Minnesota

Veterans Resilience Project hosts Second Annual Sweat 4 Vets event

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the weekend, people gathered to help veterans by sweating. This weekend, the Veterans Resilience Project hosted its 2nd annual Sweat 4 Vets event at Endion Station, inviting the public to come and experience the rejuvenating benefits of sauna therapy. People took to the sauna for a sweat session, then followed it up with a refreshing cold…

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…

CHUM Urgently Seeks Food Donations as SNAP Benefits Pause Impacts Families

DULUTH, Minn.– With many families around the Twin Ports relying on snap benefits to stay ahead, the recent changes have begun to impact local resources. With the news of the SNAP program benefits being put on pause, food shelves are in crunch time. Chum officials told FOX 21 they help out around 300 people weekly. That number increases daily, with…

Students Launch Weather Balloon Experiment

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from Piedmont released a weather balloon as part of a STEM project. The balloon is expected to reach an altitude of 100,000 feet and land 3 hours after launch in northwest Wisconsin. There are multiple cameras watching over experiments connected to the balloon. Students also attached a Labubu with an alien head to the project. “Hands…

Children’s Dental Services Holds Grand Opening

DULUTH, Minn. — Children’s Dental Services held the grand opening of their new Dental Hub in Downtown Duluth. This celebration marks the full installation of 10 dental chairs, new dental equipment, and housing for rotating providers to stay overnight after serving patients. This clinic will be a central point to their ‘hub and spoke’ method, bringing portable clinics across surrounding…

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…

Essentia and MNA reach agreement for Miller Hill Surgery Center nurses

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health and The Minnesota Nurses Association(MNA) have reached a tentative agreement on contracts for nurses at the Miller Hill Surgery Center. According to Essentia officials, they agreed to a contract for  23 nurses at the center that will be effective through March 31, 2026.  “This agreement reflects hours of conversation and hard work done at the…

65th Arrowhead Regional Biennial Art Exhibition

DULUTH, Minn. — Art enthusiasts gathered at the Duluth Art Institute to celebrate the 65th Arrowhead Regional Biennial art exhibition. The event highlights art and artists from across Minn., Wis., the Dakotas, Iowa, Mich., and Ontario, bringing a variety of different artwork together to reflect the shared cultures and environmental interconnectedness by drawing from the landscapes of lakes, woodlands, and…

Taste of Hermantown Serves up Support for Students and Businesses

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Community spirit and local eats were on full display at this year’s Taste of Hermantown. Oct. 23 marked the 18th annual Taste of Hermantown at AAD Shriners. The event featured a variety of local restaurants serving food and included a silent auction. All proceeds from the evening go toward supporting the Hermantown Legacy Fund, which offers Hermantown…

Musician Todd Eckart Killed in Head-On Crash, Music Community Mourns

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth community is grieving after the unexpected passing of local musician Todd Eckart. Wednesday afternoon, Eckart was killed in a wrong way head on collision in Hawthorne Township. Channeling the soul, and tunes of the era of Buddy Holly, his voice and impact was heard around the Twin Ports. “He played the music that they kind of…

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…

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes Visitors For International Snow Leopard Day

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo celebrated International Snow Leopard Day, welcoming locals in to help share the love with the zoo’s resident big cat. The zoo’s guests were able to ring in the day by designing their own “enrichment item”, which would later be given to Kiran, the snow leopard. Guests were able to decorate a colorful…

Update in fatal wrong-way crash

HAWTHORNE TOWNSHIP, Wis. — Officials have named both victims of a fatal wrong-way crash. Officials have now identified Daniel W. Ohara, 77, of Duluth, along with Todd M. Eckart, 61, of Duluth as the victims. SEE PREVIOUS: Two dead in wrong way crash on Highway 53 in Amnicon. SEE PREVIOUS: Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash The…

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…

Data Center Debate: Hermantown’s Comm. Dir. Talks Public Process

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The city of Hermantown’s communications director, Joe Wicklund, talked to FOX 21 Wednesday about concerns surrounding a proposed data center and the way the city is or is not including the public in the process. “We protect the environment so well in Minnesota with robust environmental standards. That has not changed. What has changed is these types…

Castle Danger Heads into 10 years of ‘Pints for a Cause’

  TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Once again, Castle Danger is turning good beer into a good cause as they head into their 10th year of ‘Pints for a Cause.’ Throughout the entire year, the brewery hosts beer release parties every other month in collaboration with six different non-profits from across the region. Each release party showcases one organization’s work through…

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…

Business Leader Summit Held to Inform and Update

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Businesses gathered to attend a Business Leader Summit at Kitchi Gammi Club on Wednesday, October, 22. The summit focused on updating employers after the changes to Minnesota and Federal legislature. Speakers presented on topics such as trends in insurance and banking in the tax world, as well as human resources changes and paid family medical leave….

Completion of LNPK Grocery delayed to early 2026

  DULUTH, Minn. — The completion of Ecolibrium3’s Lincoln Park Grocery store is experiencing delays, which resulted in a revised timeline that could extend into 2026. Ecolibrium3 (Eco3) officials say that, due to various snags in the construction process and bringing the building up to code, the store opening is being delayed. Located at the previous Eco3 office over on…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office warns of scam calls pretending to be law enforcement

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office is warning community members of potential scam calls. According to officials, they have become aware of scam calls where the caller claims to be a member of law enforcement. In some cases, these callers demand money for different reasons, such as missed court dates or failing to appear for witness testimony….

Minnesota Supreme Court sends transgender powerlifter’s legal challenge back to lower court

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday sent the case of a transgender athlete who wants to compete in the women’s division at weightlifting events back to a lower court to determine whether USA Powerlifting has a “legitimate business purpose” for excluding her. The state’s highest court ruled that the group’s policy that bars JayCee Cooper from competing…

Twin Ports Interchange expected to fully open Friday

Twin Ports Interchange in July DULUTH, Minn. — According to DOT officials, the Twin Ports interchange project should be construction-free by Friday. The ramp connecting I-35 to the Blatnik Bridge is the last piece of the 5-year project still partly closed. A ribbon-cutting was earlier in October celebrated the completion of the project, which included I-35, the Hwy 53 bridges,…

Northland Country Club Asks For Public’s Help After Vandals Strike Twice

DULUTH, Minn. — Vandals have struck the Northland Country Club two times in one week. The people, who appear on surveillance video to be in their younger years, trespassed the property during the early morning hours of Oct. 16 and 18. Management says carts and green were damaged, doors were kicked in, locks were cut, and storage areas were broken…

Global Rising Coffee Prices Being Felt Locally Amid Tariffs

DULUTH, Minn. — Tariffs and global issues are forcing coffee houses, including local shops like Duluth Coffee Company, to raise their prices for your morning cup of joe. “Duluth Coffee Company is going through unprecedented times in the purchasing and selling of coffee, not only because of tariffs, but because all of the raw coffee that we buy is connected…

UMD Seminar Explores AI Deep Fakes

  DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted an online seminar regarding the potential threat of artificial Intelligence leading to an “info-pocalypse.” The meeting featured two professors of philosophy from Northeastern University who spoke about how digital fakes, fake news, and bots posing as humans have the potential to confuse people to the point of not knowing if…

Duluth Right to Repair Hosts Labor Rally

DULUTH, Minn. — Local labor unions stepped out in support of tenants and the “Duluth Right to Repair” initiative that’s on the Nov. Ballot. The ‘Duluth Right to Repair’ gives renters a tool to get timely fixes for common repairs such as bathroom fans, leaks, cabinet doors, and appliances. The cost of the repair would not exceed $500, and then…

‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Hosts Free Mattress Drop-Off Event Oct. 22

A winter clothing drive is also part of the event

DULUTH, Minn. — Twin Ports Trailer Trash is hosting a free mattress drop-off event Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Duluth while also hosting a winter clothing drive. The drop-off location for both causes is 215 S. 37th Avenue West from 8 .m. until 4 p.m.  There is a limit of two mattresses or box springs. “I’m constantly trying to just figure…

Annual Energy Expo Brings Community and Resources Together

It’s Energy Awareness month and the Annual Energy Expo kicked off to help inform the community about the resources available to them. The expo was designed to inform attendees what resources are available to them. OneRoof, Ecolibrium3, Citizens Utility Board, and many other representatives were there. They had a free hot lunch, the opportunity to sign up for energy assistance,…

Former Wisconsin Rep. Angie Sapik Releases New Memoir

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Former Wisconsin Representative Angie Sapik joined FOX 21 live Tuesday, Oct. 21, to discuss her new memoir, sharing insight into her time in office, the “political machine,” and a decision she says she made “for the good of the party.” Sapik, who represented District 73 from January 2023 to January 2025, reflects on her accomplishments in Madison…

Minnesota Attorney General to run for re-election

Keith Ellison ST. PAUL, Minn. —  The Minnesota Attorney General has announced that he plans to run for re-election. Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Tuesday that he plans on running for a third term. “I’m running for re-election to keep Minnesota a fair place, where rule of law prevails over power and privilege,” said Ellison. “Since Minnesota elected me seven years…

Hermantown Council Approves Rezone for Potential Data Center

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown City Council has voted 4-0 to rezone land for a potential data center, officially changing the property from residential to business and light manufacturing. While the vote marks a major step forward for the proposed project, city leaders say it’s a rezone only and does not approve the data center itself. The decision came just…

Blatnik Bridge Project Update Meeting Held In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation held a public meeting in Superior to present community members with updates on the Blatnik Bridge project. The presentation, which took place in front of a packed house at the Superior Public Library, gave Twin Ports residents the chance to hear some of the updates on the long awaited project and see…

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…

6th Avenue East Re-opens with Safety in Mind

DULUTH, Minn. — 6th avenue east is officially open now. The resurfacing project added vegetated medians, reduced the lanes to 3, updated crossings for ADA compliance, and replaced lead water service lines. These changes make walking and crossing 6th avenue much safer for pedestrians. According to the project webpage, 20% of Duluth’s Pedestrian deaths in the past ten years have…

Pumpkin Train Forced to Strike Vehicle at Duluth Crossing

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad’s (NSSR) last Pumpkin Train of the season got an unexpected delay Sunday after a driver ignored safety signals and ultimately got clipped by the train in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood, according to train officials. “Always assume that there is a train coming. Stop fully. Don’t go to a soft stop, stop fully. Look…

‘Dance TV’ Performs Halloween Edition at Zeitgeist in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The heat was on, the music was turned up and the competition was fierce Saturday night at Dance TV’s Halloween edition at Zeitgeist in downtown Duluth. Dance TV produces live theatrical productions that take you behind the scenes of a fictional hit television show, Dance TV. The audience serves as the live studio audience and is immersed…

Thousands Attend ‘No Kings’ Protests in Duluth, Cities Across Northland

NORTHLAND — Thousands of protesters gathered at rallies in the Northland Saturday for the “No Kings” demonstrations against what they see as the government turning into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.   In Duluth, thousands filled the courtyard outside City Hall, the St. Louis County Courthouse and the Federal Building.  Click the video above to see an drone’s view.  Click the…

Haunted shack bringing fall screams

CARLTON, Minn. — The Haunted Shack is back for its 32nd season, to bring spooky activities to the Twin Ports. The haunted attraction is located on a working farm that is transformed each year to bring people from around the Midwest out for some fun. The festivities include the haunted shack, corn maze, haunted hay ride, petting zoo, and outdoor…