News

Camp House & Jenkins Creek Wildfire Inspections Start Next Week

Burned area of Forest with smoking hot spots on the Camp House Fire. BRIMSON/FAIRBANKS TOWNSHIPS, Minn. — Next week the St. Louis County Assessor’s Department will start inspections of wildfire damaged properties by the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires. Staff will begin their inspections to home and property owners in Brimson and Fairbanks Township to determine the estimated market…

MNA Claims Aspirus-St. Luke’s Walked Away from Negotiations

DULUTH, Minn. — Negotiations between the Minnesota Nurses Association and Aspirus-St. Luke’s have stalled, after MNA claims of Aspirus walking away from the bargaining table. At their final scheduled bargaining session, MNA claims their nurses were met, “not with compromise, but with cuts.” The nurses association then said Aspirus’ proposal would limit sick time, vacation, dental, and health coverage for…

Two People Inducted into Grandmas Marathon Hall of Fame

DULUTH, Minn. — A longtime board member and a men’s event record holder are both receiving the honor of being two of this year’s Grandmas Marathon Hall of Fame inductees. Dave Malban, a founding board member, and Dominic Ondoro, a 2014 men’s record holder are this year’s Grandmas Hall of Famers. Malban was responsible for making Grandmas Marathon into the…

Benedictine Living Community Hosts Juneteenth Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Juneteenth, Benedictine Living Community held their first ever Juneteenth Chapel Service and Soul Food Celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as the day that ended slavery in the United States two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued which freed black people throughout the country. Guest speakers with the NAACP spoke in front of seniors and…

Popular ‘Hairball’ Rock Cover Band Celebrates 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– In a few short weeks, a longtime performer at Bayfront Park is gearing up to ‘Party in the Park’ once more. Alongside celebrating rock and roll, ‘Hairball’ is hitting a major milestone. For a quarter of a century, ‘Hairball’ has been rocking the nation. Getting their start at small bars, their band covers favorites such as ‘Motley Crue’…

Coffee Conversation: A Runner’s Journey of Hope Through Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. — Tomorrow morning, thousands of runners will gather at the starting line for Grandma’s Marathon. Among them is Tony Loyd—a familiar face at the race—returning to the course with a new lung cancer diagnosis and a renewed perspective. On Friday morning, Tony was on the Fox 21 morning newscast to share his story of hope, resilience, and the…

Essentia Health Fitness Expo Marks the Start of Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend kicked off with the Essentia Health Fitness Expo. Runners and community members filled the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to pick up race information packets, which include official race bibs and other essential race materials. The expo featured vendors and exhibitors highlighting the latest running and athletic gear, technology, and services, along with guest speakers…

Chicken Hat Plays Return: 8 Plays Written, Directed, Performed In 24 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – Eight writers, eight directors and 40 actors got together last Friday to create eight different sketches with Rubber Chicken Theater that were performed in front of a live audience within 24 hours. Common Cameo Dan Hanger FOX 21’s Dan Hanger was the common cameo for all sketches. It was a lot of dedication and a lot of…

51st Juneteenth Jamboree Brings Celebration to Central Hillside

Duluth, Minn. –  Duluth’s NAACP held its 51st annual Juneteenth Jamboree Today. Community members gathered at the Central Hillside Community Center and Park for an afternoon centered on honoring the historic significance of Juneteenth and celebrating freedom. The Jamboree featured music, free food, performances, and a variety of vendors. “Juneteenth, you know what I mean, is a nice celebration for…

Volunteers & Staff Prepping for Annual ‘Michelina’s Spaghetti Dinner’

DULUTH, Minn.– The volunteers and staff for this weekend’s big race is running a marathon of their own. They’re working around the clock to make the city’s largest batch of spaghetti. Chef Jerry, and his brigade of volunteers and staff are working around the clock to chop up the oregano, basil and rosemary. By the time they’re finished, they will…

Official: 2 Dead, 1 Injured In Domestic-Related Shooting in Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A law enforcement source with close knowledge of the investigation told FOX 21 on Wednesday that a fatal domestic-related shooting in Chisholm Tuesday night was a result of murder-suicide. The shooting happened in the 100 block of 5th Street Northwest. The official said the killer shot the two victims before turning the gun on themselves. One victim…

Volunteers Prepping for CHUM’s 20th ‘Rhubarb Festival’

  Duluth, Minn.– The 20-yearlong beloved rhubarb tradition for Duluth is right around the corner. And CHUM is excited to continue the traditions, both new and old. For this year’s ‘Rhubarb Festival’ celebration, it will take place at the Asbury United Methodist Church in West Duluth. Before the festival on June 28th, an official told FOX 21 an impressive 1,000…

Lake Superior Zoo bear will become first to have a metal crown

DULUTH, Minn. – A Lake Superior Zoo Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear will become a ground breaker. Tundra, an Alaskan Coastal brown bear, will become the first bear in the world to have a metal crown placement. Dr. Grace Brown, board certified veterinary dentist, recently repaired a tooth for Tundra. Dr. Brown will be installing a talladium crown made by Scott…

Minnesota cannabis tax rising to 15% in 2025 to support regulation rollout

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – Cannabis Taxes in Minnesota are on the rise. They’re sitting at 10-percent now, but will go up to 15-percent on July 1, 2025. The 10-percent rate was from July 1. 2023 to June 30. 2025. All sales and purchases of taxable cannabis products are subject to the new tax rate. RELATED: Minnesota issues first cannabis…

Patty Salo Downs retiring from Alworth Memorial Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Patty Salo Downs is retiring as executive director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund. She had held the role for nearly 19 years. Salo Downs helped the organization grant more than $26 million in scholarships to over 1,400 northern Minnesota high school students. She said, “Whether they’re participating in study abroad, installing a water distribution…

Minnesota issues first cannabis business license

Issued for Herb-Quest LLC ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued the first cannabis business license in the state of Minnesota. It is going to Herb-Quest, LLC. Herb-Quest is a microbusiness located in Brook Park in Pine County. Its initial primary business activity will be outdoor cultivation of cannabis plants. OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author’s New Novel Inspired by APD

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday morning’s Fox 21 newscast, local author Erika Lynn Adams joined the show to introduce her new young adult novel, Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the book follows Allie, a young girl with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), as she navigates a world that often misunderstands her. The story is semi-autobiographical, drawing…

Church’s Natural Burial Cemetery Idea Causes Controversy

BARNUM, Minn.– There is controversy tonight involving a church in Barnum and its plan to open a natural burial site. The site’s planner says natural burials are better for the environment without embalming chemical used in traditional burials. Matt Connell, cemetarian at Loving Earth Memorial Gardens, and a member of the Steelmantown Church has a passion for the outdoors and preserving…

Shelter-in-Place Lifted Following Shooting in Chisholm, MN

Chisholm, MN – A shelter-in-place order issued during an active law enforcement incident in Chisholm has been lifted. The response followed a shooting near the 100 block of 5th Street NW, prompting a large police presence and safety precautions for nearby residents. According to the Chisholm Police Department, there is no longer a threat to public safety. The Minnesota Bureau…

People impacted by Wildfires access multiple resources in one Place

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – People impacted by recent wildfires access multiple resources at an event organized by United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) established at the Hoyt Lakes Arena provides those impacted by recent wildfires with a single place to access governmental and non-government organizations. Hosted by the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, organizations at the…

Music in the Park Series Returns for 42nd Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – The 42nd annual Music in the Park concert series kicked off this evening at Chester Park. The beloved summer music series, presented by Duluth Parks and Recreation in partnership with Chester Bowl, features family-friendly performances. Each concert showcased local artists from different genres. The concerts will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 to 8 p.m. from now until…

Cross City Trail Tour Teaches Locals about the St. Louis River

DULUTH, Minn. – Locals strapped on their helmets and toured the St. Louis River this evening. Community members were invited to participate in biking the Cross-City Trail, which consisted of a 4-mile round-trip tour put on by the St. Louis River Alliance. The bike tour showcased the natural beauty of the St. Louis River while teaching locals about the areas…

Coffee Conversation: Make Music Day Returns to Superior with New Energy

Superior, WI – Get ready to turn up the volume! Make Music Day returns to Superior this weekend on June 21, bringing a fresh wave of local energy and global spirit. This year’s celebration is led by new event director Traxx Nelson-Kavajecz, who aims to make the event louder and livelier than ever. Traxx and his sister, rokkyn, are members…

Hermantown Police identify deceased couple found in Midway Road Home

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Officials identify a married couple as the two people found deceased from gunshot wounds in their home on Friday. Hermantown officials identified the two people who police found deceased from gunshot wounds in a Midway Road home on Friday. Lissette Joy Nelson, 62, was shot by her husband Bradley Duane Nelson, 63, before he took his own…

Iron Range Sees Increase in THC, CBD Beverages

DULUTH, Minn. – An influx of THC and CBD drinks is headed to the Iron Range this summer. The Iron Range is going to see an increase in THC and CBD drinks from local vendors to meet the rising demand for alcohol alternatives and functional beverages. This expansion will be conducted through Bernick’s, one of the leading beverage distribution companies…

Fairlawn Mansion Releases Coloring Book, Proceeds Supporting Restoration Efforts

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A coloring book is now available at Fairlawn Mansion, featuring its historic beauty. Bella Olson, a tour guide at Fairlawn, created the coloring book inspired by the historic items in the mansion. The project was over a year in the making, involving taking pictures, drawing and designing the book. Proceeds from the $10 book will fund restoration…

S.S. Meteor Museum Re-opens!

  DULUTH, Minn. — The S.S. Meteor Museum has announced its re-opening for the season June 18th! Opening was delayed due to a crack appearing in the ship’s expansion hold. The crack appeared from shifting sediment underneath the ship and fluctuating temperatures. After repairs and inspections, the ship is now ready for tours again. In a statement on the Superior…

Traffic Advisories and Road Closures for 49th Annual Grandmas Marathon Weekend

  DULUTH, Minn. — With Grandmas Marathon just days away, detours and delays are expected across the city. Canal Park and the Downtown area east of Lake Avenue will see the heaviest impact within the city. Watch for No Parking signs, temporary signage, officials directing traffic, and barriers. For other race information visit GrandmasMarathon.com WEEKDAY PREPARATION ADVISORIES: Tuesday, the Northwest…

Multiday standoff in Sawyer County comes to an end

  UPDATE: The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office says at 3:27 p.m. Monday they took the suspect into custody without further incident. The suspect is expected to face multiple felony charges. FOX21 will identify the suspect when they are formally charged. The Sheriff’ Office they will provide further information on what happened on Tuesday. ROUND LAKE, Wis. – The Sawyer County…

President to have “Golden Share” in future of Nippon Steel & U.S. Steel partnership

CALGARY, Alberta & DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump would have unique influence over the operations of U.S. Steel under the terms of the investment being made by Nippon Steel. Administration officials over the past few days provided additional insight into the so-called golden share arrangement that the federal government made as a condition for supporting the partnership. US Steel…

Man accused of lawmaker assassination to face federal charges

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office ST. PAUL, Minn. – The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another will be facing federal charges. The Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston and BCA Superintendent Andrew Evans will be holding a news conference at in the late morning of Monday, June 16 to…

Man Suspected Of Shooting 2 Minnesota Lawmakers Caught

Courtesy: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (AP) — The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another has been taken into custody, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge. Vance Boelter was arrested Sunday evening. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed…

Gov. Walz Issues Statement On Arrest Of Murder Suspect Vance Boelter

Gov. Tim Walz released the following statement Sunday night on the arrest of Vance Boelter following the “assassination” of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the “attempted assassination” of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, according to the governor’s office: “After a two-day manhunt in which hundreds of law enforcement officials left their families to run…

Shootings of MN Lawmakers turn homes into Crime Scenes

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Shootings at the residences of two Minnesota lawmakers turn the homes into crime scenes. The homes of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park and Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin were turned into crime scenes after what authorities are calling targeted political shootings early Friday morning. Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives,…