Coronavirus

Fall Art On Display

The Duluth Art Institute Fall Exhibitions Gallery is now open for viewing in person.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Art Institute Fall Exhibitions Gallery is now open for viewing in person. One mother-daughter duo from the Twin Cities says it’s a great experience to be able to support artists from around the region. “I think it’s important to come, just to see other peoples’ work and be supportive of other peoples’ artwork pieces,” said…

Depot Receives $1.5 Million in Bonding

The St. Louis County Depot is also receiving $1.5 million in bonding funds to help fix some problem areas the aging building has including its HVAC system.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Depot is also receiving $1.5 million in bonding funds to help fix some problem areas the aging building has including its HVAC system. Leadership says it’s important to invest money into the arts and is encouraged by the legislature’s decision to fund the depot. “You don’t always think about arts and culture centers…

Lake Superior Zoo Gets Big Money From Bonding Bill

The Lake Superior Zoo will be receiving $204,000 from the bonding bill, one of several institutions that will be receiving money from the bill.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will be receiving $204,000 from the bonding bill, one of several institutions that will be receiving money from the bill. The zoo will be using those funds for the planning and design of a new main building to help replace the current building, which is almost 100 years old. “It’s time to get…

Minnesota Reports Record Level of New Coronavirus Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have reported nearly 2,300 new coronavirus cases, the first time the state has surpassed the 2,000 mark. The surge comes as Wisconsin and the Dakotas continue to experience some of the worst per-capita transmission rates in the country. Minnesota’s 2,297 new cases as of Friday raised the state’s total to over 119,000. Friday’s case…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 119,396 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,212 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,448,315 tests have been completed to date. There are 105,120 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,718 patients have required hospitalization…

Rising COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota Schools Reducing in-Person Learning

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Surging coronavirus cases in Minnesota schools have reduced the number of counties where the virus is spreading at low enough rates to allow for full, in-person instruction. State health officials say statewide, more than 500 schools had at least one positive case in the last two weeks, and 24 public and private schools reported outbreaks with at…

Study Finds 4 Drugs Have Little to No Effect on COVID-19

GENEVA (AP) — The world’s largest randomized trial of COVID-19 treatments found “conclusive evidence” that remdesivir, a drug used to treat U.S. President Donald Trump when he fell ill, has little or no effect on severe cases, the U.N. health agency said Friday. The World Health Organization announced the long-awaited results of a six-month trial that endeavored to see if…

Clothing Stores Gear Up For Winter Sales

As temperatures continue to dip, local clothing stores are gearing up to sell winter clothing over at Fitger's.

DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures continue to dip, local clothing stores are gearing up to sell winter clothing over at Fitger’s. Trailfitters has been getting a lot of their winter pants and jackets as well as puffy down jackets for the incoming weather. Not a lot of it has gone out yet because of the nice weather but they are…

Local Business Hosts Witches Weekend

One local business is celebrating ten years of Halloween festivities.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business is celebrating ten years of Halloween festivities. The antique furniture store West Tischer Cottage in Duluth is celebrating a decade’s worth of celebrations on what they call Witches Weekend. Visitors can come by and check out the Halloween decorations and their refurbished furniture. “The pandemic has been I think really stressful on everybody, I…

Cold Weather Rule Provides Assistance in Northland

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule is now in place. It provides extra protection for residential customers of Minnesota Power.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in place. It provides extra protection for residential customers of Minnesota Power. Along with the cold weather, COVID-19 has caused many customers to have difficulties, especially when it comes to paying off their energy bills. The Cold Weather Rule protects customers from service disconnection but only if they have a monthly…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, October 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 117,106 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,199 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,403,811 tests have been completed to date. There are 104,547 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,652 patients have required hospitalization…

Falcons Shut Facility After 2nd Positive COVID Test, Vikings Game On

ATLANTA (AP) – The Atlanta Falcons shut their facility Thursday following one new positive test for COVID-19. The team remains scheduled to play at Minnesota on Sunday. Defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list this week, and the addition of a second unidentified person caused the Falcons to act out of caution. All team activity will be…

Harris Suspends Travel After Staffer Tests COVID-19 Positive

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden’s presidential campaign said Thursday that vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris will suspend in-person events until Monday after two people associated with the campaign tested positive for coronavirus. The campaign said Biden had no exposure, though he and Harris spent several hours campaigning together in Arizona on Oct. 8. Harris was scheduled to travel Thursday…

Liila Boutique Opens Own Storefront

A local women's boutique has landed a permanent location in the Lincoln Park Craft District.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local women’s boutique has landed a permanent location in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Liila Boutique on the 1900 block of West Superior Street one year ago opened in a studio space inside the Duluth Folk School. That location was supposed to be temporary but they ended up staying longer than intended due to construction issues…

Hartley Pie Fundraiser Begins

The Hartley Nature Center has kicked off its annual pie sale fundraiser.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hartley Nature Center has kicked off its annual pie sale fundraiser. Pies from the sale are from Betty’s in Two Harbors and proceeds from the sale will go to the center’s preschool needs. This year, some of the proceeds will go to a winter tent to act as an extra learning space, especially during these uncertain…

Small Business Administration Offers Help to Local Business Community

As the pandemic continues, many businesses continue to struggle to draw customers back in and earlier today, and an administrator from the U.S. Small Business Administration stopped at some of those businesses to learn more about the issues they face.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, many businesses continue to struggle to draw customers back in and earlier today, and an administrator from the U.S. Small Business Administration stopped at some of those businesses to learn more about the issues they face. Small business can be considered the backbone of the American economy and the vast majority of jobs…

MN National Guard Called to Assist 2 Nursing Homes Battling COVID-19 Outbreaks

HIBBING, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard has been called to assist two Minnesota nursing homes battling coronavirus outbreaks amongst staff and residents. According to recent reports, one of the facilities is located in Austin and the other is located in Hibbing. The Minnesota Department of Health says the Guard was called to help the Guardian Angels Health and Rehabilitation…

First Lady: Son Barron Was Positive for COVID, Now Negative

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump says her 14-year-old son, Barron, had tested positive for the coronavirus but has since tested negative. The White House initially said he had tested negative after both of his parents tested positive earlier this month. The first lady said Wednesday that subsequent testing showed Barron had also come down with COVID-19, the disease caused by…

Minnesota Reports 29 More COVID-19 Deaths, Highest Number Since June

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 29 more COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, the highest single-day number since early June. The state also reported 1,254 new COVID-19 cases, making this the seventh straight day of more than 1,000 new cases. The newly reported deaths include people ages 50-100 and older. Of the 29, 11 lived in long-term care facilities, 12 lived in private…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, October 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 115,943 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,180 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,383,527 tests have been completed to date. There are 103,830 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,585 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Judge Blocks Governor’s Order Limiting Capacity

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an order from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration limiting the number of people who can gather in bars, restaurants, and other indoor places, a move that comes as the state breaks records for new coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations. The Tavern League of Wisconsin sued…

Wisconsin to Open Alternate Care Facility Wednesday as Cases Increase

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is speaking out as his state sees a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. The state is now opening up additional resources to take the load off healthcare providers. They will begin accepting patients at their alternate care facility Wednesday at the state fairgrounds near Milwaukee. Health officials can bring in up to 50 people…

Gov. Walz Announces Additional COVID-19 Saliva Testing Sites Around Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Last month, Minnesota’s first ever saliva testing site for COVID-19 opened in Duluth at the DECC. As the no barriers testing continues, Governor Tim Walz announced that the state is opening more sites for saliva testing going forward. Soon Duluth won’t be the only place in Minnesota where you can get your hands on a COVID-19 saliva…

Possible Safety Issue Spurs Pause of COVID-19 Antibody Study

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A late-stage study of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot. The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents, and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,”…

Minnesota To Open 10 COVID-19 Saliva Testing Sites

(FOX 9) – Minnesota will soon have 10 COVID-19 saliva testing sites open, Gov. Tim Walz says. Walz joined the Minnesota Department of Health’s briefing Tuesday, where he said new saliva testing sites are opening in Winona and Moorhead this week and Brooklyn Park next week. This is in addition to the saliva testing site that opened last month in Duluth. The state is currently…

Minnesota Eases Visits To Long-Term Care Facility Residents

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have rolled back rules that prevented many families from visiting loved ones in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities because of the coronavirus pandemic. The new guidelines put in place Monday allow indoor visitations at most senior homes that have not had new infections in the preceding two weeks and when the infection rate in…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, October 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 114,574 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,151 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,355,124 tests have been completed to date. There are 102,624 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,500 patients have required hospitalization…

COVID-19 Virus Can Survive for up To 28 Days on Common Surfaces, Study Finds

LOS ANGELES (Fox News) – From the moment you wake up and turn off your morning alarm, you can come into contact with many surfaces: your phone, your computer, door handles — the list goes on. A recent study uncovered new information about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and how it behaves on surfaces, revealing that the virus can…

First COVID-19 Death Reported in Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This afternoon, Douglas County Public Health officials have reported the first death related to COVID-19 in the county. The individual was in their 90s and was living in an assisted living residence in Superior. Health officials say the individual developed symptoms. Douglas County Public Health is not releasing the name of the individual or living residence at this…

Douglas County has First COVID-19 Related Death

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Douglas County Public Health announced on Monday that they have confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in the county. The individual was in their 90’s and was a resident at an assisted living facility in Superior. “Our hearts go out to the grieving families and community members affected by COVID-19,” stated Kathy Ronchi, Douglas County Health…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, October 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 113,439 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,144 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,337,122 tests have been completed to date. There are 101,376 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,421 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Judge Upholds Mask Order for Enclosed Spaces

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge has upheld Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate in the face of a conservative challenge. St. Croix County Circuit Judge R. Michael Waterman ruled Monday that Evers did not overstep his authority by issuing multiple emergency orders on the coronavirus. Evers says the mask order was within his power and that he has followed…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Expert Discusses COIVD-19 Severity, Holiday Concerns

Dr. Andrew Thompson is an Infectious Disease Physician at St. Luke's in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Daily COVID-19 testing data released by the Minnesota Department of Health shows a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in recent weeks, and it’s prompting local health experts to speak out with a reminder for residents. “The recent rise in COVID-19 cases is definitely causing concern,” said St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Dr. Andrew Thompson. Thompson…

The Second Presidential Debate Is Officially Off

The decision comes one day after it was announced the debate would be held virtually.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is officially being scrapped. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Friday the October 15 faceoff is no longer happening. This decision comes one day after the commission announced the debate would take place virtually due to President Trump’s diagnoses with the Coronavirus. Trump resisted…

Items Needed for Pet Supplies Drive

Two local businesses are partnering to provide pet supplies to those who need them.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two local businesses are partnering to provide pet supplies to those who need them. Canal Bark along with Anytime Fitness in West Duluth are putting together a pet supplies drive and accepting donations throughout the month of October. Things like dog food, medical supplies, cat litter, or anything else considered essential are encouraged. “It’s super important just…

COVID-19 Cases Spike In Itasca County

The Itasca County Health Department is reporting an uncontrolled level of COVID spread due to largely formal and informal gatherings that they deemed unsafe.

ITASCA COUNTY – The Itasca County Health Department is reporting an uncontrolled level of COVID spread due to largely formal and informal gatherings that they deemed unsafe. Itasca County has almost doubled the amount of COVID cases that it has had compared to less than a month ago. There are currently 539 cases and now Grand Rapids Senior High School…

College of St. Scholastica Implements New Protocols

Colleges have been back in session for about a month and as the pandemic continues, one of them is changing some of its protocols after seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges have been back in session for about a month and as the pandemic continues, one of them is changing some of its protocols after seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases. Changes have begun at the College of St. Scholastica after the school saw a rise in COVID cases. Right now, the college makes decisions based on…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 109,312 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,121 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,256,165 tests have been completed to date. There are 97,715 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,251 patients have required hospitalization…

University of Minnesota Alters Spring Break for 5 Campuses

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota is changing spring break plans at its five campuses because of the coronavirus. University leaders are moving the weeklong vacation from March to April for Twin Cities and Rochester students and spreading the days across the semester for those attending in Duluth, Morris, and Crookston, the Star Tribune reported. In addition, university officials…

Principal’s Week Highlights Leaders of Local Schools

As the school year continues, educators are being confronted with issues they've never seen before due to the pandemic, and this week, it is Principal's Week all throughout Minnesota where the state celebrates the leaders of these schools who are helping adapt to those changes.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the school year continues, educators are being confronted with issues they’ve never seen before due to the pandemic, and this week, it is principal’s week all throughout Minnesota where the state celebrates the leaders of these schools who are helping adapt to those changes. Whether it be communicating with staff and families or navigating changes in…

Minnesota Loosens Bar Rules Put in Place for the Coronavirus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Thursday reported the second-highest number of daily COVID-19 hospital admissions, on the same day the state loosened regulations in bars and restaurants. Updated guidelines permit as many as 10 people seated together in restaurants and event spaces, up from four or six if they were members of a single household. Live music will…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, October 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 107,922 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,107 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,224,194 tests have been completed to date. There are 97,254 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,187 patients have required hospitalization…

Gov. Evers Activates Additional Hospital Space as Hospitalizations Rise

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has activated a field hospital at the state fairgrounds. This is expected to be opened within the next week, this creates room for an additional 530 patients. Right now more than 800 patients are hospitalized, compared to last month’s total of 283. There’s also been a 27 percent increase in patients admitted to the…

Gov. Walz Hosts COVID Roundtable with St. Louis County Public Health Official

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Governor waltz held a roundtable in St. Paul today, bringing local officials together to talk about the state’s fight against COVID-19. That conversation included one health expert from St. Louis County. St. Louis County Public Health Division Director Amy Westbrook was down in St. Paul Wednesday afternoon to meet with Governor Tim Walz for a roundtable discussion…

Locals Celebrate National Roller Skating Month

October is National Roller Skating month and local rinks are giving visitors some good deals.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – October is National Roller Skating month and local rinks are giving visitors some good deals. During the month, World of Wheels in Superior is doing free admission for Wednesdays from 5 to 7:15 p.m. for all ages. Rink leadership says that it has been quite slow, running about a quarter of regular business. “We’ve done the same…

Pandemic Changes Typical School Picture Day

With the pandemic, many things have changed, including how school pictures are done.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With the pandemic, many things have changed, including how school pictures are done. Picture day can be an exciting time for students, but this year things look quite a bit different due to the pandemic. This week, Superior Middle School is splitting students up for pictures into three different groups including two groups taking part in a…

Wisconsin Activates Field Hospital as COVID Keeps Surging

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s governor has announced the opening of a field hospital at the state fairgrounds as a surge in COVID-19 cases threatens to overwhelm hospitals. According to the state Department of Health Services, only 16% of the state’s 11,452 hospital beds are available as of Tuesday afternoon. We hoped this day…