DULUTH, Minn. – Pfizer recently came out with a study saying its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for kids 12 to 15. In the study of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers, data showed that the vaccine was highly effective when participants were given the full adult dose. Health officials say it’s exciting news as this is another milestone that research has…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota cases and hospitalizations driven by coronavirus variants in recent weeks continue to steadily climb, even as officials make progress on the state’s vaccination efforts. Just over 400 patients are hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19 as of Tuesday, including 102 in intensive care — the most since late January, according to the state’s dashboard. While hospitalizations…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, ruling that the Democratic governor exceeded his authority by issuing the order. The 4-3 ruling Wednesday by the conservative-controlled court is the latest legal blow to attempts by Evers to control the coronavirus. It comes after Republicans in the Legislature voted to repeal…
(Richard Chung via AP) (AP) – Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12. The announcement Wednesday marks a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before the next school year. Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting next Monday, Wisconsinites 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Now Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose. “With eligibility opening up to Wisconites next week, especially with the holiday weekend upon us, we need folks to be as diligent…
DULUTH, Minn. – Chocolate shops are busy with people visiting their stores for the upcoming holiday. At Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Canal Park, workers say business has doubled sales for some days over the last few weeks compared to two years before the pandemic. “The Easter holiday is a celebration of life and sometimes a little chocolate just helps…
DULUTH, Minn. – Churches throughout the Northland are preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend and church leaders talk about how they’ve adjusted during the pandemic. With Easter approaching, churches in the area are doing their best to get ready as the pandemic continues. Minnesota churches are now allowed to be open without capacity limits but Northland churches continue using a…
DULUTH, Minn. – The results are in for a national COVID study St. Luke’s hospital was involved in. Data collected through the RECOVER study showed that by 14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they are 90% protective against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. Previous studies showed that the vaccine was effective against symptomatic infection but…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Walz and former Republican governor Tim Pawlenty received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday at the Vikings’ Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan. Today is the first day all Minnesotans 16-years-of-age and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. “I was excited to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine today, alongside my…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will make everyone in the state who is 16 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations starting next week, Gov. Tony Evers said Tuesday. Evers, a Democrat, announced the change in a tweet. BREAKING: Wisconsin leads the nation in getting available shots in arms, and today we’re announcing everyone 16 and older will be eligible…
(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that 1,003,316 Minnesotans have completed the vaccination process against COVID-19. About 1,637,771 Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The news comes as vaccine eligibility expanded on March 30, allowing Minnesotans 16 years of age and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Minnesota health officials reported more than 70,000 vaccines administered on Saturday and…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Seven more pharmacy chains are set to offer COVID-19 vaccine shots in Wisconsin, state health officials said Tuesday. The state Department of Health Services announced that seven new chains will receive the vaccine this week as part of the federal retail pharmacy program, including Costco; CVS; Hy-Vee; Good Neighbor and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation; Health Mart; Medicine…
DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is in need of tents to provide for those who are homeless. The warming shelter will be closing on March 31st and while the shelter may be open in April due to possible cold weather, the shelter is seasonal. Those from the street outreach team at CHUM are looking for tents so people don’t have to…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – All Minnesotans over age 16 become eligible for COVID vaccines tomorrow and now preparations are underway for what’s expected to be a big influx of appointments. So far, around 38% of St. Louis County residents have received at least one vaccine dose while 23% have been fully vaccinated. The supply of available vaccines will not be…
DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the Twin Ports Interchange, also nicknamed the “Can of Worms,” is proceeding. The I-35 and Highway 53 Interchange Project is budgeted to be about $343 million. Girders have been set on the 27th avenue west bridge and work is currently underway for forming and pouring the barrier wall. There has also been selective construction beginning…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is extending a federal moratorium on evictions of tenants who’ve fallen behind on rent during the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on Wednesday. The moratorium is now extended through the end of June. The moratorium initially was…
CNN – The Biden administration is working on a system for people to prove they’ve been vaccinated against coronavirus. The so-called “vax pass” or vaccine passport could be used by individuals in the workplace, in school, or traveling internationally. According to a senior white house official, multiple agencies are involved in the planning. Potentially, the vaccine credentials could play a…
CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is partnering with Carlton County to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to 500 residents in Carlton County on Thursday. The clinic will be held at Black Bear Casino from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and pre-registration is necessary. The clinic will be open to those eligible for their first…
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool) WASHINGTON (AP) — CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is making an impassioned plea to Americans not to let their guard down in the fight against COVID-19. She warned on Monday of a potential “fourth wave” of the virus. She’s speaking of a “recurring feeling … of impending doom.” During a White House briefing, Walensky grew emotional…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers killed a bill Monday that would have given Republican legislators oversight of Wisconsin’s share of billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds, instead announcing his own plan for distributing the money. Evers, a Democrat, took the unusual step of vetoing the bill during a news conference at a Milwaukee cafe, holding up…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The first Wisconsin case of a potentially more severe COVID-19 variant known that originated in Brazil was confirmed Friday by the state Department of Health Services. The variant known as the P.1 is believed to spread more rapidly and easily than the original strain of COVID-19. Wisconsin health officials also said the variant has unique mutations…
DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it be aluminum cans or fragments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped to place multiple signs throughout Park Point beach to warn people about potential hazardous materials. The fragments left behind are from dredge material that was placed to assist with beach erosion issues. City officials say that it’s important to have current signage to…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Several local business leaders came to the Walmart in Hermantown today to buy bikes for the Lake Superior Zoo’s annual Eggstravaganza. At the Golden Egg Hunt for the zoo’s event, there is a chance to win a kid’s bike every hour. Places like Korner Stores also donated their time and money to help purchase the bikes. The…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has announced a final expansion in vaccine eligibility to all Minnesotans 16 and older starting Tuesday. The expansion comes before an anticipated increase in the state’s weekly allotment in early April that will nearly double the state’s current weekly shipments to more than 300,000 doses. The governor’s office acknowledges that securing an appointment will…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The first Wisconsin case of a potentially more severe COVID-19 variant known that originated in Brazil was confirmed Friday by the state Department of Health Services. The variant known as the P.1 is believed to spread more rapidly and easily than the original strain of COVID-19. Wisconsin health officials also said the variant has unique mutations…
DULUTH, Minn. – Health centers in Cook, Duluth, and Grand Marais, Minnesota as well as Iron River, Wisconsin will receive nearly $10 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan is part of President Biden’s continued efforts to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and services in underserved communities. According to a recent White House press release,…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile is going virtual this year. In a typical year, the Zoomobile goes across the Northland to reach educational programming to thousands of people. However, because of the pandemic, this year’s Zoomobile will be a virtual experience and is free of charge to all schools, families, and anyone who wants to learn about…
DULUTH, Minn. – More than 700 individuals are needed throughout Minnesota beginning in June through the Minnesota Americorps Emergency Response Initiative. The initiative was launched in the spring of 2020 to help Minnesota organizations affected by COVID-19. Starting in June, Americorps members will be helping in a variety of ways, including with students attending summer programs. They will also help…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tomorrow, Governor Walz will announce that all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination beginning Tuesday, March 30. The final eligibility expansion comes as the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccines by April, and as Minnesota has become a national leader in getting shots. According to the…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center has set up its six-unit hygiene facility after getting it over the winter. Each unit has a shower and toilet and people can stop by during operating hours or schedule an appointment to use one of the units. Workers there say they’re happy to serve the homeless and to help people with their overall…
DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier today, multiple organizations came together in Duluth to help those in need during a special event where thousands of pounds of food were given away. Hot dogs, taco meat, and plain yogurt. People came to the DECC parking lot to get their fair share of food. About 2,500 gallons of milk and 2,500 boxes of food…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Places in northern St. Louis County have experienced high numbers of COVID cases, specifically during the last couple of weeks. Health officials say these cases have been active in places like Hibbing, Aurora, and Ely. About 15% of total county cases were in Ely last week. Those cases have been connected to social gatherings, sports, and…
BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The Bayfield County Health Department says there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks despite rising vaccination rates in the community. New cases have been seen particularly in Washburn, Herbster, Iron River, Bayfield, Red Cliff, and Cable with a noticeable increase in children and young adults. The health department says many…
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan, which not long ago had among the country’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates, is confronting an alarming spike that some public health experts worry could be a harbinger nationally. The resurgence is being fueled by loosened restrictions, a more infectious variant, and pandemic fatigue. While rising vaccination rates provide protection for seniors, the upswing is boosting…
(CNN) – Top US health officials say they’re encouraged by the accelerating Covid-19 vaccinations. But not enough Americans are fully vaccinated yet to suppress the spread of the virus — and eased restrictions across the country coupled with spring break crowds could spell trouble, one expert said Wednesday. “What concerns me is the footage of what’s happening in spring breakers,…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials report dozens of fully-vaccinated people have contracted COVID-19 in Minnesota, a development that wasn’t unexpected. The state has identified 89 coronavirus infections in people who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. State infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann said the fraction of fully…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign the economy is improving. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims fell from 781,000 the week before. It is the first time that weekly applications for jobless aid have…
DULUTH, Minn. – The shipping season officially begins today as the Soo Locks have already opened. Leaders at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority are expecting a great 2021 season, anticipating a rebound from the pandemic-induced lows of the 2020 season. Iron Ore is the number one cargo by tonnage through the port. The indicators for that cargo are positive. They…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the need for housing the homeless grows in the Northland, multiple organizations are now coming together to convert a motel downtown into a new housing facility. The Downtown Duluth Inn will soon be converted into housing for the homeless after a $2.6 million purchase agreement was signed on Tuesday. The motel itself was used throughout the…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is calling on the state’s business community to “step up” and return workers to offices around the Fourth of July. Vos and Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu also joined together Wednesday in praising Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration for its vaccination efforts. They spoke during a virtual event hosted by…
DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced on Wednesday that it is planning for a more “normal semester” for fall 2021. The college says it is making plans to return to full in-person learning and has appointed a Planning Task Force to develop plans for a safe return to the campus. The Task Force, comprised of faculty and…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced today that Minnesota currently ranks number one in the country for the highest percentage of vaccine dosages administered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota has administered 88.55% of the vaccine dosages received. “I am so proud of all the hard work done in our state to make Minnesota…
DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth native and UMD grad has announced they are running for the second district city council seat after Joel Sipress announced he’s not running again. Mike Mayou is running for the seat that has been filled by Sipress for the last two terms. Mayou says if elected, he will focus on needs relating toe the pandemic…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is considering giving away land to build several single-family homes with the goal of getting more people invested in the city. Throughout the Twin Ports and the nation, homes for sale are at an all-time low as demand continues to soar in part due to the pandemic. Now the city of Superior is…
WISCONSIN – Across the state of Wisconsin, more people are now eligible for the vaccine. Previously eligible groups included law enforcement, health care workers, along with those 65 and older. Now Douglas County health officials say they are going through more groups including people with disabilities along with those 16 and older who have underlying health conditions including diabetes, obesity,…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has approved up to $50,000 to bring back the annual 4th of July fireworks display down at Bayfront Park. The city and DECC will work together to adapt the event within Bayfront Park as new state and federal guidelines are released involving COVID. “We would encourage people to come up, we would encourage…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some travel agencies are seeing more people booking getaways. Because many flights were canceled last year, people received an airline voucher to purchase a ticket for this year. Travel agencies like Divine Destinations in Duluth say that right now, they’re seeing half of their clients book domestic flights, and the other half looking to go international. “They’re…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Spring is here and greenhouses throughout the Northland and are preparing for customers. At Lilac Hill Greenhouse in Hermantown, spring is its busiest season. Spring trends include hanging baskets and container gardens, especially with annuals and perennials filled with colors. Colors that are most popular during the spring are bright colors that are attractive, including reds, yellows…
NEW YORK – One Duluth native is helping come up with vials for vaccine containment and distribution. Joe Mattson graduated from Duluth Central High School in 2009 and UMD in 2013 and is currently based in New York, working for Corning, a technology company. He helped put together Corning Valor Glass, which is one of several vials that are used…
DULUTH, Minn. – A second round of federal CARES Act funding is on the way to Duluth. City leaders are now finalizing how to use that money to address various needs related to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. About $1.2 million of this funding will be emergency solutions grant funds. Another half a million will be community development block grants….
