Author: Matt McConico

What we know about the Northern Minnesota immigration raids

Two people detained at El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill in Hibbing, Minnesota (10/29/2025) DULUTH, Min.- There were at least three likely immigration-related actions around Northern Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Here is what we know about them at this point. El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill, 2520 E Beltline, Hibbing: A FOX21 photographer happened to be getting lunch…

SNAP Text scams showing up in Minnesota

COOK COUNTY, Min. – The Cook County Public Health department says there are SNAP text message scams going around. They say the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families has been alerted of the scam. This scam claims that all Minnesota residents qualify for emergency food relief. The text asks recipients to click a link to claim funds. Cook County…

Former Auditor St. Louis County Don Dicklich passes away

Don Dicklich DULUTH, Min. – St. Louis County leaders have released statements on the passing of Don Dicklich. Dicklich served as St. Louis County Auditor/Treasurer for 14 years. He passed away earlier in Arizona. He moved there following his retirement in 2018. Dicklich was first appointed by the County Board to fill the role in 2004 following the retirement of the…

AT&T wireless internet outages in Duluth-area

AT&T Logo UPDATE: An AT&T Spokesperson tells FOX21, “We’re currently performing scheduled maintenance in the Duluth area. During this time, our customers may experience temporary service disruptions. Our technicians are working diligently, and we expect service to return to normal soon. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers during this time.” — DULUTH, Min. – AT&T customers have…

Huge Brazilian raid on Rio gang leaves at least 60 people dead and 81 under arrest

Police gather outside the Getulio Vargas Hospital where a colleague was brought after getting injured in an operation against alleged drug traffickers in the Complexo do Alemao favela where the criminal organization “Comando Vermelho” operates in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — About 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers launched a massive raid on a…

Hegseth says US carried out 3 strikes on alleged drug-running boats in eastern Pacific, killing 14

Screengrab from Pete Hegseth’s X account of a boat explosion from 10/27/2025 WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the waters of the Eastern Pacific against boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor. The announcement made on social media Tuesday, marks a continued escalation in…

Vikings’ Carson Wentz to IR with shoulder injury that requires season-ending surgery, AP source says

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz prepares to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve on Monday after he gutted out a shoulder injury during the last 2 1/2 games of his five-game fill-in for J.J. McCarthy….

Wisconsin Planned Parenthood resumes offering abortions after a nearly monthlong pause

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, in Madison MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed scheduling abortions on Monday after a nearly monthlong pause due to federal Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill that took effect at the beginning of October. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it was able to resume scheduling abortions as of noon on Monday because…

Former Minnesota Viking star Adrian Peterson arrested on DWI and gun charges

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stands on the field before an NFL football game between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears, Nov. 27, 2023, in Minneapolis. SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) — Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson has been arrested in a Houston suburb on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon, records show. Peterson…

Former Badger Running Back Jonathan Taylor becomes first player in NFL to score three TDs in three consecutive games

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs past Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) for a touchdown during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor became the first player in NFL history to score three touchdowns in three consecutive games against the…

T-wolves lose Anthony Edwards to a hamstring injury for the night after early exit vs. Pacers

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards sits on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards injured his hamstring early in the first quarter in the home opener on Sunday night, and the team announced he would not return. Edwards…

Governor Walz to announce $4m in one-time funding for Minnesota food shelves

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expresses frustration with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans over the federal government shutdown during a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce $4 million in emergency one-time funding for Minnesota and Tribal nations…

Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

USDA Logo (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on. The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits…

Target is eliminating 1,800 corporate jobs as it looks to reclaim its lost luster

This is the Target logo on the side of a shopping cart in a Target store in Upper Saint Clair, Pa., on Friday, July 7, 2023. (AP) – Target said Thursday, October 23, 2025 that it is eliminating about 1,800 corporate positions in an effort to streamline decision-making and accelerate initiatives to rebuild the flagging discount retailer’s customer base. About…

Fond du Lac Band signs Cannabis Compact with State of Minnesota

CLOQUET, Min. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has signed a Tribal-State Cannabis Compact with the State of Minnesota. The deal was facilitated by the Office of Cannabis Management. The compact outlines how both governments will, “advance lawful, cooperative, and mutually respectful cannabis regulation while promoting public health and safety.” Official Fond du Lac Band Logo The…

UW-Superior and Universities of Wisconsin system enrollment up

UW Superior Logo SUPERIROR, Wis. – The Universities of Wisconsin overall enrollment increased for the third straight year. It was led by a record increase of Wisconsin-resident new freshmen, according to official fall 2025 enrollment figures. It was the first time since 2010 that system-enrollment has increased three years in a row. The numbers are from “10th day enrollment”. Those…

Former Timberwolves player Chauncey Billups charged in sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes

Chauncey Billups NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 other people accused of participating in schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia, authorities said. Rozier is accused in participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using…

Minnesota Monsters announce new head coach

DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Monsters have announced new Head Coach. Daron Clark will be Head Coach for the first season of the team in the AF1. Clark has been an assistant coach in The Arena League (TAL) and National Arena League (NAL). He also played arena football in the Indoor Football League (IFL), Arena Football One (AF1), plus on…

Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash

Todd Eckart on FOX21 Morning News DULUTH, Min. & AMNICON, Wis. – The uncle of Todd Eckart has confirmed to FOX 21 that the popular local musician was killed in a head-on crash in Wisconsin. The crash happened at 2:12 p.m. on October 22, 2025 in Amnicon Township. Todd was a standout when it came to entertaining the Duluth area…

Man that escaped from NERCC has initial appearance in court

Michael Todd Hart GRAND RAPIDS, Min. – Michael Todd Hart made his initial appearance in Itasca County Court on charges after his alleged escaped from Northeast Regional Corrections Center. His initial appearance was on October 22, 2025. He is still remanded in custody. All the charges he’s facing in Itasca County are from his actions following the alleged escape. In…

A lot of things will be on Aaron Rodgers’ mind when he faces the Packers. Revenge isn’t one of them

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to throw a pass to tight end Jonnu Smith for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers wants to beat the Green Bay Packers, sure. But only because that’s his job. There will be nothing…

Man charged with stalking, accused of sending Wisconsin’s chief justice intimidating emails

Jill Karofsky MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a Wisconsin man with stalking after he allegedly sent liberal state Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsky a series of intimidating emails. Ryan Thornton, 37, of Racine was charged Monday with one felony count of stalking. He faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted. His attorney, listed in court…

Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz prepares to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right…

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell says he hasn’t been told whether he will be back next season

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Ohio State Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell says he hasn’t been told whether he will be back next season. Fickell was asked that directly during his Monday news conference, hours after athletic…

Minnesota Millionaire Raffle is back with 20,000 prizes

ROSEVILLE, Min. – Tickets for the Minnesota Lottery’s annual Minnesota Millionaire Raffle go on sale Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at approximately 5:00 a.m. For the first time, 20,000 prizes are up for grabs. There’s a new $20,000 prize tier. You odds of winning a prize are now 1 in 50.00. One million Raffle tickets will go on sale. Each ticket costs…

Business dealings listed within Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant arson case

Steven W Kastern Covering Surveillance Camera SUPERIOR, Wis. & SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – In the indictment of Steven and Kimberly Kastern for the fire at Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant, there were a number of business dealings mentioned.  The was a fire at the establishment on June 10, 2025. The couple were arrested on October 17, 2025 and were…

Owner of Hog Wild BBQ covered surveillance camera prior to fire at the business: Indictment

  SUPERIOR, Wis. & SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Surveillance video allegedly shows Steven W. Kastern taking steps to cover-up the alleged arson of the Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant on June 10, 2025. A DVR system in the office stored surveillance recordings from, “approximately 14 cameras throughout the establishment” was key in the indictment. The indictment claims, “DVR footage showed…

Trump says he has commuted sentence of former US Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case

George Santos WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday he had commuted the sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who is serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges. The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of…

Expect delays on Lift Bridge next week

Aerial Lift Bridge DULUTH, Min. – Both drivers and pedestrians could be facing minor delays with bridge inspections. Starting on Monday, October 20, 2025 the Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota Slip Bridge will undergo inspections. The inspection work is expect to last throughout the week. The inspections will require frequent and slow lifts of the bridge Aerial Lift Bridge to allow…

Man accused of assaulting Essentia nurses has history of nurse assault

Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – The man accused of assaulting two nurses at Essentia’s St. Mary’s Emergency Department had previously been convicted of assaulting Emergency Department staff. The recent assault allegedly happened at approximately 3a.m on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Duluth Police tell FOX21 he is accused of assaulting two female nurses. In November of 2017, Legarde was arrested…

New information on assault in Essentia Emergency Department

Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde DULUTH, Min. – Joseph Minowanigogezhig Legarde has officially been charged with two counts of assault from his alleged action in the Essentia St. Mary’s Emergency Department.  It happened on October 16, 2025. According to charging documents Legarde was in a emergency room and activated his call light. When a nurse responded to the call light, Legarde allegedly…

New District Court Judge named for Duluth

Nathan Lacoursiere DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. In making the announcement Gov. Walz said, “Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge… What makes him so…

‘Mania: The ABBA Tribute’ is a party and concert all in one

Mania: The ABBA Tribute DULUTH, Min. & DAVENPORT, Iowa – The ABBA tribute show called “Mania: The ABBA Tribute” is coming back to Duluth. It’s playing at the DECC Symphony Hall Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 7:30pm. The show has toured around the world playing more than 3,000 live concerts. The group performs classics like Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Take…

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce head weighs in on Non-Disclosure Agreements

Matthew Baumgartner DULUTH, Minn. –  Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) discussions have been making headlines in the St. Louis County Commission and Hermantown City Council. Matt Baumgartner, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, released a statement saying NDAs are a common and needed thing in business. Baumgartner wrote NDAs, “simply provides the space to explore the facts—costs,…

Lake Nebagamon man charged with possession of child pornography

Jackson Dallas Rabold SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Lake Nebagamon man is facing five counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19-year-old Jackson Dallas Rabold. The charging documents say investigators were initially tipped off to Rebold when Google detected, “258 files of suspected child pornography, stored on the google photos infrastructure.”  The indictment continues to…

Man taunts Troopers after 100-mile-per-hour chase, later leaving note calling self ‘Undefeated driver #1’

Matthew Dean Irgang NEAR CHISHOLM, Min. – Charging documents say a man drove from Minnesota Highway Patrol Trooper at more than 100-miles per hour leading them on a chase, and later left a note taunting them. The report alleges a Trooper clocked Matthew Irgang, 43, Eveleth driving 101-miles per hour the evening of December 8, 2024. He was allegedly driving…

Cellphones, Facebook Chats & A Tip: How deputies found the escaped NERCC prisoner

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Min. – Court documents are showing how deputies say they tracked down Michael Hart after he escaped from from Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) and stayed on the run for about 2-weeks. The information was found in the charging documents for Devone Shackelton, Michael Hart’s girlfriend. Shackelton was charged with one count of Felony Aiding an…

Investigator suing the City of Superior resigns

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mikayla LeRette, the Investigator suing the city of Superior, has resigned. She resigned in good standing about the same time both LeRette’s legal team and the City of Superior’s legal team agreed to some confidentiality terms in her federal lawsuit. On October 2, 2025 an agreement was made to keep some parts of evidence in the lawsuit…

Minnesota Nurses Association members created “hostile environment” at DECC

  DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) says Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members created a “hostile environment” in the facility where security had to be called. A statement from the DECC says an incident happened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, around noon at its Harbor Side Convention facility. The DECC statement says, “Reports from DECC staff and…

Crews to teardown the remainder of home that exploded in Hibbing

UPDATE: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety tells FOX21 the State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the explosion. HIBBING, Min. – Crews are beginning to teardown the remainder of home a that exploded in Hibbing the evening of October 12, 2025. The house exploded in Hibbing around 6:30 p.m. Crews beginning to tear down remainder of house that exploded in…

Threat against Proctor school was made by students but not credible

UPDATE: The Proctor Police Department tells FOX21 the threat was made via a phone call. PROCTOR, Min. – In the late morning of October 13, 2025 the Proctor School District Superintendent said a recent threat against the school was not credible. Proctor High School In a statement Superintendent of Schools Tim Rohweder said, “The Proctor Police Department was made aware of…

Diane Keaton, star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather’ series, has died

Actress Diane Keaton attends the premiere of “Morning Glory” at The Ziegfeld Theatre in New York, on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star known for films like “Annie Hall” and “The Godfather,” has died at 79. People Magazine reported her death on Saturday in California, citing a family spokesperson. No further details were…

Crosby Fire cause determined; Containment grows

Crosby Fire 10/11/2025 TOFTE, Min. – The Crosby Fire burning near Tofte has reached 50% containment on Sunday, Oct. 12. It has burned 300 acres. Investigators say the cause of the Crosby Fire has been determined to be a result of a lightning strike. Firefighters are making progress establishing a handline along the west and east sides of the fire’s…