Minnesota Archives - Page 2 of 376

Itasca County Sheriff explains why prison escapee was released

January 30, 2026

Matt McConico,

Joe Dasovich GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich has released a statement explaining the release of Michael Hart. On January 21, Hart was released from the Itasca County Jail. Hart was the subject of a large manhunt when he walked away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) approximately four months prior. The statement from Dasovich…

Twins executive Derek Falvey departs organization

January 30, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – Minnesota Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey speaks to fans and media during the baseball team’s annual fan fest at Target Field, Jan. 28, 2023, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey have mutually decided to part ways, the club announced on Friday. The 42-year-old Falvey spent nine seasons…

Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US

January 30, 2026

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: Associated Press (file) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flooded Minneapolis, Shane Mantz dug his Choctaw Nation citizenship card out of a box on his dresser and slid it into his wallet. Some strangers mistake the pest-control company manager for Latino, he said, and he fears getting caught up in ICE raids. Like Mantz, many Native Americans are carrying…

Vikings fire General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

January 30, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches his team prepare before the start of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Friday, after mixed results over four seasons and giving him a contract extension last year. The…

DOJ has opened a federal civil rights probe into the death of Alex Pretti, deputy AG says

January 30, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights probe into the death of Alex Pretti, according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We’re looking at everything that would shed light on that day,” Blanche said on Friday. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is now leading…

FBI takes over investigation of Minnesota shooting as Trump calls Alex Pretti an ‘insurrectionist’

January 30, 2026

The Associated Press,

A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is now leading the probe into the shooting of Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis resident killed Saturday by Border Patrol officers, the Department of Homeland Security…

Trump names former Federal Reserve official Warsh as the next Fed chair to replace Powell

January 30, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – Kevin Warsh speaks to the media about his report on transparency at the Bank of England, in London, Dec., 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he will nominate former Federal Reserve official Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Fed, a decision likely to result in…

Journalist Don Lemon arrested after protest that disrupted Minnesota church service

January 30, 2026

The Associated Press,

Don Lemon (CNN) WASHINGTON (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, his lawyer said Friday. Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said. It is…

Rep. Stauber ducks out of Teamsters meeting, dodging blocked media and protesters

FOX 21 confirmed two Duluth police officers were contracted by U.S. Capitol Police to be at the union hall; Non-local law enforcement were also there

January 29, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber’s office responded to FOX 21’s request for more information Thursday involving a Wednesday night protest outside the Teamsters Local 346 building in Duluth involving the congressman. The spokesperson said Stauber was invited to the private gathering inside the union hall with the Teamsters to give an update on the Faster Labor Contracts Act….

“No NDA’s in the DFL” meeting held at Zeitgeist

January 29, 2026

Lauren Martinson,

DULUTH, Minn. — The topic of non-disclosure agreements took center stage at a public meeting at Zeitgeist. Elected officials and community members alike gathered to discuss NDA’s ahead of an upcoming caucus. The focus was on how NDA’s have been used by officials, but an update was also provided on the Hermantown data center. Small groups broke out for discussions…

ISMA hosts 136th Grand Lodge Convention

January 29, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — A gathering was held for the 136th annual Grand Lodge Convention hosted by the International Ship Masters’ Association. Founded in 1886, the organization represents licensed Great Lakes mariners. Its mission focuses on education, safety, and environmental stewardship from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. That mission will be reflected throughout this weekend-long convention. The event…

Man at center of large Northland manhunt mistakenly released from jail

January 29, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – In September, Michael Todd Hart walked away from jail, which led to a large manhunt. About four months later, Hart walked away from another jail when he should have been in custody – but this time, jailers told him to go. Hart called FOX 21, saying he was out and it was apparently an accident. Michael Todd…

Pipe fractured in Pine County explosion was ‘susceptible to integrity issues’

January 29, 2026

Matt McConico,

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is overseeing the investigation into the natural gas pipeline explosion that happened in Pine County. Following the January 16, 2026 pipeline failure near Willow River, Minnesota, the federal agency issued a “Corrective Action Order”. The order was sent on the day following the explosion. Willow River…

Essentia expands access to early lung cancer detection

January 29, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is combating lung cancer by expanding access to early detection screenings with state-of-the-art equipment. From more staff and hours to a new robot, the Lung Nodule and Advanced Bronchoscopy clinic can now see more patients and diagnose them much earlier. Their new robot, called Noah Medical Galaxy System, performs bronchoscopies. This device allows them to…

Justice Department charges man who squirted vinegar on Rep. Ilhan Omar

January 29, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Justice Department has charged a man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event in Minneapolis, according to court papers made public Thursday. The man arrested for Tuesday’s attack, Anthony Kazmierczak, faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar, according to a complaint filed in federal court. Authorities…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse brings suspense with production of “Dial M For Murder”

January 29, 2026

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is welcoming in the Twin Ports theatre community for an evening of mystery and suspense with their production of “Dial M For Murder”. Two of the show’s stars, Jess Hughes and Dan Prevette, stopped by the morning show to talk about their preparation for the show, and what audiences can expect from the wild…

Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota but only after ‘cooperation’

January 29, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan says immigration enforcement will reduce the number of officers in Minnesota but suggested during a news conference Thursday that it would happen only after ‘cooperation’ from state officials. Trump sent Homan to Minnesota in the wake of the Saturday fatal shooting of a protester at the hands of a federal…

Democratic Sen. Klobuchar says she’s running for Minnesota governor after Gov. Walz dropped out

January 29, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday she is running for governor of Minnesota, promising to take on President Donald Trump while unifying a state that has endured a series of challenges even before the federal government’s immigration crackdown. Sen. Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar’s decision gives Democrats a high-profile candidate and proven statewide winner as their party tries to…

Brightwater Health reveals re-branding

January 28, 2026

Lauren Martinson,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest mental health and addiction services provider has officially re-branded. Brightwater Health, formerly known as the Human Development Center, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included remarks from Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce president Matt Baumgartner and guided tours of the space. “Most people in our community, at some point, will have…

St. Louis County welcomes new deputies and corrections officers

January 28, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office swore in new sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Nine deputies and seven corrections officers were sworn in by Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and pinned by friends and family. The event also recognized new civilian staff hires, promotions, and the swearing-in of the department’s newest K-9, Ollie. Among the new deputies is retired…

Protesters Outside Stauber Meeting With Teamsters

Protestors gather outside Rep. Pete Sauber’s meeting with Teamsters

January 28, 2026

Emmaleah Allen, Lauren Martinson,

DULUTH, Minn. — A protest was held outside the Teamsters Local 346 union hall in Lincoln Park, where Congressman Pete Stauber was believed to be attending a private gathering. People outside said they showed up looking to share their concerns with proposed legislation easing federal restrictions on mining near the Boundary Waters, and the current unrest in Minneapolis involving ICE…

County Seat Theater celebrates 40-year milestone

January 28, 2026

Emily Halling,

CLOQUET, Minn.– A local gem in Carlton County has been shining a spotlight on community theater for 40 years now. County Seat Theater got its start in Cloquet as a simple high school fundraiser for band uniforms. The success of that one show led to several seasons of productions at Carlton High School. Over the years, their impact on the…

Warrior Brewing Company to close taproom ahead of relocation

January 28, 2026

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Warrior Brewing Company has announced that its taproom in Lincoln Park will be closing ahead of a relocation. While the current taproom is closing, distribution will continue during the process of finding a new location. The owners of the company hope to stay in Duluth and be moved in this summer. The aim is to have separate…

St. Louis County Depot begins renovations

January 28, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Historic St. Louis County Depot will be seeing some major renovations and a new exhibit soon. The project originally began as planning for a new HVAC system. It has since grown into replacing plumbing, structural upgrades, and more. The lobby of the North Shore Scenic railroad will get air conditioning for the first time. While there…

St. Louis County Historical Society seeks community feedback

January 28, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Renovations are taking place at the Depot, and the St. Louis County Historical Society is using this is an opportunity to make some improvements as well. As Historical Society staff move exhibits and put some things in storage to make room for the building renovations, they plan on using this transitional period to find out how to…

Two federal agents involved in shooting of Alex Pretti have been on administrative leave since Saturday, DHS says

January 28, 2026

Jason VanHorn,

(AP) – The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that two federal agents involved in Pretti’s shooting have been on leave since Saturday. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. The announcement came as Trump seemed…

Lawsuit claim: Duluth illegally charging millions in building permit-related fees

January 28, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Min. – A lawsuit is claiming Duluth has illegally high building permit-related fees. The Duluth lawsuits is similar to others filled against Minneapolis and St. Paul. The man suing is in Duluth is Joe Kovich. His lawyer Shawn M. Raiter tells FOX 21,. “Certain cities in Minnesota—including Duluth—have unlawfully overcharged property owners well over $100 million for building permit…

11 Proctor Students Join The Minnesota Army National Guard

11 Students join the Minnesota Army National Guard

January 28, 2026

Jadie Jones,

PROCTOR, Minn. — Students that chose to serve their country were honored at Proctor High School today. 11 Students were cheered on by their family and friends as they officially signed up for the Minnesota National Guard. Nationally, less than 1 percent of high school students join military service, but those 11 students make up 5 percent of the senior…

UMD students explore opportunities at Spring Volunteer Fair

January 28, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Students and organizations looking to do some good today gathered at UMD’s Kirby ballroom. Over 40 different groups were at the annual spring volunteer fair. The fair lets students see a variety of volunteer opportunities around the northland without having to go out and find them. Volunteering also gives students experience beyond what school and most students…

Owner of Lutsen Lodge suing insurance company for non-payment

January 28, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn – North Shore Resort Company, the company that owns Lutsen Lodge, is suing Owners Insurance Company for not paying insurance claims from the fire that destroyed the historic resort. Lutsen Lodge Fire The suit, filed in federal court on January 23, 2026 says, “Plaintiff timely made a claim to Defendant for coverage under the Policy’s Building, Personal Property,…

Man sprays unknown substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar and is tackled at Minneapolis town hall

January 27, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man wearing a black jacket was tackled to the ground after spraying an unknown substance on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall she was hosting in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Click here to watch the encounter. The audience cheered as he was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In video of…

Northland lawmakers address increasing mistrust in law enforcement, amid ICE operations

January 27, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.–Four Northland lawmakers held a press event at Duluth City Hall to address their growing concerns around ICE operations in Minnesota and its effects on the Northland. Democratic representatives Liish Kozlowski, Pete Johnson, and Senator Jen McEwen of Minnesota joined Wisconsin Rep. Angela Stroud. Rep. Pete Johnson is a first responder as a longtime firefighter, and he said seeing…

Two federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti

January 27, 2026

Matt McConico,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two federal officers fired shots during an encounter that killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, a Customs and Border Protection official told Congress in a notice sent Tuesday. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in…

Judge issues temporary order barring removal of boy, 5, and father who were detained in Minnesota

January 27, 2026

The Associated Press,

(CNN) SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A federal judge has issued a temporary order prohibiting removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father whose arrest last week in Minnesota quickly become another lightning rod for America’s divisions on immigration under the Trump administration. U.S. Judge Fred Biery ruled Monday that any removal or transfer of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and…

DEED awards nearly $2.5 million in grants for Northland contamination cleanup

January 27, 2026

Jason VanHorn,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) has awarded multiple Northern Minnesota communities nearly $2.5 million dollars in grants to clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. These grants pay up to 75% of the costs to assess and clean up the sites. Communities in Northern Minnesota that received funds: The Duluth Economic Development Authority was awarded…

Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court to explain why detainees have been denied due process

January 27, 2026

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: Associated Press (file) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) — The chief federal judge in Minnesota says the Trump administration has failed to comply with orders to hold hearings for detained immigrants and ordered the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appear before him Friday to explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt. In an order dated Monday, Chief Judge…

Pipe burst leaves Lakeside Early Learning with thousands of dollars in damage

January 26, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– On Sunday afternoon, the extreme cold caused a pipe burst that has wrecked half of Lakeside Early Learning Center. We’re told, luckily no children or staff were harmed while this occured. However, the incident has left the daycare with at least $25,000 in damage so far. The executive director said, thousands of gallons of water soaked through all…

Walz and Frey both talk to President Trump today; Say positive conversations

January 26, 2026

Matt McConico,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he spoke to President Donald Trump about the immigration crackdown in his city and some federal officers will begin leaving. A photo of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer over the weekend, is displayed at the shooting scene Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. Frey…

Border Patrol commander Bovino and some agents expected to leave Minneapolis

January 26, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A senior Border Patrol commander and some agents are expected to leave Minneapolis as early as Tuesday, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino walks with Federal agents outside a convenience store on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) The departure of Border Patrol commander…

Publishers Clearing House scams making rounds in Northern Minnesota

January 26, 2026

Matt McConico,

Publishers Clearing House Logo DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says there have been numerous reports of scammers calling people claiming they had won a Publishers Clearing House prize. The calls have been made within the past week. Scammers are claiming the person won a cash sum and often a brand-new vehicle. The caller then requests that they…

Case dismissed for man arrested in Virginia ICE operation

January 26, 2026

Matt McConico,

Jose Espinoza-Espinoza DULUTH, Minn. – The criminal case against Jose Espinoza-Espinoza, accusing him of “assaulting, resisting, or impeding a Federal Officer,” has been dismissed. Espinoza-Espinoza was arrested on January 16, 2026, by federal agents near the Cazadores Mexican restaurant in Virginia. Agents said Espinoza-Espinoza was in a car they suspected was “transporting illegal aliens”. On the morning of January 26,…

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’ office says call with President Trump was ‘productive’

January 26, 2026

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Min — A Monday morning call between President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about fatal shootings by immigration officers appears to have been well-received by both sides. Walz’ office said the call was “productive.” “The Governor made the case that we need impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, and that we need…

Positively 3rd Street Bakery to donate profits to Minneapolis families affected by ICE activity

January 26, 2026

Xavier Walt, Adam Jagunich,

DULUTH, Minn. — Positively 3rd Street Bakery announced a new campaign to raise donations for Minneapolis residents affected by ICE. The bakery announced that all profits until Feb. 1, will be donated to the International Institute of Minnesota, which will use the funds to buy groceries or provide rent relief for families affected by the ongoing ICE-related activity. The small…

Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate drops out, citing opposition to federal ‘retribution’

January 26, 2026

The Associated Press,

Chris Madel (CNN) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel, a Minneapolis attorney who provided legal support to the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good, ended his GOP campaign in a surprise video announcement Monday. Madel called the recent immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities an “unmitigated disaster.” “I cannot support the national Republican’s stated retribution…

Rep. Pete Stauber (R) Minnesota's 8th Congressional District

Congressman Stauber calls on Gov. Walz, Minnesota elected leaders to ‘seek cooperation’

January 25, 2026

Dan Hanger,

U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican representing Minnesota’s 8th congressional district, released a statement Sunday, one day after a second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal agents. Stauber is calling on Gov. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey to “seek cooperation” and avoid interfering with “legitimate law enforcement operations.” Below is Stauber’s full statement: “As a former law enforcement…

Sixty CEOs of Minneapolis-based companies call for ‘immediate deescalation of tensions’

January 25, 2026

Dan Hanger,

Logos of Minneapolis-bases companies who signed letter The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released a letter Sunday on behalf of more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies after the second death of a Minneapolis resident involving federal agents. The full text of the letter: The business community in Minnesota prides itself in providing leadership and solving problems to ensure a strong…

Mayor Reinert says Duluth stands with Minneapolis, calls for end of Operation Metro Surge

January 25, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert released a lengthy statement Sunday regarding the fatal shooting in Minneapolis Saturday involving federal agents. Reinert also released a video message on the topic (see below). Reinert said the city of Duluth stands with Minneapolis. Reinert also said the city joins fellow Minnesotans in a call to de-escalate federal operations and end Operation…

Federal and state officials both claim moral high ground in immigration crackdown after shooting

January 25, 2026

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In dueling news conferences, federal and state officials offered starkly different messages Sunday about the immigration crackdown that has swept across Minneapolis and surrounding cities, with both claiming the moral high ground after another shooting death by federal agents. Courtesy: Associated Press “Which side do you want to be on?” Gov. Tim Walz asked the public. “The…

Federal immigration enforcement focusing on Iron Range Mexican restaurant again

January 25, 2026

Matt McConico,

Cazadores Mexican Restaurant Logo VIRGINIA, Minn. – Federal court records show Homeland Security were “conducting surveillance near the Cazadores Mexican restaurant” in Virginia. In October 2025, agents from Border Patrol and Enforcement Removal Operations raided El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill and La Tequila Taco Shop. Both of those restaurants are in Hibbing. The new revelation comes from federal court…

The man killed by a US Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis was an ICU nurse, family says

January 25, 2026

Matt McConico,

Alex Jeffrey Pretti MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Family members say the man killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Saturday was an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital who cared deeply about people and was upset by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in his city. Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed getting in adventures with Joule, his…