News

Big, Sincere Welcome for Barbro G and Crew; First Saltie of 2024

Official "spring" for port community.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is a welcome that never gets old. Tuesday, the first ocean-going vessel of the season received heart-felt greetings on a windy, wet and gray day. Inside the ship’s bridge, it was warmth and smiles as the captain and crew of the Barbro G were presented with everything Duluth and Superior. That included an endless flow of…

11th Hour To Save Northland College From Closure; Former City Council Pres. Speaks Out

ASHLAND, Wis. – A former Ashland city council president is speaking out about the possible closure of Northland College. This comes as the college faces a deadline of Tuesday, March 3, to raise $12 million to stay open, according to the college’s president. Northland College in Ashland announced March 11th that it needed $12 million before April 3. The president…

Neighborhood Youth Services Staff Walk Out Over Frustrations

The Family Freedom Center says it has met with staff and will respond promptly.

DULUTH, Minn. — Staff from Neighborhood Youth Services in Duluth say they have walked out for the second time in less than a year. They say it’s due to ongoing frustrations with the organization’s operator, the Family Freedom Center. The mission of Neighborhood Youth Services, or NYS, is to create a “safe and prosperous space for children and families.” The…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Film Festival Brings Creatives Together at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds will gather for the Minnesota Film Festival at Zeitgeist Center for Arts and elsewhere Downtown Duluth on April 3-7. Minnesota Film Festival Director Vera Bianchini and Local Filmmaker Megan McGarvey joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday ahead of the showcase. The 5-day event is in celebration of visual artistry from coast-to-coast. It will feature…

Duluth Food Shelves Pack Up Donations From ‘Duluth Cheerios Challenge’

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a successful “Duluth Cheerios Challenge” over the past week. The challenge was dreamed up by locals in response to billionaire Kathy Cargill’s crude remarks to the Wall Street Journal that said Mayor Roger Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he questioned her intentions about a slew of park point land purchases. Organized said the idea behind…

Hibbing Drug Bust Ends With 3 Charged

HIBBING, Minn. — A drug bust in Hibbing has ended with three people charged. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said Jennifer Schostag, 48, of Anoka; Michael Peterson, 51, of Hibbing; and David Hoskins, 60, of Sandstone are charged with various first-degree sale and possession charges for methamphetamine and cocaine. The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force conducted the investigation…

Duluth Man Convicted Of Manslaughter, Domestic Assaults Arrested Again

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man convicted of second-degree manslaughter and two cases of domestic assault within 10 years is back in jail facing three new serious charges. Police said Kyham Lavon Dunn, 30, was arrested Friday as he entered the porch of a home where a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order was in place. According to court documents, Dunn…

“Barbro G” Goes Under Duluth Lift Bridge as First Saltie of 2024

Shipping Season officially underway with one of the port's earliest arrivals ever.

After sitting anchored in Lake Superior all weekend, she finally decided it was time to come in. The first saltwater vessel of the shipping season slowly made its way toward and through the Duluth shipping canal shortly before noon Monday morning. But first, the Barbro G had to head farther out in the lake and make a U-turn so it…

Coffee Conversation: Early Voting Begins for Duluth Public Schools’ Spring Referendum

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, May 14, residents in the Duluth Public Schools district will vote for the second time on a technology referendum. If approved, the annual $5.2 million capital projects levy will support upgraded classroom technology and curricula, digital infrastructure, and cyber and physical security throughout the schools. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas joined FOX 21 live…

‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Hosting Canal Park/Lakewalk Cleanup Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports Trailer Trash is calling on volunteers to give back Monday by cleaning up Canal Park. The event is happening at 11 a.m.  Volunteers are asked to meet at the parking lot by Canal Park Drive and Morse Street, which is across from Grandma’s Restaurant. The goal is to also clean up the Lakewalk. For every…

‘Burns Harbor’ Gets Stuck At Superior Dock

Experts are still uncertain what caused the lake freighter to get stuck, but with a little help its headed out of the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — This was the scene for much of the weekend: two ships, side by side at BNSF Railway Dock 5 in Superior. On the left, the Burns Harbor. It arrived a week ago. The ship was fueled up and loaded with iron ore pellets, but remained at the dock. It wasn’t until the ship on the right, the…

The Easter Bunny Arrives in Duluth – As a Snow Sculpture!

A private residence on 21st Avenue East is celebrating spring's arrival with a winter tradition

DULUTH, Minn. — If you were out in enjoying the sun in Duluth today, you might have come across a springtime snow sculpture! Those passing by on 21st Avenue East can enjoy the latest rendition of a snowy tradition. This year’s sculpture features the Easter bunny, a basket, and the Statue of Liberty. Colorful balloons make up the Easter eggs…

Easter Eggstravaganza at Marcus Lakes Cinema

HERMANTOWN, Minn.  — On Saturday, March 30, Marcus Lakes Cinema will transform into an Easter  eggstravaganza. Hop on over to the family-fun event, featuring an Easter egg hunt, crafts and activities, and movies, including the films Migration and Hop. The keynote speaker, excuse me, the keynote carrot eater is none other than the Easter bunny (available for photo opportunities). “The…

Supporters of Missing Man Push Tribal Police to Ask FBI For Help

Protesters say Fond du Lac police should ask for outside help; Chief says he has "full confidence" in his department.

People frustrated about the search effort for a missing man gathered outside Duluth’s FBI office Friday. Ironically, the group was not protesting the FBI–but rather–pushing the Fond du Lac tribal police department. Friends and supporters of 31-year-old Peter Martin say they want the tribal police department to ask for the FBI’s help in finding him. Friday marked three weeks since…

New Breakfast Spot With Old Name Opens in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – There’s a new place to have breakfast and brunch in Duluth and it opened just this morning. Locally owned Chilly Billy’s is still in the mall, but at its second location which moved to 1608 Woodland Avenue, it has added breakfast.  The general manager of the new location, Amayah Littlewolf-Daoust has been involved in the restaurant business…

Duluth Police Department Recognizes Staff Members for Their Service

DULUTH, Minn. — Friday the Duluth Police Department recognized staff for their impact on the community during a Commendation Ceremony. Police officers and department employees gathered for the ceremony as many were honored for their exceptional service. Some staff members were recognized for promotions and leadership work, and others were honored with special awards, including ‘Police Officer of the Year,’…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Debuts New Book, The Mermaid of Lake Superior

MINN. — Barnum-raised author puts out a new book called The Mermaid of Lake Superior, full of  shipwrecks and history, engaging characters, and a magical Mermaid in northland waters. Author Aurora Lothbrok grew up in Barnum, MN, but now lives in Anchorage, AK. She joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the book and its storyline….

Twin Ports Community Doubles Support For ‘Musical Bingo’ & Local Artists

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bingo fanatics, roughly 170 of them, joined together Thursday night at Barker’s Island Inn to support free community music by playing Musical Bingo. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger called the song titles at Siggy’s Musical Garden, which is an organization that supports local music and artists behind it. Songs were provided by the Mackie Brothers, a rock group…

Intercollegiant Esports Coming to UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis –Come this fall, there will be a new intercollegiate sport at UW-Superior; and it will surprise some of you. It’s esports. University students playing video games! The school has created an eSports gaming room for the players to use in competition. This past January, esports at UWS came to life with a club team. Since then the UWS…

Duluth Salvation Army Surpasses March Food Drive Goal with Help from Rotary Club Of Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanks to a generous donation the Duluth Salvation Army has exceeded their March Food Drive Goal. The Rotary Club of Duluth donated a check of $14,890. That will help provide food to those in need in the community. The Salvation Army’s goal was $9,000 and 9,000 pounds of food, which they say they almost didn’t reach. But…

Duluth Parks & Recreation Groom Ski Trails for Final Hurrah of the Season

If you're thinking about getting some last-minute cross country skiing in, now's the time!

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation had teams out earlier today at ski trails around the area, grooming the snow. According to the City of Duluth website, five trails had crews working on them. Magney Snively, Piedmont, Chester, Hartley, and Lester Trails were listed as “fair,” meaning minimal bare or icy spots. Some trails were only packed for skate…

27th Annual Taste At Fitger’s Will Once Again Benefit Second Harvest Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — The 27th annual Taste at Fitger’s event coming up this Friday evening. Every year, local restaurants and breweries come together in one place for people to sample their fine food and drinks and it is all for a good cause.  The tickets are $50, but all net proceeds benefit Second Harvest Northland. Over the years, Taste at…

Howard’s Que Prepares for Easter Brunch

DULUTH, Minn. — Preparations to make the upcoming holiday weekend special are getting started at a local southern style restaurant in Lincoln Park. Howard’s Que is offering an Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. This is the third Easter that the restaurant has put together for the community. And on the menu is a variety of…

Boxes of Cereal Start to Pile up for the “Duluth Cheerio Challenge”

DULUTH, Minn. — The “Duluth Cheerio Challenge” is gaining traction as boxes of the cereal are starting to pile up at the drop-off site at the Duluth Labor Temple. The “Cheerio Challenge” is in response to billionaire Kathy Cargill’s recent insult on the city, including Mayor Roger Reinert. She told the Wall Street Journal last weekend that he “peed in…

Union Gospel Mission Asking for Blanket Donations

DULUTH, Minn. — The Union Gospel Mission is in urgent need of blankets and is requesting donations as snow hits the Northland. The Union Gospel Mission says its blanket stock completely ran out during the winter storm, and with the warming center and Chum being frequently full, many have to resort to sleeping outside. So, the Mission is asking for…

Duluth Playhouse Hosts 2024-2025 Season Reveal Party

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse hosted a season reveal party to announce the lineup of its upcoming 2024-2025 season. While the current season at the Duluth Playhouse is still carrying on, newcomers and theater enthusiasts could get a jump start on their watching plans for the playhouse’s 110th season. The Playhouse says input from audience members helped during the…

Mayor Wants “Authentic Duluth” After City’s Tourism Marketing Contract Ends With Twin Cities Firm

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract with a Twin Cities-based firm will expire at the end of the year.  And now, newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert says he believes the contract should come back home. “I fundamentally believe as a Duluthian that we have the creative talents in our community to tell our own…

30 Years Later: Musical Event To Honor Victims Of Duluth Triple Murder

The public event happens Thursday, March 28 at Zeigeist's Teatro Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, March 28, marks 30 years since a triple murder took the lives of three young men during a house party in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood. And Thursday evening, a live public musical storytelling will happen at Zeitgeist’s Teatro Theatre to talk about the history, the music, the lives, the loss and the healing since that 1994…

Students Enjoy Snow Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids are enjoying the snows day in Duluth. Students from Duluth East High School gathered at a park near the Holy Rosary campus, that’s part of Stella Maris Academy. They said they watched a few movies inside at home but wanted to enjoy this surprising weather. So, they brought some younger siblings out and made snowmen and…

Biden Administration Will Lend $1.5B To Restart Michigan Nuclear Power Plant, A First In The US

(AP) — The federal government will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced Wednesday. Holtec International acquired the 800-megawatt Palisades plant in 2022 with plans to dismantle it. But now the emphasis is on restarting it by late 2025, following support from the state of Michigan and the Biden administration. Gov. Gretchen…

Criminal Charges Dropped Against Duluth Edison Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault of Student

His attorney said, "This matter underscores the importance of the presumption of innocence."

Duluth, MN–Criminal charges have been dropped against a Duluth Edison elementary school teacher who had been accused of sexually assaulting a female student. His attorney said the allegations “were fake” and that he “never sexually assaulted anyone.” John Paul Horgeshimer, age 49, had been charged after a female student at Duluth Edison Charter Schools’ Raleigh Academy told her teacher that…

New Chancellor of UMD Announced

DULUTH, Minn. — Charles Nies has been named the tenth chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth. He is expected to start July 1 pending approval by the University’s Board of Regents at their May meeting. Dr. Nies has over 25 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as the vice chancellor of student affairs at the University…

Duluth City Councilors, Residents Express Raw Emotion Over Gaza Resolution Debate

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilors faced a full house at Monday night’s council meeting, with raw emotions pouring out from elected officials and residents for nearly three hours. At issue, was whether to pass a resolution supporting a quote “permanent ceasefire to prevent loss of human life in the Middle East.” Some councilors felt strongly to pass the resolution,…

Proposed Increase to Duluth’s Water Utility Rates

Duluth Public Utilities Commission Unanimously Voted to Send Proposal to the City Council, Despite Concerns from Outside Duluth

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously at a public hearing on Tuesday evening to move forward with proposed variable increases to water utility bills. The resolution would raise charges by 9.25% per year, totaling 48% over five years. This would impact all customers, including those outside city limits. At the hearing, the commission took public…

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) Begins Five-Day Campaign Tour Through the State

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) kicked off her five-day Dairyland campaign tour Monday afternoon with the first stop being made in Superior. Baldwin spoke about the issues that she believes are the most important ones facing people in Wisconsin. “I am focused on the pocketbook issues of Wisconsinites,” said Baldwin. “Listening to the people of this state…

Winter Not Letting Go Just Yet

DULUTH, Minn. — It was just two weeks ago that we were enjoying 60-degree weather, and on Monday morning, Duluthians woke up to another round of 7-10 inches of snow across the city. It was a reminder of what winter is typically like having to get outside and clear sidewalks and driveways. After only having to get the shovels out…

8 A.M. Tuesday Winter Storm Update From City Of Duluth

  DULUTH, MN–The following is the latest storm update from the offices of the City of Duluth: Due to continued inclement weather conditions, Duluth Workforce Center/CareerForce will be closed to the public today, with staff working remotely. All other City of Duluth facilities are open to the public today with some staff working remotely. The National Weather Service in Duluth…

Six Missing After Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse When Struck By Ship

BALTIMORE (AP) —BALTIMORE (AP) — A container ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing the span to buckle into the river below and plunging a construction crew and several vehicles into the dangerously cold waters. Rescuers pulled out two people, but six others were missing. The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments…

Some Have to Work on Snow Days

DULUTH, Minn. — Isaac Kasper oversees maintenance operations on UMD’s campus. He was up at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Just last week, he and his team were preparing for Spring. Now they’re back to shoveling snow. “We were cleaning up planting beds, mulching, picking up brush and leaves and doing spring type work last week. Putting seed and soil down…

“Duluth Cheerio Challenge” Launches, Mayor Gets Cheeky After Kathy Cargill’s Insults On City

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians, including Mayor Roger Reinert, are responding in creative and humorous ways to billionaire Kathy Cargill, who told the Wall Street Journal over the weekend that Duluth is a “small-minded community” and that Mayor Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he sent her a letter wanting to know her plans for 20 properties she recently purchased on…