News

Small Campfire Spreads To Home

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A small campfire spread and started a cabin on fire plus the burned some surrounding woods. It happened on May 8th, 2025 around 3:00pm on the 4500 Block of Serenity Point Road, in Greenwood Township. The cabin was a total loss. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says multiple fire departments responded and were able to…

New Pope Is An American

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Catholic cardinals broke with tradition Thursday and elected the first U.S. pope, making Chicago-born missionary Robert Prevost the 267th pontiff to lead the Catholic Church in a moment of global turmoil and conflict. Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order who spent his career ministering in Peru, took the name Leo XIV. In his first…

‘Upper Lakes Food Show’ Feeds Customers and Clients

DULUTH, Minn.– The Upper Lakes Food Show is a chance for distributors to show off what they’re known for. They do this through sampling, demonstrations, and even simple conversation. “This is a cool opportunity for us to introduce new items, so items that maybe they haven’t seen yet before. Vendors that they didn’t know they worked with,” said Mitch Ryan,…

Mayor: Duluth’s Local Government Aid Could Be Cut By $1.1M

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is concerned, but not surprised, more Local Government Aid (LGA) could be cut from the city. On Wednesday, Reinert said the Minnesota Legislature’s Senate Committee on Taxes released its omnibus tax bill, which includes a 3.1 percent cut to Duluth’s LGA, or $1.1 million out of the city’s general fund budgets. Mayor Reinert…

Douglas County Humane Society Takes In Malnourished Horse, Needs Donations

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A severely malnourished horse is in need of financial support to get back to good health. The Douglas County Humane Society is organizing the fundraiser for Sunny the horse.  The staff members said Sunny is with a loving foster home right now while the long road to recovery begins. While the Humane Society did not give specifics…

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured After Collision With School Bus

COLERAINE, Minn. — A motorcyclist was fighting for his life Wednesday after crashing with a school bus in Coleraine. The motorcyclist was identified as Damian Heinkel, 44, of Bovey. The accident was reported around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. The Minnesota State Patrol said the school bus was turning from Southbound U.S. Highway 169 for Morris Avenue when it collided with the…

Charges: Superior Teen Threatened Grandmother, Shot At Deputies Over Denial Of Video Game Purchase

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A teenager from Superior who is accused of shooting at Douglas County deputies Tuesday was charged as an adult Wednesday for five felonies, including first-degree attempted intentional homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Carsen Peterson, 13, was so out of control and angry that his grandmother was forced to call 911. The incident began around 4:30 p.m….

Grandma’s Marathon Apparel Discount Warehouse Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – Your chance to get Grandma’s Marathon apparel at a discounted price is on Friday, May 9, 2025. Grandma’s Marathon is holding its “Warehouse Apparel Sale”. Grandma’s Marathon and Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) gear and apparel will be for sale at blowout prices. They will have a “Fill the Gear Bag” sale. For $25, shoppers will receive an…

Rosie Loeffler-Kemp Seeks Re-Election to Duluth School Board

DULUTH, Minn. — Rosie Loeffler-Kemp has announced her bid for re-election to the Duluth School Board in District 1. Highlighting over 30 years of community involvement and nonprofit leadership, she emphasized her commitment to strong public schools and collaborative leadership. “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Duluth School Board. I will continue to build on our…

Coffee Conversation: Gender Joy Art Show Returns to Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2nd Annual Gender Joy Art Show is on display at Zeitgeist from May 2–31, celebrating expression and identity through community art. YWCA Duluth Executive Director Morgan Beryl joined FOX 21’s morning newscast Wednesday to share details. A special opening event is set for May 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a collaborative art project, light…

Amber Sadowski Seeks Re-election to Duluth School Board

DULUTH, Minn. — Amber Sadowski is running for a second term on the Duluth School Board At-Large, highlighting her leadership background and focus on youth development. With a background in teaching and 10 years in the nonprofit sector, Sadowski is focused on initiatives that help every child succeed. “I’m motivated to continue supporting our students and ensuring fiscal stability for…

City Council Approves Outside Investigation Into Internal Issues With Superior Police Dept.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Urgent internal struggles within the Superior Police Department will officially be handled by an outside consultant for no more than $50,000 after the city council unanimously approved the measure at tonight’s city council meeting. Last month, Mayor Jim Paine told the Public Safety Committee there are a number of cultural issues, interpersonal conflicts and potential personnel concerns…

Sheriff: ‘Tragic Outcome’ Avoided After Boy Shoots At Douglas Co. Deputies

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – A shooting investigation is underway in the Town of Superior after authorities said a teen shot at deputies multiple times during a standoff. The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 5000 block of STH 35. Douglas County deputies responded there for a report of an out-of-control boy. When authorities arrived,…

Grand Rapids Man Arrested At Work After Stabbing Incident

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A Grand Rapids man was arrested at his work Sunday after investigators said he stabbed his friend in the hand. Seth Marshall Hanna, 23, was taken into custody at the Pickled Loon Sunday morning on second-degree assault charges. Authorities with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said the arrest came after responding to an address on Mishawaka…

Minnesota DNR Releases Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northwest Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Lake of the Woods area: Walleye and sauger are the most important sport fish in Lake of the Woods, and as such those populations…

Minnesota DNR Releases Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northeast Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Duluth Area: The St. Louis River Estuary provides exceptional fishing opportunities for walleye and other species such as muskellunge, smallmouth bass, black crappie and…

Duluth Fire Department Victorious In 2025 Battle of the Badges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department claimed victory in the 2025 Battle of the Badges. 9Memorial Blood Centers) It’s a friendly competition between local first responders to save lives through blood donation. Led by Katie Sandstrom, whose passion and drive were key to their success, the Fire Department edged out their fellow heroes with 35 donors. They were followed by…

National Bike to School Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – Keep an eye out for small cyclists. Tomorrow is National Bike to School Day. Students all over the northland are encouraged to bike to school tomorrow. Bike to school day helps raise awareness of pedestrian and cyclist safety and promotes healthy outdoor exercise. If your kids are biking to school, ensure they have a properly fitted helmet…

Keri Heintzeman Takes Oath of Office

ST. PAUL – Keri Heintzeman was was sworn in May 6, 2025 as the newest member of the Minnesota Senate. She won a special election on April 29 to represent District 6 after Senator Justin Eichorn resigned. He district includes parts of Cass, Crow Wing, and Itasca counties. In a news release the now Senator Keri Heintzeman said, “I’m deeply grateful to…

New Destination for Duluth-Area Trash, Prices To Go Up

DULUTH, Minn. – Today the St. Louis County Commission voted to have local trash sent to the Virginia Landfill. They voted on a contract with WLSSD/Resource Renew. The Moccasin Mike landfill in Superior where Resource Renew currently sends its garbage is closing next year. The vote will allow WLSSD/Resource Renew to dispose of its municipal solid waste at the Saint…

Coffee Conversation: Helping Grads Gain Financial Confidence

DULUTH, Minn. — As high schools, colleges, and universities across the Northland gear up for commencement, families are celebrating a major milestone: graduation. With the transition into post-college life on the horizon, financial readiness is top of mind for many. Amanda Bruggman from Affinity Plus joined us this morning to share essential tips for new graduates and their families. She…

Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Previously Convicted of Stabbing Outside Iron Range Bar

MINNEAPOLIS – The man accused of shooting five people inside a car last week in Minneapolis, was previously convicted of stabbing a man outside of a bar on the Iron Range, court documents show. James Ortley, the man charged with five counts of murder for a shooting in Minneapolis last week, was previously convicted of stabbing a man in the…

Brush Fires Force Temporary Closure of Highway 2 in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. —  Multiple brush fires shut down a section of Highway 2 in Ashland Monday evening. Road Closure As for 5:30 p.m. the Wisconsin Department of Transportation closed a section of Highway 2 in both directions from Old Odanah Road to 26th Avenue. Video from resident Christie Branagan showed sections of fire and thick smoke near the Three Eagles…

Scholarships Awarded to 97 Northern Minnesota Math and Science Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund has awarded its 2025 scholarships to 97 northern Minnesota students. Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund Crest They students are all pursuing bachelor’s degrees in fields of study related to mathematics, engineering, the sciences, medicine and scientific research. Scholarships for $24,000 each were awarded to 91 seniors from 33 high…

Gov. Evers Says He’s Not Afraid After Trump Official Suggests Possible Arrest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Friday that every American should be concerned about “chilling” suggestions from President Donald Trump’s top border adviser that he could be arrested over guidance the Democrat issued to state employees about what to do if confronted by federal immigration agents. “I’m not afraid,” Evers said in the extraordinary video posted on…

Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Charged In 4 Homicides; Native American Community Shaken

AP MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Six people who all knew each other were inside a vehicle when one, a man with an alleged gang connection, shot each of them in the head before fleeing, according to newly unsealed criminal charges in this week’s mass shooting in Minneapolis. Three victims died at the scene early Tuesday. Another succumbed to his wounds Thursday….

‘Duluth Recovery Court’ Selected to Aid in Mentoring Courts

DULUTH, Minn.– When someone is arrested in connection with a case related to addiction jail time is often not a quick fix. Duluth’s ‘Recovery Court’ program offers aid instead of just punishment. Since 2002, the formerly named ‘Drug Court’ has helped out convicted felons with cases related to substance use. The Treatment Court Institute selected the now ‘Duluth Recovery Court’…

Dozens Gather at Federal Courthouse for ‘May Day’ Protest

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens come out for ‘May Day’ protest against Trump administration’s policies. Thursday’s protest outside of the Duluth Federal Courthouse, was one of many anti-Trump protests held across the nation on ‘May Day.’ The protests come amid drastic changes instituted by President Donald Trump during his first 100 days (back) in office, such as cuts to the federal…

‘May Day’ Tradition Returns Honoring Missing/Murdered Indigenous Women

DULUTH, Minn. – A ‘May Day’ tradition returns, honoring missing and murdered indigenous women. An annual ‘May Day’ tradition that honors missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) was reborn on Thursday. At the Duluth Slip Bridge in Canal Park, flowers are set in the water in memory of the thousands of MMIW reports each year. The group held flowers, and…

DNR Adds 10 Track Chairs to its All-Terrain Track Chair Program

DULUTH,  MN – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adding 10 more adaptive devices to its all-terrain track chair program, according to a press release from the DNR. The program launched in 2022, starting with five track chairs. Following these newest additions, the DNR will have 23 total track chairs across the state. This will include Jay Cooke…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musician of Band “Slape” Evan Arnold Performs Live

DULUTH,  Minn — Viewers of the FOX 21 Morning Newscast were treated to a special in-studio performance on Friday, May 2, as local musician Evan Arnold, a member of the band Slape, joined the broadcast for a live musical segment. Fans can catch more of Evan and Slape live during this year’s Homegrown Music Festival, with a performance scheduled for…

5 Killed, 6 Injured In Minneapolis Shootings; Indigenous Communities On Edge

(FOX21/FOX9) Minneapolis police are investigating six shootings that left at least five people dead and another six injured within 24-hours. The six shootings happened between late Tuesday night and Wednesday evening. Police said some of the shootings may be tied to gang violence. While law enforcement search for the suspects in the shootings, officers are putting more resources in the…

DeWitt Seitz Marketplace Gearing up for 40th Anniversary Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.– A big Twin Ports milestone is being celebrated this weekend. DeWitt Seitz Marketplace in Canal Park will be hitting its impressive 40th Anniversary. The marketplace has been a hot spot for tourists and Duluthians alike to browse shops, restaurants, and boutiques. And with the 40-year anniversary approaching, 10 shop owners decided to band together to celebrate. The festivities…

Local Artist Presents ‘From North Shore to Norway’ at Art Dock

DULUTH, Minn.– Under the bright lights, you’re able to immerse yourself in environments that look familiar at first glance. But up close, with the exhibition “From Norway to the North Shore, you can pick up on the finer details through the series of paintings. Here you can find scenes of flowers and forests to Oslo and even Canal Park. “You…

PhoHolic Family Ready To Expand Vietnamese Flavor In Duluth

The second location will be in the now-former China Cafe building on London Road.

DULUTH, Minn. — The family of a Vietnamese restaurant in Duluth is more than excited to expand into a second location this summer. PhoHolic on Central Entrance opened before the pandemic. And now, a second operation will move into the now-former China Café building on the 1600 block of London Road. “We’re super excited. Since day one, a lot of…

Registration for 2026 Birkie Week Events Opens May 1

WISCONSIN — Get ready Skiers – one of the most iconic local winter events opens for registration tomorrow! The 2026 Slumberland American Birkebeiner and week of skiing events, also called Birkie Week, are scheduled February 18-22, 2026. Skiers from around the world come to participate. Registration typically fills quickly, with thousands of skiers typically signing up in the first few…

The Potential Futures of Lester Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of the Lester golf course has been up for decision over the past half decade… without a clear answer. we could be getting closer. a “working group” presented the framework for three ideas on what the property could become to the city council. One plan proposed by developer Tom Sunnarborg, suggested a large-scale, professionally executed…

China Cafe Moves Out, PhoHolic To Move In With 2nd Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. — A popular Vietnamese restaurant is expanding to a second location in Duluth, as a longtime Chinese restaurant moves out. PhoHolic on Central Entrance in Duluth will expand into the former China Cafe building on the 1600 block of London Road. China Cafe closed on Wednesday, April 30, after more than 20 years in business.  The owners told…

Coffee Conversation: Fox 21’s Dan Pugleasa Live Musical Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday morning’s FOX 21 newscast featured a special guest who’s both a familiar face and a creative force behind the scenes. Dan Pugleasa, local musician and FOX 21’s Creative Services Director, joined the show to share more than just his marketing expertise — this time, he brought his musical talent. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News –…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Schools Seek Tutors for Fall 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth schools are among those across Minnesota looking to fill over 700 tutoring positions for the 2025-26 school year through AmeriCorps programs Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps. Americorps Staff Member Lindsey Molstad joind Fox 21 live on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the need. The city needs 16 tutors to help students build…

Update: Missing Boy Found Safe In Douglas County

FOXBORO, Wis. – Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard confirmed to FOX 21 at 6:30 p.m. that the missing boy, Wayne Bixler, was located safe after an extensive search effort.  Izzard said more information would be released on Wednesday. FOXBORO, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 12-year-old in Foxboro. In a Facebook post The Sheriff’s…