News

Chief Mike Ceynowa Appointed to Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa was appointed to the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. The board is responsible for licensing peace officers and part-time peace officers, establishes qualifications and standards of conduct, and regulates professional education and continuing education for peace officers. Chief Mike Ceynowa Chief Ceynowa’s term begins July 23rd and ends January 5th,…

Lumberjack World Championships Sees New World Record!

HAYWARD, Wisc. — Hayward was buzzing this past weekend with the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships. Over 100 competitors from 7 countries and 16 states came to compete. Timber sports athletes displayed their mastery of sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running, and axe throwing. Kate Witkowski, set record for Women’s Standing Log Competition. Courtesy of Lumberjack World Championships….

Stebner Closure Impacts Traffic Until Friday July 25th

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A portion of Stebner Road is temporarily closed for a utility installation project. The closure is between Maple Grove Road and Hermantown Road. Stebner is fully closed near the intersection of Stebner Road and Radar Road. Stebner Closure: Yellow – Detour; Orange – Closed to Through Traffic; Red – Full Closure Through traffic is detoured to Lavaque…

Lake Superior Day Brings Great Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Day brought the community together for a day of fun, learning, and appreciation of the world’s largest freshwater lake. People gathered at Barkers Island to celebrate Lake Superior through free Interactive learning activities, games, prizes, and paddle boarding. It was organized ‘Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve’ with support from other organizations like Friends of…

MN Among 3 Democrat-led States To Roll Back Medicaid Access For People Lacking Permanent Legal Status

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — For nearly 20 years, Maria would call her sister — a nurse in Mexico — for advice on how to manage her asthma and control her husband’s diabetes instead of going to the doctor in California. She didn’t have legal status, so she couldn’t get health insurance and skipped routine exams, relying instead on home remedies…

Grand Rapids & Deer River Mascots Approved to Stay

Schools originally needed unanimous approval from all 11 of Minnesota's federally recognized tribes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Back in 2023, a state law was passed that banned high schools from using american indian mascots. That put schools such as Grand Rapids and Deer River in limbo for a possible mascot name and logo change. Two years later and the schools finally have an answer. In a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council on…

11th Annual Bike Duluth Festival Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Gears are turning at spirit mountain, because the 11th annual Bike Duluth Festival is about to take off. The festival itself draws in cyclists of all skill levels. Throughout the weekend, 9 different courses will take place, downhill, cross country, and chainless downhill just to name a few. In addition, a handful of vendors will be available to…

Minnesota State Senator guilty of first-degree burglary

Nicole Mitchell BECKER COUNTY, Minn.  (AP) –  A Minnesota state senator has been convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home. The jury on Friday found Nicole Mitchell guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Bodycam video shows the 51-year-old Democrat telling police when they arrested her in April 2024, “Clearly, I’m not good at this.”…

Weekend Air Quality Alerts across Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued varied air quality alerts across Northern Minnesota for the upcoming weekend. The alerts range from Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The alerts takes effect 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and run until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will…

Essentia says nominations in Washington, D.C. will help with APP strike negotiations

DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump on July 17, 2025 nominated two people to join the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Essentia has been saying their discussions with the Advanced Practice Practitioners (APPs) are stalled due to an appeal to the NLRB. Essentia says they are concerned about the size and reach of the proposed bargaining unit. Essentia has asked…

Cirrus Aircraft and Duluth Pack unveils parachute lined-bag collection

DULUTH, Minn.  – Cirrus Aircraft has a new production – but not an airplane. They’re launching a collection of handcrafted, aviation-inspired travel bags. Cirrus is utilizing upcycled parachute material repurposed from the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®). Each item is hand-built in Duluth by Duluth Pack. Cirrus Caps Backpack by Duluth Pack The inner lining is cut individually by hand from…

Fatal Beatty Township House Fire Under Investigation

BEATTY, Minn.– At approximately 9:20 on Thursday night, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office alongside fire personnel from Cook, Ore, Kinney-Great Scott, and Greenwood responded to a residential house fire in Beatty Township. Upon arrival, the house was fully engulfed in flames. During investigation, two parties were located in the residence deceased. At this time, the incident is still under investigation,…

Coffee Conversation: “Don’t Sweat It” Safe Haven Shelter Hygiene Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — On Saturday, July 19, “Don’t Sweat It”, a hygiene product drive supporting Safe Haven Shelter & Resource Center, will be held at 190 Coffee & Tea from 9 a.m. to noon. Safe Haven Community Engagement Coordinator Brittany Lind Libby joined Fox 21 on the morning Newscast Friday to talk more about the drive and its purpose. The…

‘Good Trouble’ Protestors Rally in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians joined cities nationwide for the “Good Trouble” peaceful protest defending civil rights and honoring the late John Lewis, a former congressman and civil rights icon. The protest was centered around Lake Avenue and Superior Street, with 50 states and 50 cities participating in one mission. They held rallies, marches, teach-ins, and vigils, demanding voter protections, protesting…

Park Point 5-Mile run and 2-Mile run Helped Raise Money for the Youth

DULUTH, Minn. – 650 participants took on the Park Point 5-mile run and 2-mile walk to help support the Young Athletes Foundation. Grandma’s Marathon held both of these races to raise money for the Young Athletes Foundation. This foundation offers the youth grants, scholarships, and free kids’ programming. “For me, personally, I have three kids myself that have benefited from…

Douglas County Humane Society Celebrates 50 Years of Rescuing and Adopting

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today’s ribbon cutting out in Superior didn’t highlight something brand new.  But instead, over 50 years of tail wagging, smiles, and connections to furry friends. “We’ve gone through a couple different buildings. At this point, we’ve had different animals and staff come through, but the whole mission has always been the same, and that is to care for…

DirecTV subscribers lose access to FOX 21 amid contract dispute

FOX21 KQDS-TV is working hard to reach a new agreement with DirectTV Network so that DirectTV can once again provide FOX21 to its subscribers.  DirectTV and FOX21 came to an impasse negotiating the renewal that would allow DirectTV Network to retransmit the station’s signal. As a result, FOX21 is no longer being carried by DirectTV as of  July  17, 2025. DirectTV…

Air Quality Alert issued for International Falls-area

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, and runs until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025. The affected area includes International Falls and the Tribal Nation of Red Lake. A pocket of moderate to heavy…

Final “pour” on Twin Ports Interchange project scheduled

DULUTH, Minn. – The final bridge deck “pour” for the Twin Ports Interchange project will take place Thursday evening, July 17, 2025. The newly poured deck will complete 145,260 cubic yards of concrete, alongside 4,672 tons of reinforced steel. It’s a significant milestone marking the transition into the final phase of construction. Once the new deck has cured, crews will…

IFalls Weighs Future of Ambulance Service Amid $2M Deficit

International Falls, Minn. — The future of International Falls’ ambulance service is facing big questions. At a recent special city council meeting, the entire discussion centered on the city-run service and the financial pressure it’s under. Right now, the ambulance fund is more than two million dollars in the red, and the city has been dipping into reserves just to…

Part of Munger State Trail washed out; Closed until winter

DULUTH, Minn. – A section of the Munger State Trail close to the Buffalo House restaurant is expected to be closed  until later this winter. It’s closed to replace a failing culvert. There is no designated detour available, so trail users should plan accordingly. Munger Trail Closed 07/17/25 Recent heavy rainfall has caused severe soil erosion around the culvert located at…

MNA Accuses Essentia of ‘Intimidation’ and ‘Retaliation’ Amid Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) blasted Essentia Health Wednesday by saying the healthcare provider is intimidating and retaliating against some of the union’s Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who have chosen to leave the group’s strike and go back to work. The strong words from the MNA came after Essentia Health sent out the following release to the…

FDLTCC Celebrates 15th Annual Scholarship Event

Fond du Lac, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Tribal Community College didn’t let yesterday’s rain stop their event. And with some adjustments, it was all okay, in Cloquet. The community came together to help support student scholarships. Instead of the typical croquet event, the college switched gears to a taco lunch. The mission remained the same, helping raise money for…

Senator Tina Smith hospitalized

Senator Tina Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. & DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is in the hospital. Senator Smith’s staff posted on her X account, “While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well. She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital. Out of an abundance of…

One Week of Continued Striking: APPs Joins MNA with Essentia Health Strike

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Advanced Practice Providers, commonly referred to as ‘APPS’, have joined Essentia Health nurses in the ongoing strike. The MNA held a press conference in Superior Tuesday morning, to provide updates. For one week now, Essentia Health nurses and providers have been on strike around Minnesota. APPs from Baxter, Duluth, and Superior joined in on the strike. “What has…

Trump Administration Reverses Duluth Federal Prison Camp Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The deactivation of the Duluth Federal Prison Camp has been officially reversed, and it will remain open. After Congressman Pete Stauber pushed to overturn the decision to close the prison camp, the Federal Bureau of Prisons ‘ William Marshall visited the facility, ultimately leading to the Trump administration’s decision to keep the prison camp open. U.S. Senator…

Suspect Dead After Setting Fires and Shooting at First Responders

DULUTH, Minn. – One man is dead, after allegedly setting fire to multiple houses and shooting at first responders in Normanna Township, just north of Duluth. A 911 caller Tuesday morning reported a neighbor for spraying gas on a family member and setting the caller’s house on fire. Another neighboring home was set ablaze, and the suspect is believed to…

Judge Recommends Against Approving ALLETE Partnership

DULUTH, Minn. — An Administrative Law Judge released a report recommending the Public Utilities Commission reject the proposed purchase of Allete Inc./Minnesota power Under the proposed partnership, ALLETE would no longer be a publicly traded company. It would be sold to two private equity investors, the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners. The report claims that the…

Spongy Moth Spraying begins in Northern Minnesota

DULUTHJ, Minn. — Spongy Moth spraying in Minnesota was planned to start July 16th. If the weather cooperates, spraying will occur over through the 22nd. Low flying planes will be spreading a non-toxic substance at 24 sites in Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine and St. Louis counties. The substance does not harm humans, animals, or other insects. It works by confusing…

Coffee Conversation: UMN’s NRRI Open House to Showcase Innovation

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is inviting the public to an open house on Friday, July 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at NRRI Duluth, located at 5013 Miller Trunk Highway (Highway 53). Jamie Alexander, NRRI’s Director of External Affairs, appeared on the Wednesday morning newscast to discuss the institute’s mission and share…

Large-Scale Development Project Takes Shape in Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Economic Development Authority and NGP Development held an informational open house regarding a large development project. People were invited to the Proctor Area Community Center to learn about and discuss the huge proposed development on Kirkus Street. This was an opportunity for community members to view project details and speak with the development team and…

Voting concludes on some MNA contracts with agreement ratified

  DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of nurses across the Twin Cities Metro area and Duluth finished voting to ratify the new contracts. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Nurses in the agreement include all nurses at Aspirus – St. Luke’s and Critical Care Nurses at Essentia. RELATED: Solvay Hospice House temporarily pausing care due to looming MNA…

Duluth Federal Prison Camp to stay open

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Federal Prison Camp in Duluth will be staying open. Representative Pete Stauber say the decision followed a recent visit to the camp by William Marshall, the newly appointed Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In a statement Rep. Stauber said, “I am overjoyed by the news that the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth will remain open,…

Attic fire in Denfeld-area; no injuries

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department responded to a fire in the Denfeld-area at 3:47am, Tuesday July 15th, 2025. Homeowners and a Duluth Police officer reported a smell of smoke in the house. The fire was on 4700-block of W 6th Street in Duluth. Fire crews saw light smoke coming from the roof when they arrived, Crews found…

Extra delays as MnDOT places bridge beams in Eveleth

EVELETH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is placing bridge beams at highway 53 and 37 in Eveleth. The delays are expected from Tuesday July 15, 20205 through Friday July 18, 2025. Drivers can expect delays up to 10 minutes. The work is only during daylight hours. When driving through the work zone remember to give workers space, obey…

Bong Bridge Undergoing Repairs, Will Remain Open

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers has approved $6.3 million rehabilitation project for the Bong Bridge. Some of the projects include painting the center span, replacing lighting, new pavement markings, and repairing and sealing concrete. It will remain open with at least one lane of traffic each way, but ramps will close at various times for the repairs. Construction is…

Coffee Conversation: Kay Robinson Unveils Vision as UMD’s New Student Life Leader

DULUTH, Minn. — Kay Robinson, EdD, a seasoned student affairs leader with over 23 years of experience in higher education, has been appointed vice chancellor for student life at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). On Tuesday morning, July 15, Dr. Robinson appeared live on Fox 21’s morning newscast to discuss her new role and share her vision for supporting…

‘DAIP’ Proves Significant Efforts in Solving Violence

DULTUH, Minn.– For over 45 years, the ‘Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs’ has been a valuable resource for victims of domestic violence. The Deputy Director of DAIP said there is a critical need for resources, surrounding domestic violence treatment. A 24- hour record period was studied, for the entire country, and during that time, 66,000 people needed help. And 10,000…

Special Duluth City Council Meeting Held, Three Resolutions Approved

DULUTH, Minn. — A special meeting of the Duluth City Council was held today to discuss three proposed resolutions. The council heard two resolutions related to the Village Place Apartments, a mixed-income housing project in Duluth. Those resolutions are an agreement to extended a final loan payment with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by one year….

Air Quality Alert extended – again

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended its air quality alert through Tuesday, July 15 for northern Minnesota. Areas around the Northshore and Carlton County will still be in the level considered unhealthy for everyone. That area includes Two Harbors, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Grand Portage and Fond du Lac. The rest of Northern…

Air Quality Alert extended

Red air quality: Unhealthy DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the air quality alert for northern Minnesota. The alert now runs until 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14,m 2025. The affected area includes Duluth, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Grand Portage, Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs,…

One Suspect In Custody, One On The Run After Convenient Store Robbery in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet Police say one of the two suspect connected to a robbery at a Kwik Trip this past weekend is in custody, while the other remains on the run. Police arrested a 16-year-old male without incident in Wrenshall just after 6 p.m. Saturday evening.  A search of that area found items connected to the robbery.  The individual is…

Individuals Competition for Superior High Dive Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – The first-ever professional high dive competition on the Great Lakes takes place in the Duluth Harbor. As part of Duluth’s Festival of Sail activities behind the DECC, professional divers plunged from a 65-foot platform into the harbor. The individual portion of the Superior High Dive Challenge on Friday involved five men and five women performing dives of…