘Green Iron Project’, and it centers around the conversion of iron into steel using a hydrogen energy plant. The Minnesota Natural Resource Institute has a…

Unseasonal weather may lead to dry soil conditions

MINNESOTA — The unseasonal weather of the last year could bring both positive and negative impacts onto farmers this upcoming growing season. In a typical year, Minnesota sees lighter, fluffier snow from December to February, and heavy, wet snow between March and May. So far this season, snowfall totals are below the 30-year average, but total precipitation is near average…

Blackwoods Blizzard Tour is still on despite concerns amid snowfall

LAKE VERMILLION, Minn. — Despite nervousness after a lackluster snowfall this year, the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour is still on. Over 200 snowmobile riders will be heading up to Lake Vermillion on Feb. 5 through 8. The snowfall by Lake Vermillion has been adequate, and the trails are being groomed. This year, 70 new riders are being welcomed to the tour….

Behind the Brew at Duluth Cider

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Cider is one of two cideries in the Northland. And their entire cider making process happens all under one building. “It’s really nice, in the middle of Duluth Minnesota, we’re taking on cider, we’re doing it all in our cellar, and bringing it up, out the door, all over, it’s actually pretty cool,” said Kyle McKean. Duluth…

Gabriel’s Bookstore & Others Told to Vacate After Potential Demolition

DULUTH, Minn. — Gabriel’s Bookstore, Sami Cultural Center, and other tenants within the Lakeside Professional Building have until late spring to vacate the site after recent plans to demolish the over 100 year-old structure. The property is owned by St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The building was originally constructed in 1914, but numerous financial meetings with the pastor it was ultimately…

Former President Jimmy Carter’s Boundary Waters Legacy

ELY, Minn. — Former President Jimmy Carter teamed up with the Friends of the Boundary Waters during his administration, to help back up his efforts around the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. “There’s been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of victory too, and not all of those sacrifices accumulated into what we have today,” said Riley Smith. Riley Smith…

All Aboard Feared Dead in American Airlines Jet and Army Helicopter Collision

At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C., officials said Thursday. Crews were still searching for other casualties but did not believe there were any survivors, which would make it the deadliest…

Coffee Conversation: Cold Front Winter Celebration at Bayfront Park This Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Megan Lidd, Recreation Specialist with Duluth Parks and Rec, joined us on the FOX 21 morning newscast to preview the Cold Front event happening this Saturday, February 1, from noon to 6 p.m. at Bayfront Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature snow play, dog sled rides, curling, ice skating, sledding, fat biking, and more. Categories: Coffee…

Murder Charges Filed in 2023 Fentanyl Overdose Death

DULUTH, Minn. – The man, who authorities allege sold fentanyl laced oxycontin that caused the overdose death of a Duluth woman in 2023, was arrested on murder charges Tuesday afternoon. Jason Allen Nelson, 32, was arrested Tuesday afternoon on charges of 3rd-degree murder by means of selling or distributing fentanyl.  A warrant for his arrest, according to St. Louis County…

Wood Magic Closing Its Doors After Auction This Weekend

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — After 43 years in business, Wood Magic in Hermantown is closing its doors. The long-standing business was known for custom cabinetry, curtains, and gifts. While they have stopped doing custom cabinetry, there are still 8 rooms full of various gifts and decor, from Sandicast figurines to Fenton art glassware. The owner shared her message for their customers….

Family of Duluth Businessman Paul Vesterstein Hopes to Keep His Legacy Alive

Longtime Duluth businessman and leader Paul Vesterstein has died at the age of 96.

DULUTH, Minn. —  “He wanted to change things, and he changed his destiny through hard work, determination and discipline,” Marc Vesterstein, son of Duluth businessman Paul Vesterstein said. Born in Estonia in 1928, Paul Vesterstein was merely a teenager when he found himself fighting in WWII. “His parents had been separated from him, and he was forced to defend his…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse to Stage One-Act Play That Goes Wrong

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is gearing up for an upcoming showcase of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong at the Northshore Theatre. Stars Dan Prevette, who plays Robert portraying Thomas Colleymoore, and Alyson Enderle, who brings Annie the Stage Manager to life, joined the morning show to discuss the production. The comedy will be running from January 31…