Minnesota

Spongy Moth aerial spraying in Northland to start soon

Exact dates will depend on weather conditions

Spongy Moth spraying plane DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. –  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to do aerially spraying across parts of Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine, and St. Louis counties to slow the spread of Spongy Moth. There will be 24 sites sprayed across the area. The Spongy Moth is a destructive invasive forest pest. The spray…

St. Louis County opening Brimson Wildfire Complex debris collection site 

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Environmental Services is opening a temporary solid waste collection site in the Brimson-area to dispose of materials damaged by recent wildfires. The collection site will be at the old County garage, 3115 Highway 44 in Brimson. This site is for wildfire debris only. Beginning Monday, July 7, the site will…

Coffee Conversation: Great Lakes Woodwind Quintet Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — As part of Duluth Navy Week, members of the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes Woodwind Quintet appeared live on Fox 21’s morning show Thursday. Petty Officer Third Class Cameron West and Lieutenant David Harbuziuk joined the broadcast to talk about their ensemble, Fair Winds. The group performed their rendition of the national march, “The Stars and Stripes…

Charges for Duluth Hillside Apartment Assault and Knife Threats

DULUTH, Minn. – A woman is threatened with a knife after walking in on an active domestic assault, charges allege. Ray Charles Brantley, 65, is charged with second-degree terroristic threats and domestic assault for an incident that occurred at an apartment on the 200 block of North 2nd Ave East around 3:00 a.m. Sunday. Duluth Police responded to the apartment,…

President’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Would Cost St. Louis County At Least $16M, County Says

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis county leaders put out a warning to residents Wednesday to say President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” – if passed — would cost the county at least $16 million. As written now, the federal bill would shift Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs from the federal government to the states, according to the county. For…

Fire Destroys Home in Holyoke Township

Holyoke Township, MN — July 1, 2025 — A house fire late Tuesday night in the 1000 block of N Holyoke Drive resulted in a total loss of the home, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the scene around 9:50 p.m. and found the residence fully engulfed in flames. The homeowners were not present at the…

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, convicted of prostitution offense

Sean “Diddy Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life. The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to…

Solvay Hospice House temporarily pausing care due to looming MNA strike

DULUTH, Minn. – Miller-Dwan Foundation and Essentia Health announced they will be temporarily pausing care at Solvay Hospice House beginning July 8. The announcement was made in response to the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) plan to begin an open-ended strike at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Solvay is owned by Miller-Dwan Foundation and care within Solvay is provided by…

State Disaster Assistance for St. Louis County approved

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of St. Louis County that suffered damage caused by wildfires in May. The funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding public infrastructure damaged by the fires. In making the announcement Governor Walz said in a news release, “I’m…

July 1st Proclaimed Navy Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Mayor Reinert Officially proclaimed July 1st as Navy Day for the City of Duluth. This proclamation helps recognize the history between Duluth and the U.S. Navy. The Navy Band and Ceremonial Guard performed at the proclamation. Duluthians and Navy Sailors gathered for the ceremony. The Sailors will be here all week, at public events to engage with…

Sign installed for Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway

DULUTH, Minn. – Signs are now up recognizing the “Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway”. The expressway is Highway 169 between Itasca County Road 69 in Marble and St. Louis County Road 7 in Mountain Iron. In 2024 the Minnesota State Legislature passed bills to designate the highway sections for the areas Tomassoni served. He was elected to…

Hibbing Police Department’s newest K9 duo ready to go to work

Hibbing Police Department Office Sydney Haugan and K9 Officer Gunner HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing Police Department Officer Sydney Haugan and K9 Officer Gunner have taken their first big step. They graduated from McDonough K9 School on Friday, June 27. The school is an intensive 15-weeks of training in firearms detection and criminal apprehension. Gunner is a 1-and-a-half year old male German…

Duluth man with Knife breaks down Neighboring Apartment’s Door – Warrant

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man broke down the door to his neighbor apartment with a knife in hand, court documents allege. On Sunday, Duluth Police were called to an apartment on the 1500 block of East 1st Street for reports of a man who kicked down his neighbor’s door, according to court documents. Two male victims told police that…

‘Lola Farms’ Opens up Honeyberry Fields

WRENSHALL, Minn.–When it comes to owning a farm, it leads to a ton of passion ideas. Such as raising chickens and eventually expanding into an ‘AirB-n-Bawk’. And right now, it’s full steam ahead for Farm Lola with all things honey berry. They’re showcasing rows upon rows of ripe berries ready to be picked. But with this special fruit, there’s more…

St. Louis County Assessor’s Dept. Tackling Brimson Wildfire Aftermath

BRIMSON, Minn.– A dedicated team in the Brimson area is conducting damage assessments, and re-assessments of over 130 properties affected by the fires. With these thorough inspections, they are determining overall property value. They’re taking pictures, updating systems, and putting together applications for property owners to apply for damage relief. That being said, many of the affected landowners already know…

Female Stabbed To Death In Duluth’s Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating after a female was stabbed to death Saturday evening. Around 7:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a stabbing that occurred in the 600 block of North 27th Avenue West. “Upon arrival, a female was located deceased with stab wounds. Lifesaving measures were attempted but unsuccessful,” according to a news release. The…

Giant Peanut on Wheels Rolls Into Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The iconic PLANTERS NUTmobile, weighing the equivalent of 3 million peanuts, is hard to miss — and it’s making a stop in the Northland as part of its nationwide tour. “Everyone’s pretty shocked to see a 26-foot-long peanut on wheels driving down the road,” said Hudson Richie, one of three “Peanutters” traveling coast to coast. Richie and…

Duluth Public Schools respond to questions on 2023 Denfeld sexual assault Case

District says 'none of our school elevators have cameras' cites 'high cost' and prioritization of 'other critical safety and instructional needs'

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools says “none of our school elevators have cameras installed” in a response to charges filed against a former student for a 2023 sexual assault inside of an elevator at Denfeld High School. A representative for Duluth Public Schools, ISD 709, released a statement on Friday, following FOX 21’s reporting of charges filed for a…

Essentia responds to Minnesota Nurses Association strike notice

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says they received a notice of the Minnesota Nurses Association’s (MNA) intent to strike, starting July 8, 2025. Essentia says the strike notice is open-ended. A news release from Essentia stated, “The notice from the MNA comes on the heels of months of union delays and refusal to dedicate time with Essentia at the bargaining table.”…

Minnesota Nurses Association announce intent to strike

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has announced nurses and other union members will strike at Duluth-area hospitals. The union said hospital acute care nurses at Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Duluth Hospital, Miller-Dwan Hospital and St. Mary’s- Superior Hospital, and Aspirus Health St. Luke’s Hospital will be beginning their strike on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. Nurses…

Name of man found dead in St. Louis County jail revealed

DULUTH, Minn. – The person found dead in the St. Louis County Jail early Wednesday morning has been released. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says Keith Jrome Taylor, 56, of Duluth was the deceased person. The BCA’s preliminary investigation did not find any obvious signs of trauma on Taylor and his cause of death is pending. The BCA is leading…

Blue Heron Research Vessel Invites Public On Board

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, members of the community got a chance to explore the Blue Heron research vessel. Every summer the Large lakes Observatory hosts Science on Deck events. The events invite the public to explore and learn about the vessel, as well as interact with scientists and crew members. The Blue Heron assists scientists in various research activities,…

Coffee Conversation: 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney Returns to Pinehurst July 4

Cloquet, Minn. – The 6th annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament is set to return to Pinehurst Park in Cloquet on the Fourth of July. Organizer Paul Cameron joined FOX 21’s morning newscast to share more about the event. Teams are still welcome to register, and in past years, the tournament has drawn as many as 30 teams. Those interested in competing…

‘Right to Repair’ and alternative ordinance discussed at Special Meeting

CITY HALL – The ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative and an alternative suggested ordinance are read at a special meeting of the Duluth City Council. After petition signatures for the ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative were certified by the Duluth City Clerk’s office, the proposed ordinance is required to be read by the City Council at two separate meetings. The…

2023 Sexual Assault at Denfeld High School leads to Charges

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2023, a 15-year-old Denfeld High School student was sexually assaulted during school hours by another 18-year-old student, charges allege. A man has been charged for a 2023 sexual assault at Duluth Denfeld High School. Cameron Joseph Williams, 20, was an 18-year-old student at Denfeld when court documents allege he assaulted a then 15-year-old female student. According…

Birch Cove Recreation Beautification Project Completed

HOYT LAKES, Minn. — Hoyt Lakes celebrated completing their Birch Cove Recreation Beautification yesterday. They planted a ceremonial tree at the celebration. Attendees also got a tour of the improvements made. This project was funded by grant money from America in Bloom and other sponsors. The recreation area is open to visitors. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Free Museum Admission in Minnesota This Saturday

MINN. — Select museums across Minnesota will have free admission this Saturday. The area museums with free admission include Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, and Snake River Fur Post in Pine City. The Free Admission Day will be held four times a year, with the next dates including September 20th, January 10th,…

Brewster’s Birthday Bash Raises $2K For Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn. — Brewster, Dan Hanger’s adopted dog, has turned 15!  The community celebrated his big milestone Tuesday in the Fitger’s Courtyard while raising money for Animal Allies Humane Society.  Around 200 people stopped by for Brewster’s Birthday Bash, and that included dogs! A Place For Fido, which is located in Fitger’s, helped organize the event during its Tuesday evening…

Superior man sworn-in to run federal waterway agency

Mike McCoshen (left) and his wife Julie McCoshen (middle) as he was officially sworn in as 12th Administrator of the Great Lake St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation by USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Keith Washington (right) WASHINGTON & SUPERIOR, Wisc. – J.M. (Mike) McCoshen has been sworn in as the twelfth Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great Lakes St….

Hortman family to Lie in State

MINNESOTA — Tuesday morning governor Tim Walz announced Melissa and Mark Hortman will Lie in State Friday, in Saint Paul. They will be joined by their golden retriever, Gilbert. They were assassinated in their home two weekends ago. Hortman will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to Lie in State in the capitol. The rotunda…

Runway Arrest at Cloquet Airport

CLOQUET, Minn. – A man faces two misdemeanor charges following his arrest on the runway of the Cloquet Carlton County Airport on Sunday. At 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, Fond du Lac Police responded to the Cloquet Carlton County Airport following multiple calls about a man wandering around private hangers. When the 911 caller first encountered the man, later identified as…

Charges filed against driver in Lafayatte Tunnel Crash

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A man is charged with a crash that left a road worker with life-threatening injured. Charges have been filed against the driver accused of crashing into a scissor lift inside the Lafayette Tunnel, leaving a road worker critically injured. Court documents show 34-year-old Patches Magickbeans of Hartland, Wisconsin, is charged with criminal vehicular operation and possession…

Minnesota Nurse’s Association Votes to Authorize a Strike

  DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the Minnesota Nurses Association announced they have voted to authorize a strike. That involves more than 15,000 nurses statewide. It doesn’t trigger an immediate strike, but it gives union leaders the power to call for one if they choose. Union President Chris Rubesch made the announcement at a news conference. He listed a number of things…

NBA Owners Unanimously Approve $1.5 Billion Sale of Minnesota Timberwolves, WNBA’s Lynx

The Timberwolves are planning an introductory news conference for Lore and Rodriguez next month in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The $1.5 billion sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves from Glen Taylor to an investment group led by e-commerce entrepreneur Marc Lore and former baseball star Alex Rodriguez gained NBA approval on Tuesday, finalizing a complex and contentious process more than four years after the deal was reached. The ownership transfer that Taylor tried to stop last year received an unanimous vote from the board…

Death in St. Louis County Jail

  DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has announced an inmate has died in their custody. The inmate was discovered unresponsive in their cell. At 9:35 AM on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 jailers called 911 for medial assistance. Life saving measures were immediately taken by jail staff and later by first responders. Those attempts were unsuccessful, and the…

Aspirus St. Luke’s responds to Minnesota Nurses Association strike vote

DULUTH, Minn. – Aspirus St. Luke’s released a statement following Minnesota Nurses Association announcing the union had authorized a strike. They have not declared a strike, but the vote authorizes leadership to trigger a strike if they wish. The statement reads: Unfortunately, it appears that the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has authorization to call a strike against Aspirus St. Luke’s…

Sheriff’s Office: Convincing phone scam going around

  ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is warning people about a very convincing phone scam. They said there a “dangerous new scam going around”. The caller is pretending to represent a collection agency. They say the caller knows your name, Social Security number, current and past addresses, and even details about vehicles you’ve owned. The Sheriff’s…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith City Radio Gears Up for Annual Business Gal

DULUTH, Minn. — Zenith City Radio is set to host its Annual Business Gala this Sunday, June 29, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Clyde Iron Works Event Center. The free, public event celebrates local businesses and honors community leaders. Creative Director and CEO Victor Martinez, along with President Solomon Witherspoon, joined FOX 21’s morning newscast on Tuesday to…