Coronavirus

During Pandemic, Unique Take on Restaurant Week

Duluth restaurant week is continuing in the area right now, but with the pandemic still going on, it looks a little bit different this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth restaurant week is continuing in the area right now, but with the pandemic still going on, it looks a little bit different this year. Handfuls of area restaurants are participating in this year’s unique restaurant week and it goes to show that even during uncertain times, the industry is resilient and ready to serve customers. Happening…

Depot Kicks off Campaign for Arts, Culture, and History Organizations

The Depot has started a fundraiser called the Depot United Campaign for those that call the Depot home, including the Minnesota Ballet, the Duluth Playhouse, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many organizations have been hit hard by the pandemic, including the Depot. It has started a fundraiser called the Depot United Campaign for those that call the Depot home, including the Minnesota Ballet, the Duluth Playhouse, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Ken Buehler, the chair of the Depot United Campaign, says the key to a thriving…

UW-Superior Campus Offers Free COVID-19 Testing Site

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior campus is now offering a free temporary rapid-results COVID-19 testing site available to the community. “The addition of this testing site is in response to the increasing number of cases in our region, and we are pleased to take this leadership role,” said Chancellor Renée Wachter. The site is located in Mertz Mortorelli…

Biden Pleads ‘Wear a Mask’ to Fight Virus Threat

WASHINGTON (AP) Projected president-elect Joe Biden is imploring Americans to “wear a mask” to help fight the spread of the coronavirus — “no matter who you voted for.” He says, “We are Americans, and our country is under threat.” The Democrat said Monday the act could slow the death toll in the COVID-19 pandemic, which he noted could climb by…

Walz Hints at Targeted Restrictions to Curb COVID-19 Spread

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz plans to announce new restrictions that target active spreaders of COVID-19 in an effort to bring the coronavirus under control. He says, however, that the restrictions would be more targeted than last spring’s 51-day stay-at-home order. Walz will speak with lawmakers before announcing at least some of his plans Tuesday. News of the…

Essentia Health President Urges Residents to Follow Guidelines as COVID Hospitalizations Increase

Dr. Jon Pryor, President, Essentia Health, Urges Northlanders to Be Smart, Mask Up, Follow COVID Safety Guidelines

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus is making headlines daily, however, as COVID fatigue begins to set in, Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, is urging Northland residents to remain vigilant, and exercise extreme caution as the virus begins to take a toll on local hospitals. “Things are going okay, but things are tight. Our resources are being challenged, and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 184,788 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,675 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,147,270 tests have been completed to date. There are 149,766 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 11,671 patients have required hospitalization…

Gov. Walz Announces Expansion in Statewide COVID-19 Testing Access

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced an expansion to statewide COVID-19 testing with the addition of more than 12 new testing locations opening across the state over the next two weeks. Walz made the announcement at the Minneapolis Convention Center where a new, free coronavirus saliva test site opened. “Over the last week, Minnesotans saw…

Pfizer Says COVID-19 Vaccine Is Looking 90% Effective

(AP) – Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. Monday’s announcement doesn’t mean a vaccine is imminent. The interim analysis, from independent data monitors, looked at 94 infections recorded so far in a study that has enrolled nearly 44,000 people. Pfizer did not provide any more details about…

Bong Center Celebrates Veterans For Upcoming Holidays

While many events have been canceled this year, the Bong Center wants to make sure veterans in the Northland know how appreciated they are for their service and sacrifices they made to protect our country.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While many events have been canceled this year, the Bong Center wants to make sure veterans in the Northland know how appreciated they are for their service and sacrifices they made to protect our country. On Veterans Day this upcoming Wednesday, the Bong Center will be hosting a flag remembrance ceremony at 11 a.m. The Honor Guard…

Warm Weather Attracts Visitors

Many people got outside on this unconventionally warm November day in the Twin Ports.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people got outside on this unconventionally warm November day in the Twin Ports. Some of them chose to soak in a little sand and sun on Park Point’s 12th Street Beach, combing for rocks like agates and making the most of this spring-like weather. Spending the day outside was a refreshing escape from the stresses of…

‘Duluth Restaurant Week — Gift Card Edition’ Begins Amid Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The first-ever Duluth Restaurant Week – Gift Card Edition began Sunday as a replacement to the traditional Eat Downtown Restaurant Week because of the pandemic. So rather than attracting people to dine in for specially priced menus, this week is all about purchasing gift cards for deals. Nearly 30 participating restaurants throughout Duluth will provide a $5…

Festival of the Season Event Brings in Northlanders

The pandemic wasn't able to stop one local farmer's market event from taking place.

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic wasn’t able to stop one local farmer’s market event from taking place. The Festival of the Season Duluth Farmer’s Market showcased dozens of different artisans and vendors including baked goods, jewelry and sauces. Up to 30 visitors could sign up for designated shopping times online before the event took place. “We all want some sense…

Superior Ballots Kept in Safe Place Post-Election

A possible recount continues to loom in Wisconsin after Biden won the state with a narrow margin, but where are all the ballots?

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A possible recount continues to loom in Wisconsin after Biden won the state with a narrow margin, but where are all the ballots? In Superior, the city clerk tells us that they are stored in a fireproof storage closet space. The city is required to store them for 22 months after a recount is held or if…

Oasis Del Norte Moves to Miller Hill Mall

One of your favorite food trucks has come to a brick and mortar venue near you. 

DULUTH, Minn. – One of your favorite food trucks has come to a brick and mortar venue near you. Oasis Del Norte, which specializes in Mexican foods, has parked itself at a location in the Miller Hill Mall. The storefront will be operating on weekends only and will be in the place of the previous bubble tea company store. “It…

Northland Counties Experiencing Increase in COVID Cases

Minnesota set the record again for its highest number of new cases and deaths in a day and now cases continue to climb across the region, including in more rural areas.

NORTHLAND – Minnesota set the record again for its highest number of new cases and deaths in a day and now cases continue to climb across the region, including in more rural areas. The Minnesota Health Department reported more than 54,000 cases with 36 deaths on Friday and the problem isn’t just connected with bigger metro areas. In Carlton County,…

Minnesota Sets New Daily Record for COVID-19 Cases, Deaths

(FOX 9/FOX 21) – Minnesota saw its highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths reported in a single day Friday with 5,454 new cases and 36 deaths, according to the latest data from the state health department. The Minnesota Department of Health reports the state has now recorded 170,305 cases of COVID-19 and 2,591 deaths attributed to the disease since the onset of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, November 6

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 170,307 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 36 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,591 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,029,108 tests have been completed to date. There are 139,190 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 11,193 patients have required hospitalization…

St. Louis County Continues Battle Against Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County has set a new daily record with 167 new cases on Wednesday. This is following a startling upward trend that health experts say is coming from community transmission throughout the county. There’s a growing worry among county health experts that the virus could spread to places with vulnerable groups like care facilities. “Now we’re seeing…

Fitness Businesses Hope to See More Patrons Return in Pandemic as Weather Cools Down

With winter almost here, exercising outside becomes a bit more challenging, especially if you don't like cold weather. Area gyms are hoping to attract people for indoor workouts despite the ongoing pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With winter almost here, exercising outside becomes a bit more challenging, especially if you don’t like cold weather. Area gyms are hoping to attract people for indoor workouts despite the ongoing pandemic. They still only allow 25% capacity, but area gym operators are hopeful lower temperatures will mean more customers. The kickboxing gym 9Round in Duluth is…

Duluth Police ‘Experiencing Impacts of COVID-19,’ But City Won’t Say Total Cases

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth would not confirm how many officers or staff members with the Duluth Police Department were off the beat Thursday with COVID-19 after a press release was sent out that said the department is “experiencing impacts of COVID-19.” “We respect our employees right to privacy and all disclosures are voluntary.  Therefore, we will not…

Meals Reimagined: DECC Thanksgiving Looks Different Because of Pandemic

While this year's Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC will look a little bit different this year, people will still be getting their share of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and the works. 

DULUTH, Minn. – While this year’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC will look a little bit different this year, people will still be getting their share of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and the works. The plan is to provide meal kits the week before Thanksgiving for families that can feed a family of six. The week of Thanksgiving, there will…

Minnesota Virus Cases Reach Record High for 3rd-Straight Day

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,956 new coronavirus cases and 25 deaths on Thursday, breaking the single-day record for new cases for the third straight day. Minnesota has seen explosive case growth in the past week after a steady increase since mid-September. State health officials said Wednesday that the northwestern and central regions of the state…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, November 5

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 164,865 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,555 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,984,331 tests have been completed to date. There are 137,824 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 11,016 patients have required hospitalization…

Superior Schools Moving to Virtual Learning Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

In-person classes scheduled for November 5 and 6 will still be held in-person. Students will need to bring home any items they keep at schools that they may need for the next two weeks for virtual learning.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Wednesday the Superior School District announced they have made the decision to move students to virtual learning due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in Douglas County. “As shared previously, virtual learning for all students would occur when there are more than 50 positive COVID-19 cases per 10,000 within a 2 week period in Douglas…

St. Louis County Funds Organizations to Help Eradicate Homelessness

Homelessness is a big issue in the area and many area organizations that work to eradicate it are getting a massive boost in funding from St. Louis County. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Homelessness is a big issue in the area and many area organizations that work to eradicate it are getting a massive boost in funding from St. Louis County. There is a changing face in homelessness – not only do people have to find housing, but organizations that help also have to take into consideration things like…

COVID-19 Numbers Rise in Douglas County

Tonight we are learning that COVID cases are continuing to climb in Douglas County.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Tonight we are learning that COVID cases are continuing to climb in Douglas County. So far, more than 900 residents have tested positive for coronavirus in the county since March but last week alone, 100 cases popped up and they expect a similar number of cases this week. “If you’re going to walk outside on a sidewalk…

Saliva Testing at the DECC now Open to Wisconsin Residents

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County officials announced on Wednesday afternoon that the COVID-19 saliva testing site at the DECC is now available to Wisconsin residents. The free COVID-19 saliva testing site first opened to Minnesota residents in September. The site is open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to…

Lake Superior Zoo Temporarily Closed Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo announced on Tuesday that it will be temporarily closed due to a staff member that has tested positive for COVID-19. “We will be temporarily closing the Zoo to the public while our buildings are fully sanitized and deep-cleaned. We have conducted a contact-tracing investigation and any staff that was in CDC-defined close contact…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, November 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 160,923 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 31 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,530 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,949,591 tests have been completed to date. There are 136,457 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 10,849 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin-Purdue Game off Amid Badgers’ Coronavirus Outbreak

(AP) – No. 10 Wisconsin has canceled Saturday’s football game with Purdue as COVID-19 cases within the team continue to rise. School officials announced Tuesday that three more players and two additional staffers have tested positive since Saturday. That brings the program’s total number of active cases to 27. The total includes 15 players and 12 staffers. This marks the…

Positivity Rate for COVID-19 Climbs to 9% in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The positivity rate for coronavirus tests increased to 9% Tuesday in Minnesota, after previously hovering around 5%, an unwelcome sign that the disease is spreading rapidly in the state. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,483 new positive cases and 15 additional deaths compared to Monday. A total of 157,096 people have been infected with COVID-19 in…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, November 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 157,096 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 15 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,499 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,916,431 tests have been completed to date. There are 134,227 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 10,647 patients have required hospitalization…

Supreme Court Denial Keeps Mask Mandate at Minnesota Polls

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A requirement that Minnesota voters wear masks at the polls to help stop the spread of the coronavirus will remain in place on Election Day after the U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to block the mandate while a lawsuit is being appealed. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who handles emergency requests from the federal appeals court that oversees Minnesota,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 153,620 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,484 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,905,229 tests have been completed to date. There are 132,125 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 10,437 patients have required hospitalization…

Confirmed Cases of the Coronavirus Top 150,000 in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Minnesota has topped 150,000, according to data released Sunday by the state Department of Health. The update showed an increase of 2,217 positive tests for COVID-19 and 18 deaths in the last day. Health officials have reported a total of 150,672 cases since the start of the pandemic….

Stillwater Prison Inmate Dies of Coronavirus Complications

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Another inmate has died of coronavirus complications at a state prison in Minnesota. A 61-year-old inmate at the Stillwater prison died at the facility Sunday, authorities said. The man had existing medical conditions and tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 20, according to prison officials. The inmate was taken to a hospital on Saturday, evaluated, and released…

Dressed-Up Pets: Canal Bark Hosts Costume Contest

Dogs throughout the Northland are encouraged to dress up and celebrate the Halloween festivities for Canal Bark's pet costume contest. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Dogs throughout the Northland are encouraged to dress up and celebrate the Halloween festivities for Canal Bark’s pet costume contest. If you have a dog, take pictures of your pet in a fall October Halloween costume and put them on Canal Bark’s Facebook or send them via Instagram. “It’s a really awesome stress reliever for us,” said…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project to Continue Into Next Year

Phase Three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project will now be continuing next year after it was expected to be completed this fall. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Phase Three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project will now be continuing next year after it was expected to be completed this fall. Phase three consists of the three-block section from Lake Avenue to Third Avenue West, which includes a new street, underground utilities, sidewalks and lighting. With the winter looming, temporary asphalt will be put on…

Get Your Ballot Counted: Appeals Court Rules Mail-In Ballots Arriving After Election Day Could Be Invalidated

The Minnesota Secretary of State says it's too late to mail in your ballot if you want to make sure your vote counts. After an appeals court ruling that says mail-in ballots arriving after election day could be invalidated, local election judges are scrambling making sure voters know these new rules. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The Minnesota Secretary of State says it’s too late to mail in your ballot if you want to make sure your vote counts. After an appeals court ruling that says mail-in ballots arriving after election day could be invalidated, local election judges are scrambling making sure voters know these new rules. Leaders from the City of…

Minnesota Virus Cases, Hospitalizations at Single-Day Record

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials Friday reported a single-day high of 3,165 new coronavirus infections, with 18 deaths. The state also reported 738 hospitalizations, another single-day high, with 176 people in intensive care. States around the country are struggling with rising cases of the coronavirus. Despite the rising hospitalizations, Dr. Rahul Koranne of the Minnesota Hospital Association told the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 145,465 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 18 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,437 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,803,338 tests have been completed to date. There are 125,052 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 10,119 patients have required hospitalization…

Youth In Action Hosts Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Get your decorating skills ready! Youth in Action is hosting a pumpkin decorating contest, which lasts till Halloween.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Get your decorating skills ready! Youth in Action is hosting a pumpkin decorating contest, which lasts till Halloween. Typically, the organization does a kind of Halloween party at a community center or partners with schools, but this year, because of COVID, the staff decided to do something that is both safe and friendly for all ages….

Record-Breaking Growth in COVID-19 Cases Causing Concern in Northland

St. Louis County Health Officials said in the last two months, half of the county's coronavirus cases have been a result of community spread.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the state of Minnesota reported their highest daily COVID-19 case amount since the pandemic began City of Duluth officials, St. Louis County Public Health, School leaders and top doctors from St. Luke’s and Essentia say that upward trend is visible in the Twin Ports as well. Since Wednesday, St. Louis County is reporting a record jump of…

Hermantown and Proctor Prepare for Election Day

Election day is just five days away, and cities throughout the country are preparing for the upcoming day.

NORTHLAND – Election day is just five days away, and cities throughout the country are preparing for the upcoming day. Hermantown and Proctor are both approaching November 3rd in a careful and thoughtful manner when it comes to making sure voters are safe. In Hermantown, there will be screen shields for election judges between them and the voters. Hand sanitizer…