Author: Matt McConico

Pohlads not selling Minnesota Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins are no longer for sale after a 10-month exploratory process, according to executive chair Joe Pohlad. Pohlad announced that his family will remain the principal owner and add two new investment groups instead. His grandfather, Carl Pohlad, bought the Twins in 1984. Pohlad in his announcement said the family was “fully open to all…

Part Time Iron Range Contributor

Position Overview: Part Time Iron Range Contributor We are seeking an Iron Range Contributor to join our team at KQDS (https://www.fox21online.com/) in Duluth, MN. As a Contributor, you will provide news and content of the happenings on the Iron Range. Tasks will including creating, curating, filing, and publishing content. This is a Part Time job with a flexible schedule of…

Part Time Digital Content Producer

Position Overview: Part Time Digital Content Producer We are seeking a Digital Content Producer to join our team at KQDS (https://www.fox21online.com/) in Duluth, MN. As Digital Content Producer, you will oversee our digital platforms. Tasks will including creating, curating and publishing content. This is a Monday – Friday evening shift of 5pm to 10pm. To apply send resume and cover…

New head for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office

Guadalupe Lopez ST. PAUL, Min. – Guadalupe Lopez is the new director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office. She began July 30. Lopez brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives to the MMIR Office….

Conviction in ‘massive’ Chicago-to-Duluth fentanyl trafficking scheme

Dugs Sized in Chicago-to-DuluthFentanyl Trafficking Scheme DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – A federal jury found defendant Carl Maurice Brown 32, guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. Brown was part of what the federal government called a “Massive Chicago-to-Duluth Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme”. The Department of Justice says from December 2021 to…

Accused assassin of Melissa Hortman and her husband pleas not guilty

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The man charged with killing the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband, and wounding a state senator and his wife, pleaded not guilty Thursday in federal court. Melissa Hortman Vance Boelter, 58, of Green Isle, Minnesota, was indicted July 15 on six counts of murder, stalking and firearms violations. The murder charges could carry…

Police Investigator suing City of Superior has also filed union grievance

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Investigator suing the Superior Police Department in Federal Court, Mikayla LeRette, has also filed a union grievance. It was filed by Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) Local #27 Grievance and Discipline Committee. The filing was submitted on June 30, 2025. That was about five months after her federal lawsuit was filed. The grievance was submitted to Chief…

Entire state of Minnesota has Unhealthy Air Alert until midday Monday

Air Quality Alert 08/01/2025 DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for all of Minnesota through noon Monday, August 4, 2025. Surface high pressure will camp out over the region through Friday evening and will result in light winds and poor dispersion. Smoke with widespread red/unhealthy air quality index (AQI) concentrations will likely…

FOX21 back on air following a traffic crash into a pole

UPDATE: We’re back on-air. — DULUTH, Minn. – FOX21 is off the air right now due to a power outage.   Nearly 3,000 Minnesota Power customers in central Duluth lost power, including us, following a truck crashing into a wire leading to the power outage.   The estimated return time is 4pm.

From DWI to Service Dogs: New laws go into effect in Minnesota

Great Seal Of The State Of Minnesota DULUTH, Minn. – Many new laws are going into effect in Minnesota on August 1, 2025. Housing protections for service dog trainers: Minnesotans who train service dogs will now receive the same housing rights as people who rely on trained service animals. This means homeowners associations and landlords are not allowed to deny…

House fire in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A fire broke out in the Village of Superior the night of July 31, 2025 around 11pm. It was a two-story residential building at 6614 John Ave. The building had heavy fire conditions on the 1st and 2nd floors when crews arrived. The Superior Fire Department crews say they found the lone occupant of the residence in the…

Duluth Judge Eric L. Hylden to retire

Honorable Eric L. Hylden DULUTH, Min. – Governor Tim Walz has announced the retirement of the Honorable Eric L. Hylden. He’s a judge in the Sixth Judicial District seated in Duluth. Governor Walz is now asking for application for the vacancy. A news release from the Governor’s Office says applications for the position are due by 4:00 pm on August…

Solvay Hospice House reopens after pause for MNA strike

DULUTH, Min. – Essentia Health and the Miller Dwan Foundation is resuming hospice patient care at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. The facility had temporarily suspended services as a result of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) strike. Starting Thursday, July 31 Solvay Hospice House will reopen and be ready to provide hospice care. Solvay will welcome residential hospice patients and…

New allegations from Investigator suing Superior Police Department

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Investigator suing the Superior Police Department, Mikayla LeRette, has filed an amended complaint in Federal Court. The new amended complaint lists new allegations and actions of more people within the department. LeRette is the wife of current Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt. The suit is against the City of Superior,  former Superior Police Captain Thomas Champaigne, Assistant…

Green Bay Packers Family Night on TV in Northwest Wisconsin

DULUTH, Min. – You will be able to watch the Green Bay Packers Family Night festivities live on Antenna TV in the Duluth-Superior Television Market. Antenna TV channel 21.2, will have the broadcast from 7pm to 10pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Host Drew Smith will presents on-field football drills plus and an intra-squad scrimmage between the Packers’ Offense and…

Minnesota teen the youngest ever to medal at World Aquatics Championship

DULUTH, Minn. – An 18-year-old from Minnesota medaled in the High Dive at 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Just three weeks prior you might have seen Maya Kelly jumping into Duluth Harbor in the Superior High Dive Challenge. Fast forward she won a bronze medal. Making her the youngest ever to make the podium for the High Dive World Aquatics…

Most of Minnesota will have ‘Unhealthy Air’ until Saturday afternoon

DULUTH, Min.  – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. Most of the state will be in the “Unhealth Air” category until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Effective 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 parts of Minnesota north of Mankato are in the Red Alert status. Air Quality Alert…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office releases Body-Worn and Squad Video video of Normanna shooting

Muzzle flash shown on Squad Camera from July 15th, 2025 Normanna Officer Involved Shooting. DULUTH, Min. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office released videos from the the officer-involved shooting that took place in Normanna Township on July 15, 2025. The released video is from the body-worn cameras and squad video during the moments leading up to, during, and immediately…

Governor Walz activates Minnesota National Guard following cyberattack

ST. PAUL, Min. – Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order activating the Minnesota National Guard following a hack on the city of St. Paul. The order went into effect on July 29, 2025. Minnesota National Guard’s cyber protection assets were called up. The Governor’s Office says the magnitude and complexity of the cybersecurity incident have exceeded the city’s response…

Vehicle smashes into State Patrol vehicle spinning it 75-feet

UPDATE: The vehicle that hit the trooper’s squad was a 2018 Kia Sportage. — DULUTH, Min. – A vehicle crashed into a Minnesota State Patrol vehicle on Highway 53, spinning it 75-feet from the impact site. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash that happened just after 11am on Monday, July 28, 2025. They’re reporting the Trooper’s…

Air Quality Alert for northern half of Minnesota until Wednesday night

Air Quality Alert 07/28/2025 DULUTH, Min.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the northern half of Minnesota. Northwesterly winds will transport heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan into northern Minnesota, beginning Tuesday morning. Smoke will spread south into central Minnesota through the day Tuesday and may continue into southern Minnesota overnight…

Governor Tony Evers announces he will not run for re-election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years. It will be Wisconsin’s highest profile race next year, as Democrats also angle to take control of the Legislature thanks to redrawn election maps that…

Governor Walz: Canadians should visit Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Min. – Governor Tim Walz is asking Canadians to visit Minnesota. In a news release he said, “We value that connection and the many ways our cultures overlap — from hockey to fishing, and from buffalo plaid to a bold winter spirit. We want our Canadian neighbors know they’re not just welcome here — they’re encouraged to visit…

Man accused of raping juvenile then giving her “Morning After Pill” birth control

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – A man is accused of raping a juvenile girl then giving her the Plan B birth control “Morning After Pill” following the rape. Eric Kye Gatewood, 22, Virginia is charged with one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree. Police documents say Gatewood took a juvenile victim to run an errand. The victim then…

Founders of Hibbing-based non-profit removed after settlement with Minnesota Attorney General

HIBBING, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has worked to remove George and Georgia Andria from the Borealis Art Guild’s board and bank accounts. The Attorney General’s Office announced July 23, 2025 they reached separate settlements with both the Borealis Art Guild, and its founders, George and Georgia Andria. There have been allegations that the nonprofit’s…

Sheriff’s Office looking for help in positively identifying victim found in house fire

UPDATE:  The Sheriff’s Office has made contact with next of Kin for Susan Hein.  They also have updated her age to be 67. — DULUTH, Minn. – Two people were found dead in Beatty Township the evening of July 17, 2025. Nearly a week later, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in positively identifying one person…

Emerald Ash Borer discovered for first time in Itasca County; Emergency quarantine in place

Itasca County EAB Emergency Quarantine 07/23/2025 ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Itasca County for the first time. A suspected EAB infestation was reported by a homeowner on Pokegama Lake, south of Grand Rapids. Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Itasca County, the Minnesota Department of…

Air Quality Alert issued for entire northern half of Minnesota

Air Quality Alert 07/23/2025 DULUTH, Minn. –  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has expanded the current air quality alert. Nearly all of Minnesota north of St. Cloud is now in the new Red or “Unhealthy” Air Alert. The affected area includes the International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely and Duluth. It is in effect until Friday July 25, 2025 at 11…

Judge sentences Bryan Kohberger to life in prison for murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Friends and relatives of four University of Idaho students murdered in their rental home by Bryan Kohberger delivered powerful statements of love, anguish and condemnation as his sentencing hearing began Wednesday. “This world was a better place with her in it,” Scott Laramie, the stepfather of Madison Mogen, told the court. ”Karen and I are ordinary…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Harbor Monsters

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Harbor Monsters Arena Football Team is preparing for one last showdown at home this weekend on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Head Coach Tony O’Neil,  Quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson and Defensive Back “Sosa” Maxwell joined Maria Vollom to talk about their upcoming home finale. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Features, Professional Sports, Sports

Company working with Incline Village Developer terminates contract; Website removed

DULUTH, Minn. – ICS, a construction and development company, has terminated its contract with Incline Plaza Development. That’s according to an e-mail they sent to the City of Duluth on July 3, 2025. Incline Plaza Development is the lead to develop a property called “Incline Village,” which would be on the site of the old Central High School. Renderings of…

Grant money for shipyards heading to Twin Ports

WASHINGTON, D.C. & SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded more than $800,000 in a grant to help the Superior Shipyards. A grant of $817,146.23 will go to Fraser Shipyards, LLC of Superior to help purchase a Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic Boom Rough Terrain Crane. MARAD is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic…

Man killed in Normanna Township incident identified; Officers involved also identified

Law enforcement scene in Normanna near McQuade Road and E Pioneer Road ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released more information on the deadly incident in Normanna Township on July 15, 2025. BCA says the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified Adam Clinton Wolf, 57, of Normanna Township as the man who…

State Senator convicted of two felonies plans to resign

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state senator convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house plans to resign by early August, her lawyer said Monday. Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell has faced calls from fellow Minnesota lawmakers for her immediate resignation since her conviction on Friday. The jury deliberated for three hours before finding her guilty…

Minnesota State Senator guilty of first-degree burglary

Nicole Mitchell BECKER COUNTY, Minn.  (AP) –  A Minnesota state senator has been convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home. The jury on Friday found Nicole Mitchell guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Bodycam video shows the 51-year-old Democrat telling police when they arrested her in April 2024, “Clearly, I’m not good at this.”…

Weekend Air Quality Alerts across Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued varied air quality alerts across Northern Minnesota for the upcoming weekend. The alerts range from Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The alerts takes effect 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and run until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will…

Essentia says nominations in Washington, D.C. will help with APP strike negotiations

DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump on July 17, 2025 nominated two people to join the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Essentia has been saying their discussions with the Advanced Practice Practitioners (APPs) are stalled due to an appeal to the NLRB. Essentia says they are concerned about the size and reach of the proposed bargaining unit. Essentia has asked…

Cirrus Aircraft and Duluth Pack unveils parachute lined-bag collection

DULUTH, Minn.  – Cirrus Aircraft has a new production – but not an airplane. They’re launching a collection of handcrafted, aviation-inspired travel bags. Cirrus is utilizing upcycled parachute material repurposed from the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®). Each item is hand-built in Duluth by Duluth Pack. Cirrus Caps Backpack by Duluth Pack The inner lining is cut individually by hand from…

Air Quality Alert issued for International Falls-area

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, and runs until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025. The affected area includes International Falls and the Tribal Nation of Red Lake. A pocket of moderate to heavy…

Final “pour” on Twin Ports Interchange project scheduled

DULUTH, Minn. – The final bridge deck “pour” for the Twin Ports Interchange project will take place Thursday evening, July 17, 2025. The newly poured deck will complete 145,260 cubic yards of concrete, alongside 4,672 tons of reinforced steel. It’s a significant milestone marking the transition into the final phase of construction. Once the new deck has cured, crews will…

Part of Munger State Trail washed out; Closed until winter

DULUTH, Minn. – A section of the Munger State Trail close to the Buffalo House restaurant is expected to be closed  until later this winter. It’s closed to replace a failing culvert. There is no designated detour available, so trail users should plan accordingly. Munger Trail Closed 07/17/25 Recent heavy rainfall has caused severe soil erosion around the culvert located at…

Senator Tina Smith hospitalized

Senator Tina Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. & DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is in the hospital. Senator Smith’s staff posted on her X account, “While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well. She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination at GW hospital. Out of an abundance of…