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MyPillow founder Mike Lindell files paperwork to run for governor of Minnesota

Mike Lindell (AP) – Mike Lindell, a prominent backer of President Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, filed the paperwork with the Minnesota campaign board Wednesday. But Lindell told The Associated Press that it’s “not 100%” sure yet he will run. He said he filed because the person who would run his campaign told him they needed to get…

Doctor who sold ketamine to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry gets 2 1/2 years in prison

FILE – Dr. Salvador Plasencia leaves federal court on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to giving ketamine to Matthew Perry, leading up to the actor’s 2023 overdose death. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor who pleaded guilty to selling ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks before the “Friends” star’s overdose death was…

Pentagon watchdog finds Hegseth’s use of Signal posed risk to US personnel, AP sources say

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon’s watchdog found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he used the Signal messaging app to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Houthi militants…

Duluth Firefighters held Mustache Madness competition, Winner Announced!

Captain Dan Smith, Mustache Madness Winner DULUTH, Minn. — Captain Dan Smith took home the trophy in the DFD’s first Mustache Madness competition. In the last week of November, the Duluth Fire Department has held a contest for which firefighter had the fan favorite mustache. Captain Smith narrowly won with 1,497, with less than fifty votes separating him from his…

Road to gold: Duluth’s Korey Dropkin talks Olympic pursuit

Duluth, Minn. — Duluth curler Korey Dropkin is headed to the biggest stage, the 2026 Olympics. He’ll compete alongside his curling partner, Cory Thiesse. FOX 21’s Maria Vollom sat down with Dropkin to talk about his journey on the ice and the road ahead. COMING SOON: Dropkin teaches Vollom how to curl like an Olympian. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Salvation Army seeks toys, volunteers, and donations

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Salvation Army Community Engagement Director Cyndi Lewis joined FOX 21 to share how residents can get involved with giving back this holiday season. Hartel Disposal is matching donations up to $75,000. The Salvation Army is especially in need of toys for children, plus volunteers to serve as bell ringers at Red Kettles around the region. Shoppers…

Public input meeting held for St. Louis County’s 2026 budget

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board held a public input meeting on the proposed 2026 operating budget and property tax levy. The budget is expected to exceed $560 million to help fund essential public safety services, health and human services, infrastructure, and general government. It includes $202 million brought in through the property tax levy, which is a…

Fairlawn Mansion begins holiday tours

DULUTH, Minn. — The Fairlawn Mansion, in Superior, is back hosting its holiday tours and events. The mansion is elegantly decorated for the holidays, highlighting its rich Victorian history and an exhibit featuring rare artifacts from the Superior Historic Properties and the Douglas County Historical Society. The holiday tours run throughout Dec., alongside other events such as a quiet Santa,…

Update: ‘Possible human bones’ found in basement of Chisholm home

Home where bones were found (submitted) 7:15 p.m. update: Chisholm Police Chief James Vukad said possible human bones were found in the basement of a home Tuesday. Submitted photo The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to process the scene. “Initial observations indicate the bones are NOT believed to be of human origin; however, they will be submitted…

Scam Jam familiarizes community to help prevent fraud

DULUTH, Minn.– The Better Business Bureau teamed up with American Association of Retired Persons to familiarize over 100 people with detecting scams. Attendees at the scam jam got to learn from numerous outlets, including the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department. and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. AARP officials told FOX 21us, individuals who are between the ages of 20 and…

DEDA approves future development of Lester Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Economic Development Authority held a meeting, and future plans were approved for the Lester Golf Course property. Over the course of 9 months, a land study will take place on the 250-acre property, allowing community members to voice opinions. Councilor Arik Forsman told FOX 21, it’s future will range from potential housing, conservation opportunities, as well as…

$50k Powerball winner in Virginia

ROSEVILLE, Min. & DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Lottery has announced someone bought a Powerball ticket in Virginia worth $50,000. It was purchased at the Short Stop at 1131 2nd Ave. S. The ticket was for the November 26, 2025 drawing. It had four out of the five numbers correct, plus the Powerball correct. In Minnesota, prize claims must be…

Chester Bowl seeking support on Giving Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s Giving Tuesday, and local organizations like Chester Bowl are grateful for community support. Chester Bowl helps kids and families get out in nature and enjoy the seasons. They have their Ski and Snowboard programs, summer programming, concerts in the park and more. Currently they are preparing to build a new chalet with more accessibility and space….

New Finance Director for Duluth

Juanita “Nina” Salinas DULUTH, Min. – Juanita “Nina” Salinas is the new City of Duluth Finance Director. Nina most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of San Antonio Council District 6, where she oversaw constituent services, zoning, public works, and events and outreach for the district. She also supported the district’s review of the city’s $4 billion…

Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP from Democrat-led states if they don’t provide data

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that it will move to withhold SNAP food aid from recipients in most Democratic-controlled states starting next week unless they provide information about those receiving the assistance. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday that the action is in the works because those states are refusing to provide…

Federal authorities plan operation in Minnesota focusing on Somali immigrants, AP source says

FILE – In this June 28, 2019, file photo the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal is seen during a news conference in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal authorities are preparing a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that would primarily focus on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the United States, a move that comes as…

Michael and Susan Dell donate $6.25 billion to encourage families to claim ‘Trump Accounts’

Michael and Susan Dell pose for photographs Nov. 26, 2025, in New York. NEW YORK (AP) — Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion Tuesday to provide 25 million American children under 10 an incentive to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation. The historic gift has little precedent,…

UMD announces new Associate VP for Philanthropy

UMD’s new Associate Vice President for Philanthropy, Julia Diggins DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth(UMD) has announced its pick for the new Associate Vice President for philanthropy. Julia Diggins has been selected for the role. Diggins has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently working as an interim president and vice chancellor for university advancement…

Coffee Conversation: “A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol” brings holiday spirit to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions is bringing a little nostalgia to the Northland this holiday season. “A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol” opens this Thursday at the Spirit of the North Theatre inside the Fitger’s Complex. John Ryde-Crane, who plays Isadore “Buzz” Crenshaw, and Keith Russell, who takes on the role of Clifton Feddington, joined FOX 21 live in studio….

Hartel Disposal matching $75,000 in donations for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn.–Hartel Disposal, a local waste management company is wasting no time helping out the Salvation Army. Starting on Tuesday December 2nd Hartel Disposal will match up to $75,000 in donations towards the Salvation Army. Perfect for the occasion, a special Hartel garbage can is decorated, and ready to receive. Donations can only be dumped at the West Duluth location,…

Former Honduras President Hernández freed after Trump pardon

FILE – Honduras’ President Juan Orlando Hernandez speaks during the opening ceremony of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday Nov. 1, 2021. Andy Buchanan/Pool via AP, File) TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández, sentenced last year to 45 years in prison for his role in helping drug traffickers move hundreds of tons of cocaine…

Mandela Barnes announces run for Wisconsin Governor

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Lieutenant Governor, Mandela Barnes, announced his run for Governor of Wisconsin Tuesday morning. Barnes announced the campaign in a video saying he will reject the Washington way and pledge to stand up to Trump and make life more affordable the “Wisconsin Way.” “Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way: lower…

Duluth celebrates Small Business Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the weekend, people across the nation spent their hard-earned money at locally owned businesses in support of Small Business Saturday. The national holiday takes place each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This gives small businesses extra support throughout the holiday season. Here in the Northland, people came out to support a variety of small businesses, like…

UMD students hold ‘ICE Whistle Training Session’

DULUTH, Minn. — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement increases raids in cities across the country, the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America are taking action of their own. The student organization’s most recent event is what they dub an “ICE whistle training session.” The event welcomed community members to campus as well, with the organizers…

Maintenance crew member falls from tower in Douglas County, official tells FOX 21

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis. – A maintenance crew member fell from a tower in Douglas County this morning, a county board supervisor told FOX 21 Monday evening. Earlier in the day, the Lake Nebagamon Volunteer Fire Department posted on its social media showing two pictures of Life Link on scene of an “incident involving a tower maintenance crew.” The department referred…

Jeff Bezos awards $2.5M to Chum

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Chum Drop-In Shelter has landed its biggest grant in the history of the non-profit, thanks to the owners of one of the biggest companies in the world. Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren, issued a $2.5 million grant to Chum through its Day 1 Families Fund. That fund focuses on connecting families with housing and hope….

Merryweather Inn lights up the holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — The Merryweather Inn is back again, hosting Marcia Hales’ famous “spirit of the Lights” display. The Inn is festively decorated from top to bottom, inside and out, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community. Visitors are encouraged to drive up to the Inn for a quick view or take a walk along their lighted path. While exploring, people…

UMD stores preparing for finals weeks and holidays

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s a busy time of year with finals, and the holidays all wrapped together. And luckily, UMD is prepared for all of it. The UMD store will be celebrating cyber-Monday and continuing through finals week. For the occasion, they’re putting lots of UMD merchandise on sale. And to get through final exams, they’ve assembled ‘survival kits’ to purchase…

Three new K-9s join local law enforcement agencies, three celebrate retirement

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Two new K-9s have joined the Hermantown Police Department, taking over the reins of two long-serving K-9s who are entering retirement. K-9s Tuuko and Jack are both retiring after serving for around 10 years on the force. Both of the dogs accomplishing many feats in their time. K-9s Bruno and Kylo have graduated from their training and…

Farmer Doug’s Tree Farm gaining statewide attention

DULUTH, Minn.– Tis the season for trees, and many of the local tree farms are now in full swing. Some of the customers are traveling hours to make the trek for their perfect tree. Farmer Doug said, it’s been a slow fall season. Now, pumpkins are done, and winter has finally shown itself. They’re fully stocked with their supply of…

Vikings waive wide receiver Adam Thielen to allow veteran to pursue more playing time elsewhere

FILE = Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings waived wide receiver Adam Thielen on Monday, allowing the 13-year veteran an opportunity for more playing time elsewhere down the stretch of his expected final NFL season and ending…

Farmers market vendors say they are still waiting on payments from Community Action Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — During the ongoing tensions between Community Action Duluth and its employees, Twin Ports vendors with the Duluth Farmers Markets are still yet to be paid their promised fee by the organization. According to one of the vendors, many sellers attending these markets have yet to receive compensation from Community Action Duluth, as part of the non-profit’s EBT…

Great Lakes Aquarium mourns loss of Bogey, 26-year-old bald eagle

DULUTH, Minn. — Great Lakes Aquarium announced the death of longtime resident Bogey the bald eagle, who was 26-years-old. After a period of declining health, the decision was made to humanely euthanize Bogey. X-rays taken in June revealed Bogey had significant arthritis, and recently he began to struggle with standing and eating. Bogey first arrived at Great Lakes Aquarium from…

Santa and his reindeer begin meet and greets at Fitgers

DULUTH, Minn.– The holiday season has officially arrived, and Santa Claus and his reindeer are wasting no time getting into the spirit. Each weekend leading up to Christmas, Santa is stopping by Fitgers to visit with kids and families. He isn’t coming alone; Donner and Blitzen are tagging along for some extra holiday fun. Santa said he’s looking forward to…

Superior kicks off Small Business Saturday with annual Holiday tree lighting

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The community gathered at Center City Park in Superior’s downtown business district for the annual Holiday tree lighting, which also marked the official kickoff to Small Business Saturday. Before the countdown began, families and community members filled the park, sipping on hot cocoa, enjoying cookies, and listening to cheerful holiday music as Santa and his helpers greeted…

What a federal ban on THC-infused drinks and snacks could mean for the hemp industry

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The production lines at Indeed Brewing moved quickly, the cans filling not with beer, but with THC-infused seltzer. The product, which features the compound that gets cannabis users high, has been a lifeline at Indeed and other craft breweries as alcohol sales have fallen in recent years. But that boom looks set to come to a crashing…

Rules: FOX 21 Days of Holiday Treasures

Fox 21 Days of Holiday Treasure Rules Promotion Period: November 28th to December 20th How to Participate: Tune In: Watch the 9pm News on Fox 21 during the promotion period. Code Word: Each night, a special code word will be announced. Email Entry: Once you see the code word, email it to happyholidays@kqdsfox21.tv. Submission Deadline: You have until 6am the following morning to submit your code word….

Free Minnesota state park entry November 28th

DULUTH, Minn. — Enjoy free entrance to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 28 The DNR offers fours Free Park Days a year, where vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas are waived. “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we encourage friends and family to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature,” said Ann…

Suspect in shooting of National Guard members now facing a first-degree murder charge

Washington, D.C. Shooting Scene November 26, 2026 WASHINGTON (AP) — The charges against the man who authorities say shot two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder after one of the soldiers died, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia announced Friday. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were hospitalized in critical condition…

US retailers are about to see if Black Friday benefits from a holiday halo effect

The shirt of a woman who has matching shirts with 4 other friends and all shop together on Black Friday as shoppers browse through Kohl’s department store for Black Friday looking for deals, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Woodstock, Ga. (AP Photo/Megan Varner) NEW YORK (AP) — Black Friday no longer tempts people to leave Thanksgiving tables for midnight mall runs, but…

Man Rescued After Snowmobile Got Stuck Near Meadowlands

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Logo (Gordon Ramsay)ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County authorities are reminding riders to use caution, after a snowmobiler ended up stranded near Meadowlands. On Thursday, November 27, deputies and rescue squad members responded to the report of a 55-year-old male who got stuck the day before when his snowmobile started to sink into…

Trump says one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by Afghan national has died

This combo from photos provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, show National Guard members, from left, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. (U.S. Attorney’s Office via AP)WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — President Donald Trump said that one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by an Afghan national near the…