Coronavirus

Everyone Over 65 Next in Line for Vaccine in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Everyone over age 65 in Wisconsin will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Monday. The state Department of Health Services said Tuesday that prioritizing that population will help save lives. However, the department cautioned that how quickly they will be vaccinated depends on how much vaccine the state receives from the federal government. There…

Duluth, Proctor Superintendents Disappointed in Slow Federal Vaccine Rollout

Duluth School District is only getting 32 vaccines to start, and Proctor is only getting 10.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn.- While Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday the state will open up vaccines to the elderly, education and child care workers in the coming weeks, Northland school leaders said they feel disheartened that the vaccines they’re getting to start barely scratch the surface. “Quite honestly I was really hopeful that it would be broader,” said Duluth Schools Superintendent John…

Martin Luther King Jr. Honored at Virtual Ceremony

Whether it be the pandemic or the continued division in the country, this year’s events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day were sure to look a lot different than in year’s past.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it be the pandemic or the continued division in the country, this year’s events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day were sure to look a lot different than in year’s past. This year’s virtual ceremony gave light to social justice, like the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but also to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19….

Walz Announces Vaccine Pilot Program Amid Supply Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the state will open nine community sites this week to vaccinate adults over 65, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. The program announced Monday expands the rollout beyond the first high-priority group that includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff, who began receiving doses last month….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 447,349 in the state. Health officials also reported 12 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,939 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,173,664 tests have been completed to date. There…

Pandemic Forces ‘Art in the Alley’ to Leave Downtown Duluth, Focus on Miller Hill Mall

The owner says the pandemic is pushing more people to the mall, and therefore her business.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime retailer in Duluth, Art in the Alley was forced out of their location on East Superior Street by the pandemic. The owner, now focusing her attention on sales at the Miller Hill Mall — where she says business is booming. “The thing about being a small business owner, 13 years in may we’ve been through a…

Wisconsin’s Average Daily Virus Cases Remain Mostly Constant

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin health officials are confirming 1,606 new cases of the coronavirus, out of nearly 7,000 people tested in the last day. Nearly 522,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases in the state…

Minnesota Lists 1,364 New Virus Cases, 40 Additional Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are confirming 1,364 new cases of COVID-19 and 40 additional deaths due to complications from the virus. The COVID Tracking Project reports that the state’s death count is the 22nd highest in the country overall and the 28th highest per capita at about 107 deaths per 100,000 people. State officials said 24 of the…

Furniture Sales High in Demand During Pandemic

The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic. Over at Hom Furniture in Hermantown, demand has surged. 2020 was a very busy year and because of COVID-19, people have been purchasing more items for the home office and upholstery furniture for those stuck at home Netflixing. “You know, you want to come home…

Officials Prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy. One of the major ones being planned is a virtual Twin Ports MLK rally hosted by the NAACP. Duluth Human Rights Officer tells FOX 21 that these types of rallies are important, especially during chaotic times…

Gov. Evers Extends Mask Mandate as Vaccinations Continue In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.– The state of Wisconsin is preparing to take the first steps into the next phase of the vaccination process as over 213,056 Wisconsinites have received the vaccine. The state will be opening up vaccines to groups like frontline and EMS workers, firefighters and members of law enforcement. Also next week, nine mobile vaccination teams will be sent out…

Port Authority Reports Numbers, Year Marked by Resilience

There are several silver linings to 2020's story of total tonnage. With Soo Locks closing on Friday at 11:59 p.m., the numbers speak for themselves as authorities say this past year was one marked by resilience.  

DULUTH, Minn. – There are several silver linings to 2020’s story of total tonnage. With Soo Locks closing on Friday at 11:59 p.m., the numbers speak for themselves as authorities say this past year was one marked by resilience. “The season started, as I said, it started well, but when COVID came, diminishment of demands and that lead to a…

Bakeries Celebrate National Bagel Day

It's National Bagel Day and some Northland bakeries are celebrating the baked treat.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Bagel Day and some Northland bakeries are celebrating the baked treat. Over at Positively Third Street Bakery, the bagel is held in high distinction and is made fresh every day. “It adds more flavor to the community instead of just having big box stores,” said Kathryn Elliott, a baker at the bakery. “You’re able to…

Motorhead Madness Not Continuing with Shows

After more than 50 years, Duluth's annual Motorhead Madness show is coming to a close.

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than 50 years, Duluth’s annual Motorhead Madness show is coming to a close. Producers say it’s a hard decision to make, but after COVID-19 along with the non-COVID related deaths of show producer’s wife Joyce along with friend David Swanson who were big parts of the show itself, they decided to call it quits. They…

Wisconsin Launching Mobile Vaccination Program

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin is launching a mobile coronavirus vaccination program next week. Gov. Tony Evers announced the effort Friday. Evers says nine mobile labs will be dispatched across the state starting Tuesday. They will be staffed by members of the Wisconsin National Guard as well as pharmacy and nursing student volunteers through a partnership with the University of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,640 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 443,562 in the state. Health officials also reported 33 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,850 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,090,114 tests have been completed to date. There…

Bell Bank Opens in Historic Temple Opera Building

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues to impact many businesses in the Northland, a new bank has opened in the Historic Temple Opera Building in downtown Duluth. That building on East Superior Street is now home to the first Bell Bank location in Duluth. The bank signed an agreement with developer Titanium Partners — leasing all three floors of…

Vaccinations Continue Through Northland as Providers Eye Next Wave of Doses

DULUTH, Minn.– As vaccinations continue across Minnesota, in St. Louis county 8,377 people have received the shot. While that’s just four percent of the county’s population, those in the health sector are preparing for the next steps. The county is still in phase one of vaccine distribution but Essentia Health has laid out its plans for the next round of…

Governor Walz Visits War Memorials, Talks Moving Forward and Getting Things Done

Surrounded by city officials and war veterans, Governor Walz came to Duluth to emphasize the power of unity especially during times like these.

DULUTH, Minn. – “I’m asking you to say that to move progress forward, there’s a few things that we’re going to have to compromise on and move forward and get done,” said Gov. Walz. Surrounded by city officials and war veterans, Gov. Walz came to Duluth to emphasize the power of unity especially during times like these. On Thursday afternoon,…

Essentia Plans for Public Vaccination as Minnesota Health Officials Expand Vaccine Eligibility

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health has told hospitals, health care systems, and other vaccination providers that they can now provide coronavirus shots to a broader group of the population, including Minnesotans 65 and older. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said in a statement that the move is meant to free providers to use all available doses as quickly…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,598 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 441,935 in the state. Health officials also reported 43 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,817 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,043,802 tests have been completed to date. There…

Pharmacist Accused of Spoiling Vaccine Has License Suspended

(Ozaukee County Sheriff via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — A state board has suspended the license of a Wisconsin pharmacist accused of ruining more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine because he thought it was unsafe. Steven Brandenburg was working at Advocate Aurora Health in Grafton, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee when he was arrested last month. The arrested followed…

US Unemployment Claims Jump to 965,000 as Virus Takes Toll

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people seeking unemployment aid soared last week to 965,000, the most since late August, and evidence that the resurgent virus has caused a spike in layoffs. The latest figures for jobless claims, issued Thursday by the Labor Department, remain at levels never seen until the virus struck. Before the pandemic, weekly applications typically numbered…

Goodwill In Need of Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – Goodwill in Duluth is running out of some items to sell like pots, pans and smaller appliances. Management says all their locations are continuing to follow COVID protocol, and donations are quarantined for 72 hours before being sold. “Goodwill is doing well overall,” said Scott Vezina, the communications and training manager at Goodwill. “This is our slower…

COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin from Douglas County Health Dept.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Vaccination efforts continue across the country, including in Wisconsin, where more than 123,000 people have been vaccinated so far. Hospitals and local health officials have been trying to distribute the limited amount of doses as best as they can, including in Douglas County. Earlier this month, vaccines were given out to employees at Essentia Health’s hospital in Superior….

Ursa Minor and One Less Guest Team Up to Support Sacred Heart

Ursa Minor Brewery is teaming up with a local band, creating the new beer Forbidden Fruit, to raise funds for the Sacred Heart Music Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ursa Minor Brewery is teaming up with a local band, creating the new beer Forbidden Fruit, to raise funds for the Sacred Heart Music Center. The band One Less Guest has performed at the brewery a number of times and the band approached Ursa Minor about raising money for the center. The goal of the fundraiser is…

Harbor House Homeless Ministry Celebrates 20 Years of Service

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Superior homeless shelter Harbor House homeless ministry.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Superior homeless shelter Harbor House homeless ministry. Harbor House homeless ministry in Superior has been a part of the community for the past two decades, welcoming, housing, and working with homeless women and families throughout Douglas County. “If you can imagine, a mom with her kids and trying to…

St. Luke’s Updates Its Visitor Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Wednesday that it has updated its visitor policy due to the arrival of the highly transmittable variant of COVID-19 in the state. Under the updated inpatient visitor policy, no visitors are allowed at St. Luke’s Hospital. Limited exceptions will be made. Visitor exceptions include: Pediatric patients will be allowed one parent/guardian All other…

Walz Extends Minnesota’s Coronavirus State of Emergency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s peacetime state of emergency by another 30 days so he can continue to use executive orders to direct the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. With the Legislature in session, the governor no longer needs to call special sessions to give lawmakers a chance to rescind those extensions. Health Commissioner Jan…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,504 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 440,354 in the state. Health officials also reported 50 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,774 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,006,711 tests have been completed to date. There…

Contagious COVID Variant Detected in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials said Wednesday a new, more contagious form of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in the state. The Department of Health Services announced the variant was detected through routine genome sequencing of specimens collected during testing. The department did not say where it was found or when it was confirmed. An agency spokeswoman…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose.

MINNESOTA- The Minnesota Department of Health has launched an online dashboard, to stay up to date on the state’s vaccination rollout. The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose. It will be updated daily. “It provides Minnesotans with confidence…

Antique Stores Experience Growth in Traffic During Pandemic

Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand. At Allouez Antiques in Superior, management says they’ve had their best sales in more than five years. They believe it’s because people want to get rekindled more with their past especially during the pandemic. “Nice to just kind of walk through and reminisce,” said Curtis Zamzow,…

Minnesota Movie Theatres Reopen Per Governor’s Orders

Attention movie buffs: Minnesota theaters are now reopened as the governor has loosened restrictions.

DULUTH, Minn. – Attention movie buffs: Minnesota theaters are now reopened as the governor has loosened restrictions. Whether it’s Wonder Woman or Tom Hanks’ new film, Marcus Theatres in Duluth is ready to bring both action and drama to the big screen for its patrons. “We’re back!” said Shawn Fennessey, general manager at Marcus Theatres Duluth cinema. “It’s been a…

Northforce Launches Student Connect Program

A job recruiting initiative called Northforce has launched a program to connect students with employers and organizations who want to invest more in the community.

NORTHLAND – A job recruiting initiative called Northforce has launched a program to connect students with employers and organizations who want to invest more in the community. A dozen colleges from around the area are involved with the goal of retaining talent that could otherwise move out of the area. Organizers say it’s all about making students feel welcome while…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 438,867 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,724 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,982,456 tests have been completed to date. There…

Minnesota Department of Health Launches Online Dashboard to Track COVID Vaccine

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a new online dashboard for tracking COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state. The dashboard shows the number of doses of the vaccine that have been administered as well as the number of doses that have been shipped to Minnesota. MDH says the dashboard will be updated daily at 11 a.m. The dashboard shows 144,503…

Wisconsin Senate Poised to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate is set to pass a pared-down COVID-19 relief package. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders have been trying to hammer out a compromise package for weeks to no avail. Assembly Republicans passed a bill last week, but Evers opposes it. Senate Republicans scaled the measure back. They removed provisions that would…

US Asking States to Speed Vaccine, Not Hold Back 2nd Dose

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is asking states to speed delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to people older than 65 and others at high risk by no longer holding back the second dose of the two-dose shots, The Associated Press has learned. The Trump administration is expected to recommend opening up vaccines to everyone older than 65 and to get…

Businesses Excited to See College Students Back in the Area

As the spring semester begins at colleges, businesses are glad to see students back in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the spring semester begins at colleges, businesses are glad to see students back in the area. The owner of Duluth Vanilla Bean says he couldn’t be happier to see the students as they make up 60 to 70% of his customers. “It’s always good to have that energy from our college students,” said Jason Vincent, the…

Spring Semester Underway, Northland Colleges Prep for Incoming Students

As the pandemic continued through the fall, local colleges had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation and now with the spring semester beginning, educational leadership continues to work to keep their students safe during these unique times.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continued through the fall, local colleges had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation and now with the spring semester beginning, educational leadership continues to work to keep their students safe during these unique times. With the spring semester underway, college leaders are taking steps to ensure a safe experience for both students and…

Minnesota Virus Deaths Continue Decline as Businesses Reopen

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits on capacity as COVID-19 cases and deaths across the state continue to fall. The eased restrictions on Monday return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at…

Police, Firefighters to get Vaccine Next in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State health officials say police and firefighters in Wisconsin will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine starting Jan. 18. Gov. Tony Evers estimates in a letter made public on Monday that members of the general public won’t be vaccinated until June. Evers renewed his call for faster distribution of the vaccine from the federal government…

Evers Estimates Public Won’t See Vaccine Until June

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Members of the general public in Wisconsin likely won’t be vaccinated for the coronavirus until June, Gov. Tony Evers said in a letter made public Monday as he renewed his call for faster distribution of the vaccine from the federal government and state Republicans introduced a new response bill….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 437,552 in the state. Health officials also reported 4 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,711 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,953,863 tests have been completed to date. There…

Indoor Service for Bars, Restaurants Resumes in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits starting Monday, as COVID-19 cases have been declining. The eased restrictions return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at 50% capacity but with 10 p.m. curfews…

CHUM Food Shelf Sees Record Demand in 2020, Year Ahead Looks No Better

The food shelf served more than 16,000 people in 2020, and staff expects the need to go up as much as 20% in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic left more than 15,000 people in the Twin Ports to rely on CHUM’s Food Shelf to put food on the table — an increased demand they haven’t seen in more than a decade. “In my tenure it was a pretty big record setting year on my terms,” Distributive Services Director Scott Van…

Washington Center Gym Reopened for Rental Use

The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders. Some rules will be enforced if you decide to use it. Face coverings must be worn at all times including during play by all participants in the gym. Practices will be allowed but social gatherings will not be. Participants should arrive and…