Minnesota

Unified Bocce Ball Tournament brings students together

Unified Bocce Tournament (November 20, 2025) PROCTOR, Minn. — Local High Schools and Special Olympics Minnesota teamed up to hold a Unified Bocce Tournament. Rather than separating students based in intellectual ability, the Unified sports initiative teams up the students to foster friendships and support the students’ social skills. “It makes a big difference these kids being getting the chance…

Section of Munger State Trail in Duluth to be temporarily closed for improvements 

Willard Munger Trail DULUTH, Min. – The first mile of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth will be closed starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It’s the area between Pulaski Street and Riverwest Drive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is removing “a significantly undersized culvert and replacing it with a bridge over Lower Knowlton Creek”. The bridge installation will…

New Essentia apprenticeship program celebrates its first graduates

Essentia Health Apprenticeship Graduation DULUTH, Minn. — A new program designed to bridge a crucial gap in health care has its first graduates. Jake Galatz and Elijah Zielke are the first graduates of the Surgical Technologists Apprenticeship at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s. Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons to ensure procedures are conducted safely and efficiently. This apprenticeship program is…

Animal Allies honoring “Lovebug” through annual fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.–Animal Allies in Duluth is making light out of what they called the worst case of neglect they’ve seen. The story of Lovebug begins two years ago, when the shelter desperately tried to help, and save the neglected surrender. The community quickly supported the dog and raised $14,000 in under 24 hours. Unfortunately, Lovebug passed away the next morning,…

Five St. Louis County election workers earn Excellence in Elections Award

St. Louis County Seal on podium DULUTH, Minn.– Following the most recent election season, several St Louis County election workers were recognized and awarded for their efforts. In today’s ceremony, 4 election workers received the Excellence in Elections award. Jon Blevins, St. Louis County information Specialist Amanda Inman, Municipal Services Secretary, City of Mountain Iron Dawn Kehoe, Deputy Clerk Treasurer,…

Bentleyville ‘Tour of Lights’ to kick of 22nd season Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville’s “Tour of Lights” is set to open this Saturday. The 22nd season will kick off with Mrs. Claus making a grand entrance by helicopter between 4:50 p.m. and 5 p.m. New features for the 2025 season include a 6,000 square foot gift shop, a lollipop garden, and Minnesota landmark displays. Bentleyville will run Thursday-Sunday, 5 p.m….

Staffer at adult foster care facility gave THC to resident leading to relapse

Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo DULUTH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Human Services investigation found a staff member at Northland Adult Foster Care (Northland AFC) provided THC to a resident. The resident, who in the report is referred to as an “Vulnerable Adult”, had a history of substance use and the goal to remain sober. The report said…

Drive-by shooting investigation at home of Winona LaDuke

FILE: Winona Laduke running As Green Party Vice President DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) —  An investigation is underway after the home of activist Winona LaDuke had several shots fired at it. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office responded to the drive-by shooting shortly after 6 last night. LaDuke says two teen grandsons and a nephew were home but no one was…

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association hosts ‘Piedmont Paint Night’

DULUTH, Minn. — Four days after vandals tore through the Piedmont Youth Hockey Association’s main hub, the clean-up continues. Vandals caused significant damage at this community center, which serves as the home base for the Piedmont Youth Hockey Association. Paint on the floors, graffiti on the walls, broken glass, garbage, and toilet paper everywhere. A board member discovered all of…

Lakewood Township hosts discussion on potential St. Louis County zoning transfer

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Lakewood Township’s supervising board hosted a meeting in order to engage with residents about the potential zoning change that the board is considering. The singular item on the agenda for the evening’s meeting was the discussing of the possibility of transferring the town’s local zoning control over to St. Louis County, with many of the town’s…

Community Action Duluth employees claim hostile work environment, mismanagement and leadership failures

DULUTH, Minn. – A news release from AFSCME-represented workers at Community Action Duluth (CAD) says they will hold a news conference to raise concerns about Community Action Duluth. They say there is a “growing crisis” within the organization. The news release claims, “hostile working conditions, financial mismanagement, a newly-filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against management, and the ongoing refusal by…

2,700 pounds of food donated at Festival of Trees

DULUTH, Minn. — The 38th annual Festival of Trees fundraising event took place at the DECC over the weekend of Nov. 15, wrapping up with a strong attendance and a successful outcome. Organized by the women’s volunteer and leadership training organization, the Junior League of Duluth, the event featured more than 170 vendors, including retail shops and nonprofits. The festival…

Western Bank Duluth locations collecting pet supplies donations for CHUM

DULUTH, Minn.– Inspired by recent difficulties with snap benefits and expensive cost of living, Western Bank in Duluth is ‘banking on kindness’ At both the Hermantown, and West Duluth locations, Western Bank is collecting any and all pet supplies and money for this fundraiser. The mission is to help prevent surrenders resulting from hardships. Happy Tails Animal Hospital in Superior…

‘Get up and boogie!’ George Thorogood & The Destroyers coming to Duluth

George Thorogood DULUTH, Min. – George Thorogood & The Destroyers are hitting the road for more shows in 2026, one of them is coming to Duluth. The show is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:30pm at the DECC Symphony Hall.  He told FOX21 that he wants the fans dancing and laughing at the concert, “Get up and boogie!”…

Quarterly profit slide at Target hints at a challenging holiday season for the retailer

NEW YORK (AP) — Target’s third-quarter profit tumbled as the retailer struggles to lure shoppers that are being pressed by stubbornly high inflation. The Minneapolis company said Wednesday that it expects its sales slump to extend through the critical holiday shopping season. The company also announced that it’s planning to invest another billion dollars next year to remodel stores, build…

Glensheen decorates for the Christmas season

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen is gearing up for the holiday season, showcasing its ‘Joy to the World’ Christmas theme. The mansion and estate are uniquely decorated, offering guests a chance to experience the Congdon family’s travels combined with Christmas. Twelve rooms throughout the mansion have been transformed, representing different countries the Congdons visited, featuring original artifacts the family collected abroad….

Neighborhood Youth Services hosting annual Thanksgiving Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.– A local nonprofit serving Duluth youth and families is bringing back its Thanksgiving tradition. For six years, Neighborhood Youth Services has been collecting donations to go towards Thanksgiving meals. Last year alone, the organization helped out 150 families. The organizer of this fundraiser said, they will accept cash and Venmo donations until Friday November 21st. And to reach…

Lake Superior College hosts first ever winter safety fair

DULUTH, Minn.– With winter well on its way, Lake Superior College wasted no time to put on its first ever winter safety fair. Resources such as Duluth Fire and Police Departments, MNDOT, and Minnesota State Patrol came prepared to help educate students. Topics ranged from navigating winter driving, checking smoke detectors, and safely heating homes. In addition, the college was…

Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Trump

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable…

State looking into alleged drunk and high group home van crash

Michael Edward Rahja Jr. DULUTH, Min. – The court case is moving forward against the group home employee accused of crashing a group home vehicle while drunk and high.  The state is also looking into what happened. Court documents say Michael Edward Rahja, Jr told law enforcement that he had been puffing on a 80% THC vape all night prior…

Second Harvest Northland feeds 313,000 meals thanks to Super One Foods customers

DULUTH, Minn. — Super One Foods’ Annual Bag Hunger Campaign resulted in over $100,000 being raised for Second Harvest Northland. After an extended 3-week campaign, Second Harvest can now provide over 313,000 meals thanks to the efforts of Super One customers. Customers could choose to donate between $1, $3, and $5 or round up their change. The campaign occurred during…

Fishin’ Chicks donates $5,000 to NorthLakes Community Clinic

IRON RIVER, Wis. — Fishin’ Chicks, an organization out of Iron River, donated $5,000 to NorthLakes Iron River Community Clinic. The organization raises funds through its annual women’s ice fishing tournaments, which benefit the community of Iron River. The 2025 tournament brought in $5,000, which will be used to help patients access essential services. Fishin’ Chicks will hold its next…

LNPK Grocery set to resume construction

DULUTH, Minn. — Ecolibrium3 is set to continue construction on the LNPK Grocery store after receiving the necessary permits. The store, originally set to open this past summer, encountered various snags in the construction process, delaying the opening. SEE PREVIOUS: Completion of LNPK Grocery delayed to early 2026 Now that Eco3 has the building permits, they can start renovation and…

Grandmothers for Peace to host 40th annual book and art supply drive

TWIN PORTS — The Northland Grandmothers for Peace are gearing up for their 40th annual book and art supply drive this holiday season. The organization is collecting gifts that promote peaceful play and creativity for children. There are eight locations across the Twin Ports sponsoring donation boxes, making it simple and easy for people to drop supplies throughout the region….

Warrant issued for Personal Care Assistant accused of stealing credit card from client

DULUTH, Min. – A personal care assistant is accused of stealing the credit card of one of his clients and changing thousands of dollars to it. Court documents allege Henry Opoku Ware Jr. visited his client’s home in late July, 2025.  The same day he visited the the client, Ware used their credit card to pay bills for the College…

Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone taking part in Give to the Max Day

SANDSTONE, Minn. –Thursday, Nov 20, is Give to the Max Day in Minnesota, the statewide event encourages giving donations towards nonprofit organizations and schools. In Sandstone, The Wildcat Sanctuary is taking part. Give to the Max is the most important fundraiser of the year for the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, which operates as a non-profit rescue. “It is when we…

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association seeking publics help after vandalism

DULUTH, Minn. — The Piedmont Youth Hockey Association is seeking the publics help after vandalism took place at its warming house. The hockey club posted to Facebook showing the damage to the inside of the building at Piedmont Park. The interior was covered in toilet paper, garbage, glass and graffiti, written in paint, on the walls. Many community members have…

Deputy shot in Cass County released from hospital

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk WALKER, Min. – Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk says the deputy injured in a Turtle Lake Township shooting has been released from the hospital. It happened on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, In a news release Welk said deputy was shot during the exchange of gunfire and treated at a Fargo hospital. The deputy sustained a gunshot…

3rd annual Women in Leadership Conference draws in hundreds

DULUTH, Minn.– A gathering described as a safe space for networking, gathering, and ideas took place at the DECC Monday morning. The 3rd annual Women in Leadership Conference brought in nearly 500-people from across the Midwest. Since the beginning, the event has sold out every year. The empowering environment has breakout sessions relating to topics such as career development and…

Free entrance to Minnesota state parks for one day in late November

Minnesota DNR Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, November 28, 2025. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore the parks. Director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division Ann Pierce said, “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we…

Twin Metals mineral exploration planned near Babbitt

James Devine, Twin Metals Community & Project Operations Manager, loads core samples from an exploration drilling crew. Courtesy: Twin Metals Minnesota ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — Twin Metals Minnesota has submitted a plan for mineral exploration. They plan to continue exploration for metallic minerals in an area about 5 miles east of Babbitt. The plan includes drilling exploratory borings and…

Staff member accused of taking narcotics from patients at skilled nursing facility

DEER RIVER, Min. – A staff member at Essentia Health – Deer River, 24-hour skilled nursing facility, is accused of taking “narcotic pain medications from the resident’s medication supply for personal use”.  The investigation revolved around medicine intended for three patients. One patient had been receiving medication because they “experienced almost constant pain”.  The investigation report from the Minnesota Department…

$20 Million in funding announced for new Air Traffic Control Tower at Duluth International Airport

DULUTH, Minn. — $20 million in federal funding has been targeted for a new Air Traffic Control Tower at the Duluth Airport. Duluth’s Control tower is the nation’s 3rd oldest air control tower in operation. The $20 million adds to $10 million secured in 2024. After the funds are formally awarded, the project will need about $17.4 million in funding is…

Former Viking and current Jet critically injured in New York City shooting

FILE – Houston Texans cornerback Kris Boyd, currently a player with the New York Jets, looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Nov 24, 2024, in Houston. (AP) – New York Jets cornerback and special teams standout Kris Boyd was critically injured in a shooting in midtown Manhattan early Sunday, according to Mayor Eric Adams’ office….

Festival of trees fundraiser brings holiday spirit

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the DECC for the 37th annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. The weekend-long event doubles as one of Duluth’s largest “pop-up” arts, crafts, and gift shows, featuring a mini-tree auction, 170 vendors selling handmade gifts, treats, and art. The event is hosted by the Junior League of Duluth, a nonprofit organization with a mission to…

Indigenous winter market kicks off holiday shopping season

CLOQUET, Minn. — An indigenous winter craft market at the Cloquet Community Center helped kick off the local holiday shopping season. The market showcased pieces from a number of the area’s indigenous artists, each showing off their creations from blankets to bead work. According to one of the event’s organizers, markets like these help local artists get a headstart on…

Grand View Golf Course reopens for final weekend of season

DULUTH, Minn. — Northland golfers are sneaking in one last round at Grand View Golf Course before colder weather strikes. The course, which had previously closed down for the winter, opened back up for one final weekend of golf. Dozens of golfers have been coming out to celebrate the end of the fall season, but the owner of the course…

Sax Zim Bog extending the length of popular Auggie’s Bogwalk

MEADOWLANDS, Minn.– Over the years, Sax Zim Bog out in Meadowlands has captured the hearts of countless nature enthusiasts. One of their most famous landmarks is going through what staff is calling a long overdue extension. When visiting Sax Zim Bog, visitors have different goals and missions. Whether it’s searching for a life bird or trying your luck at some…

Caregiver accused of stealing $10,000+ from vulnerable adult they were caring for

DULUTH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Health report say a caregiver with a Duluth comprehensive home care agency stole money from one of their clients. The report say the, “The stole the client’s bank card the first day the worked in the client’s home and fraudulently used the bank card to pay tuition expenses and order online items.” The…

Judge says he’ll approve a $7 billion opioid settlement

FILE – Several 5-mg pills of Oxycodone NEW YORK (AP) — A federal bankruptcy court judge on Friday said he will approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma’s latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic. The deal overseen by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane would require members…

Coffee Conversation: Local band Blue ObCityon rocks the FOX 21 morning show

DULUTH, Minn. — Blue ObCityon co-founders Ethan Warn and Tracy Christian joined the FOX 21 Morning Newscast live on Friday for an interview and in-studio performance. The local band draws inspiration from both past and present, blending elements of classic rock, grunge, blues, and modern rock into their signature sound. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

“Wheel of Fortune Live!” to wheel onto the DECC’s stage Nov. 23

DULUTH, Minn. – “Wheel of Fortune Live!” is spinning its wheel to Duluth later this month at the DECC, and you’re invited. The live show brings the excitement of everyone’s favorite TV game show to life, giving you a chance to solve the puzzles, win prizes and even become a “Wheel of Fortune” TV contestant. There are real vacation destination…