Minnesota

Coffee Conversation: Veterans Day Ceremony to Honor 250 Years of U.S. Military Service

DULUTH, Minn. — Jay Hagen from the St. Louis County Historical Society and Veterans Memorial Hall, along with Sharon Bergquist from Duluth Women of Today, joined FOX 21 Morning News to share details about this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the St. Louis County Depot. The 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy, and…

Split Rock Lighthouse commemorates 50th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald sinking

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Today marks the 50th anniversary of the well-known Great Lakes tragedy. During a fierce storm, the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, resulting in the loss of its 29-man crew. And for forty years, the Split Rock Lighthouse has acknowledged the great loss. “We’ve never had to cap the event before, but we knew, because of the 50th anniversary…

Pastor tasked with leading Duluth Vineyard following sex scandal leaves church; Church apologizes to pastor

John Kliewer DULUTH, Minn. – Pastor John Kliewer was tasked by the Duluth Vineyard’s congregation to lead their flock following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family.  Kliewer has now left the Duluth Vineyard. In March of 2025, the Duluth Vineyard placed Kliewer on leave to investigate him.  That investigation was focusing on allegations that Kliewer’s management created…

CHUM’s prepped for Thanksgiving Boxes

DULUTH, Minn. — CHUM’s prepped to hand out over 300 boxes of Thanksgiving staples to families for the holiday. Each box will include Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, Instant Potatoes, canned fruits and veggies, mac and cheese, and of course pumpkin pies. They’ll include other products need to make those items as well such as milk. Chum partnered with local churches, schools…

Free Gym Memberships For Federal Workers

DULUTH, MINN-  Starting this month, the YMCA is waiving membership fees and offering free memberships for federal employees on furlough during the government shut down. “I feel a sense of hope because I know that when we work together, when we support each other there’s nothing that we can’t get through.” Says Duluth YMCA Sarah Cole. Come in and show…

Ore trade down for Lake Superior ports in 2025 so far

Lake Carriers’ Association Logo DULUTH, Min & CLEVELAND – The Lake Carriers’ Association is releasing their October shipping numbers for iron ore. They say, “Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 35.8 million tons, a decrease of 12.6 percent compared to last year.” Through October 2025, ship leaving Duluth had  6,558,750 tons of iron ore, that’s compared to 6,622,906 tons in…

Gales of November conference attracts over 200 attendees

DULUTH, Minn. — The 38th annual Gales of November maritime conference drew over 200 attendees to the DECC during November 7-8. The educational fundraising event included a maritime trade show, silent auction, and several keynote speakers sharing their insight on the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, as tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of its tragic sinking on Lake Superior. “There’s a lot…

REMEMBERING THE EDMUND FITZGERALD: What Would A TV Forecast Look Like on November 9, 1975?

NORTHLAND – Just after 2 p.m. on November 9, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald left port in Superior, Wisconsin for what would be its final voyage.  Over the next 27 hour, the ship was damaged from the weather conditions it encounter while trying to cross Lake Superior.  It was around 7:15 p.m. the next day, November 10, 1975, that the ship…

Historical marker unveiled at Barkers Island in honor of Fitzgerald’s sinking

SUPERIOR, Wis. — People from around the Twin Ports gathered at Barker’s Island for the unveiling of the new Wisconsin state historical marker commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking. Through the efforts of the local group, Friends of the Fitz, and the Wisconsin Historical Society’s State Historical Markers Program, Superior has officially installed a historical marker to…

Armed gunman on the run After Taco John’s robbery in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –- An armed gunman remained on the loose Sunday evening after targeting Taco John’s in West Duluth. The crime happened around 7:50 p.m. Friday on the 4600 block of Grand Avenue. The suspect is described as a white male, around 6 feet tall and wearing dark clothing. Police said the suspect entered the business, displayed a handgun and…

Trump Administration Demands States ‘Undo’ Full SNAP Payouts as States Warn of ‘Catastrophic Impact’

President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings, marking the latest swing in a seesawing legal battle over the anti-hunger program used by 42 million Americans. The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture came as more than two dozen…

Minnesota deer hunters gear up for 2025 season

PIKE LAKE, Minn. — Blaze orange is lighting up the Northland once again as the Minnesota deer opener makes its grand return. Saturday, Nov. 8, marks the official start to the Minnesota deer hunting season, and as hunters are gearing up, supplies are flying off the shelves. FOX21 spoke with the owner of the local sporting goods store, Fisherman’s Corner,…

Safe Haven partners with Northland Essentia locations for phone drive

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Essentia Health employees have come together to donate their old cellphones for a good cause. The old phones were donated to Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth, a center for survivors of domestic abuse, where the devices can be repurposed in order to help bring safety to those in need. “These cell phones will…

UMD hosts “Gales of November” in honor of Edmund Fitzgerald

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth played host to a special night of remembrance in honor of Lake Superior’s most famous ship. The production “Gales of November” took the stage at the school’s Marshall Performing Arts Center for a 1-night-only performance to relive the tale of the sinking of the S.S Edmund Fitsgerald. Just like the Fitzgerald, the show’s…

13th Annual Junk Hunt Hits the DECC!

DULUTH, Minn. — This semi-annual tradition Duluth Tradition has all the fun unique finds. Over 170 booths are set up with treasures ranging from furniture and home decor to clothing and jewelry to treats, antiques, and handmade items! The “Junk Hunks” are also on hand to help customers haul large pieces of furniture to their vehicles for free. Part of…

MMIR office asking hunters to keep an eye out for clues

Hunting Season Generic ST. PAUL, Min. & DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office is asking hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and report anything unusual they might encounter in the woods. They say discoveries could help uncover new clues in missing persons cases. Law enforcement urges the public to…

Man cited for starting Camp House Fire pleas guilty

DULUTH, Min. – Court records show Parker John Wilson has been convicted of “Forestry-Failure to Extinguish a Fire”. He paid $190 in a fine and fees for the conviction. He was originally cited on September 9th for starting the fire. The fire broke out on May 11, 2025 near Brimson. The $190 was made up of a $100 fine, a…

DUI arrest following multi-vehicle crash, rollover in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and Criminal Vehicular Operation Thursday evening after a multi-vehicle crash and rollover in Duluth. According to police, the crash was reported around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Jean Duluth Road and Martin Road. One person was trapped in the vehicle that rolled and caught on fire, according to…

Elite Sports Complex hosts grand opening

DULUTH, Minn. — The Elite Sports Complex hosted a grand opening for its 40,000-square-foot facility located in West Duluth. The evening consisted of a tour showcasing what the large complex has to offer the Twin Ports. The facility is geared towards athletes and features four indoor turf quads, five pickleball courts, six batting cages, a world-class gym, and Essentia Health…

Northland Chevrolet presents check donation of $2,600 to St. Luke’s Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — Representatives from Northland Chevrolet wrapped up breast cancer awareness month with a check donation of $2,600 to the St. Luke’s Foundation’s Breast Cancer Support Fund. The dealership pledged to donate $100 for every new vehicle sold through October. The funds went to the foundation, helping to provide bags filled with post-surgery essentials and care for Aspirus St….

Minnesota Senators tour UMD science labs to discuss federal impacts

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota senators toured UMD’s science labs to talk about potential cuts to grants and budgets. The legislators met with researchers to better understand how UMD science students impact research in the area. Professors told FOX 21 University Minnesota Duluth is filled with financial uncertainty under the Trump Administration. The tour itself was able to give senators an eye-opening…

Duluth Stakeholders gather to address Capitol Days agenda

DULUTH, Minn.– Preparations are underway for the annual “Duluth and St. Louis County days at the Capitol” City of Duluth, County Commissioners and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce got together this morning to nail down a plan to advocate for key legislative priorities. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said the agenda will remain the same as last year including investment…

Father, Son Capture Waves Before Woman Was Swept Into Lake Superior

The woman was rescued with the help of a nearby angler.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — We are getting a look at just how strong Lake Superior’s waves were on Sunday when one of four people walking out to the lighthouse in Grand Marais was swept into the water before being rescued. Jake Carr and his 10-year-old son, Collin, recorded video on their phone showing the large waves crashing over the people…

Prescribed fire on Wisconsin Point is first traditional burn in 150 years

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The first traditional burning of Wisconsin Point in 150 years took place on Wednesday. The prescribed burn was led by fire professionals and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The burning aims to restore the ecological balance of the point by reintroducing fire, a practice common in indigenous culture. Wisconsin Point was home to…

Charges: Killer Returned to Party After Shooting Hibbing Man 3 Times

HIBBING, Minn. — A murder charge has been handed down against a Hoyt Lakes man who is accused of shooting a man to death in Hibbing during an after-bar party. Daniel Dale, 30, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Parker Johnson, 24, just hours before being killed in the parking lot of Meadowview Apartments around 2:15 a.m….

Red Kettle Karnival brings the spirit of giving

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army and Bentlyville teamed up again to shine some bright and colorful lights on the Red Kettle Karnival fundraiser. The free family-friendly event brought people from across the region together in the spirit of giving back to the community. The festival offered a chance to walk inside Bentleyville’s 128-foot LED tree in exchange for a…

Whistleblower Lawsuit filed against Hermantown School District

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A Whistleblower Lawsuit has been filed against the Hermantown School District on behalf of a former employee of the schools. According to the lawsuit which was filed on Nov. 2, Emily Bellamy, a former speech-language pathologist at the schools, was retaliated against by the district after she reported to the district that Individualized Education Program services for…

UMD’s Tau Kappa Epsilon to Host Annual Fundraiser for St. Jude

DULUTH, Minn.– A fraternity chapter UMD has spent nearly a decade raising an impressive amount of money for St. Jude Research Hospital. Over the past eight years, the Tau Kappa Epsilon UMD Duluth chapter has kept busy with fundraising for the organization. Each yearly campaign involves collecting donations from friends, families, and local businesses. The first year they began, the…

Lake Superior Zoo announces birth of critically endangered cotton-top tamarin

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s been all monkey business at the Lake Superior Zoo when it comes to raising their newest little primate. The not yet named cotton-top tamarin was born 36 days ago and is thriving alongside mom “Mira” and dad Dino”. The species itself originates in Colombia and is critically endangered. Zoo staff said there’s less than 2,000 in the…

Jacob Frey fends off democratic socialist’s challenge to win 3rd term as Minneapolis mayor

FILE – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a news conference in Minneapolis City Hall, Aug. 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey defeated democratic socialist Omar Fateh and 13 other challengers Wednesday during the final round of counting in the city’s ranked-choice voting election. Frey, who secured a third term,…

30 votes separate candidates for Deer River School School Board

Deer River Schools Logo DEER RIVER, Min. – 30 votes separated LuAnn Robinson and Richard Fieldsend in the special election for Deer River (ISD #317) School Board. LuAnn Robinson finished with 450 vote besting Richard Fieldsend’s 420 votes. There were 17 write-in votes. Categories: Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Deer River Schools tax increases fail at ballot

Deer River Schools Logo ITASCA COUNTY, Min. – Voters in the Deer River School District (ISD #317) rejected two tax increases. Question #1 failed with a 63% to 37% margin. Question #1  asked, “The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.945% times the net tax capacity of…

Tomanek leads voters in Duluth City Council At Large race; Johnson & Medved battled for the other seat

Terese Tomanek (Incumbent) DULUTH, Min. – Terese Tomanek cruised to re-election for one of the Duluth City Council At-Large seats up for election. Tomanek got 34% of the vote in the four person race for two open seats. Jordon Johnson and former Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved battled for the second open seat. Johnson won with 27.8% of the vote…

Right to Repair passes in Duluth

DULUTH, Min. – The “Right to Repair” ballot initiative passed with more than two thirds of yes votes. The measure asked, “Shall the petition ordinance 25-015-0 amending Chapter 29A of the Duluth City Code be passed to give tenants the right to make repairs in residential rental property, and withhold up to half of a month’s rent or $500, whichever…

Diane Desotelle wins her race for Duluth City Council

Diane Desotelle DULUTH, Min. – Diane Desotelle won the race for Duluth’s 2nd City Council District. She won with 80% of the vote compared to Chris Adatte’s 20%. The race was for the open seat after Mike Mayou resigned. Deborah DeLuca was appointed to fill Mayou’s term, but she said she would not run for the seat. Categories: Community, Minnesota,…

Littlefork-Big Falls School District special election decided by four votes

Littlefork-Big Falls School District Logo KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Min. – In the Special Election for School Board Member Littlefork-Big Falls School District (ISD #362) the race came down to just four votes. Chelsey Melander garnered 134 votes compared to Delane Klemetse’s 130 votes.   Categories: Community, Education, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

UMD Students Make Voices Heard at Polls

DULUTH, Minn. — College students took to the polls to cast their ballots for the city and school board elections. Students have been gearing up for this election, attending UMD forums on campus. Each forum featured city council representatives and some at-large candidates to help students prepare to vote. The candidates spoke to students regarding things that affect them. “They…

Upper Lakes Foods Show serving up hungry customers and guests

DULUTH, Minn.– The DECC in Duluth was packed with 60 Upper Lakes Foods vendors, showcasing a delicious sneak peek of what they’re offering. The bi-annual event was prepared to serve thousands of hungry guests. It’s meant to foster community connections and showcase standout products. Upper Lakes Foods caters to 24-hundred customers around Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Many of their…

Election Day Coverage: Duluth’s Ballot

DULUTH, Minn. — November 4th is the 2025 Election Day. The polls have been open since seven and close at eight in the evening. Here’s a rundown of races in Duluth – There are two open seats for Duluth City Council at large: Terese Tomanek Derek Medved Asher Estrin-Haire Jordon Johnson. For Council District 2: Christopher Adatte Diane Desotelle. and…

Coffee Conversation: UMD student athletes kick off winter clothing drive for kids

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD student-athletes are teaming up to make a difference this winter through a community-wide clothing drive. Led by members of the university’s DEI Council, including athletes Mattie Thompson and Emily Bastian, the effort aims to collect new or gently used winter gear — jackets, boots, hats, mittens, and more — for Duluth-area schoolchildren. The drive kicked off November…