News

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…

Two Harbors Heritage Days: 4 Days of Fun!

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–Two Harbors heritage days kicked off yesterday, and the party is scheduled to continue all weekend. Today is day two of the annual event. This festival boasts a four-day arts and crafts show, stage entertainment, a street dance, and two parades. With all the activities and events, there’s something for everyone. The fun brings in thousands of locals…

New Owners Same Passion: ‘Happy Critter Farms’ Opens Beloved Strawberry Fields

CARLTON, Minn.– As of last year, the beloved former ‘Finks Berry Farm’ out in Carlton took on new owners. They’re tasked to take care of 11 miles of strawberry fields. ‘Happy Critters Farms’ introduced a plethora of pollinator plants, and they stay away from insecticides. And with this new opportunity, they had big shoes to fill. “So last year we…

ALLETE sale now just one step away

  DULUTH, Minn. – In May of 2024 ALLETE, the company that runs Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin along with other energy related companies announced it reached an agreement to be acquired. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) offered to pay $6.2 billion for the company. But before the deal…

Air Quality Alert issued for all of Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. The alert runs until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025. The highest levels of alert are for Northern Minnesota. That includes the areas to the north of the Alexandria, St Cloud, and Hinkley. Heavy ground-level smoke from…

Rice Lake expected to name Acting Mayor

UPDATE: The City of Rice Lake says in a news release they still consider Suzanne Herstad to be Mayor until her resignation letter is presented at their Monday, July 14 city council meeting.  The news release says if the letter is accepted which it “most likely” will be, then Jayme Heim would officially become Acting Mayor. Heim was selected to…

One Roof Community Housing Awarded 10k Grant

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing received a ten thousand dollar grant today. Members Cooperative Credit Union in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines awarded the grant from the Member Impact Fund. FHLB Des Moines created the fund to partner with not-for-profit organizations that focus on affordable housing and community development. Members has worked with One…

Coffee Conversation: Taste Twin Ports to Take Over Bayfront Festival Park Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Taste Twin Ports, formerly known as Festival by the Lake, is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Bayfront Festival Park. Pez Davilla and Joe Macor, the co-hosts of the Taste Twin Ports podcast and the creative minds behind the event, joined FOX 21 live on the Friday morning newscast to share more details….

Mama Duck Hatches Ducklings In Essentia Health Courtyard For Third Time

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A mama duck recently hatched ducklings in the courtyard at Essentia Health in Superior. But because it’s enclosed, the only way out is to prop open a few doors and let her do the rest by guiding her babies to safety. Melissa Walrath and her fellow co-workers in Outpatient Surgery took this video. Melissa says this is…

Professional Athletes Prepare for First-Ever Superior High Dive Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – While tall ships are the main attraction, the Festival of Sail also brings the first-ever Superior High Dive Challenge. People gathered behind the DECC and aboard the tall ships to watch the competitors practice their high dives from the 65-foot platform. This open practice session helps the professional athletes prepare for the individual events tomorrow and the…

Port Authority: Closure Of CHS Superior Terminal Is ‘Disappointing Blow’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – “Disappointing blow.”  Those are the words from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority about the shutdown of one of the Twin Ports oldest and largest grain shippers. Employees at the CHS Superior Terminal told FOX 21 they were notified Thursday that they will be out of a job on Sept. 8. The grain facility has been operating at…

Scammers posing as St. Louis County Planning and Zoning Office

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is warning about a new scam appearing in people’s in-boxes. St, Louis County Seal The Sheriff’s Office has “taken numerous calls” about scammers are sending invoices via email that claim to be from St. Louis County Planning and Zoning. The invoices demand money be wired to various locations. The Sheriff’s Office…

Duluth Transit Authority General Manager to retire

DULUTH, Minn. – After a nearly 40-year career with the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA), General Manager Rod Fournier has announced his retirement. Rod Fournier Fournier’s last day will be on July 24th. He began as a part time Bus Operator in August of 1988, working in Dispatch, Supervisor, and Scheduling roles. Fournier became Director of Operations, which laid the groundwork for…

APP strike begins, bargaining stalled by legal review

  DULUTH, Minn. — Today, July 01, 2025, marks the start of the Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) striking at Essentia. APP’s joined the picket lines at the Duluth, Superior, and Virginia locations. Negotiations are currently off the table as Essentia awaits a legal review from the National Labor Relations Board. The MNA proposed creating the APP bargaining unit in a…

Acute Care Nurses Approve Agreement with Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. — Acute Care nurses at Essentia have voted to ratify the agreements made last week. Nurses voted on the agreement Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The agreement includes provisions that will give nurses more scheduling predictability and flexibility. It also provides a nearly ten percent increase in pay spread over the next three years. RELATED: Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses…

Parking ramp behind St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth closing for repairs

  DULUTH, Minn. – The parking ramp behind the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth will be temporarily closing for repairs. The ramp is off of Third Street. Beginning Monday, July 14, the ramp which connects by skywalk to the rear of the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth, will close for scheduled maintenance. The closure for resurfacing work is expected…

MNA Labor Relations Field Manager to run for Congress

DULUTH, Minn. – Chad McKenna has announced he will be running for Congress. Chad McKenna McKenna says he’ll be running for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District – the seat currently held by Pete Stauber. In a news release McKenna said. “I’m running for Congress because Pete Stauber has stopped working for us – his constituents… He seems more focused on appeasing…

Coffee Conversation: Annual Nordlager & North Star Chapter Show in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — Beer lovers, collectors, and nostalgia enthusiasts, mark your calendars — the Nordlager Beer Show is happening this Friday and Saturday, July 11–12, at the Northeastern Hotel. Bert Whittington and none other than Hammy the Bear joined the morning newscast on Thursday, July 10, to talk about this fan-favorite summer event: the Nordlager & North Star Chapter’s Annual…

DNR K9 Team Demonstrates Zebra Mussel Detection

DULUTH, Minn. – The Two Harbors, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ newest K9 team gave a demonstration at McQuade Harbor, showcasing how they utilize a detection dog’s powerful sense of smell to locate invasive zebra mussels on boats. Conservation Officer Cassie Block was recently partnered with Jet, a specially trained four-year-old black lab. Jet is one of the Minnesota DNR’s…

Twin Ports Celebrates its First Disability Pride Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Across the state of Minnesota, numerous disability pride events have been celebrated. And now, advocates felt it was time for the Twin Ports to join in. “The reason we’re doing this, is we want to celebrate disabilities, their contributions to our community, we’re here to stay. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Amanda Crosby, Executive Director ‘Arc Northland’. Around the…

Harbor City International School Wins Innovation Award

  DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s own Harbor City International School has won an award that recognizes its learning approach. The school won the 2025 Minnesota Charter School Innovation Award. The award highlights the hands-on learning approach that Harbor City prides themselves on. Three times a year, students are offered immersive sessions, ranging from sailing, to winter survival skills. Last year…

Minnesota State Fair Foods Announced!

ST. PAUL, Minn. — This year’s lineup of savory, sweet, and downright strange foods at the Minnesota State Fair have been announced. They’ve announced the lineup of new foods, as well as a list of new vendors. The Fair runs from August 21st through Labor Day. Afro Bean Pops Afro Deli Savory deep-fried bites of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños,…

Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota Slip Bridge to have special hours during Festival of Sail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota slip bridge will have special lift schedules during Festival of Sail. On Thursday, June 10, 2025 the Parade of Sail will travel under the Aerial Lift Bridge. The parade is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am and end around 1:00 pm. During the Parade of Sail, the public should expect longer…

Cars crash in front of Tortoise&Hare Footwear

DULUTH, Minn. – A car crashed right in front of the Tortoise&Hare Footwear store Wednesday morning. Duluth Police tell FOX21 at approximately 8:50 a.m. on July 9, 2025, Duluth Police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of North 40th Avenue West and Grand Avenue. Initial information shows a vehicle was traveling southbound on 40th Ave W. The other vehicle, traveling…

LSC Awarded Grant to Develop Unique Program for Students with Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has received a significant grant to support the development of a new Program for Accessible College Education, called PACE for short. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded LSC over $185,000. LSC is one of only three grantees awarded funding statewide. According to the press release, this is the first program of its kind in…

Video shows 2024 Duluth Drive-By Shooting; Suspect Sentenced

DULUTH, Minn. – Doorbell video shows a 2024 Lakeside/Lester Park drive-by, where a man shot at his brother’s home. In doorbell footage, obtained by FOX 21, 43-year-old Justin Lee Miller is seen rolling to a stop in his truck on Sep. 22, 2024, and firing one shot into his brother’s Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood home. The bullet struck the bedroom of…

Nonprofits Gather to Address Concerns Over Federal Funding Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. – 23 local nonprofits gathered for a press conference to address the potential impacts of federal budget cuts. Chum, Second Harvest Northland, Safe Haven, One Roof Community Housing, and 19 other local nonprofits outside Representative Pete Stauber’s office in Hermantown to address the concerns of potential federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other social safety net programs supported…

Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses at Essentia Health Begin to Strike

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning, at multiple locations around the Northland, more than 290 Essentia Health nurses and health care professionals with the Minnesota Nurses’ Association are making their voices heard. “Since issuing our strike notice, we have offered to meet every single day, and Essentia has declined every single time, only offering two meetings this month, we are here demanding…