Coronavirus

Moments Hospice Trailer Drives Around Minnesota for Food Donations

A Minnesota-based company is pulling a trailer throughout the state to raise items for a food drive.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Minnesota-based company is pulling a trailer throughout the state to raise items for a food drive. Moments Hospice started driving the trailer during Thanksgiving week and has been traveling across Minnesota, including places like Virginia, Eveleth, and Grand Rapids. Today, the trailer was parked in Duluth at the North Shore Estates where they gathered items from…

St. Louis County Jail Keeps COVID Numbers Low

Across the state of Minnesota, multiple prisons have reported outbreaks of COVID among their inmates but currently, it looks as though the St. Louis County jail and its 196 inmates have lucked out.

DULUTH, Minn. – Across the state of Minnesota, multiple prisons have reported outbreaks of COVID among their inmates but currently, it looks as though the St. Louis County jail and its 196 inmates have lucked out. From the start of the pandemic till now, only one inmate has tested positive for COVID-19 at the St. Louis County jail, along with…

More Than 230,000 Minnesotans Have Downloaded COVIDaware App

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – More than 230,000 Minnesotans have downloaded COVIDaware, the COVID-19 exposure app, which launched just over a week ago, according to Governor Tim Walz. Two days after the app launched, it became the third most popular utility app in the iPhone App Store, according to a press release from the governor’s office. State officials expect more downloads of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,192 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 327,477 in the state. Health officials also reported 77 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,692 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,326,347 tests have been completed to date. There are…

US Panel: 1st Vaccines to Health Care Workers, Nursing Homes

NEW YORK (AP) — An influential government advisory panel says health care workers and nursing home residents should be at the front of the line when the first coronavirus vaccine shots become available. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 13-1 on Tuesday to recommend priority be given to those groups in the first days of any coming vaccination program…

UK Officials Authorize COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use

Vaccinations Expected to Begin Next Week in United Kingdom

LONDON (AP) – British officials have authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic. The go-ahead Wednesday for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States…

Superior City Council Approves CARES Act Fund Request for Housing, Community Programs

This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs and other community aid organizations. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New federal CARES Act money could be going to help housing and community development programs in Superior. The Superior City Council Tuesday voted to approve the 2019 Community Development Block Grant Cooperative Action Plan authorizing staff to submit a plan to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs…

COVID Cases Climb in St. Louis County

COVID cases continue to surge across Minnesota with more than 3,500 cases being reported today along with 22 deaths and now, local health officials are expressing concern about seeing a large surge in this area after the recent Thanksgiving holiday.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – COVID cases continue to surge across Minnesota with more than 3,500 cases being reported today along with 22 deaths and now, local health officials are expressing concern about seeing a large surge in this area after the recent Thanksgiving holiday. There are currently nearly 9100 cases of COVID-19 reported in St. Louis County along with 112…

US Panel to Decide Who Should Get the First COVID-19 Shots

NEW YORK (AP) — An influential scientific panel on Tuesday is set to tackle one of the most pressing questions in the U.S. coronavirus epidemic: When the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine become available, who should be at the front of the line for shots? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet in an open-to-the-public, virtual meeting to vote…

The Latest: Yellen Warns Quick Action Needed on Virus Impact

WASHINGTON (AP) – Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen is describing the economic crisis brought on by the COVID pandemic as an “American tragedy” and warning that without quick action to address it, the damage will get worse. Introducing herself during a Joe Biden transition event where the president-elect unveiled his economic team, Yellen spoke about the “historic crises” of the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,570 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 322,312 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,615 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,284,823 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Caution Again Advised for Christmas; Vaccine on Horizon for Public in 2021 Gov. Walz Says

After a surge in cases over Thanksgiving, the Governor said guidance will likely remain for Christmas, and public access to the vaccine in 2021.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and State Health leaders spoke out in a COVID-19 briefing Monday after a Thanksgiving weekend like no other. They stressed continued mitigation efforts by Minnesotans, with the horizon of a vaccine in the distance — in 2021. “Minnesotans did a pretty good job staying home, but there’s some data on movement especially the airport…

Holiday Months Can Bring Depression for Some

While the holidays are usually a happy time for many people, it can also be a lonely time for many others.

DULUTH, Minn. – While the holidays are usually a happy time for many people, it can also be a lonely time for many others. The winter months and the holidays can sometimes cause depression to sink in for some people, including the elderly, and now during the pandemic, it can cause all these feelings to compound even more. Age Well…

Yellow Bike Coffee Celebrates Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a good excuse to shop local and area businesses are putting together their own special deals for the special day.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Cyber Monday is a good excuse to shop local and area businesses are putting together their own special deals for the special day. Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown has a gift card deal just for Cyber Monday. If you purchase $100 at Yellow Bike Coffee, you get $20 free. Owners say it’s important to support local especially…

Fire Officials Share Tips on Safety During Holidays

The holiday season is a festive time but it's also a time when home fire dangers increase.

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is a festive time but it’s also a time when home fire dangers increase. With Christmas trees and lights now going up around the Northland, fire officials want to share a few safety tips. Having any type of open flame in your home puts you at a higher risk for a structure fire. In…

Madison High School Student Dies of COVID-19 Complications

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Madison high school student has died after a brief coronavirus-related illness, according to officials. In an email to students and families, East High School’s principal said junior Isai Morocho died unexpectedly during the Thanksgiving break. Principal Brendan Kearney described Morocho as “a caring friend and family member with a ready smile and great sense of…

Virus Forces Gophers to Cancel Game vs. No. 16 Northwestern

(AP) – Minnesota has called off Saturday’s game against 16th-ranked Northwestern, the second straight cancellation for the Gophers due to a spike in COVID-19 cases within the program. University officials made the decision in consultation with the Big Ten after seven additional positive cases were confirmed. The Wildcats lead the West Division at 5-1. Since Nov. 19, Minnesota has turned…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,801 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 318,763 in the state. Health officials also reported 15 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,593 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,262,806 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Moderna Asking US, European Regulators to OK Its Virus Shots

(AP) – Moderna Inc. says it will ask U.S. and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection. Multiple vaccine candidates must succeed for the world to stamp out the coronavirus pandemic. Moderna is just behind Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in seeking to begin vaccinations in…

Fauci: US May See ‘Surge Upon Surge’ of Virus in Weeks Ahead

(AP) – The nation’s top infectious disease expert says that the U.S. may see a “surge upon a surge” of the coronavirus over the coming weeks, and he does not expect current recommendations around social distancing to be relaxed before Christmas. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also says it’s “not too…

Vikre Distillery Puts Together Cocktail Kits for Holiday Season

Some bars in Duluth are using creative means to weather the impacts of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's recent executive orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some bars in Duluth are getting creative to weather the impacts of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recent executive orders. Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is putting together holiday cocktail kits for people to order. Some of the cocktails include Hot Cedar Gin & Spiced Cider, Gin and Tonic, and the Minnesota Mule, which includes Lake Superior vodka,…

Cast Your Vote for Red Curtain Storefront Window Display and Lighting Contest

There's still time to cast your vote for the red curtain Storefront Window Display and Lighting Contest in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s still time to cast your vote for the red curtain Storefront Window Display and Lighting Contest in Duluth. Hosted by the Greater Downtown Council, the contest is taking place throughout the downtown waterfront where people can vote on their favorite storefront decorations previously covered by red curtains. 17 business storefronts now have displays including Hucklebeary Duluth…

Local Businesses Celebrate Black Friday During Pandemic

As shoppers across the country celebrate Black Friday, local stores throughout the Northland celebrated with bargains as they learn to accommodate to shopping during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – As shoppers across the country celebrate Black Friday, local stores throughout the Northland celebrated with bargains as they learn to accommodate to shopping during the pandemic. After a nontraditional Thanksgiving holiday, small businesses across Duluth opened for an equally unconventional Black Friday. For Blue Heron in Duluth, it was a slower shopping holiday this year. The store…

TSA on Wednesday Screened the Highest Number of Travelers in One Day Since Beginning of Pandemic

(FOX NEWS) – Americans are still traveling for the holidays. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued warnings against traveling over the holiday. While the overall number of travelers is still down, the TSA still reported a massive spike in the number of people passing through airports. Thanksgiving is often one of the busiest…

Minnesota Exceeds 100 Single-Day Virus Deaths for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 101 more deaths due to COVID-19 on Friday, the first time the state has topped 100 single-day deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state health department reported 5,704 new cases on Friday, putting the state at 3,476 deaths and 295,001 cases due to the virus since March. More than…

Virus Claims Nearly 300 Nursing Home Residents in 4 Weeks

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Nearly 300 nursing home residents in Wisconsin died from COVID-19 in the most recent month reported to the federal government. The Journal Sentinel reports that’s more than 10 times the previous month. Nursing homes in Wisconsin reported that 294 residents had died of the disease caused by the coronavirus between Oct. 12 and Nov. 8, according to data…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, November 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,704 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 295,001 in the state. Health officials also reported 101 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,476 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,012,524 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Union Gospel Mission Distributes Hot Meals

In Downtown Duluth, the Union Gospel Mission also did a special distribution of hot meals for Thanksgiving.

DULUTH, Minn. – In Downtown Duluth, the Union Gospel Mission also did a special distribution of hot meals for Thanksgiving. The organization had all hands-on deck as it gave out 300 hot meals curbside, which included things like mashed potatoes, turkey, and cranberry sauce. The Mission also gave out bagged lunches provided by the DECC Thanksgiving Buffet as an extra…

A Different Take on DECC Thanksgiving Event

While the DECC Thanksgiving Buffet didn't happen this year in its usual fashion, organizers still felt the need to give back to the community and instead, gave out a couple thousand meals.

DULUTH, Minn. – While the DECC Thanksgiving Buffet didn’t happen this year in its usual fashion, organizers still felt the need to give back to the community and instead, gave out a couple of thousand meals. Typically, 4,000 people are fed in the DECC ballroom on Thanksgiving Day, but this year, bagged meals were distributed to-go for the holiday. “It’s…

Customers Do Last-Minute Shopping at Grocery Stores for Thanksgiving Holiday

Some grocery stores were open today for customers who wanted to get some last-minute shopping done before their Thanksgiving meals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some grocery stores were open today for customers who wanted to get some last-minute shopping done before their Thanksgiving meals. The Whole Foods Co-op at the Denfeld and Hillside locations were open today and people came to pick up things like pies and rolls for the special holiday. “I think it’s important for us, for our customers,…

Duluth Parks and Rec Creates Fun Turkey Hunt Game

If you’re a big fan of turkey around Thanksgiving, the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department has a fun outdoor game involving birds, that will get you moving and maybe hlpe burn off some of those holiday calories.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a big fan of turkey around Thanksgiving, the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department has a fun outdoor game involving birds, that will get you moving and maybe help burn off some of those holiday calories. 20 turkeys are posted throughout Leif Erikson Park as well as the DWP Trail by Kingsbury Creek. You and your…

Stores Gear Up for Black Friday During the Pandemic

Even during the pandemic, local shops are gearing up for customers eager to get deals on a variety of items but some of the strategies being used have changed as Black Friday approaches. 

NORTHLAND – Even during the pandemic, local shops are gearing up for customers eager to get deals on a variety of items but some of the strategies being used have changed as Black Friday approaches. Blue Arrow Boutique in Superior is still expecting to see a lot of shoppers in the store this season. They have several sales and promotions…

Disabled American Veterans Duluth Chapter Thanks Local Business for Support

Members of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 6 in Duluth thanked a local business for helping them further their mission.

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 6 in Duluth thanked a local business for helping them further their mission. The DAV chapter presented a special plaque to Northland Construction today after the business helped the chapter flatten out a property for free so the organization could make space for a trailer. That trailer is now being…

Wisconsin Coronavirus Infections Tick Downward

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The number of COVID-19 infections in Wisconsin continues to tick downward. The state Department of Health Services reported 5,469 confirmed cases Wednesday. The number of cases has now declined every day since Saturday, an encouraging sign after the state saw a record-high 7,989 cases on Nov. 18. The seven-day average of positive tests was 28.3% as…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, November 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,399 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 289,303 in the state. Health officials also reported 72 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,375 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,956,949 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Healthcare Workers Describe Reality Inside Overwhelmed Duluth Hospitals

Medical Professionals From St. Luke's, Essentia Health Paint Picture of a Grim Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – Frontline workers from St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are speaking out, sharing what they experience during a routine shift amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Critical care doctors and ICU nurses want residents to know the surge is here, and it’s going to take all of us working together to help limit the spread, and save our most…

Surge Affecting Minnesota Nursing Home Staffing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A current surge of COVID-19 cases throughout Minnesota is affecting staffing levels at many nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. That’s forcing the state to send the National Guard to help out in some homes, while the administration is also asking state employees to consider volunteering in facilities with critical staff shortages. The Star Tribune reports Wednesday that…

Superior Restaurants See Extra Customers from Minnesota After Gov. Walz’s Restrictions

While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they feel for the restaurants suffering in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Restaurants in Superior are seeing more customers from across the bridge four days into Minnesota’s four-week-long restrictions closing in-person dining. Governor Tim Walz turned the dial back Friday, to try and keep the mounting COVID-19 case numbers from maxing out capacity at hospitals statewide. While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they…

Corktown Deli Features Turkey Dinner for Thanksgiving

With the new restrictions in place across Minnesota, local restaurants are working to offer more carry-out offerings including Thanksgiving dinner.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the new restrictions in place across Minnesota, local restaurants are working to offer more carry-out offerings including Thanksgiving dinner. Corktown Deli in Lincoln Park is currently selling a locally made turkey dinner with all of the fixings just in case you aren’t in the mood to cook this year. Management says they know that Thanksgiving is…

Grocery Stores Stay Busy Before Thanksgiving Holiday

As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, local grocery stores are getting busier with shoppers.

DULUTH, Minn. – As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, local grocery stores are getting busier with shoppers. Management at Mount Royal says they tried to make sure to fill the store to capacity with the usual seasonal items so they didn’t run out as the holidays bring in a rush of customers. “It’s been very busy,” said Steve Schadewald, the…

Governor and House Republicans Unveil Economic Relief Plans to Assist Minnesota Businesses

Both Minnesota Democrats and Republicans released their own plans today to help provide relief for the businesses impacted by the latest restrictions across the state. The packages from both sides target the 14,000 businesses affected by the governor’s latest restrictions.

MINNESOTA – Both Minnesota Democrats and Republicans released their own plans today to help provide relief for the businesses impacted by the latest restrictions across the state. The packages from both sides target the 14,000 businesses affected by the governor’s latest restrictions. Last week, bars and restaurants across the state were forced to close in-person dining while gyms and entertainment…

Wisconsin Sets New Record for Coronavirus Deaths

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin set another record for COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday as Gov. Tony Evers begged people not to celebrate Thanksgiving with anyone outside their households as the diseases rages across the state. The state Department of Health Services reported COVID-19 was a factor in another 104 deaths on Monday, breaking the old daily record of 92 set…

Duluth Public Schools Extend Distance Learning Through January 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools announced Tuesday that they will be extending distance learning for elementary and secondary level students through at least January 21 due to the current projected COVID rates in the area. In a Tuesday press release, Duluth Superintendent John Magas said the decision comes in response to the sharp rise in positive COVID -19 cases…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, November 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,423 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 282,916 in the state. Health officials also reported 38 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,303 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,891,159 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Prisoner Becomes Fourth Minnesota Inmate to Die of COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Corrections says a 73-year-old man who was a prisoner in Oak Park Heights has died after recently testing positive for COVID-19. The department said Monday that the man, who was not immediately identified, died at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. He tested positive for COVID-19 while he was being treated for terminal…

Warming Center Available for Those in Need

The warming center at the Rainbow Center is officially open to those in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – The warming center at the Rainbow Center is officially open to those in need. Organizers say they were hoping to open earlier in the season. However, with COVID protocols that needed to be established, there was a bit of a delay as they wanted to make sure the space was both available and safe for residents. “We’re…

Duluth Cider Has Special Deal for Customers in Response to Governor’s Order

Duluth Cider is doing a special deal in light of the governor’s orders last Wednesday to help support local businesses.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Cider is doing a special deal in light of the governor’s orders last Wednesday to help support local businesses. The cidery will be doing a $1 off deal on its drinks if you bring in a takeout receipt from a locally owned bar or restaurant. The purpose of the deal is to bring light to the…

DECC COVID-19 Saliva Testing Site, Parking Change Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 saliva testing site at the DECC is moving Tuesday into the DECC’s more spacious South Pioneer Hall. Drivers are asked to enter through the east entrance closest to the William A. Irvin and Marcus Duluth Cinema before parking and walking to “Door A” by the Curling Club entrance. Anybody from Minnesota or Wisconsin can get…

Plans Underway for 2021 Lake Superior Ice Festival with COVID-19 Changes

The Ice Festival is tentatively set for the last weekend of January, but officials said nothing is for sure with the pandemic.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival in Superior is so far still a go this year, with changes to follow COVID-19 health guidelines. According to organizers the popular snow-slide is expected to be back, you’ll just need to bring your own sleds this time around with a limited supply of disinfected ones available for those who won’t be…

Different Take on DECC Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner is still being made at the DECC this year, and while the celebration has changed, Northlanders will still be able to enjoy home-cooked meals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Turkey and stuffing and a whole lot of Thanksgiving goodness. Thanksgiving dinner is still being made at the DECC this year, and while the celebration has changed, Northlanders will still be able to enjoy home-cooked meals. Last week, 600 family Thanksgiving meal kits were delivered to families in need and this week, 2,600 meals will be made…