Minnesota

Knowing Your Neighbor: Harry Welty

DULUTH, Minn– Harry Welty has lived in Duluth, MN for over 50 years. During his time in Duluth, he has been on the school board. He’s better known for his snow sculptures outside his house. His work can be seen, driving up 21st Ave.  He’s been making snow sculptures for 38 years. Welty stated, his mother was an artist and…

Duluth City Council discusses two ICE-related resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council discussed two ICE-related resolutions. One resolution sought to clarify the communication and enforcement relationship between Duluth and the federal government regarding civil immigration laws. Another, urging Governor Tim Walz to issue an emergency order creating temporary statewide housing protections for families affected by the metro surge. “This is an opportunity to us for…

Judge rules Superior Police Officer violated DoorDash driver’s rights when tasing him

Body cam video still of Ian Cuyper being tased SUPERIOR, Wis. – A federal judge ruled Superior Police Officer Taylor Gaard violated the Fourth Amendment Rights of Ian Cuypers when she deploying her taser on Cuypers’ lower back and legs.  The ruling was made in what is called a “summary judgment”. The incident happened during a traffic stop on the…

City of Virginia first responders move into brand new Public Safety Building

VIRGINIA, Minn.– After more than 120 years, Virginia first responders finally have a new place to call home, and it’s filled with upgrades that were long overdue. “It’s just extremely surreal moving into a brand new, modern fire station. I honestly, when I started here, I didn’t know if that would happen in my career,” said Jonassen. Deputy Fire Chief…

Annual Youth in Action ‘Make a Difference’ conference takes place at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Youth in Action, a St. Louis County program, held its annual ‘Make a Difference’ conference at the DECC on Monday. The conference features student-led workshops on various topics, including mental health, empathy and leadership. Youth in Action brings students together from 17 schools in St. Louis County, with a goal of making a difference in schools and…

Fond du lac Tribal & Community College hosts Nursing & Healthcare Expo

CLOQUET, Minn. — Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College held a Nursing & Healthcare Expo on Monday. The expo is a part of a ‘Campus Visit Days’ series, which aims to get students and community members involved at the college. The expo allowed current students and visitors to talk with health care professionals about career opportunities. Students could also…

Republican candidate for Minnesota Governor suspends campaign after death of daughter

Minnesota Republican Party Logo DULUTH, Min. – Jeff Johnson, who is running for Governor of Minnesota, has suspended his campaign for governor. The Minnesota Republican Party released a statement saying they are, “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter, who was killed in a violent crime Saturday night in St. Cloud.” FOX 9 is reporting Dr. Johnson’s…

Community Action Duluth’s plan to move forward after state’s enhanced monitoring

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth(CAD) has laid out its plan to move forward after the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) identified 15 “deficiencies.”  These were laid out in a late November letter to CAD.  They were mandated to turn in a planned document of the state by the end of January.  FOX…

Minnesota Power customers to receive one time bill credit

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power sold lands surrounding many of its hydroelectric reservoirs, resulting in a one-time bill credit for customers. Through 2025, those land sales totaled $72 million, which is expected to be about $109 for the average residential customer. The credit will appear on bills later this year. Minnesota Power also announced its CARE program expansion, which provides…

US reaches first Olympic curling mixed doubles final, will face Swedish siblings for gold

United States’ Korey Dropkin, left, and United States’ Cory Thiesse react following the semi-finals round of the mixed doubles curling match against Italy, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse guaranteed the U.S. its first Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling,…

Scott Jensen drops out of Minnesota Governor’s race, announces run for State Auditor

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Dr.  Scott Jensen announced Monday that he is withdrawing from the Minnesota Governor’s race and will instead run for the office of State Auditor. Jensen, a former state senator, was the republicans 2022 gubernatorial candidate “Our state’s problems can’t be fixed by simply replacing a leader. Our biggest problem right now is broken trust in…

Two accused of $40,000+ precious metals scam

Aron Lee Melton AITKIN, Minn. –  Charging documents accuse Aron Lee Melton and Kristi Ann Fox of orchestrating a scheme to pass off counterfeit gold, silver and platinum bars as the real thing. Investigators say Melton and Fox marketed precious metals on Facebook Marketplace under the name “Collect Cadillac.”  Investigators say the alleged victim lost approximately $40,779. They said the…

Hermantown woman shares her story after explosion damages her home

  HERMANTOWN, Minn.– Following the terrible explosion at ‘Green acres’ in Hermantown last Saturday night, one of the residents there is going back for the first time, and re-lived what she said, no one should ever go through. “I guess I just, in my whole life, never expected anything like this to happen. But I’m lucky, I’ve had many many…

Senator Amy Klobuchar and local educators speak on school ICE impacts

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and local educators, held a press conference on Friday, addressing ICE’s impact on school districts. Klobuchar’s visit comes days after the Duluth Public School District, joined the Fridley Public School District, and Education Minnesota in a lawsuit, to keep ICE agents off school grounds. The Duluth School District has reported decreased attendance, due…

Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible gold and silver scam

AITKIN COUNTY, Minn. — The Aitkin County Sheriff’s office is investigating a possible gold and silver sales scam. Two individuals were arrested in connection to the investigation for “theft by swindle”. The individuals allegedly traded materials presented as gold or silver bars. The sheriff’s office warns the public to use caution when buying, selling, or trading gold or silver bars….

Voting opens for MNDOT Name a Snowplow contest

ST. PAUL, Minn. —  The Minnesota Department of Transportation has opened voting for its 2026 Name a Snowplow contest. The contest received 6,750 submissions and was narrowed down to 30 finalists. You can only vote once and select up to eight names you want to win List of finalists: 867-530 Brine AI: Arctic Intelligence Below Zero Hero Bob Chillin’ Don’t…

Positively 3rd Street Bakery raises $17,000 for Minnesota Mutual Aid

DULUTH, Minn.– For a little over a week, Positively 3rd street bakery dedicated 100 percent of proceeds to helping out Minnesota Mutual Aid, to help families and refugees affected by the ICE occupation. Bakery staff says, they were blown away at the community support, following the decision to fundraise. They anticipated a goal of 5-7 thousand dollars but raised over…

US Olympic hockey history has been given an outsized boost from a tiny, proud Minnesota town

FILE – U .S. Olympic ice hockey forwards Roger Christian, left, and Bill Christian pose Jan. 6, 1960, at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File) The pursuit of a gold medal that has eluded the U.S. men’s hockey team since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 appears to be on sound footing. The return of the NHL players after…

St Louis River Alliance hosting winter safety event at Munger Landing

DULUTH, Minn.– A place that was once inhabitable for wildlife and recreation is now hosting a day of fun, safety, and learning. It will take place February 7th at Munger Landing, from 12-2 PM, will be a day dedicated to ice safety. The DNR alongside the St Louis River Alliance will educate attendees on surveying ice thickness, as well as rescuing…

NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown hosting free premiere of “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge”

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– A special premiere at the NorthStar Ford Arena is coming up to highlight a locally produced film. This Saturday, all are welcome to pack the new NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown for the first public showing of the movie. “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge” was shot in the longtime original hockey arena next door. It’s a story about a…

Spirit Mountain celebrates opening of Highline chair lift

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Mountain celebrated the opening of its new Highline Chair lift on Thursday. The lift was a 4.4-million-dollar project, which was a smaller part of the larger $26 million dollar Spirit Mountain Restoration Project. “We are so fortunate to have owners who are willing to make these kinds of investments, and we know we have to perform,…

Duluth Chamber of Commerce and LSC hold Diversity Equity and Inclusion Summit

DULUTH, Minn.  — The topic of equity and inclusion took center stage Thursday in Duluth for business leaders, educators, and people in the community. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Superior College put on the summit. Experts talked about how noticing, listening, and engaging can create more value and inclusive workplaces and communities. Several speakers and panels went…

Woman sentenced to 3 years for holding ex-boyfriend captive for days

HIBBING, Minn. — An Iron Range woman has been sentenced for kidnapping and assaulting her ex-boyfriend. Shelly Jean Goerdt Shelly Jean Goerdt, 41, has been sentenced to 36 months or 3 years in prison for her role in the kidnapping. Officials say that on February 16, 2024,  Goerdt lured her ex-boyfriend into a home in Hibbing. Goerdt and her sister,…

Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu for scoring depth in trade-deadline deal with Bulls

Chicago Bulls’ Ayo Dosunmu gets past Milwaukee Bucks’ Amir Coffey during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Milwaukee. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls, adding a proven scorer to bolster their depth for the stretch run in the stacked Western Conference playoffs race, a…

Duluth Schools Supt. says lawsuit against DHS is vital to protect students, education

DULUTH, Minn.– In an unprecedented legal move, the Duluth School District is suing the federal government to keep ICE agents off school grounds across the state. “We believe in standing up for our neighbors, and whether it’s in the streets of Minneapolis or whether it’s standing up for the children in their playgrounds in Fridley or Columbia Heights, or any…

Downtown Duluth hosts 41st annual dinner

DULUTH, Minn. — 500-plus business and community leaders attended “Downtown Duluth’s” 41st Annual dinner. Speakers ranged from Mayor Roger Reinert to small business owners like Christie Erickson of Vitta Pizza. The gathering celebrated the community’s efforts to continue building a safe and welcoming waterfront, while supporting continued leadership and business development. “It’s an organization that brings power and people and…

Q & A with the lead attorney suing Homeland Security for Duluth Schools

June Hoidal DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District filed a lawsuit against Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, plus other people and agencies.  The lawsuit is trying to stop immigration enforcement actions near schools.  The suit was also in partnership with the Fridley School District and the Education Minnesota teachers’ union. Just hours after the…

Duluth City Council to consider resolution on federal immigration efforts in city

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is slated to discuss a “resolution clarifying the communication and enforcement relationship between the city and the federal government with respect to enforcement of federal civil immigration laws within the city of Duluth.” The resolution is now on the agenda for the February 9, 2026 City Council Meeting.  It is co-sponsored by city…

Mobile mammography truck catches fire

Mobile Mammography Fire. Cloquet, Minnesota February 3, 2026 CLOQUET, Minn. – A mobile mammography truck used by Essentia Health caught fire in Cloquet.  The fire broke-out on February 3, 2026. In a statement Essentia Health communications tells FOX 21, “Essentia is working closely with the truck’s vendor to understand what caused the fire and to help prevent something like this from…

Families bundle up for Winter Walk to School Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth students of all ages were trudging through the snow this morning as a celebration of sorts. Wednesday February 4th was the state’s “Winter Walk to School Day”. The day promotes healthy exercise and making safe choices on the way to school. But mainly, it’s about teaching students’ safe routes to school. “The kids learn about safe…

Tanner’s Car Wash celebrates opening with free washes

DULUTH, Minn. — After months of construction, Tanner’s Express Car Wash in Duluth is finally open, and they’re celebrating by giving back to the community. The new car wash, which broke ground back in June, is named for its founder Tanner Stokes, and features different wash options named for the city of Duluth. Stokes, alongside co-founder Sandy Hoff, made it…

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College to host 7th annual Ojibwe Language Symposium

CLOQUET, Minn. — Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is gearing up to host its 7th annual Ojibwe Language Symposium. The symposium is free and open to the community, attracting people from various backgrounds and fluency levels of Ojibwe. The two day event consists of workshops, discussions, games and more. Each day will also kick off with keynote speeches….

Inside the lawsuit: Duluth School District sues Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, speaks during a press conference Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Minneapolis. DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District has sued Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, plus other people and agencies, in an effort to stop most immigration enforcement actions near schools. John Magas The 33-page lawsuit filed on February…

Duluth Public Schools sues Department of Homeland Security over immigration actions

Courtesy: Associated Press (file) DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools is suing the Department of Homeland Security over immigration operations. In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday, the district said it had filed the lawsuit. Superintendent John Magas says they are taking this action in partnership with the teachers union, Education Minnesota, to make schools safe places for…

Trump’s border czar announces 700 immigration officers to be immediately removed from Minnesota

  White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Trump administration is reducing the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants, border czar Tom…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office PAL Boxing Club hosts open house

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League Boxing Club hosted its first open house this evening. The boxing club is located in the former First Presbyterian Church on East 2nd Street. The program came together through community partnerships and donations. This included equipment and financial support that helped transform the once-empty space into a fully…

DFL Party holds annual Caucus meeting

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor party held its Caucus Night across Duluth. The meeting took place at five different locations, giving Duluth residents a chance to participate in political discussions regarding the parties’ priorities ahead of upcoming elections. Attendees debated resolutions on topics ranging from immigration enforcement and gun control to non-disclosure agreements. “It is so important to…

Travelers without “Real ID” required to pay 45-dollar fee

  DULUTH, Minn.–TSA now has a new 45-dollar fee for travelers without a Real ID. The 45-dollar fee covers the cost of an alternative identity verification system, called “TSA ConfirmID”. Officials with the Duluth Airport Authority said, that those without a Real ID can still travel, but they may face longer screening times. DAA officials said,  if you’re traveling soon…

Renee Good’s brothers remember their sister at Congressional hearing

Luke Ganger, left, and Brent Ganger, right, brothers of Renee Good, appear during a Bicameral Public Forum on the Disproportionate Use of Force by DHS Agents, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Two brothers of Renee Good spoke lovingly of their sister during a hearing put on by Congressional Democrats. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three,…

Caregiver in November high speed crash had history of drinking and smoking marijuana with residents

Michael Edward Rahja Jr. DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Human Services has released its investigation into a caregiver who crashed a vehicle with vulnerable adults in it while he was allegedly drunk and high. It sheds more light on the high-speed crash that sent multiple people to the hospital.  It also has revelations of drug and alcohol abuse…

UMD students make tie blankets for Aspirus patients

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD Students spent the evening making tie blankets for the St. Luke’s Foundation. The event was organized by the club known as ‘SERVE,’ or Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences. Organizers say the goal is to create up to 50 handmade blankets, which will be given to patients and families at Aspirus St. Luke’s to provide warmth…

Nurses lead Nightingale Walk honoring Alex Pretti

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered downtown Duluth for the Nightingale Walk honoring the life of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti. The candlelight vigil was organized by two local nurses. A brief ceremony was held by the Nurse Honor Guard before everyone began the walk along the lake. Participants carried candles during the walk as a symbol of remembrance, grief, and solidarity….

Minnesota to inspect 5,800 Medicaid providers; asking for state workers from other departments to help

Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced they will begin a “massive statewide push to ensure Medicaid providers in 13 high-risk services have the qualifications required by law.” The Minnesota Department of Human Services is putting out a call across all state agencies asking them to transfer 168 qualified workers…

Second Harvest Northland celebrates a successful 2025

DULUTH, Minn.– Second Harvest Northland in Duluth is calling the previous year a success, despite roadblocks such as program cuts, and snap benefit pauses. Shaye Morris, the CEO of Second Harvest Northland said, 11 million meals were distributed across the 15-county region. Morris said, this year brought along challenges with economic uncertainty. Factors such as the government shut down did…

Man dies in St. Louis County Jail

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Logo (Gordon Ramsay) DULUTH, Minn. – An inmate in the St. Louis County jail has died.  The St. Louis County Sherriff’s Office reports on January 27, 2026, at approximately 1:05 a.m., a correctional officer conducted a welfare check on 35-year-old Darrin John Tiessen. The officer found Tiessen unresponsive in a single-occupancy cell. The Sheriff’s Office says,…