News

Community Action Duluth is Offering Free Tax Services

The organization aims to help 1,200 people each year with their taxes

DULUTH, Minn. — Doing your taxes can be stressful, especially if you’re filing for the first time. Community Action Duluth is looking to help. The Tax Site is offering free tax help for anyone with a household income of less than $64,000 a year. Each season, they aim to help 1,200 individuals and they’re currently on track to do so….

Federal Student Loans For Nearly 153,000 Borrowers Are Being Automatically Canceled, Biden Says

CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that his administration was automatically canceling federal student loans for nearly 153,000 borrowers, putting the spotlight on his debt cancellation efforts as he ramps up his reelection campaign. Biden, who is in the midst of a three-day campaign swing through California, made the announcement as part of a new repayment plan that offers…

Wisconsin Republican-Controlled Senate Votes To Reject Evers Appointees

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted Tuesday to reject four of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees, including a member of the state’s natural resources policy board and a former lieutenant governor who was to serve on a hospital governing board. That brings to 13 the number of Evers appointees that the Senate has rejected, which has the effect…

Coffee Conversation: Big Donation Drive to Benefit Local Outreach Organizations

SUPERIOR, WI. — A big donation drive hosted through the Lenroot-Maetzold and Downs-Lesage Funeral Homes is taking place this weekend to benefit local outreach organizations. Donation Drive Coordinator RaeAnn Sojka joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday with more information. The Donation Drive is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, Feb….

Pistol, 2 KG Of Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized During Duluth Man’s Arrest

DULUTH, Minn. — A significant amount of cocaine, fentanyl and meth are off the streets of Duluth after investigators executed a search warrant on Monday. Diaunte Shields Diaunte Shield, 43, of Duluth was arrested on felony warrants for parole violations involving drugs and weapons. The arrest happened 5:40 a.m. Monday at Shield’s residence in the 4700-block of Matterhorn Drive. During…

Third University of Minnesota President Finalist Knows Duluth and Smoked Fish

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham was third of three finalists visiting UMD as regents face state-wide president decision.

UMD had a chance to meet the last of three finalists for the University’s statewide top job. Dr. Rebecca Cunningham answered questions and spoke during a campus forum. She is currently the University of Michigan’s Vice President of Research and Innovation. Cunningham is a long-time faculty member at the school of Public Health and Medicine, after completing her residency in…

Community Forum Held on Potential Health Impacts of NTEC Project

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community forum against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) in Superior was held Tuesday evening focused on the potential health, environmental, and community impacts of the project. The speakers were made up of tribal leaders, scientists, and health professionals.  Dr. Brittany Keyes traveled from Beloit to present at the event in Superior. Keyes said she’s…

First Annual Energy Design Concepts Taking Place At The DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The first annual Energy Design Concepts is taking place at the DECC this week. The event formerly known as the Energy Design Conference is put on by Minnesota Power. It is for architects, contractors, homeowners and other professionals to get together and learn new things related to construction. They learn what is changing in the building industry,…

Lake Superior College Expansion Project Continues

LSC unveiled a precast concrete wall mock-up today, the next step in the construction project

DULUTH, Minn. — The expansion project at Lake Superior College is well underway. Once complete, the new T-building will add 9,000 square feet and provide a place for manufacturing students a place on the main campus. Currently, students studying welding, machine tool, and computer-aided design, attend classes at the temporary downtown campus. President Patricia Rogers said the expansion will benefit…

Republican Eric Hovde Seeks To Unseat Democrat Baldwin In Wisconsin Race For US Senate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican businessman and real estate mogul Eric Hovde launched his bid for the U.S. Senate against Wisconsin Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Tuesday, saying in a video that “America is slipping away” and “everything is going in the wrong direction.” This is Hovde’s second Senate campaign; he ran in 2012 but lost in the GOP primary to former Gov….

Coffee Conversation: Importance of Exercise to Maintain Good Heart Health

DULUTH, Minn. — February is American Heart Month, a time to encourage people to focus on their cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association says only one in five adults get enough exercise to maintain good health. Planet Fitness weighed in on the conversation Tuesday. Bailey Romans from Planet Fitness joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast to talk more…

Martens, Owls, Ermine, the Unexpected

Sax-Zim Bog wildlife attracts amateurs and pros, big lenses and small.

“Not only are you able to actually see nature. There’s a lot of travels I do, and I don’t see any animals, hardly any birds, and to be able to have this in our backyard is awesome,” said local photographer, Amber Nichols. “There are people that come here from all over the world, to see owls in particular, and the…

Gaza Health Ministry Says Over 29,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed In Israel-Hamas War

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s assault in Gaza has killed more than 29,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, the territory’s Health Ministry said Monday, marking another grim milestone in one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until “total victory” against Hamas after the militants’ Oct. 7 attack on…

Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Signs His New Legislative Maps Into Law After Republicans Pass Them

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed new legislative district maps into law on Monday that he proposed and that the Republicans who control the Legislature passed to avoid having the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats hailed the signing as a major political victory in the swing state where the Legislature has been firmly under Republican…

The World’s Heaviest Ball of Twine Debuts at New Home

Marking a memorable roadside attraction into a memorial for the man who created it.

HIGHLAND, Wis. — There’s a debate between Minnesota and Kansas over who has the largest ball of twine, but across the bridge in Wisconsin, the heaviest ball of Twine just moved to its new home. Although the long-time creator of the world’s heaviest twine ball, James Frank Kotera, passed away over a year ago. The community that he was a…

2 officers, 1 first responder killed at the scene of a domestic call in Minnesota; suspect dead

A police vehicle with what appears to be bullet pockmarks on its windshield is parked near the scene where two police officers and a first responder were shot and killed Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Burnsville, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Two police officers and a first responder were shot and killed early Sunday and a third officer…

Let’s Move Returns to the Depot and Gets Kids Active

DULUTH, Minn.– The St. Louis County Depot partnered with the Grandma’s Marathon Young Athletes Foundation to bring the second annual “Let’s Move” to kids in the area. Let’s Move is a day dedicated to getting kids moving, and the event was completely free. All kids K-5th grade were welcome. The event had various activities from baseball, soccer, biking and plenty…

Legacy Cannabis to Hold Grand Opening Saturday

  DULUTH, Minn. — Legacy Glassworks in downtown Duluth has rebranded to Legacy Cannabis and moved to Lincoln Park, and will now be hosting its grand opening Saturday. Legacy Cannabis has a full array of THC products, from edibles, to mints and chocolate bars. At Saturday’s opening, the shop will be launching a line of THC hard candy. The Minnesota…

Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Celebrates 218 Days

DULUTH, Minn. — 218 Days has returned this weekend and it’s all about highlighting what makes our area code a great place to live, work, and visit. Many local businesses are offering fun discounts and offerings hoping to draw the community in. Over at Bent Paddle Brewing Company there is live music all weekend, the Gumbo Guys making food, and…

Donald Trump Fraud Verdict: $364 Million Penalty In Civil Fraud Case

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge ruled Friday against Donald Trump, imposing a $364 million penalty over what the judge ruled was a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated the former president’s wealth. Judge Arthur Engoron issued his decision after a 2½-month trial that saw the Republican presidential front-runner bristling under oath…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center to hold Black History Brunch

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Black History Month, the Family Freedom Center will hold a Black History Month Brunch at the Washington Center on Saturday, Feb. 16. Family Freedom Center Director of Teen Engagement Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the event and its purpose. The brunch will take place from 11 am…

2 Juveniles Charged In Mass Shooting At The Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two juveniles were charged with crimes connected to the mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally, authorities said Friday, as the city tries to recover in the aftermath of the violence. A news release from the Jackson County Family Court said the juveniles were charged Thursday and are being detained in the county’s…

Protests, Poisoning And Prison: The Life And Death Of Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny

(AP) — Alexei Navalny, Russia’s top opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest foe, died in prison on Friday, a statement from the Federal Penitentiary Service said. Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism, felt unwell after a walk and collapsed, it said. The politician’s team had no immediate confirmation of his death. Navalny was moved in December…

Over 90 Employers on Hand at UMD’s 2024 STEM-Fest Career Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at UMD had the opportunity to meet with over 90 employers on campus Thursday at the STEM-Fest Career Fair. Representatives from local, region, and national companies were on hand for students to connect with and learn which skills are needed as a potential job candidate. UMD hosts these career fairs for all departments to help students…

Comedian Maria Bamford Talks Duluth Comedy Festival, Book Signing

Bamford performs at the NorShor Theatre Saturday before holding a book signing at Zenith Bookstore on Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth-raised comedian Maria Bamford is headlining the Duluth Comedy Festival at the NorShor Theatre this weekend.  She’s also holding a book signing at Zenith Bookstore. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked with Bamford about her upcoming visit.  And, well, she was her usual authentic self, of course. “I am a mess Dan hanger. I will, I will guarantee…

Dexter the Bipedal Dog Visits Duluth Sport Show

Dexter is taking it one step at a time and inspiring others to do the same

DULUTH, Minn — This weekend at the Duluth Sport Show you can meet a viral dog who has been taking the Internet by storm — on only two legs! Dexter the Brittany Spaniel has over a million followers on TikTok. What makes Dexter such a good boy? The pup from Ouray, Colorado gained fans around the world with his unique…

Duluth International Airport Receives $10 Million Grant to Replace Air Traffic Control Tower

Construction will begin in 2025 and DLH says there will be no major impact on travelers

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport is set to receive a $10 million dollar federal grant to relocate the air traffic control tower. The current tower is one of the oldest in the country. It was commissioned in 1963 and while it has had updates since then, the tower does not meet current FAA guidelines. Duluth Airport Executive Director…

Second U Of M Presidential Finalist Visit

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota system is continuing its process of searching for a new President. Laura Bloomberg is second of the three finalists visiting Duluth. UMD students, faculty, and staff were able to attend an on-campus forum, followed by a reception to learn more about her. Bloomberg is no stranger to Minnesota as she was born in…

More People Die After Smoking Drugs Than Injecting Them, US Study Finds

NEW YORK (AP) — Smoking has surpassed injecting as the most common way of taking drugs in U.S. overdose deaths, a new government study suggests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called its study published Thursday the largest to look at how Americans took the drugs that killed them. CDC officials decided to study the topic after seeing reports…

Shooting After Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Seemed To Stem From Dispute Among Several People, Police Say

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The mass shooting that unfolded amid throngs of people at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration appeared to stem from a dispute between several people, authorities said Thursday. Police Chief Stacey Graves said that the 22 people injured in the shooting ranged between the ages of 8 and 47 years old, half of whom were under…

UMD Chocolate Lab Hosts Annual Valentine’s Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Chocolate Lab experts hosted their annual Valentine’s Day sale this week. Students in the Department of Chemical Engineering take a course on chocolate making. Part of the course is to travel to Trinidad to harvest cocoa and then bring back beans to eventually make it into chocolate. A lot of the principles in chocolate making relate…

After ‘Threat Complaint,’ Solon Springs School District Board Criticized For ‘Lack of Communication’

UPDATE Following 2/14 Story

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — Emotions were high Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting over safety and security procedures within the district. The meeting was called after a “threat complaint” by a student on Monday, February 5th. According to the district and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, they determined the threat was a misunderstanding. They say…

Mild Winter Still Finds People Seeking Shelter

Those working with people on the street say less snow and cold does not solve lack of permanent places to sleep.

The unusually mild and snowless winter has created challenges and problems for those who are counting on a real winter, but it has not necessarily meant a break for those who live on the street. The warming centers operated by CHUM provide relief and safety for those who need it, but this winter they have still been seeing sixty to…

MN Sen. Hauschild Identifies Priorities for Legislative Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature is now in the third day of its new session, and Senator Grant Hauschild, (DFL) from Hermantown, has identified the issues his constituents believe are the most urgent. Following meetings with residents throughout the summer and fall, Hauschild says the need for EMS services, childcare availability, and housing in rural Minnesota stood out…

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Honored In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday was a day to honor indigenous women and relatives who have been murdered or are missing. It is part of the 9th Annual Memorial March for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The event starts with an opening ceremony at the Robert Powless Cultural Center in Duluth, transitions to a march downtown, and ends with…

Newly elected Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy running for County Commissioner

DULUTH, MN – Newly elected Duluth City Councilor no longer wants the job. Three months in, Janet Kennedy has decided she will run for County Commissioner. Kennedy made the announcement standing on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. Kennedy, in explaining her reason for changing her mind and wanting to switch jobs, said with her two major initiatives focused on…

1 Dead And Up To 15 Injured After Shooting Near Kansas City Chiefs Parade, Police Chief Says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — At least one person was killed Wednesday in a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, police say. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference that one person is dead and up to 15 were injured. It’s not clear how many were injured by gunshots “I’m angry at what…

Political Season Ramping Up, MN DFL Chair Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — With the general elections only nine months away, political activity is ramping up. That includes getting out the vote, but before that, getting out to precinct caucuses. The chair of the Minnesota DFL party was making the rounds in the northland Tuesday. Ken Martin was encouraging people to mark their calendars for caucuses on February 27th, and…