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Cold conditions bring hot competition to Barkers Island

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Engines roared across the ice as racing enthusiasts gathered for a winter competition on a track far from traditional. From bikes, to quads, and side-by-sides, the competition welcomed a variety of racers taking to the ice in front of Barkers Island. The event, hosted by the nonprofit group Midwest Ice Racing Association, takes place during the Lake…

Zenith Bookstore sees increased sales in the dystopian genre

DULUTH, Minn. — A local bookstore has seen an uptick in sales for one particular genre. As many Minnesotans express uncertainties about the state’s future, many readers are gravitating toward dystopian novels. Zenith Bookstore in Duluth has noticed the trend, spanning everything from the classics to new releases. Store manager, Sarah Brown said, “history repeats itself, and what these books…

St. Louis County officials give their side of the release of recent escapee

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Minn. – Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and County Attorney Kim Maki released a joint statement about the jail release of Michael Todd Hart. On January 21, Hart was released from the Itasca County Jail.  Hart was the subject of a large manhunt when he walked away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) approximately four months prior….

Lake Superior Ice Festival kicks off for weekend of fun

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Lake Superior Ice Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From hockey to disc golf, a tubing hill, arts, crafts, food trucks and so much more – there is something for everyone at this fun family friendly event. It’s not all out in the cold either. There is an escape room, bonfires, warming tents, and other indoor…

48th annual Atmore Memorial Alpine Ski Race draws in athletes from around the world

DULUTH, Minn. — The 48th annual Atmore Memorial Alpine Ski Race kicked off today at Spirit Mountain. The event is hosted by Team Duluth and named in memory of Dr. William Atmore, one of the original founders of the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club, now called Team Duluth. The slalom ski event welcomes over 200 athletes from around the globe, from Jamaica…

One dead in Douglas County snowmobile crash

Gordon Snowmobile Crash Scene. Thursday Jan 29, 2026 GORDON, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says one person is dead following a single snowmobile crash in the Town Of Gordon. The crash was called into Douglas County 911 at 9:08pm on Thursday January 29, 2026. This victim is identified as Marvin Sloper, 68, of Centuria, WI. The initial reports are Sloper…

Bruce Springsteen sings out against Trump in ‘Streets of Minneapolis’

Bruce Springsteen (CNN) Bruce Springsteen is dedicating his new song to the people of Minneapolis, criticizing President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the city. The lyrics of “Streets of Minneapolis,” released Wednesday, describe how “a city aflame fought fire and ice ’neath an occupier’s boots,” which Springsteen calls “King Trump’s private army.” Springsteen in a statement said he wrote and recorded the song…

Itasca County Sheriff explains why prison escapee was released

Joe Dasovich GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich has released a statement explaining the release of Michael Hart. On January 21, Hart was released from the Itasca County Jail.  Hart was the subject of a large manhunt when he walked away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) approximately four months prior. The statement from Dasovich…

Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-winning comedian of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘SCTV’ fame, dies at 71

Catherine O’Hara (CNN) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actor known for comedic roles across the decades — from Kevin’s beleaguered mom in “Home Alone” to the iconic Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” — died Friday at 71. The Canadian-born O’Hara died at her home in Los Angeles “following a brief illness,” according to a statement from her…

Twins executive Derek Falvey departs organization

FILE – Minnesota Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey speaks to fans and media during the baseball team’s annual fan fest at Target Field, Jan. 28, 2023, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey have mutually decided to part ways, the club announced on Friday. The 42-year-old Falvey spent nine seasons…

Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US

Courtesy: Associated Press (file) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flooded Minneapolis, Shane Mantz dug his Choctaw Nation citizenship card out of a box on his dresser and slid it into his wallet. Some strangers mistake the pest-control company manager for Latino, he said, and he fears getting caught up in ICE raids. Like Mantz, many Native Americans are carrying…

Vikings fire General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

FILE – Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches his team prepare before the start of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Friday, after mixed results over four seasons and giving him a contract extension last year. The…

DOJ has opened a federal civil rights probe into the death of Alex Pretti, deputy AG says

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights probe into the death of Alex Pretti, according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We’re looking at everything that would shed light on that day,” Blanche said on Friday. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is now leading…

FBI takes over investigation of Minnesota shooting as Trump calls Alex Pretti an ‘insurrectionist’

A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is now leading the probe into the shooting of Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis resident killed Saturday by Border Patrol officers, the Department of Homeland Security…

Justice Department releases 3 million pages from its Jeffrey Epstein files

NEW YORK (AP) — The Justice Department on Friday released many more records from its investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein, resuming disclosures under a law intended to reveal what the government knew about the millionaire financier’s sexual abuse of young girls and his interactions with the rich and powerful. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department was releasing more than…

Trump names former Federal Reserve official Warsh as the next Fed chair to replace Powell

FILE – Kevin Warsh speaks to the media about his report on transparency at the Bank of England, in London, Dec., 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he will nominate former Federal Reserve official Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Fed, a decision likely to result in…

Journalist Don Lemon arrested after protest that disrupted Minnesota church service

Don Lemon (CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, his lawyer said Friday. Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said. It is…

Rep. Stauber ducks out of Teamsters meeting, dodging blocked media and protesters

FOX 21 confirmed two Duluth police officers were contracted by U.S. Capitol Police to be at the union hall; Non-local law enforcement were also there

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber’s office responded to FOX 21’s request for more information Thursday involving a Wednesday night protest outside the Teamsters Local 346 building in Duluth involving the congressman. The spokesperson said Stauber was invited to the private gathering inside the union hall with the Teamsters to give an update on the Faster Labor Contracts Act….

“No NDA’s in the DFL” meeting held at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — The topic of non-disclosure agreements took center stage at a public meeting at Zeitgeist. Elected officials and community members alike gathered to discuss NDA’s ahead of an upcoming caucus. The focus was on how NDA’s have been used by officials, but an update was also provided on the Hermantown data center. Small groups broke out for discussions…

ISMA hosts 136th Grand Lodge Convention

DULUTH, Minn. — A gathering was held for the 136th annual Grand Lodge Convention hosted by the International Ship Masters’ Association. Founded in 1886, the organization represents licensed Great Lakes mariners. Its mission focuses on education, safety, and environmental stewardship from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. That mission will be reflected throughout this weekend-long convention. The event…

Superior Police Dept. releases videos of Dec. officer-involved shootout

SUPERIOR, Wis.– On December 7th, 2025, an officer-involved shooting took place on 37th Street, and Tower Avenue in Superior. “I want to begin by acknowledging the gravity of any officer involved shooting. These events are traumatic,” said Chief Paul Winterscheidt, of the Superior Police Department. Chief Winterscheidt said the city of Superior hasn’t seen an incident of this significance in…

Pipe fractured in Pine County explosion was ‘susceptible to integrity issues’

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is overseeing the investigation into the natural gas pipeline explosion that happened in Pine County.  Following the January 16, 2026 pipeline failure near Willow River, Minnesota, the federal agency issued a “Corrective Action Order”.  The order was sent on the day following the explosion. Willow River…

Essentia expands access to early lung cancer detection

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is combating lung cancer by expanding access to early detection screenings with state-of-the-art equipment. From more staff and hours to a new robot, the Lung Nodule and Advanced Bronchoscopy clinic can now see more patients and diagnose them much earlier. Their new robot, called Noah Medical Galaxy System, performs bronchoscopies. This device allows them to…

Driver extricated from fiery propane truck crash in Burnett County

Propane truck crash(Burnett County Sheriff’s Office) BURNETT COUNTY, Wis. —  A propane truck crash in Burnett County briefly left the driver trapped inside. Officials say on Wednesday at around 12:53 p.m., they received a report of a crash at the intersection of County Road H and State Road 70 in Dewey Township. That is about 28-miles Southeast of Hayward. A…

Justice Department charges man who squirted vinegar on Rep. Ilhan Omar

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Justice Department has charged a man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event in Minneapolis, according to court papers made public Thursday. The man arrested for Tuesday’s attack, Anthony Kazmierczak, faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar, according to a complaint filed in federal court. Authorities…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse brings suspense with production of “Dial M For Murder”

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is welcoming in the Twin Ports theatre community for an evening of mystery and suspense with their production of “Dial M For Murder”. Two of the show’s stars, Jess Hughes and Dan Prevette, stopped by the morning show to talk about their preparation for the show, and what audiences can expect from the wild…

Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota but only after ‘cooperation’

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan says immigration enforcement will reduce the number of officers in Minnesota but suggested during a news conference Thursday that it would happen only after ‘cooperation’ from state officials. Trump sent Homan to Minnesota in the wake of the Saturday fatal shooting of a protester at the hands of a federal…

Democratic Sen. Klobuchar says she’s running for Minnesota governor after Gov. Walz dropped out

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday she is running for governor of Minnesota, promising to take on President Donald Trump while unifying a state that has endured a series of challenges even before the federal government’s immigration crackdown. Sen. Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar’s decision gives Democrats a high-profile candidate and proven statewide winner as their party tries to…

Brightwater Health reveals re-branding

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest mental health and addiction services provider has officially re-branded. Brightwater Health, formerly known as the Human Development Center, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included remarks from Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce president Matt Baumgartner and guided tours of the space. “Most people in our community, at some point, will have…

St. Louis County welcomes new deputies and corrections officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office swore in new sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Nine deputies and seven corrections officers were sworn in by Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and pinned by friends and family. The event also recognized new civilian staff hires, promotions, and the swearing-in of the department’s newest K-9, Ollie. Among the new deputies is retired…

Protestors gather outside Rep. Pete Sauber’s meeting with Teamsters

DULUTH, Minn. — A protest was held outside the Teamsters Local 346 union hall in Lincoln Park, where Congressman Pete Stauber was believed to be attending a private gathering. People outside said they showed up looking to share their concerns with proposed legislation easing federal restrictions on mining near the Boundary Waters, and the current unrest in Minneapolis involving ICE…

St. Louis County Historical Society seeks community feedback

DULUTH, Minn. — Renovations are taking place at the Depot, and the St. Louis County Historical Society is using this is an opportunity to make some improvements as well. As Historical Society staff move exhibits and put some things in storage to make room for the building renovations, they plan on using this transitional period to find out how to…

Trump endorses Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race, leading GOP rival to drop out

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s endorsement of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s open race for governor led the congressman’s top Republican rival to drop out of the race less than a day later. Tom Tiffany Tiffany now faces only nominal opposition for the Republican nomination in the battleground state after Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann announced his decision to drop out Wednesday. Schoemann…

Two federal agents involved in shooting of Alex Pretti have been on administrative leave since Saturday, DHS says

(AP) – The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that two federal agents involved in Pretti’s shooting have been on leave since Saturday. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. The announcement came as Trump seemed…

Propane truck bursts into flames after crash in Burnett County; Roads closed

BURNETT COUNTY, Wis. – The Burnett County Sheriff’s Office says a propane truck caught fire following a crash with a pickup truck. It happened on State Road 70 and County Road H in Dewey Township on January 28, 2026 around 1pm. That is about 28-miles Southeast of Hayward. The road is closed.  For safety reasons the area will remain closed until…

Lawsuit claim: Duluth illegally charging millions in building permit-related fees

DULUTH, Min. – A lawsuit is claiming Duluth has illegally high building permit-related fees.  The Duluth lawsuits is similar to others filled against Minneapolis and St. Paul. The man suing is in Duluth is Joe Kovich.  His lawyer Shawn M. Raiter tells FOX 21,. “Certain cities in Minnesota—including Duluth—have unlawfully overcharged property owners well over $100 million for building permit…

UMD students explore opportunities at Spring Volunteer Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — Students and organizations looking to do some good today gathered at UMD’s Kirby ballroom. Over 40 different groups were at the annual spring volunteer fair. The fair lets students see a variety of volunteer opportunities around the northland without having to go out and find them. Volunteering also gives students experience beyond what school and most students…

Owner of Lutsen Lodge suing insurance company for non-payment

DULUTH, Minn – North Shore Resort Company, the company that owns Lutsen Lodge, is suing Owners Insurance Company for not paying insurance claims from the fire that destroyed the historic resort. Lutsen Lodge Fire The suit, filed in federal court on January 23, 2026 says, “Plaintiff timely made a claim to Defendant for coverage under the Policy’s Building, Personal Property,…

UW-Superior introduces new Sports and Recreation Management degree

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Students at University Wisconsin Superior who love sports, now have the option to study it further. UW-Superior announced its new Bachelor of Science degree in sports and recreation management. It’s expecting to attract students that are ready to dive deeper into their passion. The degree was once offered as a minor. One student said, he wasted no time…

President Trump endorses Rep. Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin governor

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, (R) Wisconsin, for governor of Wisconsin. Trump called Tiffany a “Proven Leader who has dedicated his life to serving his Community.” In a news release late Tuesday, Tiffany said: “I’m grateful for the overwhelming support we have received since launching this campaign, and I’m especially honored to earn President Trump’s…

Man sprays unknown substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar and is tackled at Minneapolis town hall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man wearing a black jacket was tackled to the ground after spraying an unknown substance on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall she was hosting in Minneapolis on Tuesday.  Click here to watch the encounter. The audience cheered as he was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In video of…

Northland lawmakers address increasing mistrust in law enforcement, amid ICE operations

DULUTH, Minn.–Four Northland lawmakers held a press event at Duluth City Hall to address their growing concerns around ICE operations in Minnesota and its effects on the Northland. Democratic representatives Liish Kozlowski, Pete Johnson, and Senator Jen McEwen of Minnesota joined Wisconsin Rep. Angela Stroud. Rep. Pete Johnson is a first responder as a longtime firefighter, and he said seeing…

Two federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two federal officers fired shots during an encounter that killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, a Customs and Border Protection official told Congress in a notice sent Tuesday. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in…