News – Latest News

Celebrating Minnesota Pint Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of craft breweries and brewpubs across Minnesota are taking part in Minnesota Pint Day. Bent Paddle Brewing Company is one of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild members where people can purchase a specialty designed pint glass for seven dollars, which will be filled up for one free drink. “We’ve got a very cool design of the…

Annual Sock Drive Brings Thousands of Socks to Northlanders in Need

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is partnering with the Fond-Du-Luth Casino to give thousands of socks to northlanders in need. The 12th annual sock drive began with the Fond-Du-Luth Casino collecting socks in early October. They since have amassed nearly four thousand pairs and recently dropped them off at the Salvation Army community center. Socks are typically not donated…

Winter Needs for CASDA, PAVSA Go Beyond Clothing

TWIN PORTS – During the winter season, organizations that help those who are recovering from the effects of assaults and abuse have unique needs. Those needs may not always be what you think they need. If you are thinking about donating clothes, you may want to reconsider or choose carefully. “Everybody wanted to clean out their closet during COVID,” says JoAnne…

State Commission Recommends Spirit Mountain for $1.2M Grant

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has recommended Duluth’s Spirit Mountain for a $1.2 million Parks and Trails Legacy Fund grant. The $1,254,471 Spirit Mountain grant would be part of the $12.2 million recommended by the commission for 20 parks and trails around the state. Spirit Mountain says the grant would allow Spirit Mountain to…

Tribes in 3 States to Link 120 Electric Charging Stations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tribal communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota are working together on a project that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Minneapolis-based Native Sun Community Power Development plans to collaborate with Standing Rock Renewable Energy Authority and two dozen other partners to create a network of electric vehicle charging stations. The Upper Midwest Inter-Tribal Electric Vehicle…

COVID-19 Surge Stretches Wisconsin Hospitals to the Limit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – With COVID-19 surging in Wisconsin, health care leaders say their hospitals across the state are at or near capacity. The seven-day average for new infections in Wisconsin is more than 3,500, which is the highest it’s been in a year. The CEO of Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Eric Conley, puts it succinctly. “We are full. Period.”…

Pfizer Says COVID Booster Offers Protection Against Omicron

(AP) – Pfizer says a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine appears to offer important protection against the new omicron variant. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech tested how well vaccine-produced antibodies could neutralize omicron in lab dishes. They found significant weakening after the standard two doses. But a booster dose increased antibody levels by 25-fold. The companies said two doses…

Midday Update 12-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 12-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Public Input Requested As St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Plans For Body Cameras

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s input as it plans to purchase body worn cameras for its deputies. The St. Louis County Board is scheduled to vote Dec. 14 on the purchase of 110 cameras and supporting equipment at a cost of $790,000. “The Sheriff’s Office has experienced an increase in deadly…

Fresh Off First Major Snowfall, Outdoor Enthusiasts Hit the Trails

Staff at Maple Grove Lodging & Bait Store in Finland is Receiving a Plethora of Phone Calls Regarding Trail Conditions

FINLAND, Minn. – Just days after the first snow of the season, and outdoor winter enthusiasts are chomping at the bit to begin doing what they love. “We’re excited, the ice is forming really well for ice fishing so that was great,” said Nicole Chumley, owner of Maple Grove Lodging & Bait Store. From ice fishing to more intense activities…

LSC Art Show Includes 300-Plus Pieces From Students

DULUTH, Minn. – If you like supporting art in the community, Lake Superior College is the place to be Wednesday. More than 300 pieces of artwork are on display from students there. They include jewelry, digital drawing, digital photography, digital graphic designs, ceramics, and painting. Some students are even putting their artwork up for sale. “I came to the art…

Snow Stompers Needed To Even Out Duluth Trails

The  City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely's Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road.

DULUTH, Minn.- You can help the City of Duluth “stomp out” any problems on snow-covered trails, by literally volunteering to stomp. The  City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely’s Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road. They will provide snowshoes for stompers to rent for the season. The…

Superior Police Increasing Traffic Enforcement After Spike in Crashes this Year

Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  The Superior Police Department is upping its officers on the streets in hopes of curbing a rise in traffic crashes this year. Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021 — the largest 6-month increase that’s ever been tracked by the federal government. According to the department’s Public…

How Northlanders Keep their Runners’ High when Temperatures Get Low

Dressing in layers, and like it's 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature, is key according to experts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though winter has chilled the great outdoors out, Northland runners sure have not, mostly unfazed by the change in temps. “Once you start running outside you realize that it’s something that you can do once you have the right equipment,” said Clint Agar, Manager at the Duluth Running Company. According to Agar, it all comes from staying…

COVID Concerns, Staffing Shortages Extend Winter Break For Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board approved an extended winter break of an additional two days during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The two days include Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Jan. 3, which is district-wide. District officials say the extended break will help deal with staffing shortages and student safety involving COVID. “With general staffing shortages, many unfilled…

Duluth’s Best Bread Expanding to Second Location

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth bakery is expanding to a second location. Duluth’s Best Bread has recently purchased the building that currently houses Blacklist Brewery at 120 East Superior Street. Co-owner Michael Lillegard says expansion plans from their Lincoln Park location have been in the works for several years.  “This is a very small space, and we got very very busy…

Benedictine Living Community-Duluth To Acquire Hearthstone Home Care

DULUTH, Minn. – Benedictine Living Community-Duluth will acquire Hearthstone Home Care in Duluth effective December 1. “Hearthstone Home Care has been providing quality home care services to area seniors for many years. For the past seven years, Benedictine Living Community-Duluth has partnered with Hearthstone with Benedictine Duluth’s professionals providing in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapy to Hearthstone clients,” said Barb…

Bayfield County Health Department Reports Five COVID Deaths in November

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The Bayfield County Health Department on Tuesday announced there had been five COVID-related deaths in the month of November. Health department officials say this brings the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in the county to 30. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these five patients,” stated Sara Wartman, Health Officer for Bayfield…

Midday Update 12-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Projects Record $7.7 Billion Surplus

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota has a record-shattering $7.7 billion surplus, state budget officials project, setting the stage for lawmakers to debate how to spend it in 2022. The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released the projection Tuesday morning, basing it on strong growth in income, consumer spending, and corporate profits that have driven…

11 Wisconsin Students Treated for Breathing Issues in Pool Malfunction

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Eleven students from a private Milwaukee school were taken to the hospital after a chlorine buildup in the pool area caused air quality to deteriorate. Fire officials say the children from St. Augustine Preparatory Academy were treated for breathing problems at Children’s Hospital Wisconsin Monday. Battalion Chief Andrew Hargarten says the students were participating in a swimming…

Hot Holiday Tech with Verizon Wireless

DULUTH, Minn. – Need a one-stop-shop for tech? Verizon’s got you covered with an online quiz to figure out which devices match your personality so you can Have the Holiday Your Way! Here are Verizon’s hot tech recommendations this season from Andrew Testa. The Pixel 6 is a completely redesigned, fully loaded Google smartphone. This device has a new camera…

Morning Update 12-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

State: 98% Occupancy Rate in Hospital Intensive Care Units

MINNEAPOLIS – The number of people hospitalized in intensive care in Minnesota has reached the highest level yet during the coronavirus pandemic. The state is reporting a 98% occupancy rate in adult ICU beds when COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients are included. Nearly 350 people are receiving intensive care. M Health Fairview doctor, Andrew Olson, is urging people to get vaccinated…

Church Honors St. Nicholas Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Monday is St. Nicholas Day, and in Duluth, children and adult volunteers gathered outside the Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church to celebrate. St. Nicholas was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for being a secret gift giver and helping the poor. These good deeds eventually formed the basis for Santa Claus. Volunteers outside the church handed out cookies,…

DFD Talks About Cold Temperature Dangers And Bundling Up

DULUTH, Minn. — With subzero temperatures on the horizon, the Duluth Fire Department wants to remind the public to be weary of the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. Officials say that bundling up with multiple layers and covering yourself up as much as you can is the best way to stay safe, along with simply limiting your time outside. It…

Walz Names Long-Term Care Sites To Get Guard Staffing Help

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday sent the first three Minnesota National Guard skilled nursing teams to care facilities statewide on Monday as part of an effort to fix staffing woes amid the current wave of COVID-19 infections. Fifty Guard members were to begin providing care Tuesday at facilities in New Hope, Onamia, and Fergus Falls. Walz…

Jury Instructions Sewn up in Trial Over Daunte Wright Death

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys and a judge hammered out jury instructions Monday for the trial of a white Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Black motorist Daunte Wright, with the judge denying defense requests that would have made the instructions more expansive for the former officer’s benefit. Kim Potter, 49, is charged with first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in…

Superior Police Increasing Traffic Enforcement in an Effort to Reduce Crashes

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department says it is increasing traffic enforcement in an effort to prevent and reduce traffic crashes within the city. According to the police department, crashes are up approximately 25% in 2021 while nationwide data shows crashes have increased 18.4% in the first six months of 2021. “Studies have shown increasing enforcement of speeding, safety…

Minneapolis’ First Black Police Chief, Arradondo, To Retire

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Monday that he won’t accept a third term as chief. It’s a blow to a department that has been reeling since four officers were charged in George Floyd’s death. The 54-year-old Arradondo said it was time for new leadership at the department. He’ll step down in January, with Mayor Jacob Frey…

Duluth Angel of Hope Vigil Canceled Due to Frigid Cold Weather

The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday evening, on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual vigil in Leif Erikson Park of parents remembering the lives of children they lost has been canceled due to weather, a spokesperson with the organization said. The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday evening, on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, to be held at the same time as other events around the 120 Angel of Hope…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Returns with ‘I Saw Mommy Vaxxing Santa Claus!’

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year away, Rubber Chicken Theater returns to the stage, masked, vaxxed and ready to make merry with their annual holiday sketch comedy revue. This year’s show, I Saw Mommy Vaxxing Santa Claus, or, Over the River and *Almost* Through the Woods, will be staged for three performances only, December 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30pm. Shows…

Wintry Weather Causes Dangerous Travel in Some States

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A strong storm that created blizzard-like conditions in several Upper Midwest states left behind more than a foot of snow in some places, closed interstate and dozens of schools, and contributed to numerous accidents, including one that was fatal. High winds whipped up the snow and reduced visibility on roadways in northern Minnesota where a slick…

Omicron Variant May Be Less Dangerous Than Delta, US Health Officials Say

(AP) — U.S. health officials say that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in the country, early indications suggest it may be less dangerous than delta, which continues to drive a surge of hospitalizations. President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told CNN’s “State of the Union” scientists need more information before drawing conclusions…

Two Harbors Residents Dig Out After First Major Snowstorm of Season

Over 12 inches fell over Saturday night and through the day Sunday along the whole North Shore.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- After the first major snowstorm of the season dumped more than a foot of snow total along the North Shore, Two Harbors residents spent much of Sunday digging out. “Felt pretty good to get the snowblower out,” said Cameron Bugge, “just a regular day in Minnesota.” Snowblowers, shovels, and plows were around every corner. “Had to get…

Duluth Winter Village Ends On a High Note

The Duluth Winter Village saw more than 20,000 people on their first day alone, where the sales and income for vendors exceeded expectations.

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a snowy final day of the Winter Village behind the DECC, and after record-braking numbers on Saturday, it was obvious Sunday that the event was a success. The Duluth Winter Village saw more than 20,000 people on their first day alone, where the sales and income for vendors exceeded expectations. The relocation to the DECC…

US Ski and Snowboard Super Tour Takes Place at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Super Tour presented by the National Nordic Ski Foundation, wrapped up at Spirit Mountain on Sunday. After Saturday’s perfect conditions for the sprinting events, Sunday brought about some different weather, which didn’t stop the races from going on, as this group has their sights set on Beijing. This weekend is the first…

Senate Leader, Presidential Candidate Bob Dole Dies At 98

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Bob Dole, who overcame disabling war wounds to become a sharp-tongued Senate leader from Kansas, a Republican presidential candidate and then a symbol and celebrant of his dwindling generation of World War II veterans, died Sunday. He was 98. His wife, Elizabeth Dole, said in an announcement posted on social media that he died in his sleep. Dole…

Julebyen Christmas Festival Brings Scandinavian Culture, Fun to North Shore

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — An idea brought back to the Northland by a family from Norway started this Christmas Festival Called the Julebyen Christmas market. But not only does this fest help celebrate the holidays, but it also helps give back to the community of Knife River. Since 2012, this has proven to be the largest fundraising event of the…

Winter Village Debuts Behind The DECC

DULTUH, Minn. — Despite the cold, Duluth’s Winter Village’s new spot behind the DECC attracted thousands for opening day. The new location featured water-front views and a yule hall and ice skating rink inside the DECC”s old rink. More than 40 local vendors came from all over the Northland and were excited to share everything from apparel and art to…