News

Duluth Library and Duluth Children’s Museum host New Year’s celebrations for kids

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library held its annual New Year’s celebration called “Noon Year’s.” Families and kids of all ages were welcome to attend the library’s annual Noon Year event. There was all kinds of fun, from a dance party with bubbles, to creating your own noise makers. Many families make the event an annual tradition as a…

Local daycare reacts to the freeze of childcare funds

DULUTH, Minn. — A local daycare is reacting to the Trump administration announcing that it is freezing child care funds to Minnesota. The freeze comes after allegations of fraudulent daycares in the state. Kallie Thomas, the Executive Director of Happy Time Daycare says the freeze could be detrimental. Happy Time is a non-profit, with tuition only covering bills and staff….

What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

The Trump administration has said it is freezing child care funds to all states until they provide more verification and administrative data about the programs in a move fueled by a series of alleged fraud schemes at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents. All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire…

Wussow’s Concert Cafe celebrates New Year’s Eve with all day concert

DULUTH, Minn.– The New Year’s Eve celebrations at Wussow’s began bright and early this morning and sounds of local artists will be filling the room all day. For more than a decade, the concert cafe has made this all-day concert a tradition. Every forty minutes, artists will take turns taking the stage. Attendees of all ages will get to take in…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa explains what’s next after signing cannabis compact with Minnesota

Shane Drift DULUTH, Min. & NETT LAKE, Min. – The day after making it official and signing a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota, we’re learning more about what is next for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and cannabis. The agreement signed on December 30, 2025 provides a blueprint for a shared goal of safeguarding the health of Minnesotans regarding…

Lake Superior Zoo announces ‘Porcupine Pub’, and 21+ events

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is saying ‘cheers’ to the new year, by welcoming in some new 21+ opportunities. The ‘Porcupine Pub’ is debuting at the zoo, and it’s bringing along some new events. Starting in January, they will be hosting a trivia night every third Wednesday of the month. Attendees can take advantage of their selection of local…

Mesabi Humane Society halts new intake amid funding dispute

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Mesabi Humane Society decided it will no longer be accepting new animals from the City of Virginia following the city of Virginia’s decision to end the temporary per-animal payment structure that had been in place during negotiations. The 2025 contract called for $45,000, but MHS says it actually costs about $100,000 a year to care for…

Senator Amy Klobuchar speaks on potential hemp ban

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Wild State Cider in Duluth Tuesday to discuss the impacts of a potential hemp ban across the state. In less than a year, breweries and cideries could look a lot different. Many of them are currently selling drinks and gummies with THC and CBD and at the end of this year, things could…

Trump administration says it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemes

Jim O’Neill WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Tuesday that it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota after a series of fraud schemes in recent years. Acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jim O’Neill announced on the social platform X that the step is in response to “blatant fraud that appears to be…

What you clicked on in 2025

DULUTH, Min. – Here are the top three stories people clicked on FOX21Online.com for each month of 2025: JANUARY 2025: 1. 1880s Water Main Breaks At Busy Duluth Intersection 2. Two Injured, One in Custody After Stabbing in Duluth 3. Carlton Co. Inmate Charged with Attempted Murder of Guard FEBRUARY 2025: 1. Newborn Left at Duluth Shelter Triggers Police Investigation…

Former Viking star Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation and other criminal charges

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) gets tackled by New York Jets cornerback Qwan’Tez Stiggers (37) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 in New York. The Patriots won 42-10. BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private…

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa signs cannabis compact with Minnesota

Bois Forte Band Of Chippewa Seal ST. PAUL, Min. – The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has signed a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota. In a news release Secretary/Treasurer of the Bois Forte Band Tara Geshick said, “The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has done great things – one is entering the cannabis market…  Unlocking opportunities and seeking strategic alliances will…

Man stabs person ‘because he felt like hurting someone’: Deputies

Donovan Vondall CLARIFICATION: The story originally said the victim was a co-work, it was in fact a customer. – GRAND MARAIS, Min. – A man is accused of stabbing and trying to kill someone at the Cook County Co-op. Charging documents say Donovan Michael Vondall stabbed the customer “because he felt like hurting someone.” Vondell allegedly told Cook County Sheriff’s…

Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A surge of federal officers in Minnesota follows new allegations of fraud by day care centers run by Somali residents. President Donald Trump has previously linked his administration’s immigration crackdown against Minnesota’s large Somali community to a series of fraud cases involving government programs in which most of the defendants have roots in the east African country. Surge in federal officers Department of Homeland Security…

Top baby names for 2025 at Essentia Duluth

DULUTH, Min.  – Entering the final week of 2025, 1,685 babies were born  at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Essentia has released the top baby names for the year in Duluth. TOP BABY BOY NAMES  Theodore or Theo and Oliver — 12 Rowan — 10 James — 9 TOP BABY GIRL NAMES Evelyn or Evelynn — 14 Harper — 10 Lucy, Nora and Hazel — 8 Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News –…

Teen accused of trying to rob person at gunpoint near Lincoln Park Pavilion

DULUTH. Min. – Duluth Police says at approximately 8 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2025 police responded to the call of a person with a gun in the 400 block of Lincoln Park Drive. That is near the Renee Van Nett Pavilion in Lincoln Park. A 17-year-old set-up a sale via Snapchat. Police say the initial information said shows the 17-year-old…

Bentleyville Wraps up 2025

DULUTH, Minn- Volunteers are in the process of tearing down Bentleyville after another successful year.  The heavy winds and yesterday’s snow storm didn’t stop them from taking down thousands of lights.  They get paid in soda and hot sandwiches, but it’s worth it to a lot of the volunteers. “For me it’s giving back to the community. Duluth is such…

Superior Fire Department shares important cold weather tips

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the cold weather bringing unexpected issues with heating the Superior Fire Department is reminding the community of some important tips. A Battalion Chief with Superior Fire said they see a significant increase with house fires December through march. This is largely related to improper heating techniques, such as poorly ventilated appliances. They said to keep space heaters…

Mesabi Humane Society to stop accepting animals from the City of Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Mesabi Humane Society says it is no longer accepting animals from the City of Virginia. MHS recently put out a statement on their Facebook page saying, “The Mesabi Humane Society values its long-standing partnership with the City of Virginia. However, effective immediately, MHS will no longer be accepting animals from the City of Virginia. This decision…

Bentleyville wraps up the holiday season

DULUTH, Minn. — Across the Twin Ports, people spent the past few days taking in the holiday lights, leading to Bentleyville wrapping up with volunteers helping to take down all the lights. Yesterday was the final night of the famous light show. It was accompanied by fireworks while onlookers said ‘goodbye’ to this year’s Christmas season. Today, “teardown” began and…

West Duluth Little League devastated by second fire of 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — On Christmas evening, the Western Duluth Little League suffered a structure fire that destroyed both the equipment shed and concession stand. This is the second time this year that a fire has affected the same structures. The league has released a statement on their Facebook stating, “We are devastated at this news, and moving forward will need…

Grand Marais stabbing incident under investigation

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — The Cook County Dispatch received a call regarding a stabbing inside the local Co-Op around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27. Upon arriving on scene, first responders performed emergency care,  and the victim was transported by ambulance to North Shore Health for further care. The suspect fled the scene; however, deputies were able to apprehend the…

Animal Allies shares successful adoption tips

DULUTH, Minn. — As the holidays come to a close, some people may realize that a well-intended gift came with more responsibility than expected. Those irresistible puppies and kittens can lead to impulsive decisions, especially during the holidays. Animal Allies in Duluth works year-round to promote successful pet adoptions and shared tips on surrender prevention. “So we, yeah, really discourage…

2 dead in multi-car accident in Thomson Township

THOMSON, Minn. — A 2-car accident in Thomson Township, southwest of Duluth, has tragically claimed the lives of two people on the morning of Dec. 26. According to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff’s office, emergency response arrived at the scene of the 2-car crash near Esko just after 9:00 a.m. The occupants of a Chevy Impala, Anthony…

‘Hairball’ rocks their way into Kuwait to perform for service members

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve ever been to a Hairball show, you’ve seen their tributes to veterans, and active-duty service members and recently, they gave the ultimate tribute, overseas. The rock cover band, just returned from a trip to Kuwait, that they will never forget. During their visit, Hairball members got to spend time with different military departments, through educational tours,…

‘Merry and Bright’ holiday contest winners announced

SUPERIOR, WIS. — The Superior Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Merry and Bright Holiday Lighting Contest. In the spirit of the holiday season, homes and businesses participated in the contest, making for a festive and successful tour of lights. The awards included Best Residential Display, Best Business Display, Best Themed Display, and the Clark Griswold Award. To…

Actor with Twin Ports roots starring in bilingual children’s musical

DULUTH, Minn. — A former Twin Ports actor is taking his talent to the stage in the Twin Cities, for a show based on a classic children’s book. “Go, Dog Go!”, also known as “Ve Perro ¡Ve!”, is the latest production from the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, and is a musical adapted from the book of the same name…

Bentleyville celebrating arrival of Christmas as season nears end

DULUTH, Minn. — Many Twin Ports residents marking a Christmas tradition by visiting the Northland’s famous “tour of lights” on Christmas Eve, as folks made their journey to Bentleyville for what may be their final time this season. This year marked 22 years of the iconic Twin Ports light show, with the last 17 of those years being spent in…

Shoppers hunt for holiday gifts one book at a time at Fitgers Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn. — As Christmas inches closer, many Americans are scrambling to pick up last-minute gifts. One Duluth store staying busy this holiday season is the Fitger’s Bookstore. Aside from books, their most popular item this year is gift cards. Which they say gives shoppers an easy way to support local businesses and give back to the community. “We love…

DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish release of Epstein files despite Dec. 19 deadline

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Wednesday that finishing the release of all of the Jeffrey Epstein files could take a “few more weeks,” further delaying compliance with a Dec. 19 deadline set by Congress. The department said the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, as well as the FBI, found more than a million…

Investigators sift through wreckage after a deadly Pennsylvania nursing home explosion

Explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home traps people inside, authorities say (credit: Parkland Fire Company) BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) — Construction crews and drones searched the rubble of a Pennsylvania nursing home Wednesday, a day after a powerful explosion killed at least two people, collapsed part of the building and left several residents unaccounted for. Emergency responders from across the region had evacuated…

Man airlifted after Snowmobile accident on Bailey’s Lake

VIRGINIA, Minn. — A man was airlifted to Duluth after a snowmobile accident in Virginia. According to officials, on Wednesday at around 2:18 a.m., officers responded to a report of an unknown problem near Bailey’s Lake. The caller said that they saw a bright light and heard what they thought was a generator running. When officers arrived, they found a…

Castle Danger rolls out “Trailblazer” THC drink amid national ban speculation

Two Harbors, Minn. — As speculation continues at the national level surrounding a potential ban of THC and CBD-based products in the future, Castle Danger, true to their name, have decided that now is the perfect time to show the world their version of the popular beverage. “We’re launching our new brand of THC and CBD infused drinks called ‘Trailblazer’,…

Minnesota Power presents grant to Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power showed their support for the Hartley Nature Center with the presentation of a new grant for the center. The gift is for $6,000, and will be used to help build classroom enhancements, which will help support the center’s outdoor education for thousands of area students and their families, many of which have their own roots…

Three former Holiday Station Stores in Duluth to be permanently closed

Circle K Logo DULUTH, Min. – Holiday Station Stores around the northland recently went through rebranding to Circle K stores. Now three of those newly branded stores have closed with caution tape placed around the buildings or gas pumps. Those closures are permanent. A Circle K spokesman tells FOX21, “After a recent review of our operations, we made the business…

Gas explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home traps people inside, authorities say

BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) —An explosion at a nursing home just outside Philadelphia collapsed part of the building and left people injured and trapped inside, authorities said. A plume of black smoke rose from Silver Lake Healthcare Center in Bristol Township, as emergency responders across the region gathered there. Bucks County emergency management officials reported that there were injuries, but had…

Treecycling drop-off sites are open

DULUTH, Minn. — Resource Renew’s Treecycling program opened up over the past weekend. Drop-off locations have been set up around the area. People can just drop off their Christmas trees free of charge for composting. Because they can only process organic material, the tree must be real and not flocked. Wreaths, garlands and other evergreen decorations made with wire cannot…

Wisconsin judge sends Slender Man attacker back to mental health institution after group home escape

Morgan Geyser, one of two Wisconsin girls charged with stabbing a classmate to impress the fictitious horror character Slender Man, sits in a Waukesha County Courtroom for a status hearing Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional horror villain known as Slender Man was ordered back…

Feds accuse Minntac of violating pregnant woman’s rights

US Steel Corporation Logo DULUTH, Min. –  The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Steel – the company that runs Minntac. The lawsuit says the violated a pregnant woman’s rights. During her pregnancy she needed to avoid working on the most physically jarring machinery as an accommodation during her high-risk pregnancy. The lawsuit claims, “Instead…