DULUTH — A St. Louis County resident will face felony charges of animal neglect after an investigation into an abandoned and malnourished pit bull in Duluth.
A post by Animal Allies Humane Society on social media about the dog, nicknamed Lovebug, went viral. It featured an image of the extremely underweight male dog, who was found lying in the ditch not far from the shelter.
The dog was unable to walk on its own and shelter leaders said his condition led them to believe he’d been locked in a kennel for some time. Lovebug, also known as Gio, died a short time later.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced in a Facebook post last night it had made an arrest in the case.
Animal Allies says it received an outpouring of support and donations on behalf of Lovebug. The dog leaves a lasting legacy for the many special cases that will follow after him, the shelter says.
-
Contributed/Aaron Kania | Kania for HouseKania stated in a Jan. 20, 2026, news release that he would seek the DFL endorsement for the District 3A seat. -
Plus: AG Keith Ellison remains committed to running for reelection; two candidates launch campaigns for MN House from the Arrowhead; and the U.S. Forest Service will maintain its closure order to reduce human-bear encounters in the BWCA. -
Contributed/Minnesota HouseThe first-term Republican lawmaker and lifelong Iron Ranger Cal Warwas' top stated priorities in St. Paul include job creation, tax reform and mining. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will accept comment on reducing the statewide daily limit on walleye through March 5, 2026. -
With 70 additions, Report for America’s current host newsrooms increase to more than 175 across the U.S. The innovative partnerships seek to expand newsrooms’ capacity and reach. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team highlights recent releases, including The James Hunter Six, Courtney Marie Andrews, Mon Rovîa, Samm Henshaw, Kim Gordon and more. -
Contributed/City of MinneapolisThe subpoenas are an extraordinary escalation of the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and Minnesota. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountyThe state-funded pilot program aims to improve medical response time in rural areas. -
Maxim Tajer/UnsplashFire personnel responded to an engulfed pole barn in Gnesen Township on Jan. 19, 2026. -
A five-year maternal mortality report by the Minnesota Department of Health found 95% of maternal deaths in the state were preventable.
