Minnesota

Man arrested for murder of Chazz Toney

Branden Russell King DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Police Department says they arrested 32-year-old Branden King for pending charges of 2nd Degree Homicide. He’s accused of killing 35-year-old Chazz Toney. Duluth Police say on October 10, 2025 at 12:25am officers were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 200 block of West 3rd Street. Officers arrived on scene…

Inside the Indictments: Twin Ports anti-drug trafficking operation

John Deon Herring DULUTH, Min. – The Duluth Police Department announced on January 7, 2026 they were, “executing a series of narcotics-related search warrants and arrests in connection with the trafficking of controlled substances in the Duluth/Superior area.” We are now getting a first look into the charges via a “Statement of Probable Cause”. It says the main target was…

Trina Swanson announces campaign for congress

Trina Swanson, Congressional District 8 Candidate DULUTH, Minn. — Trina Swanson has announced her campaign for congress in northern Minnesota. The Hermantown native has previously held senior leadership roles in U. S. Citizenship and Immigration services. Swanson says her campaign will focus on affordable healthcar,e including rural access, protecting working families, and education-to-career pathways. “I’m running because too many people…

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association preps for annual Jamboree

DULUTH, Minn. — The Piedmont Youth Hockey Association is gearing up for its annual outdoor jamboree. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year. From a full day of hockey, food, and family fun, this event is a great way to support the community rink while enjoying what it has to offer. “This is Piedmont’s weekend to come and celebrate,…

Grinch spotted picking up trees with Twin Ports Trailer Trash

DULUTH, Minn. — The Grinch has been spotted around town taking Christmas Trees, but this time it’s to benefit the community. For 8 years now, Twin Ports Trailer Trash has been collecting Christmas Trees after the holidays. They ensure the trees are disposed of correctly rather than becoming hazards or ending up in the landfill. It also gives them a…

24 arrested in Twin Ports anti-drug trafficking operation

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (LSVOTF) executed a series of warrants on Wednesday in an anti-drug trafficking operation. According to officials, the operation was aimed at targeting members and associates of the Black P Stone street gang operating in the Twin Ports. During the one-day operation, 10 warrants were executed and 24 people arrested. Officials…

Minnesota investigators barred from taking part in probe into woman’s killing by an ICE officer

Federal law enforcement officers stand near a roadblock at Portland Avenue and East 32nd Street, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, after reports of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been conducting a major crackdown. (AP Photo/Tim Sullivan) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The head of Minnesota’s state investigations agency said Thursday that the U.S. attorney’s office has barred…

How to navigate misinformation on social media

DULUTH, Minn. — In today’s social media landscape, information can be published instantly by virtually anyone, increasing the potential for misinformation to spread. “The flood of information is so much,” said Mags David, a social sciences librarian at the University of Minnesota Duluth. That information — whether verified or not — has an impact. “There’s a good in having anyone…

The Banff Mountain Film Fest returns to the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — The Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Duluth this weekend, bringing stories of adventure from around the world to Symphony Hall. The two-night event is being put on by the Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club and will feature award-winning films from around the world. The films vary from outdoor adventures, environmental stories, and high-energy action sports. Each night…

Mentor North is celebrating National Mentor Month through art

DULUTH, Minn. — January is National Mentor Month. Duluth’s Mentor North is celebrating the month by hosting an Art Show at the Duluth Folk School. The organization is showcasing artwork created by youth, families, and mentors, highlighting the role creativity plays in building strong relationships throughout the Twin Ports. The event also offered hands-on art-making activities, which included making flip…

Cloquet Antique Marketplace opens new location

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Antique Marketplace has officially reopened in a new and larger location. Just a few blocks from its old location, the new space holds more vendors and more items. The new space can hold 25 vendors, while the previous location only held five. Unlike typical antique stores, the marketplace showcases local artists and businesses, offering a…

MiigWitches Brew opens second location at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

CLOQUET, Minn.– A familiar cup of coffee is being brewed up at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. MiigWitches Brew has opened a second location, this time serving up students and staff at the local college. The coffee shop gained popularity in 2024 when a husband and wife team opened a drive-up stand on the Fond du Lac Reservation….

What federal policy says about shooting at vehicles

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP) – The Department of Justice says in its Justice Manual that firearms should not be used simply to disable a moving vehicle. The policy allows deadly force only in…

Influenza rates at highest level in 25 Years, CDC says

DULUTH, Minn. — Influenza cases are climbing across the region, putting added strain on health systems like Essentia Health as more patients seek care. Christie Erickson, a nurse practitioner at Essentia Health in Hermantown, says flu activity continues to rise — and she doesn’t expect relief anytime soon. “What’s unique is this is happening later in the season and at…

Driver shot in Minneapolis is at least the fifth person killed in US immigration crackdown

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP) – The fatal shooting Wednesday of a woman by an immigration officer in Minneapolis was at least the fifth death to result from the aggressive U.S. immigration crackdown the Trump…

Governor Walz notifies National Guard to prepare to protect public safety in Minneapolis

TIm Walz News Conference follow ICE shooting of woman in Minneapolis (AP) – An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist on Wednesday during the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown in a major U.S. city — a shooting that federal officials claimed was an act of self-defense but that the city’s mayor described as “reckless” and unnecessary….

Security cameras catch another alleged porch pirate in the act

DULUTH, Min. – Duluth Police say Lance William Olson, 30, Duluth stole a package from infront of a person’s apartment front door. It happened at the Ramsey Manor Apartments. The Statement of Probable Cause said  the theft happened the day after Christmas. Documents say Olson was spotted on a Ring doorbell camera taking the package. Police say another security camera in…

Applications for 2026 Citizen Police Academy are open

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizen Police Academy. This academy offers community members to learn about the different tactics, operations, and divisions of the DPD through in-field hands-on and in classroom learning. The idea is to teach about the process and why they do things the way they do. It will…

Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force executes anti-drug trafficking operation in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. —  The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force is executing a series of narcotics-related warrants and arrests in the Twin Ports, officials say. According to a DPD spokesperson, the task force, along with assisting law enforcement agencies, is executing the warrants in connection with the trafficking of controlled substances in the Twin Ports. This operation is active and…

Minneapolis mayor says ICE officer’s killing of a motorist was ‘reckless’ and wasn’t self-defense

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Wednesday that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed a motorist acted recklessly and rejected federal…

ICE agent shoots and kills a woman during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Federal law enforcement officers stand near a roadblock at Portland Avenue and East 32nd Street, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, after reports of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been conducting a major crackdown. (AP Photo/Tim Sullivan) UPDATE— A federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist when she allegedly tried to run over law enforcement…

Mayor Jim Paine veto’s lead pipe ordinance

SUPERIOR, Wis. — This evening, Mayor Jim Paine decided to veto the City Council-approved lead service line ordinance during the Superior City Council meeting. After reviewing the amended language, Mayor Paine spoke with city councilors, saying some of the amendments are incomplete or incorrect. He says publishing the ordinance now would create unnecessary costs and that the five-day review period…

Duluth caregiver takes vulnerable adult on errand to do drugs in a garage

DULUTH, Min. – A staff person at a TBI Residential & Community Services facility in Duluth took a vulnerable adult to a home, where the staffer used illegal drugs, and then drove the vulnerable adult back to the facility. That’s the allegation in a Minnesota Department of Human Services investigation. The report said the vulnerable adult asked the staffer for…

Soo Locks soon closing for seasonal repair and maintenance

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. January 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance. Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said, “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition…

“The Iron Exchange at 400” Hibbing housing development officially underway

HIBBING, Minn.– Since 2018, the city of Hibbing has been navigating new changes for a potential housing development downtown. And finally, they’re starting to see those plans come into fruition. The historic 400 block on Howard Street has seen quite a bit over the years. Developed in the 1920s, singer Bob Dylan once lived there, and a fire broke out…

Voyageurs National Park Snowmobile Trail Hazard Alert

Voyageurs National Park Snowmobile Trail Hazard Alert (1/6/2-26) INTERNATIONL FALLS, Min. – Voyageurs National Park has issued a “Snowmobile Trail Hazard Alert”. The alert issued on January 6, 2026 said, “Snowmobile riders please be aware. An “ice heave” is rapidly growing and changing on the Green Trail near Sphunge Island on Kabetogama Lake.” It added, “In some areas the ice…

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appears in Minneapolis ICE raid video

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on ICE raid in Minneapolis WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has launched what officials describe as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out, preparing to deploy as many as 2,000 federal agents and officers to the Minneapolis area for a sweeping crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. Homeland Security…

Trump administration says it’s withholding social safety net money from 5 states over fraud concerns

U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS) Logo (AP) – President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that it is withholding funding for programs that support needy families with children in five Democratic-led states over concerns about fraud. “For too long, Democrat-led states and Governors have been complicit in allowing massive amounts of fraud to occur under their watch,” U.S….

Staffer stole money from two vulnerable adults at Iron Range facilities

Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo EVELETH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Human Services investigation found a staff member at a home and community-based services facility finically exploited two vulnerable adults. It happened at two NHS Northstar sites.  One in Eveleth and a second in Chisholm. The investigation in large part focused on Amazon purchases charged to the bank…

St. Lukes releases top baby names of 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of babies were born in the St. Lukes birthing center this year and shared their list of most popular names. For boys, it was a ten-way tie for the top name at three babies each. Barrett, Bennett, Carson, Charlie, Henry, Hunter, James, Luke, Mason and Oliver all claimed the top spot. For the girls, Olivia took…

Hilton, Minnesota hotel apologize for email canceling immigration agents’ rooms

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) A Minnesota hotel that wouldn’t allow federal immigration agents to stay there this month is apologizing and saying the refusal violated its own policies. The Department of Homeland Security had accused the…

New Duluth City Councilors take the oath of office

DULUTH, Minn.– It was a packed house at the Duluth city hall, because three new Duluth City Councilors took the oath of office. A swearing-in ceremony took place at the council chamber for incumbent Terese Tomanek, and newcomers Jordon Johnson, Diane Desotelle, and David Clanaugh. Councilor Clanaugh was not at the ceremony because of a work obligation. As for Tomanek,…

Superior man has car stolen after leaving it running unattended

SUPERIOR, Wis. & DULUTH, Min. – Duluth Police say they arrested a man for stealing a car in Superior, Wisconsin. A Probable Cause Statement said the vehicle’s owner had left the car running with the keys in the ignition. The theft happened on December 27, 2025. The charging documents say a Duluth Police cruiser’s automated license plate reader saw the…

Gov. Walz says he will not run for a third term as Minnesota governor

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in St. Paul, denounces President Donald Trump for calling Minnesota’s Somali community “garbage” and dismissing the state as a “hellhole.” ST PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democrats’ 2024 candidate for vice president, is ending his bid for a third term as governor amid…

Former teacher and church leader sentenced to 18 years for Criminal Sexual Conduct involving minor

VIRGINA, Minn. — Embarrass man, Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 44, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree involving a minor child under the age of 14, according to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. Denzer-Johnson was a former teacher, foster parent and participated in youth ministry. During a court…

Alleged porch pirate in Duluth caught on Ring camera and arrested

DULUTH, Min. – Duluth Police say they were able to catch an alleged “porch pirate” thanks to a Ring surveillance camera. Charging documents claim Donissa Ann Saice Garcia stole an Amazon package off the porch of a residence on the 2800-block of West 2nd Street in Duluth. It happened on December 18, 2025. A “Ring brand” camera in the neighborhood…

DEDA announces program to get more food vendors in city parks

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Economic Development Authority is launching a new pilot program aimed to get more food trucks in city parks. The program will offer 6 no-cost permits to mobile food vendors to operate in City of Duluth parks. Its designed to give local operators a low barrier opportunity to expand their businesses’s visibility and connect with the Duluth…

First Saturday Morning at the Races held at CSS

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids were lacing up their running shows this past weekend for the first installment of Saturday Morning at the Races. The first of four Saturday race events took place at the College of St. Scholastica. The Young Athletes Foundation hosts the free races every winter, which helps kids burn off energy and stay active during the colder…

Superior National Forest announces BWCA permits will be available later this month

BWCA, Minn.– During the middle of winter, many outdoor enthusiasts look forward to some summer camping, and the Superior National Forest is staying on top of that. The Superior National Forest announced permit reservations will be up for grabs on Wednesday, January 28th at 9 am CDT. They will be valid starting on May 1st- September 30th, 2026. Officials from…

Investigators say Minnesota childcare centers featured in viral video are operating normally

ST. PAUL, Minn. — An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families(DCYF) has found that nine childcare centers featured in a viral video claiming fraud are operating normally. Investigators said they conducted on-site compliance checks at nine child care centers referenced in a recently circulated video by YouTuber Nick Shirley. The video accuses several Somali-run centers of…

New year, new weddings with the help of the Duluth Wedding Show Jan. 10

DULUTH, Minn. — A new year means a new year for weddings, and that means the Duluth Wedding Show is back at the DECC. The one-stop-shop event is happening Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. It’s all about the brides, grooms and even the dreamers getting consumed with more than 130 vendors to help make your wedding…

The Twin Ports sing Sea Shanties

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the Duluth Folk School to learn and sing sea shanties. Historically, sea shanties served as working songs, sung by sailors as they traveled across the sea. Throughout the event, multiple Shantymen and a few opera singers took turns leading a variety of tunes. Many people joined in whether they were beginners or experts, to…

Minnesota must provide documents to US government in child care fraud probe by Jan. 9

People gather for a news conference at the state capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Giovanna Dell’Orto) Minnesota officials have until the end of this week to hand over information on providers and parents who receive federal child care funds that the Trump administration contends have been used fraudulently or risk losing federal funding. State…

Hermantown Community Schools celebrates new hockey arena with ribbon-cutting ceremony

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown community members packed into the new arena for its grand opening. What began as a dream became a reality through the support of local businesses, community funding, and lawmakers. The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the new NorthStar Ford Arena, which is expected to serve generations of hockey players. “This…

Portman Hockey celebrates 3rd annual “Great Skate”

DULUTH, Minn. — Portman Hockey celebrated the kickoff to their outdoor hockey season with their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. Skaters both big and small gathered from around the Northland to help Portman raise funds for the organization’s programs, in order to keep the sport affordable for all interested kids. After the event was previously postponed from its original Dec. 17….