News

Filipovich announces run for State Auditor

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Duluth City Councilor Zack Filipovich wants to make a return to politics as Minnesota State Auditor. Filipovich announced his campaign launch today at the Duluth Labor Temple. He says he’s ready to work for small governments across the state after serving two terms as an At-Large city councilor in Duluth, advocating for regional economic development, and spending…

CURE hosts educational event surrounding data centers

DULUTH, Minn. — Zeitgeist has welcomed Twin Ports residents in for a conversation about data centers. The evening, which was hosted by CURE, was meant educate locals interested in the topic on the different impacts data centers have on communities. The organizers say that when data centers are discussed, it’s important to have all the facts before conversations are had….

Superior Fire Department launches annual “Toys for Tots” fundraiser

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The spirit of giving is around the corner, and that means the Superior Fire Department is hosting its annual “Toys for Tots” fundraiser. The firefighters team up with the U.S. Marines Corps to gather as many toys as possible for local families this Christmas. Anybody can drop off new toys at the main fire station at numerous locations…

Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert addresses ‘alarming’ increase with political violence

DULUTH, Minn.– The rise in political violence is as real as ever in the United States. In Minnesota just this year, two lawmakers and their spouses were shot multiple times at their homes.  House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse were shot and killed.  Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times and survived. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert…

The firearm deer hunting season so far

DULUTH, Minn. — Almost one week into Firearm Deer season and the initial totals are rolling in. Current firearm harvest totals are about 63% of last year’s total across the entire season. Over 85 thousand deer have been harvested by firearm statewide so far. Last year’s totals were over 134 thousand for the entire firearms season. In total, 108,736 have…

Red Cross Day Returns to UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS Students learned a lifesaving skill and at Red Cross Day. Students learned hands-only CPR training and had the opportunity to practice on CPR dummies. There were also cards that students could write for service members in the military and veterans. The ‘Refugee for 90 Minutes’ exhibit let students learn about life as a refugee and international…

Attorney for group suing Duluth Vineyard Church reacts to pastor leaving church

Spencer T. Kuvin DULUTH, Min, – Pastor John Kliewer lead Duluth Vineyard’s congregation following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family. After being put on leave for a number of months, Kliewer left the Duluth Vineyard. Kliewer led the effort to uncover what happened within church walls when Jackson Gaitlin was sexually assaulting children. Vineyard USA and…

Gilbert man critically injured after ATV crash in McKinley Township

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an ATV accident that left a 40-year-old man from rural Gilbert with life-threatening injuries late Wednesday night. Deputies were called to Grand Avenue in McKinley Township around 10:15 p.m. on November 12th, where they found the man semi-responsive on the ground beside his ATV. Officials say he had been riding alone, and…

Bent Paddle shares concerns regarding federal hemp ban

DULUTH, Minn. — Congress voted to reopen the Federal Government Wednesday night, and in doing so, passed a bill federally banning hemp-derived THC products. Before the Government reopened, Bent Paddle, a local brewery, shared its concerns regarding the hemp ban. The bill came as a shock to many people in the industry, including the CEO and Director of Operations for…

The Duluth 1200 Fund celebrates 40th Anniversary

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth 1200 Fund celebrated its 40th anniversary at Zeitgeist. The private non-profit supports entrepreneurs and business owners by providing mentorships and loans with a mission to grow the economy and create jobs in Duluth. Wednesday night’s celebration was to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved and the success stories. “We really hope that one,…

MN Craft Brewer’s Guild responds to federal hemp-derived THC ban

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild released a statement to FOX 21 Wednesday night about the federal ban on hemp-derived THC products that was passed Wednesday when congress voted to approve the federal spending bill to open the government after a historic shutdown. “In the chaos of the last nearly 43 days, let’s not lose sight of the…

Chester Bowl preparing for upcoming winter season

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has begun it’s preparing for the upcoming winter season. The preparations kicked off with ski fittings for young skiers and their families who will be renting the equipment during the season. With events like these featuring well over 100 athletes a night, it’s the work of volunteers that helps Chester get ready for the big…

3rd Annual Youth Wellness Summit Educates 130 Students

SUPERIOR, Wis.–More than 130 students representing 10 school districts had the chance to dive into a variety of activities focused on promoting wellness. At University Wisconsin Superior, there were thirteen breakout sessions ranging from learning how to cope with stress, to balancing sports and wellbeing. The entire opportunity was planned and put on by high schoolers. The middle schoolers attending…

Spectrum Gives 5K to the Duluth Honor Guard

DULUTH, Minn. — Spectrum recognized the efforts of the Duluth Honor Guard by presenting them with a 5 thousand dollar check today Spectrum’s spokesperson said their national workforce is over 10% veterans, so choosing to help support the Honor Guard is a natural choice. The Honor Guard performs military funeral honors, flag raisings, and other services to honor local veterans….

Superior man caught in on-line vigilante child porn sting sentenced to three years in prison

Joey Edward Scott SUPERIOR, Wis. – Joey Edward Scott, 62, Superior plead guilty to two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He was sentenced to three years in prison, follow by seven years of “Extended Supervision”. For his guilty pleas on the two charges, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office allowed two other charges of Possession of Child Pornography to…

US Mint in Philadelphia to press final penny as the 1-cent coin gets canceled

2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is set to strike its last circulating penny on Wednesday as the president has canceled the 1-cent coin. President Donald Trump has ordered its demise as costs climb to nearly 4 cents per penny and the 1-cent valuation becomes somewhat obsolete. The U.S. Mint has been making pennies in Philadelphia, the nation’s…

Epstein emails released by Democrats say Trump ‘knew about the girls’ and spent time with a victim

WASHINGTON (AP) — Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote in a 2011 email that Donald Trump had “spent hours” at Epstein’s house with a victim of sex trafficking and said in a separate message years later that Trump “knew about the girls,” according to communications released Wednesday. The emails made public by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee add to the questions about Trump’s friendship with…

Coffee Conversation: WinterFest at Fitger’s Returns This Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — WinterFest is back at Fitger’s this Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Organizer Linda Nervick and Casey Sims from Trailfitters joined FOX 21 live to share more about how to embrace the winter season in style. The one-day expo features local and regional exhibitors, prizes and giveaways, and is dog-friendly — yes, you can…

Minnesota governor candidate Kristin Robbins visits Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Representative Kristin Robbins visited the Northland for a second time as her campaign for governor continues. Robbins is one of a number of Republican candidates running for the seat currently occupied by Tim Walz, who is seeking his 3rd term as Governor. As the Chair of the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, Robbins…

Local businesses host free dinner for veterans in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Armed forces veterans celebrated Veterans Day with a free dinner in Superior. The evening, hosted by Superior Elks Lodge #403, was filled with ceremonies to help bring those in attendance together, and honor those who could not attend, or never made it home. For veterans young and old, it’s events like these that help make each Veterans…

Proposed Wisconsin hemp regulation bill creates uncertainty

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Lawmakers in Wisconsin have proposed a new hemp-derived cannabinoid regulation bill, putting farmers and business owners in a difficult position. The bill proposes a three-tier licensing system requiring separate manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. According to Craig Sutherland, owner of Sutherland CBD in Superior says the new regulations would mean expensive permits and new taxes on farmers, processors,…

UWS honors campus veterans serving the community

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS celebrated their Veterans on campus today. A public event was held to honor those who’ve served. The ceremony included a presentation of colors, nationals anthem, and presented the Henry Blomberg Excellence in Service Awards. The awards honored campus veterans working with veterans, campus police, and in hospice care. “Veterans are a huge part of our society. They’re…

MN House Speaker Lisa Demuth visits Duluth on Media Tour for Governor

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesotan House Speaker Lisa Demuth visited Duluth for her run for Governor. Demuth and running mate Ryan Wilson went to four airports across Minnesota today. The key points Demuth brought up were providing better support for education, businesses and industries. She also emphasized her ability to work across the aisle and her desire to reduce animosity within…

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…

UWS launches online RN to BSN program

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin Superior is celebrating the launch of a new program. The college held a press conference on Monday to announce the launch of a fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is designed for working registered nurses to earn their degree online, at their own pace, through 7…

Representatives Stauber and Tiffany remember the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Representatives Pete Stauber and Tom Tiffany met in Superior on Monday to remember the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. “Representative Tiffany and I are here near the Burlington Northern #1 Dock where the Edmund Fitzgerald loaded its last load of taconite, and we’re here to honor the memory of those men on that Laker that we lost…

Adult foster care employee, 19, charged in drunken high-speed crash

DULUTH, Minn. — A 19-year-old adult foster care employee was driving drunk on a revoked license and reaching speeds of 100 mph with passengers on board when he caused a multi-vehicle crash in Duluth on Nov. 6, according to the criminal complaint. Michael Edward Rahja, 19, of Duluth, is charged with one count of Criminal Vehicular Operation and one count…

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…

Two Harbors man charged with possession of child porn

TWO HARBORS, Minn — A man in Two Harbors has been charged with possession of child porn. According to court documents, 36-year-old Keith Richard Udenberg is being charged with 7 felony counts of possession of child pornography. Undercover law enforcement with the Department of Homeland Security was in contact with an online user who was later found to be Udenberg…

Speaker Johnson says House will return to Washington for voting on shutdown deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that House lawmakers should start returning to Washington “right now” after a small group of Senate Democrats broke a 40-day stalemate late Sunday evening and voted with Republicans to move forward with legislation that would end the government shutdown. It is unclear when the Senate will hold final votes on the legislation….

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…

Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide

FILE – The Supreme Court in Washington, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The justices, without comment, turned away an appeal from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky court clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples…

DPD seeking public’s help to identify Taco John’s robbery suspect

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect in an armed robbery at Taco John’s. The robbery happened around 7:50 p.m. Friday at the Taco John’s on Grand Avenue. SEE PREVIOUS: Armed Gunman on The Run After Taco John’s Robbery in West Duluth Officials say the suspect has not been caught and…

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…

Senate reaches deal to open U.S. Government

Courtesy: Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a bi-partisan agreement was reached Sunday evening to reopen the federal government after 40 days closed. The agreement would fund the government until the end of January. Sources told CNN the deal also will set a vote on government health care subsidies in December. Democrats have demanded the…

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…