Minnesota

Strikepoint handbell ensemble rings in the holiday spirit

DULUTH, Minn. –Strikepoint is recognized as one of the world’s top handbell ensembles. The group continues to share their music globally and locally, using concerts like their annual Christmas one at First United Methodist Church to help fund their concerts across the globe. The funding, much of which comes from generous donations, means the world to the ensemble. “Through our…

Lake Superior “Zoo Lights” in final weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The last weekend before Christmas marks the final time this holiday season that the Lake Superior Zoo’s “Zoo Lights” will be up for visitors to the zoo. The annual holiday tradition lets zoo-goers walk around the complex to see the “larger than life” critters along the paths, then head inside the zoo’s “Primate Conservation Center” to warm…

Pete Stauber expresses concerns over newly proposed Canadian border crossing rules

DULUTH, Min. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Senator Kevin Cramer (ND), and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) on Friday, December 19, 2026 sent a letter to the Canadian government inquiring about new border crossing rules that were just announced. Canada Border Services Agency announced that the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program will end on September 14, 2026. Rep. Stauber said…

Legacy Cannabis Grand Opening in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The grand opening of Legacy Cannabis in Minneapolis will be Saturday, December 20, 2025. This party also doubles at Legacy glassworks 9-year anniversary party. Legacy Cannabis is in the same location of Legacy Glassworks, making it a first-of-its-kind dispensary and glassblowing studio and gallery. Legacy Cannabis’ Duluth location became the state’s first licensed dispensary of marijuana on…

Lester Park Elementary Students Bring Holiday Cheer to Aspirus St. Luke’s Patients

Duluth, MN. — It’s the 23rd year of Students at Lester bringing the cheer to local hospital patients. Students delivered trees with handmade ornaments and gifts to patients at St. Lukes today. The students raised money for the gifts by doing chores. This yearly tradition began with a student that wanted to give back after his brothers life was saved…

Amazon Distribution Center tackling busy holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.– The holidays are here, and for many people, that means finding the perfect gift for their loved ones online. For the Amazon Distribution Center in Duluth, that means a significant increase in package deliveries. But the station manager said, it’s been like that for a while. “The holiday season for us started the day after Thanksgiving. We saw about…

USPS deadlines for shipping Christmas 2025 packages

DULUTH, Min. – Postal deadline are coming soon to ensure packages and letters arrive before Christmas 2025. December 16, 2025 was the recommended deadline for any service for international or military packages. Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25. Domestic Mail Class/Product Date (excluding Alaska & Hawaii) USPS Ground Advantage® Service Dec. 17 First-Class Mail® Service Dec. 17 Priority Mail® Service Dec. 18 Priority…

Duluth Public Schools Superintendent releases statement in response to ICE being in Twin Ports-area

John Magas DULUTH, Min,. – Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas sent a message to parents in the district titled, “Our Commitment to Student Safety and Belonging.” The statement said in part, “We understand that many in our community are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement.  While we cannot control the actions of outside agencies, we want to…

Canada Border Services changing remote border crossing procedures

Flag Of Canada DULUTH, Min & OTTAWA – The Canada Border Services Agency is introducing new telephone reporting border crossings for remotes areas of US – Canadian border crossing. Effective September 14, 2026 the old Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program will end. That program allowed permit holders to cross ports of entry into Canada without physically present themselves at…

’12 Hours of Giving’ Blood Drive brings lifesaving blood during the holiday season

DULUTH, Minn. — People across the Twin Ports are giving the gift of life by donating blood during the Red Cross “12-Hours of Giving” Blood Drive at The Garden Event Center. As an official media sponsor, FOX21 is proud to be involved in Duluth’s first-ever 12 Hour Blood Drive, which began today and will continue throughout tomorrow. As a thank…

Hartel’s Disposal wraps up $75,000 gift for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army and Hartel’s Disposal have wrapped up their “Hartel’s Holiday Impact Challenge”. The challenge invited local businesses to “dump their donations” into a trash bin at Hartel’s, with the disposal company matching up to $75,000 in donations. At the end of the 2-week campaign, the contributions totaled approximately $8,000. Despite not reaching the goal,…

Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame set to build $70 million complex

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame officially announced its plans to build a $70 million complex in Inver Grove Heights. Natalie Darwitz, a former Eagan High School star and Hockey Hall of Famer, is leading the large project. The facility will feature a world-class interactive museum, an NHL-size sunken ice rink, event and performance space, and…

Portman Hockey’s 4th annual “Great Skate” postponed

DULUTH, Minn. — Messy weather has forced Portman Hockey to postpone their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. The event typically signals the “official start” of Portman’s outdoor hockey season. The “Great Skate” fundraiser has consistently been a family-friendly, community-favorite event with food, games, and activities for all ages. Money raised goes toward the organization’s equipment, programs and rink improvements. More information,…

St. Lukes Foundation “Boot Drive” gives warm clothes to patients

DULUTH, Minn. — The re-freezing temperatures may be catching some people off guard, and for patients at Aspirus St. Lukes who may not have the best clothing for the cold, the St. Lukes Foundation is doing what they can to help. The foundation’s Boot Drive is focused on gathering new and lightly used winter clothing for patients at the clinic…

About half of Medicaid’s $18B in claims paid to Minnesota programs may be fraudulent, official says

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson describes a sprawling fraud investigation involving state-run programs in Minnesota at a news conference Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell’Orto) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — About half or more of the roughly $18 billion in claims paid out by Medicaid to Minnesota-run programs may have been fraudulent, and at least 14 programs were…

Minnesota Monsters moving to AMSOIL Arena for 2026 season

Minnesota Monsters Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Monsters have signed a deal to host games in the AMSOIL Arena for the 2026 season. The squad, previously known as the Duluth Harbor Monster, played their games in the DECC Arena. Home games will be May 22nd, May 30th, June 22nd, July 5th, July 11th, and July 18th. Minnesota Monsters CEO Steve…

Prosecutor says 14 Minnesota programs are targeted for fraud and the state is swamped with crime

  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson describes a sprawling fraud investigation involving state-run programs in Minnesota at a news conference Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell’Orto) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — At least 14 state-run programs in Minnesota have been flagged for fraud, a prosecutor said Thursday as he announced new charges in several schemes. First Assistant U.S….

Grandma’s Marathon offers free youth entry for local races

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Marathon announced a new initiative offering free youth entries to five local races throughout next year. In celebration of the marathon’s 50th annual race, free youth entry is being offered for the Saint Fennessy 4K, Fitger’s 5K, Park Point 5-Miler, Minnesota Mile, and the Superior Nightmare 5K, all of which support the Young Athletes Foundation. “Offering…

Marshall School students showcase genius hour projects

DULUTH, Minn. — 7th and 8th-grade students presented their projects during the Genius Hour Showcase at Marshall School. Teachers instructed the students to focus on real-world problems and provide solutions. Students spent several weeks doing research and interviewing experts, helping to create the overall project, which includes visuals and interactive displays. The projects vary from student-produced podcasts, a deep dive…

Family Freedom Center hosts holiday market

DULUTH, Minn.– Right on time for the holidays, the Family Freedom Center gave entrepreneurs the chance to show off their products. The holiday market is filling the halls of the family center full of local vendors. Throughout the afternoon, entrepreneurs of all ages showed off items such as baked goods, earrings, wreathes, and sweatshirts. “My favorite part about this is…

Salvation Army in Duluth hosts distribution day for local families

DULUTH, Minn.– The Salvation Army is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, because of their busy distribution days. In years past, they’ve helped out 600 families. But this year, Community Engagement Director said, this year they had twice as many applicants. Throughout the course of the two days, the Salvation Army will be giving 1,000 families a Christmas. Each guest will…

AMSOIL Arena ready to host World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series

DULUTH, Minn. — Future hockey stars are getting ready to take center ice in the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series taking place at AMSOIL Arena. Before the puck drops in the Twin Cities for the World Juniors Tournament, cities across the state are hosting exhibition games for the competing teams. Duluth’s series consists of Teams USA, Finland and Germany. AMSOIL Arena…

Duluth Parks and Recreation to receive $1.3 million grant to enhance Duluth Traverse

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Traverse will be seeing enhancements after receiving a $1.3 million grant. Duluth Parks and Recreation has been approved for the funds through the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. The traverse has over 90 total miles of multi-use trail spanning across Duluth. It’s one of the 11 trails across the state to receive funds….

Man arrested in Duluth for multiple murders in Atlanta sent back to Georgia

Kmauri Burnett DULUTH, Min. & ATLANTA – Kmauri Burnett was booked into the Atlanta Fulton County Georgia Jail on December 16, 2025.  Earlier in the day he left the St. Louis County Jail. According to jail records in Georgia he’s being held on two murder charges, carjacking, illegal possession of a weapon, and felony tampering with evidence. Minnesota officials say…

Minnesota Twins announce new ‘limited partners’ and change in leadership

Minnesota Twins Logo MINNEAPOLIS, Min. – The Minnesota Twins have announced two new limited partners and new leadership. Tom Pohlad will succeed Joe Pohlad in overseeing the Twins organization.  Tom is Joe’s brother.  Joe Pohlad has become a lighting rod and face of the Twins cutting payroll saying the team was going to “right size” the payroll following its most…

Behind the scenes: Duluth factory is the country’s only producer of popular ingredient

DULUTH, Minn.–Whenever you decide to crack open a bag of salt and vinegar chips or break into a bag of some sour candy you’ve likely tasted malic, or fumaric acid. For 47 years, a key ingredient found in many popular food items has been made right here in Duluth. The factory, Primient Duluth, is the country’s only producer of the…

Duluth East Choralaires treat Essentia patients to Christmas carols

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth East Choralaires brought some of their music to Essentia Health, as the performers spent time going from floor to floor singing to patients at the facility. For many of the students, getting to share their music with those around is one of the best parts of the holiday season. “My favorite part is just singing…

Family Freedom Center hosting first “Hillside Holiday Market”

DULUTH, Minn. — Family Freedom Center is welcoming in the Twin Ports community for its first Hillside Holiday Market. The market will be featuring over 30 different area vendors, as well as items designed and made by some of the children who are a part of the Freedom Center and their S.T.A.R.T program. The event is designed as a by-the-community, for-the-community…

Minnesota DVS opens final vehicle inspection location

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services division has opened its eighth vehicle inspection site. The new facility, located along Carlton St. in Duluth, signals the end of the DVS’s expansion, which began in 2021. The Duluth location, along with the 7 others scattered around Minnesota, are put in place to help protect the…

Hyundai and Kia will repair millions of vehicles under a deal to fix anti-theft technology

(Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP, File) Automakers Hyundai and Kia must offer free repairs to millions of models under a settlement announced Tuesday by Minnesota’s attorney general, who led an effort by dozens of states that argued the vehicles weren’t equipped with proper anti-theft technology, leaving them vulnerable to thefts. Under the nationwide settlement, the companies will offer a free…

Mayor Roger Reinert responds to 2026 tax levy changes

DULUTH , Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert has responded to the passing of Duluth’s 2026 budget. Monday, the Duluth City Council approved the 2026 property tax levy and budget. During the meeting, the City Council increased the levy to 3.5%. In September, Mayor Reinert had  requested an ‘inflation-only’ max tax levy of 2.7% SEE PREVIOUS: Mayor Reinert Proposes ‘Inflation-Only’…

Coffee Conversation: MNSAVES highlights expanded benefits of 529 College Savings Plans

DULUTH, Minn. — Emmanuel Torres, a College Savings Consultant with the MNSAVES 529 College Savings Plan, joined FOX 21 live in studio to share information about how families can plan ahead for a child’s education. MNSAVES works to educate parents and caregivers on the benefits of investing early in a 529 savings account, helping set children up for future educational success….

Lutsen Lodge owner out on bail

Bryce James Campbell GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Bryce Campbell, the owner of the Lutsen Lodge, is out on bail after making his first court appearance. According to court documents, Campbell posted a conditional release of $100,000. SEE PREVIOUS: Owner of Lutsen Lodge makes first court appearance, bail set at $500,000 SEE PREVIOUS: UPDATE: Lutsen Lodge owner charged with arson As…

Founding partner of Duluth Folk School passes away

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the founders of the Duluth Folk School, Tim Bates, has passed away. Since the inception of the school Bates, along with those around him, worked hard to establish a comforting environment where people could learn new skills. Bates was also a long-time figure within the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s outdoor education program, where he taught students…

Duluth Fire Department holds 25th employee toy drive

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department has once again gotten into the holiday spirit, as firefighters both, current and retired, purchased toys for kids as part of its 25th annual employee toy drive. The department raised over $7,000 from employee donations in the lead-up to the shopping spree, the most ever raised in the drive’s history. For the firefighters…

Chum warming shelter sees record breaking numbers

DULUTH, Minn.– After a stretch of sub-zero temps, chum staff say record-breaking numbers of people are turning to the warming shelter, and they need extra support. The peer recovery specialist at chum told FOX 21 they’ve noticed a drop in winter gear donations. This has led to several cases of frostbite that could result in medical attention. In December, their…

RSM Duluth donates $21,000 to Duluth Area Family YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.– A recent $21,000 donation to the Duluth Area Family YMCA came largely from a place of love. RSM Duluth, part of a global accounting firm, has partnered with the YMCA for its annual ‘Power of Love Stewardship Campaign.’ Each year, the campaign focuses on selecting a youth-centered organization to support through volunteer service and fundraising efforts. A managing…

St. Louis County to reduce landfill tipping fees

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County announced a reduction in landfill tipping fees Monday morning. According to officials, residents and businesses in the Solid Waste Management Area could see a decrease in their garbage bill. Starting in January,  tipping fees at the county’s regional landfill in Virginia will be reduced by $18.93 per ton.   Tipping fees are what the county…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater wraps up 2025 with holiday comedy shows

DULUTH, Minn. — Rubber Chicken Theater is wrapping up 2025 with two holiday-themed sketch comedy shows bringing local humor and seasonal silliness to downtown Duluth. Brian Matuszak, owner of Rubber Chicken Theater, joined FOX 21 live on the morning show to talk more about it. The first production, “Talk Duluthy to Me This Christmas, or, Santa’s Big DECC Energy,” runs…

ALLETE acquisition by CPP and GIP officially complete

DULUTH, Minn. — The acquisition of ALLETE by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board(CPP) and Global Infrastructure Partners(GIP) is officially complete. According to officials, this follows the final written order and unanimous approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPU). SEE PREVIOUS: ALLETE acquisition approved by Minnesota Public Utilities Commission SEE PREVIOUS: ALLETE sale now just one step away The…

Quinn Hughes scores in Minnesota debut as Wild beat Bruins 6-2 for 4th straight win

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. xx ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Quinn Hughes scored in his Minnesota debut and the Wild beat the Boston Bruins 6-2 on Sunday for their fourth straight win. Kirill Kaprizov had two goals and an assist…

J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings severely damage Cowboys’ playoff hopes, beating Dallas 34-26

Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) celebrates after making a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — J.J. McCarthy threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score, C.J. Ham had the go-ahead TD on his first carry of the…

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show takes over DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoors people of the Twin Ports united at the DECC once again for the annual Arrowhead Ice fishing and Winter Show. With the venue packed to the gills with goods and activities, the yearly event, which is now a decade old, has been a favorite of fishing and outdoors community in the Northland, as attendees get a…