Minnesota

SNAP Text scams showing up in Minnesota

COOK COUNTY, Min. – The Cook County Public Health department says there are SNAP text message scams going around. They say the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families has been alerted of the scam. This scam claims that all Minnesota residents qualify for emergency food relief. The text asks recipients to click a link to claim funds. Cook County…

‘Minnesota Monsters’ rebrand introduced to Duluth community

  DULUTH, Minn.– For the first time today, the Duluth community got to experience the rebranding of the former ‘Duluth Harbor Monsters’. Now renamed to ‘Minnesota Monsters’, they have received a new name, new logo, and a new head coach. With their new involvement with AFL league, it is projected to put them on the map. They’re expanding to nationwide…

Animal Allies highlighting pet safety during Halloween festivities

  DULUTH, Minn.– With scary festivities taking place this week, it’s important to make sure you’re not scaring your pets too much. With seemingly spooky factors such as doorbells, costumes, and decor, we’re told it’s important to take steps to keep pets safe. On Halloween, it’s recommended to keep dogs and cats indoors, get secure collars, and make sure they’re microchipped….

Hibbing Celebrates Groundbreaking on New Public Safety Building

HIBBING, Minn. — Hibbing celebrated the groundbreaking for their new Public Safety Building. The new building will house the Police and Fire departments together under one roof. This will increase communication between departments, reduce response times, and provide more space for training, equipment, and technology. “Response time is a matter of seconds in life or death, and any time you…

Former Auditor St. Louis County Don Dicklich passes away

Don Dicklich DULUTH, Min. – St. Louis County leaders have released statements on the passing of Don Dicklich. Dicklich served as St. Louis County Auditor/Treasurer for 14 years. He passed away earlier in Arizona. He moved there following his retirement in 2018. Dicklich was first appointed by the County Board to fill the role in 2004 following the retirement of the…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Monsters join AF1 & debut new coach/logo

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Monsters are officially joining the new Arena Football One League, also known as AF1, and unveiling their new head coach and official team logo. Joining FOX 21 live in studio to share more about the big news were Jerry Kurz, CEO of the Arena League, and Steve Walters, General Manager of Minnesota Monsters. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Coffee Conversation: How to Keep Your Wallet Merry This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The season of giving doesn’t have to mean overspending. Amanda Bruggman with Affinity Plus joined FOX 21 live on Tuesday, October 28, to share simple, practical ways families can keep their holiday budgets on track. From creative strategies to cut costs and track spending, to local events that bring holiday cheer without the hefty price tag —…

Duluth to Host Team USA, Finland, and Germany for World Junior Tune-Up Games

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth is about to become the center of the hockey world this December. Team USA, Team Finland, and Team Germany will face off in a series of exhibition games ahead of the 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championship. The highly anticipated matchups will take place at AMSOIL Arena on December 19, 21, and 23, marking the final games…

Scarium at the Aquarium brings Halloween under the sea

DULUTH, Minn. — Instead of schools of fish taking center stage at the Great Lake Aquarium, it was a Halloween celebration filled with costumes and fun on the evening of Oct. 28. Families gathered for the Scarium at the Aquarium event – A night of Halloween fun, spent exploring exhibits, while stopping at trick-or-treating booths, set up throughout the building….

Duluth Planning Commission Recommends sale of Lester Park property

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Planning Commission approved the resolution recommending the sale of certain Lester Park Land to the Duluth Economic Development Authority. After reviewing the resolution, hearing public comments, and making amendments, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the sale of Lester Park Land to DEDA. The amendments change the language to reflect a resolution that holds the…

Spirit Mountain prepares new chair lift for 25-26 winter season

DULUTH, Minn. — As Duluth makes its way into winter, crews at Spirit Mountain are busy preparing the lifts and equipment. The Ski hill is now sporting a new chair lift, called the ‘High Line Lift’, giving everyone a smoother, faster, and safer ride up the mountain. The staff is getting snow-making equipment and trails ready, with high hopes for…

AT&T wireless internet outages in Duluth-area

AT&T Logo UPDATE: An AT&T Spokesperson tells FOX21, “We’re currently performing scheduled maintenance in the Duluth area. During this time, our customers may experience temporary service disruptions. Our technicians are working diligently, and we expect service to return to normal soon. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers during this time.” — DULUTH, Min. – AT&T customers have…

Duluth’s Best Bread distributing free pastries for children during SNAP pause

DULUTH, Minn.– With SNAP benefits on pause, Duluth’s Best Bread has quickly stepped up to the plate. Starting on Tuesday November 4th, the bakery will be distributing free pastries and day-old bread to support children in need. No IDs are necessary, but children 12 and under must be present for this program. This opportunity is for dine-in guests only, and…

United Way Campaign kicks off in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Carlton and Pine County Area United Way held their annual campaign kickoff today. The kick-off serves as a way to show donors and volunteers the work they do. The next few months are key times for campaigns and donation drives, so having this kickoff helps showcase the impact these drives do. From aiding with food insecurity…

Breakfast for Heroes raises funds for first responders

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Locals flooded to Two Harbors in order to give back to some of the region’s most crucial community servants. The yearly event, brought to the Northland by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, raises funds for first responders, and welcomed various area public officials to Two Harbors, with nearly all expressing their appreciation for those they…

Harbor Highlands Development wraps up Phase 6, introducing 40 units

DULUTH, Minn.– A major milestone to help tackle the housing crisis in Duluth is finally complete and was celebrated this afternoon. Harbor Highlands, a diverse complex in Duluth catering to backgrounds such as low income, and disability accommodations, finally wrapped up its sixth and final phase. The 19-million-dollar investment introduced 40 units. In addition, a tot lot playground was built…

Veteran reconditioning program to wrap up in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A local organization is wrapping up a program that’s strengthening the body and mind of veterans. 23rd Veteran is a non-profit that provides trauma recovery for veterans and first responders. This week the organization is wrapping up its 14-week Reconditioning Program, which helps participants through fitness and connecting with fellow vets. The program combines physical exercise with…

Spirit Mountain 25-26 Season Pass discount ends Friday

It’s the final days of the Spirit Mountain Pass Discounts Prices go to the standard rate October 31st The passes boast benefits such as unlimited skiing and snowboarding, 7 days a week, discounts on snow tubing and dining at Spirit restaurants, buddy passes to bring friends and family, and discounts at partner resorts. They believe this winter is going to…

YMCA holds ‘DiffeRUNce’ 5k fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — People across the Twin Ports took on the Differunce 5K in their Halloween costumes to fundraise for the increased food access and healthy living programs through the YMCA. The YMCA Community Services teamed up with Ursa Minor Brewing to host the run, providing an opportunity for the community to come together for a good cause and enjoy…

Former Minnesota Viking star Adrian Peterson arrested on DWI and gun charges

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stands on the field before an NFL football game between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears, Nov. 27, 2023, in Minneapolis. SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) — Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson has been arrested in a Houston suburb on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon, records show. Peterson…

Veterans Resilience Project hosts Second Annual Sweat 4 Vets event

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the weekend, people gathered to help veterans by sweating. This weekend, the Veterans Resilience Project hosted its 2nd annual Sweat 4 Vets event at Endion Station, inviting the public to come and experience the rejuvenating benefits of sauna therapy. People took to the sauna for a sweat session, then followed it up with a refreshing cold…

Governor Walz to announce $4m in one-time funding for Minnesota food shelves

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expresses frustration with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans over the federal government shutdown during a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. DULUTH, Min. & ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce $4 million in emergency one-time funding for Minnesota and Tribal nations…

Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

USDA Logo (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on. The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits…

CHUM Urgently Seeks Food Donations as SNAP Benefits Pause Impacts Families

DULUTH, Minn.– With many families around the Twin Ports relying on snap benefits to stay ahead, the recent changes have begun to impact local resources. With the news of the SNAP program benefits being put on pause, food shelves are in crunch time. Chum officials told FOX 21 they help out around 300 people weekly. That number increases daily, with…

Students Launch Weather Balloon Experiment

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from Piedmont released a weather balloon as part of a STEM project. The balloon is expected to reach an altitude of 100,000 feet and land 3 hours after launch in northwest Wisconsin. There are multiple cameras watching over experiments connected to the balloon. Students also attached a Labubu with an alien head to the project. “Hands…

Children’s Dental Services Holds Grand Opening

DULUTH, Minn. — Children’s Dental Services held the grand opening of their new Dental Hub in Downtown Duluth. This celebration marks the full installation of 10 dental chairs, new dental equipment, and housing for rotating providers to stay overnight after serving patients. This clinic will be a central point to their ‘hub and spoke’ method, bringing portable clinics across surrounding…

Target is eliminating 1,800 corporate jobs as it looks to reclaim its lost luster

This is the Target logo on the side of a shopping cart in a Target store in Upper Saint Clair, Pa., on Friday, July 7, 2023. (AP) – Target said Thursday, October 23, 2025 that it is eliminating about 1,800 corporate positions in an effort to streamline decision-making and accelerate initiatives to rebuild the flagging discount retailer’s customer base. About…

Essentia and MNA reach agreement for Miller Hill Surgery Center nurses

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health and The Minnesota Nurses Association(MNA) have reached a tentative agreement on contracts for nurses at the Miller Hill Surgery Center. According to Essentia officials, they agreed to a contract for  23 nurses at the center that will be effective through March 31, 2026.  “This agreement reflects hours of conversation and hard work done at the…

65th Arrowhead Regional Biennial Art Exhibition

DULUTH, Minn. — Art enthusiasts gathered at the Duluth Art Institute to celebrate the 65th Arrowhead Regional Biennial art exhibition. The event highlights art and artists from across Minn., Wis., the Dakotas, Iowa, Mich., and Ontario, bringing a variety of different artwork together to reflect the shared cultures and environmental interconnectedness by drawing from the landscapes of lakes, woodlands, and…

Taste of Hermantown Serves up Support for Students and Businesses

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Community spirit and local eats were on full display at this year’s Taste of Hermantown. Oct. 23 marked the 18th annual Taste of Hermantown at AAD Shriners. The event featured a variety of local restaurants serving food and included a silent auction. All proceeds from the evening go toward supporting the Hermantown Legacy Fund, which offers Hermantown…

Musician Todd Eckart Killed in Head-On Crash, Music Community Mourns

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth community is grieving after the unexpected passing of local musician Todd Eckart. Wednesday afternoon, Eckart was killed in a wrong way head on collision in Hawthorne Township. Channeling the soul, and tunes of the era of Buddy Holly, his voice and impact was heard around the Twin Ports. “He played the music that they kind of…

Fond du Lac Band signs Cannabis Compact with State of Minnesota

CLOQUET, Min. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has signed a Tribal-State Cannabis Compact with the State of Minnesota. The deal was facilitated by the Office of Cannabis Management. The compact outlines how both governments will, “advance lawful, cooperative, and mutually respectful cannabis regulation while promoting public health and safety.” Official Fond du Lac Band Logo The…

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes Visitors For International Snow Leopard Day

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo celebrated International Snow Leopard Day, welcoming locals in to help share the love with the zoo’s resident big cat. The zoo’s guests were able to ring in the day by designing their own “enrichment item”, which would later be given to Kiran, the snow leopard. Guests were able to decorate a colorful…

Update in fatal wrong-way crash

HAWTHORNE TOWNSHIP, Wis. — Officials have named both victims of a fatal wrong-way crash. Officials have now identified Daniel W. Ohara, 77, of Duluth, along with Todd M. Eckart, 61, of Duluth as the victims. SEE PREVIOUS: Two dead in wrong way crash on Highway 53 in Amnicon. SEE PREVIOUS: Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash The…

Former Timberwolves player Chauncey Billups charged in sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes

Chauncey Billups NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 other people accused of participating in schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia, authorities said. Rozier is accused in participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using…

Minnesota Monsters announce new head coach

DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Monsters have announced new Head Coach. Daron Clark will be Head Coach for the first season of the team in the AF1. Clark has been an assistant coach in The Arena League (TAL) and National Arena League (NAL). He also played arena football in the Indoor Football League (IFL), Arena Football One (AF1), plus on…

Popular local singer Todd Eckart killed in head-on crash

Todd Eckart on FOX21 Morning News DULUTH, Min. & AMNICON, Wis. – The uncle of Todd Eckart has confirmed to FOX 21 that the popular local musician was killed in a head-on crash in Wisconsin. The crash happened at 2:12 p.m. on October 22, 2025 in Amnicon Township. Todd was a standout when it came to entertaining the Duluth area…

Data Center Debate: Hermantown’s Comm. Dir. Talks Public Process

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The city of Hermantown’s communications director, Joe Wicklund, talked to FOX 21 Wednesday about concerns surrounding a proposed data center and the way the city is or is not including the public in the process. “We protect the environment so well in Minnesota with robust environmental standards. That has not changed. What has changed is these types…

Castle Danger Heads into 10 years of ‘Pints for a Cause’

  TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Once again, Castle Danger is turning good beer into a good cause as they head into their 10th year of ‘Pints for a Cause.’ Throughout the entire year, the brewery hosts beer release parties every other month in collaboration with six different non-profits from across the region. Each release party showcases one organization’s work through…

Man that escaped from NERCC has initial appearance in court

Michael Todd Hart GRAND RAPIDS, Min. – Michael Todd Hart made his initial appearance in Itasca County Court on charges after his alleged escaped from Northeast Regional Corrections Center. His initial appearance was on October 22, 2025. He is still remanded in custody. All the charges he’s facing in Itasca County are from his actions following the alleged escape. In…