The feature arrived at an important moment for Downtown Duluth. Public discussion surrounding the downtown district in recent years has often centered on vacancy concerns, economic anxiety and uncertainty about the future of the urban core.
In March 2026, the newly redesigned FOX21Online.com saw nearly 100 percent growth in web traffic compared to March 2025. That number is the kind that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens with volume, speed and a willingness to treat digital not as a side product, but as the front door.
“Since Xavier started with us as a production assistant, it was evident he cared about the community, good reporting and serving viewers. I’m excited for this opportunity for him, and I know his family is very proud.” -- Fox 21 News Director Matt McConico
Under McConico’s leadership, FOX 21 has leaned into practical, service-oriented journalism: weather that matters, road conditions, public safety alerts and local government actions that affect daily life.
“The Northland is home to me, from my hometown of International Falls to the Iron Range and rural areas of northwestern Wisconsin." -- Maria Vollom