News

Local Emergency & Disaster Declared, St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn.– After over a week of battling the wildfires that has cost 30-thousand acres of land, Tuesday morning the St Louis County Board signed a declaration of local state emergency and disaster. 8 days following this disaster, this declaration is a step in the right direction to ensure adequate funding. Over 150 structures, and at least 30 year-round homes…

Coffee Conversation: Runaway Sheep Brad Stars in Maria Vollom’s New Book

DULUTH, Minn. — He ran, he roamed, and now he’s in a kid’s book. The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure follows Brad, the runaway sheep who captured hearts across the Northland. Brad’s owner, Farmer Ryan Osvold, joined FOX 21 Morning News anchor and author Maria Vollom on Wednesday to share more about Brad’s unforgettable journey. Written by Vollom and…

Amazon Distribution Center Officially Opens in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite beginning operations in late March, the Amazon Distribution Center officially opened its doors today. But in the meantime, Duluth has already seen an impact from this. “This site currently employs 80 folks, there’ll be some indirect employment from that. In addition, the site also employs a delivery service partner, which is not an employer of Amazon but…

George Wendt, who played ‘Norm’ on ‘Cheers’, passes away

NEW YORK (AP) — George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy “Cheers” and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in “Art,” “Hairspray” and “Elf,” has died. He was 76. Wendt’s family said he died early Tuesday morning, peacefully in his sleep while…

Governor Walz declares peacetime emergency from wildfires

Lingering smoke drifts through fire-damaged timber as crews continue work along a dozer line on the Brimson Complex, May 2025. Hazardous snags and smoldering fuels remain a concern as containment efforts progress. DULUTH & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz on May 20, 2025 declared a peacetime emergency in response to wildfires in Northeast Minnesota. This follows St. Louis…

David Clanaugh Announces Candidacy for Duluth City Council District 4

  DULUTH, Minn. — David Clanaugh Announced his candidacy for the district 4 seat of Duluth City Council. His goals are community driven, believing that district representatives need to really know the neighborhoods they represent. Those goals are grounded in his experience. He has had many positions in community supportive roles such as Executive Director for the regional Habitat For…

Officials Gather to Better Understand Marsy’s Law

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — Stakeholders in the Wisconsin criminal justice system and victim service organizations got together to look at victim’s experiences through the system. Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and Wisconsin Department of Justice collaborated to map victims’ journeys. The project looked at who victims interact with in the process, what they do well and…

Containment Continues Around Camp House Fire; Jenkins Creek Fire Stalls

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — In the last day containment around the Camp House fire grew from 40% to 59%. There are now four containment lines targeting the fire from all sides protecting the area south of Bassett, area north of Brimson, and areas to the east of Hornby and Breda. These lines were strengthened in preparation of Tuesday’s…

Bass Pro Shops To Host Grand Opening Of Hermantown Location Wed.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Bass Pro Shops is gearing for their big opening ceremony this week. This location will be Minnesota’s 5th Bass Pro Shops in the state. To ensure quality help for shoppers, the sale associates got the chance to pick the department they know the most about to help connect with guests. The new 70,000-square-foot retail space is looking…

Navigating Insurance with Wildfires

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — After the possibility of suffering significant loss with fires it can be a daunting task to figure out next steps towards recovery. With every claim being handled differently, there are a few important things to take care of immediately. Reid Strelow of State Farm in Duluth recommends taking record of damage through photos and videos. They…

Former Cloquet police officer found guilty of taking advantage of elderly person

  SAINT PAUL & CLOQUET, Minn. – Former Cloquet Police Officer Laci Marie Silgjord was found guilty of one count of felony attempted theft by swindle. Silgjord exploited a now-deceased 78-year-old vulnerable adult. She gained access to victim’s bank accounts and attempted to inherit the estate worth more than $150.000, despite Ms. Armey having surviving family. Silgjord was financially exploiting Joan…

Coffee Conversation: 30th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. — The 30th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament returns to Duluth on May 30–31, 2025. David Kolquist, president of Never Surrender Inc., joined FOX 21 to discuss the event and its mission: supporting individuals and families affected by ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. On Saturday, May 31, The Light of Hope ALS Conference…

Viral Runaway Sheep Named Brad Is Now a Dad

CARLTON, Minn. — Last November, we brought you the story of Brad—the runaway sheep turned local celebrity. Now, we’re back on the farm in Carlton with to check in on Brad’s latest chapter. It’s been nearly six months to the day since Brad’s great escape—and even greater homecoming. Now back at Golden Hour Acres, Brad is living the good life—lowkey,…

St. Louis County Wildfires Partially Contained, Still Trigger ‘State of Local Emergency’

BRIMSON, Minn. – St. Louis County authorities say a state of local emergency declaration was a “procedural step” to access state disaster relief funding. More than 150 buildings have been destroyed, and 30,000 acres burned in north eastern Minnesota by the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw wildfires. While crews have gained partial containment of all three fires, on…

Lake Superior College Celebrates Graduates

DULUTH, Minn. — It was Lake Superior College’s turn to celebrate its graduates on Monday. The commencement ceremony recognized the graduating students as they walked across the stage. Over 700 students from nearly 70 programs graduated from the college this year. The commencement ceremony was held at the DECC, where loved ones cheered on the graduates. Students accomplishments included certificates,…

New weekly bus service between Ely and Virginia

DULUTH, Minn. – Arrowhead Transit is launching a new weekly service connecting Ely to Virginia. Arrowhead Transit Logo The bus will have stops in Babbitt, Embarrass, and Tower.  The service will start on Tuesday, June 24. This route, called the Boundary Waters Loop, is designed to improve and expand access to essential services, expanded healthcare options, grocery stores, and major Iron…

Some containment announced for all major fires in Minnesota

Brimson Complex firefighters construct handline on May 18, 2025. DULUTH, Minn. – The Jenkins Creek Fire is now 6% contained with 199 people fighting the blaze. It was the last of the major fires to reach any level of containment.  The containment lines established are in the corner of the fire facing towards Fairbanks. With drier and gustier weather predicted, protection of…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse to Debut “Home, I’m Darling” at NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is set to open its latest production, Home, I’m Darling, this Friday, May 23, at the historic NorShor Theatre. Cast member Jess Hughes, who stars as Judy, and director Mary Fox appeared live on FOX 21’s Tuesday morning newscast to share what audiences can expect from this sharp, entertaining show. Home, I’m Darling is…

One Injured in ATV Crash Near Orr

ELEPHANT LAKE, Minn. — One person is hospitalized with injuries after an ATV crash near Orr on the evening of May 18th. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the crash happened around 8:27 p.m. on a trail southeast of Elephant Lake, about 10 miles northeast of Orr, MN. A side-by-side ATV flipped over while navigating trail conditions. The passenger,…

Munger Shaw Fire: Crews Work to Keep Flames Extinguished

CANYON, Minn. – Crews watch over burnt lowlands to ensure hotspots from the Munger Shaw wildfire stay extinguished. According to St. Louis County data, the Munger Shaw wildfire is around 50% contained as of Saturday morning. The fire, first reported on Wednesday, has burned around 1,600 acres near the Town of Canyon.  Residents living on Munger Shaw Road and Three…

‘Safe Bay Program’ Begins at Vineyard Church

DULUTH, Minn.– While the Damiano Center is under construction, one church in Duluth has stepped up to provide a temporary overnight housing solution for those who need it. However, nearby neighbors have voiced their concerns through emails. The ‘Safe Bay’ program has been operating for several years, working alongside CHUM. It’s an opportunity for individuals living out of their car…

Minnesota State Leaders Survey Damage From Wildfires

BRIMSON, Minn. –Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith visited the Camp House fire zone to take in the carnage firsthand. The group first visited the Incident Command Center at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors, and met with teams responding to the fires. Governor Walz thanked the crews and volunteers, and shared his…

Coffee Conversation: Junk Food Film Festival Hits Zeitgeist Zinema This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The Junk Food Film Festival is taking over the Zeitgeist Zinema in Duluth on May 16 and 17, serving up two days of bold, bizarre, and wildly fun films. Matthew Dressel joined the FOX 21 Morning Show to talk more about the festival and what audiences can expect. From cult classics to underground oddities, this event comes…

Camp House and Jenkins Creek Wildfires Burn Slow, But Just Miles Apart

The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team said at Thursday's press conference that the fires are not contained, but their growth is slow

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team officials say the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires have not grown as of Thursday, but remain just miles from one another. At a press conference held Thursday at the Two Harbors Fire Department, authorities provided the latest update on the Camp House and Jenkins Creek wildfires. Collectively referred to…

Walz Contrasts Minnesota’s Bipartisan Budget Breakthrough With Washington’s Deep Divisions

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and leaders of the Minnesota Legislature announced a hard-fought budget deal Thursday, contrasting the bipartisan cooperation that produced the agreement with the deep divisions that have tied Washington in knots. The Democratic governor and former vice presidential candidate noted that he was sharply critical of President Donald Trump’s administration, and what…

Cirrus’ “Safe Return” Button Now On More Airplanes

DULUTH, Minn. – Cirrus Aircraft has announced their auto-land function is now coming to some of their propeller airplanes. The “safe return” button on the plane allows passengers to hit an emergency button if the pilot become incapacitated.  The aircraft will then the navigate to a suitable nearby airport and land autonomously.  It’s the first time the FAA has allowed…

Second Harvest Northland Shows Off New Headquarters

DULUTH, Minn. – Second Harvest Northland held a walk-through of its new facility at the Atlas Industrial Site in the western edge of Duluth. The facility has a 13,600 square-foot freezer and cooler addition to help provide fresher and more nutritional foods to those in need. Second Harvest says demand is increasing, especially with inflation. “Certainly, we know, with everything…

Dunkin’ Donuts and Cops Raise Funds for Special Olympics

Image from last year’s #CopOnARooftop DULUTH, Minn — Your morning coffee could contribute to a good cause! Dunkin’ Donuts and local law enforcement agencies are partnering for #CopOnARooftop. Duluth Police will be at the Duluth Dunkin’ for the event, but the fundraiser spans much of the Midwest. Proceeds will go towards the states Special Olympics. In Minnesota, the event has…

Cirrus Announces SR Series G7+ Featuring Safe Return™

DULUTH, Minn. — Cirrus Aircraft has announced their “auto-land” function is now coming to some of their propeller airplanes. The “safe return” button on the plane allows passengers to hit an emergency button if the pilot become incapacitated… The aircraft will the navigate to a suitable nearby airport and land on its own. It’s the first time FAA has allowed…

United Airlines to add new flight from Duluth

United Airlines Logo DULUTH, Minn. – United Airlines will add a fourth daily flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning June 1 through July 30, 2025. The added flight comes ahead of the previously scheduled increase, which was set to begin July 1 and continue through October. In a news release Executive Director of the Duluth International Airport Tom…

Munger Shaw Wildfire Begins To Slow Down

Munger Shaw Fire (Northland Fire Wire) COTTON, Minn. — The Munger Shaw wildfire, which has burned 1,600 acres, slowed down on Thursday. Lower humidity, reduced winds, and higher humidity have helped with slowing fire growth. according to officials. Firefighters are now able to focus their time on building and strengthening dozer lines and securing the fire perimeter. Severe thunderstorms and…

Packers Preseason On FOX 21

You will be able to see all of the Green Bay Packers Preseason Games once again on FOX 21. The schedule was just officially released. The pre-season games are: 7 p.m. CT Saturday, Aug. 9 vs New York Jets Noon CT Saturday, Aug. 16 at Indianapolis Colts 3 p.m. CT Saturday, Aug. 23 vs Seattle Seahawks. Categories: Entertainment, Professional Sports,…

Rumors of a Federal Pardon for Derek Chauvin

MINNESOTA — The five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder is coming later this month on May 25th. And with that, there are concerns President Donald Trump might issue his convicted killer — Derek Chauvin — a pardon. Trump has not given any public indication he would pardon the former Minneapolis police officer. But rumors persist. Chauvin is currently in federal…

Burn area acreage reduced

Smoke from the Camp House Fire seen above the trees along Highway 16 near Highway 44. DULUTH, Minn. – As of Thursday morning (5/1/2025), the burning area of the Brimson Complex wildfire (Camp House/Jenkins combined) has changed due to drone mapping. The Camp House fire’s burning estimate is 14,979 acres and the Jenkins Creek fire estimate is 15,571 acres. The…

Munger Shaw Wildfire Shuts Down Roads, Prompts Evacuations into Thursday

CANYON, Minn. – Thursday’s weather forecast prompts evacuation requests for some residents near the Munger Shaw wildfire, sheriffs say. The Munger Shaw wildfire, burning roughly 45 minutes north of Duluth, showed only “minimal growth” on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Traffic continued to be limited or blocked throughout the day on Munger Shaw, Three Lakes, and…

Sheriff Offers Likely Causes Of 3 St. Louis County Wildfires

DULUTH, Minn. — There were no official causes of the three wildfires burning in St. Louis County Wednesday, but Sheriff Gordon Ramsay is offering his likely causes for the wildfires that have burned more than 35,000 acres. The Camp House wildfire appears to have been started by an unattended campfire, according to Ramsay. The DNR is said to have identified…

Duluth students explore medicine at U of M’s Mini-Medical School event

Over 40 Duluth high schoolers attended a Mini-Medical School hosted by U of M Duluth, where they explored anatomy, clinical skills, and trauma care to spark interest in medicine.

More than 40 students from Denfeld High School and Duluth East High School participate in hands-on activities DULUTH, Minn. — More than 40 high school students in Duluth got a unique opportunity today—to step into the world of medicine. The University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School hosted a “Mini-Medical School” event, designed to give students a hands-on look at biomedical…

Air quality alert extended for northeast Minnesota

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. The Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires in the Superior National Forest remain active and will continue to produce heavy ground-level smoke through Thursday. The affected area includes International Falls, Hibbing,…