Coronavirus

Zeitgeist Zinema Hosts Virtual Short Film Festival

"Twin Ports Shorts" is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home.

DULUTH, Minn – Zeitgeist Zinema in Duluth is taking the virtual route to showcase films for its annual local film festival. “Twin Ports Shorts” is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home. Genres range from dramas to thrillers to comedies. Filmmakers will also give introductions to…

Unique Auction Leads to Treasures Unearthed

Tomorrow, a special auction is taking place in Duluth after a local hobby shop owner passed away, which lead to many treasures being uncovered.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tomorrow, a special auction is taking place in Duluth after a local hobby shop owner passed away, which leads to many treasures being uncovered. It was all about unique items for Jack Carr, the former owner of Carr’s Hobby Shop in Lincoln Park, who recently passed away. Whether it was toys, railroad items, or even antique clocks,…

Wisconsin Salons Open to the Public

Over at Hair Tactics, they are now taking customers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – And after the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the state’s safer at home order this week, businesses across the region have opened their doors to customers, including salons. Over at Hair Tactics, they are now taking customers. Leadership says they are doing it in safe and sanitary ways. In order to space out customers, hairstylists are booking…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 15, Three Additional Deaths Reported in Itasca County

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 14,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 683 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 134,669 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,503 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,985 patients have required hospitalization…

Expert: Home Sales Rising in Duluth Area

One local business has been busy with customers for weeks due to be considered an essential business.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business has been busy with customers for weeks due to be considered an essential business. Stewart Title is still closing refinances and purchasing and doing reporters for lenders. Leadership from that group says they have been swamped with customers, which indicates home sales are on the rise. “We’ve stayed very busy, the rates have gone…

Some Superior Bars and Restaurants Reopen to Public

Jimmy's Saloon and Gronk's Bar and Grill speak out about being open after the shutdown

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some Wisconsin bars and restaurants are legally back open for business for the first time in nearly two months after the state supreme court threw out Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home Order. Superior bars and restaurants were gearing up to open on May 26th, when Safer at Home was set to expire. But many of them opened…

Minnesota Retail Businesses to Fully Open Monday

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced yesterday that all retail businesses could open up Monday, allowing for 50% capacity.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced yesterday that all retail businesses could open up Monday, allowing for 50% capacity. Many businesses in the Northland are excited to reopen for in-store customers after spending months being either closed up or only doing curbside and delivery services. The owners of Wild Birds Unlimited and Big Frog Custom T-Shirts over at…

Wisconsin Governor Warns of ‘Massive Confusion’ After Ruling

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned Thursday of “massive confusion” after the state Supreme Court tossed out the Democrat’s stay-at-home order and Republicans said they may leave it up to local governments to enact their own rules for combating the coronavirus pandemic. The court’s order threw communities into chaos, with some bars…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 13,435 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 663 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 128,752 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,136 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,915 patients have required hospitalization…

Superior Bars React to Safer-at-Home Order Struck Down by Wisconsin Supreme Court

The order, as well as the six-day injunction, were rejected, leaving businesses free to open immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just as quickly as some say it started, Wisconsin’s safer-at-home order is, for now, finished–struck down by the State Supreme Court. Businesses statewide, including bars and restaurants, now have the green light to “open immediately” according to a social media post by the Tavern League of Wisconsin. “Come on in!” said Cory Gatzke, triumphantly throwing open the shades…

Care Packages Delivered to Preschool Families

Preschool teachers, family advocates, and paraprofessionals came together to build and deliver care packages to Duluth preschool families.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s sidewalk chalk or bubbles for the kids or handsanitizer and masks for the parents, it’s all about giving for Duluth school’s porch drop event. Preschool teachers, family advocates, and paraprofessionals came together to build and deliver care packages to Duluth preschool families. Those involved say it’s great to see all the kids since school was…

Live: Walz to Address Minnesotans on Next Steps in COVID-19 Fight

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz plans to describe the next steps in Minnesota’s fight against COVID-19 Wednesday evening after health officials released updated modeling — couched in caveats — that shows the potential effects of various scenarios he could choose. The Democratic governor is expected to extend his emergency declaration, which expires Wednesday. He may also discuss the future…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,917 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 24 new deaths bringing the death total to 638 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 122,035 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,787 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,851 patients have required hospitalization…

Gov. Walz to Provide Update on Minnesota’s Stay Home Order Tonight

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday morning that he will give an update to Minnesotan’s about the state’s response to COVID-19 during a live address at 6:00 p.m. Walz is expected to extend his peacetime state of emergency order until June 12. The governor has used his emergency powers to order…

St. Louis County Projects Budget Shortfall, No Layoffs So Far

The County is also waiving late fees for property owners who apply for an extension to July.

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has dealt a financial blow to St. Louis County in the form of a projected budget shortall. According to County Auditor Nancy Nilsen, the budget shortfall is expected to be at least $6 million. She said her office is not looking at layoffs or furloughs, but instead plan to save money with a hiring freeze leaving about…

Gary-New Duluth Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Shutdown

Triple J Service Center and Family Dollar talk about how the pandemic has affected stores

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses have struggled across the Northland during the pandemic. Some businesses have been closed for nearly two months under Minnesota’s Stay at Home Order. Other shops have remained opened during the pandemic. While some of those stores have seen an increase in business, for others it’s been much slower. Triple J Service Center has struggled during the…

Cleanliness Protocols at Polling Places

In-person elections have not been common during this pandemic and polling places across Wisconsin are focusing on cleanliness protocols during the special election.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In-person elections have not been common during this pandemic, and polling places across Wisconsin are focusing on cleanliness protocols during the special election. For instance, at the government center in Superior, they are taking extra precautions with sanitizing and wearing protective gear when handling voters. “We have to make sure we sanitize everything after people vote,” said…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,494 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 23 new deaths bringing the death total to 614 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 120,834 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,223 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,799 patients have required hospitalization…

Trump Says Americans Could see a Second Round of Stimulus Payments

FOX NEWS – President Trump said Monday his administration is considering a second round of coronavirus stimulus payments. “We’re talking about that,” Trump said when asked about a Democratic proposal to send another round of relief checks. “We’re talking about that with a number of different people. We’re talking about a payroll tax,” the president said. “I want to see various things, but…

2020 Duluth Monarch Festival Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Duluth Monarch Buddies Made the Announcement Tuesday Morning on Social Media

DULUTH, Minn. – Monarch butterflies will soon be fluttering back into the Northland, but there won’t be a festival to celebrate them this year. Duluth Monarch Buddies took to social media Tuesday morning, announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Duluth Monarch Festival. The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 13. Members of the group say an outdoor…

Fauci Warns of ‘Serious Problems’ if States Reopen too Soon

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says states that ignore the national guidelines for reopening the economy run the risk of spikes in coronavirus cases that may turn into new outbreaks. “The consequences could be really serious,” Fauci tells the Senate Health, Labor and Pensions committee. Problems will escalate if states do not have the…

Concerns Grow As Domestic Violence Calls Gradually Decline During The Coronavirus Pandemic

As the pandemic continued through April, the number of calls began to gradually decline.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing pandemic is raising some concerns for the well-being of victims of domestic violence. Organizations, such as Safe Haven in Duluth, are seeing drastic changes in the number of calls for help since the coronavirus pandemic began. Now they are worried, what these changes could mean for the safety of those victims. A decline in the…

Chickens for Sale at Local Egg Farm

One local egg farm say they have now been busy selling actual birds to their customers.

WRENSHALL, Minn. – One local egg farm say they have no been busy selling actual birds to their customers. Locally Laid Egg Company is letting people buy adolescent chickens, which are close to laying eggs. Experts say that by bringing the chickens to one’s home, you can guarantee that you have eggs. They have about 500 prepared to sell to…

Special Birthday Party for Local Kids

Volunteers with Fuse Duluth put on a special birthday for area kids who may have had their birthday plans put on hold due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers with Fuse Duluth put on a special birthday for area kids who may have had their birthday plans put on hold due to the pandemic. The event, known as Project Party, which is an organized birthday party for the children and families living in the Steve O’Neil Apartments, looked a little different this month due to…

Emergency Shelters and Food Shelves Get Federal Funding

Federal funds are now being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters.

DULUTH, Minn. – Federal funds are being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters. More than $300,000 in funding is now available for emergency funding and shelter in Saint Louis, Itasca, and Douglas counties through a federal act, which couldn’t have come at a better time for struggling Northlanders. “Right now with so many people having…

Evers Allows Nearly all Retail Stores to Open With Limits

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Monday allowed nearly all nonessential retail stores to reopen as long as they serve no more than five customers at a time, partially lifting the restriction that has kept them closed for weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The latest order, which took effect immediately,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, May 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 11,799 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 591 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 115,781 tests have been completed to date. There are 7,536 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,716 patients have required hospitalization…

Welfare Checks Increase Slightly in Itasca County Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Overall Calls For Criminal Activity Are Down in Many Iron Range Cities

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – During a press briefing Friday, Grand Rapids Police Chief Scott Johnson had a message for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic — to remain calm, and check up on your family, friends, and neighbors. Overall calls for criminal activity are down in the City of Grand Rapids. Shoplifting crimes are now being dealt with electronically and through…

St. Scholastica Spring Commencement Goes Virtual, Seniors Look Back on Last Year

While disappointing, not having an in-person commencement doesn't change the fact that they completed four years of college, seniors say.

DULUTH, Minn.- Graduating seniors at the College of St. Scholastica are celebrating the end of their college lives a bit differently than they may have expected: with a virtual commencement ceremony. This time last year, there was a full gymnasium filled with caps and gowns. “I was homeschooled high school so I never had the ceremony so I was really…

Cloquet High Seniors Pick Up Graduation Cap and Gowns Drive-Thru Style

Teachers, Family and Community members wear purple and come out in support.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Picking up your graduation cap and gown is a big moment for high school seniors. So the Cloquet High School Administration and the surrounding community made it even bigger, while still maintaining social distance–having them available as a drive-thru. “It really boiled down to some form of togetherness,” said Principal Steve Battaglia. A chorus of honks greeted Cloquet…

Duluth Art Institute Introduces Art in Bloom

The Duluth Art Institute is connecting artists with the community in a special opportunity called Art in Bloom.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is helping artists in the community. The Duluth Art Institute is connecting artists with the community in a special opportunity called Art in Bloom. The Institute posts artists’ names and shops on its website and Northlanders can then purchase the art. The art pieces range from $20 to $150. 100% of the proceeds go…

Bailey Builds Allows Customers to Shop from their Cars

Car-side shopping is in addition to curbside pickup and an online store.

DULUTH, Minn.- An arts studio and store on Grand Avenue in Duluth is changing the way they bring handmade gifts to customers. You can now shop Bailey Builds from your car. One of the staff members will meet you at your vehicle with a mask and gloves to find out what you’re looking for, come back with gift ideas, and…

Minnesota Law Enforcement Seeing Spike in Speed Related Traffic Violations

DUI Traffic Citations Are on the Decrease Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Law enforcement authorities in Minnesota want to remind residents their main goal through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is to support local health officials and encourage safe social distancing practices. During a press briefing Friday by Itasca County law enforcement officials, the Minnesota State Patrol shared how troopers are seeing an uptick in speeding violations throughout the…

Unemployment Rate Rises: What Does this Look Like for Duluth?

The national unemployment rate landed to 14.7% for the month of April.

DULUTH, Minn. – The national unemployment rate landed to 14.7% for the month of April, the highest number since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking the percentage in 1948. What does this look like for the Duluth area? In March, the unemployment rate for Duluth was 4.9% compared to 3.9% for the state of Minnesota. Local numbers for the…

Wisconsin: 72 Got COVID-19 After Being at Large Event

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 70 people who tested positive for the coronavirus since an April 24 rally at the Wisconsin state Capitol indicated they had attended a large gathering, but the state Department of Health Services cant’ say if they were at the rally because it is not tracking specific events. Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Goodsitt said Friday that…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 10,888 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 26 new deaths bringing the death total to 534 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 101,270 tests have been completed to date. There are 5,697 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,549 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Bans Large, In-Person Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2020 Amid Pandemic

(FOX 9) – Minnesota education and health officials are banning large, in-person graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the safest way for schools to celebrate is for everyone to stay home. Officials released public health guidance Friday for high school and college graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance was developing in consultation with school leaders…

Duluth Hospitals Confident Elective Surgeries Can Go On ‘Safely’

Both St. Luke's and Essentia Health Have Protocols in Place Before a Patient Receives a Surgical Procedure Amid COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is allowing elective surgical procedures to start again on Monday, May 11 after hospitals take preventative measures to ensure continued safety. Before surgical dates, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health will be testing patients for COVID-19 three days before their procedure. They will then ask patients to quarantine themselves up until the date…

Temporary Drive-Thru Site Offers Coronavirus Testing in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Temporary coronavirus testing sites are popping up in northern Wisconsin. As of May 7th, more than 9,200 people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Wisconsin. But in Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron Counties combined, there have been only seven positive test results. Now, the National Guard is bringing testing sites to that region to get an accurate look…

UMD Receives Grant To Examine Climate Change Around The Great Lakes

Researchers will examine increasing water levels, changes in algae growth, and storm patterns.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth recently received a grant for half a million dollars to look more into how climate-driven disturbances are impacting the Great Lakes including lake superior. For the next three years, this grant will give UMD the opportunity to bring together more than 30 scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers to gain a better understanding of…

Officials: Northland Likely to See a ‘Wave’ Rather Than ‘Surge’ in COVID-19 Patients

St. Luke's and Essentia Health Update The Public on a Weekly Basis Regarding Preparations, New Scientific Models

DULUTH, Minn. – With strict social distancing measures in place, local health experts now believe the Northland will likely not see a surge in COVID-19 patients, but rather a wave or the occasional spike in cases. During a weekly press briefing from St. Luke’s and Essentia Health Thursday, a panel of doctors and researchers gave an update on the projection…

Businesses Prepare for Mother’s Day

Both Sam's Florist and Greenhouses along with Boat Club Restaurant are still preparing for Mother's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Both Sam’s Florist and Greenhouses along with Boat Club Restaurant are still preparing for Mother’s Day, even with the coronavirus’ impact on the Northland. For Sam’s Florist and Greenhouses, the shop has special flowers made for Mother’s Day, something they hope brings smiles to the faces of mothers all around the area. “There’s all kinds of beautiful…

New App Makes Shopping Easier on Iron Range

The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce put together a new app called “Shop the Range,” which is a resource for community members and businesses to access.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Technology is a way for businesses to get their word out to the public. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce put together a new app called “Shop the Range,” which is a resource for community members and businesses to access. Those on the Iron Range are able to look up businesses and their store hours along with whether…

Vet Clinics Expand Procedures

Restrictions are about to be lifted for veterinarian clinics all across the state of Minnesota. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Restrictions are about to be lifted for veterinarian clinics all across the state of Minnesota. Starting on Monday, vet clinics like Dougherty in Duluth will be able to see routine patients for annual exams and will be able to do routine surgeries and dentistry as well. Vet clinics were only allowed to see sick and injured animals…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 7

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 9,365 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 28 new deaths bringing the death total to 508 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 97,421 tests have been completed to date. There are 5,308 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,459 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesotans Urged to Fish Close to Home to Slow COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans should fish close to home to help curb the coronavirus pandemic when the walleye season opens this weekend, avoiding overnight stays and driving no further than they can go on one tank of gas, Department of Natural Resources officials said Wednesday. A surge in fishing license sales indicates that many Minnesotans are getting antsy under the…

Siblings Donate Meals to Duluth Police, Continue to Raise Money to Give More

DULUTH, Minn.- Some hungry police officers got a hearty meal donated by a local family Wednesday. The Parrott siblings have been raising money through their GoFundMe to give food to first responders. They have different fundraising goals, one of which involved Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj and Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken jumping into the Minnesota Slip last week. The siblings…