News – Latest News

Morning Update 9-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 3, 2021. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

US Hiring Slows to Just 235,000 Jobs After 2 Strong Months

WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers added just 235,000 jobs in August, a modest gain after two months of robust hiring at a time when the delta variant’s spread has discouraged some people from flying, shopping, and eating out. The unemployment rate dropped to 5.2% from 5.4% in July. The August job gains the government reported Friday fell far short of…

‘Travel Superior’ CEO Speaks Out Against Mayor Paine’s Tourism Commission Proposal

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The president and CEO of Superior’s visitor’s bureau, known as Travel Superior, is speaking out against Mayor Jim Paine’s proposal to create a tourism commission to handle 100 percent of the city’s tourism tax revenue. Taylor Pedersen believes the process to potentially do away with Travel Superior has been rushed and he doesn’t believe a six-person commission…

Duluth-Superior Pride Weekend Kicks Off In The Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn.– The 35th annual Duluth-Superior Pride weekend kicked off Thursday at The Duluth Depot for the Mayor’s Opening Reception. Mayor Emily Larson and other political leaders were on hand for the event celebrating the LGBTQ-plus community. “How amazing it is that Duluth and Superior have an event where all of the area leaders come to help start the event…

Pumpkin Season is Approaching

SUPERIOR, Wis.- DC’s Best Produce Farm’s stand in Superior made a new addition to their summer produce options. Pumpkin season is approaching fast, and the dry summer conditions we’ve been experiencing are helping the harvest season for pumpkin patches across the state of Minnesota. “They get watered a little bit sooner than before the drought even started, so they’re like—they’re…

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice is Coming to Northland Bakeries

DULUTH, Minn.- For many Northlanders, fall is their favorite time of the year because of the seasonal festivities and leaves changing colors. As fall approaches, local Northland bakeries are also bringing back their seasonal baked and brewed treats for the season. Although Perk Place Coffeehouse in Kenwood serves pumpkin spiced lattes all year long, they are bringing back their caramel…

Superior Fire Gives Expert Advice on Fire Safety

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With severe dry conditions, practicing fire safety is more crucial now than ever to prevent indoor fires. As of now, there have been 13 indoor/outdoor structure fires in Superior this year. Kitchen fires are the most common indoor fire incidents, but leaving open flames and heat sources unattended is a big reason why fires are going up. “The…

1st Degree Manslaughter Charge Added Against Kim Potter

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison added the count of first-degree manslaughter against Kim Potter, the former Brooklyn Center police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright during an April traffic stop in Brooklyn Center. Ellison filed the amended complaint in Hennepin County District Thursday. This new charge of first-degree manslaughter by recklessly handling a firearm is…

Another Republican Says Don’t Sue UW Over COVID Policies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A second Republican legislator says he doesn’t support suing the University of Wisconsin System over its COVID-19 protocols. Sen. Steve Nass, the co-chair of the Legislature’s rules committee, has threatened to sue system officials if they don’t submit their COVID-19 plans to the committee for approval by Thursday. System President Tommy Thompson has refused to capitulate,…

Superior National Forest Lifts Camping, Heavy Equipment Restrictions

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior National Forest officials announced Thursday that backcountry camping and heavy equipment restrictions on National Forest land will be lifted effective Friday. Forest officials made the decision to lift the restrictions as fall temperatures, recent rains, and shorter days have helped to lessen fire conditions. Officials are still asking contractors and the public to continue to practice…

Midday Update 9-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Sweeten Your Day with a Lollipop from Duluth Candy Co.

Cooking Connection: Handcrafted Watermelon Lollipops with Duluth Candy Co.

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we stop by Duluth Candy Co. to help make some summer lollipops. The simple and sweet treat is fun for the kids and young at heart as well as a great addition to the popcorn and chocolate. This week we made watermelon flavored ones, but they also offer a variety of other…

36th Annual Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Begins

Orders will be Taken Through October 7

DULUTH, Minn. – Wake up and smell the roses! The Duluth Rotary Club #25 is hosting its 36th annual Rose Sale from September 2 through October 7. Roses will be sold throughout the Duluth/Superior area for only $25 a dozen. They’re available in red or multi-colored lollipop. Those who purchase a bouquet will also receive a complimentary coupon book featuring…

Fight Over Well Water Near Lake Superior Could Land in Court

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) — A grassroots citizen group is pushing back against a Duluth company’s proposal to bottle and sell water from a well near Lake Superior. Opponents say allowing Kristle KLR to go forward would exploit a loophole in a landmark agreement barring water diversions from the Great Lakes and it could threaten water resources in the region. An…

Morning Update 9-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Superior National Forest to Reopen Portions of the BWCAW, National Forest Lands

DULUTH, Minn. – The Superior National Forest is reopening the BWCA later this week due to recent rains, cooling temperatures, and progress made on fires. Forest officials say the BWCA will reopen Saturday but closures will remain in place near the still-active John Ek and Whelp fires. Portions of the BWCAW closed due to the Crooked Lake fires in Canada…

High Court Divides 5-4 To Leave Texas Abortion Law in Place

WASHINGTON (AP) — A deeply divided Supreme Court is allowing a Texas law that bans most abortions to remain in force. The court’s action, for now, strips most women of the right to an abortion in the nation’s second-largest state. In an unsigned order just before midnight, the court voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal from abortion providers and…

Cirque-Italia, United States’ only Travelling Circus Lands in Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn.– The only traveling water circus in the United States is in Duluth through the weekend, showcasing 8 shows of European performers. Cirque-Italia is set up under massive tents in the parking lot of the Miller Hill Mall, and is a unique experience on a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. You’ll see people swinging from ropes, dancing,…

Wheeler Athletic Sports Complex Updating Courts

DULUTH, Minn.– Wade Stadium and the Wheeler Athletic Complex have seen about $1.6 million dollars in athletic improvements as a result of the West Duluth Sports Corridor Plan set back in 2015, today, Duluth Parks and Rec began another major improvement there. The Wheeler Athletic Complex Sport Courts have needed a little update for quite a while now. What were…

Companies to Classrooms Providing Teachers with Free Supplies

DULUTH, Minn.– Teachers spend close to $700 dollars a year trying to stock their classrooms, but a local store called Companies to Classrooms is supplying what they need for free. This non-profit store has been providing these services to teachers from 15 different local school districts for the past 9 years, and on Wednesday, they opened it for its 10th…

University of Wisconsin Superior Staff Attend Inclusivity Training

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The first day of the semester is coming up for University of Wisconsin Superior students and teachers. Before Wednesday’s first day of classes, campus staff is doing their part in preparing with an all-day educational development conference. Instructors from all departments gathered for the 15th annual UWS Enhancement Day. Attendees met in the Yellow Jacket Union with the…

After Ida, Small Recovery Signs Amid Daunting Destruction

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Residents of Louisiana communities hit hard by Hurricane Ida are seeing small signs of progress amid the need for a monumental recovery. About 11,000 people in New Orleans saw their lights come back on early Wednesday. But officials say full restoration could still take weeks, and more than 1 million homes and businesses in Louisiana and…

‘Favorable Weather’ Continues To Help Greenwood Fire Fighting Operations

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn. – Fire officials say moderate weather has helped firefighters make progress on the Greenwood fire containment efforts. As of Wednesday morning, the fire has burned 26,028 acres and is 37 percent contained. The John Ek and Whelp fires burning in the BWCA are reported at 1,350 acres and 50 acres with no containment. Priorities for Wednesday are…

Midday Update 9-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Esko Public Schools Provides Updates to COVID Mitigation Strategy

ESKO, Minn. – On Tuesday, Esko Public Schools provided an update to the district’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies which will now include requiring face coverings while indoors for all students Pre-K through 6th grade. Additionally, staff, visitors, and volunteers who work with Pre-K through 6th-grade students will be required to wear a face-covering while indoors regardless of vaccination status. The district…

Paul Gazelka Resigns as Senate Majority Leader as Governor’s Race Looms

Republican State Senator Michelle Benson Tosses Hat into Governor's Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – State Sen. Paul Gazelka said Wednesday he’s resigning his position as Senate majority leader, a likely precursor to joining the 2022 Minnesota governor’s race. Gazelka’s move stole some attention from fellow Republican state Sen. Michelle Benson, who is launching her own campaign for governor at a 10 a.m. event in Blaine. Already in the GOP primary:…

Essentia Health-Moose Lake Clinic Opening Sept. 7

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is opening a new clinic in Moose Lake later this month. The hospital says the new clinic will be opening on September 7 in the existing Moose Lake hospital. The Moose Lake Clinic will have two family medicine physicians, solely dedicated to the clinic, with plans to eventually expand to four physicians and will also…

‘H2O: Watersheds at Work,’ Set to Replace Aging Water Table Exhibit at Great Lakes Aquarium

Demo Will Begin After Labor Day; The New Exhibit is Expected to be Open by November 20

DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are if you’ve visited the Great Lakes Aquarium over the past 21 years of its existence, you’ve submerged yourself in the interactive water table exhibit, learning firsthand why H2O is so important to life on earth. Now since opening in 2000, change is coming to one of the aquarium’s most engaging displays. “It supports life, it…

City Crews Responding to a Water Main Break in Mount Royal Market Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Mount Royal Market parking lot. The break was reported just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and is located at 1600 Woodland Avenue. City officials say water has been shut off in the nearby Mount Royal Pines apartment buildings at the address of 50…

Morning Update 9-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Split Rock Lighthouse to Require Masks Indoors Starting Today

DULUTH, Minn. – Split Rock Lighthouse announced on its Facebook page Tuesday, along with the Minnesota Historical Society, that face masks will be required indoors beginning September 1. MNHS says the decision was made to reinstate the mask mandate, regardless of vaccination status, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the state. “According to the Centers for Disease Control…

Parents Find Use for Kids’ Old Clothes at Swap in Superior  

People could bring their old baby clothes, toys, or big kid clothes to donate, and then pick out some new ones.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Over in Superior some parents and community members got together to make sure people’s kids’ old clothes could go to good use. A clothing swap was held at Earth Rider Brewery on Tower Avenue. People could bring their old baby clothes, toys, or big kid clothes to donate, and then pick out some new ones. Organizers hope it…

Retiring Carlton County Judge Macaulay Sent Off with Surprise Police Escort to Work

About 9 bikers and four police squad cars met him and escorted him to the Courthouse where more than 40 people welcomed him with cheers.

CARLTON, Minn.- One of the longest-serving judges in northeastern Minnesota Rob Macaulay of the Sixth District of Carlton County was given a special sendoff as he retired after more than 20 years at the bench Tuesday. Macaulay was surprised by his co-workers with a special police escort on his last morning bike ride into work. About 9 bikers and four…

Northland Hospitals Near Capacity as COVID Cases Surge, Vaccination Rate Lags

There were 273 new cases in the County last week, and St. Mary's Hospital saw the number of patients with severe COVID cases double over the past two weeks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local health leaders say the Delta Variant is beginning to overwhelm their systems just like last year. Now it’s being fueled by the amount of people in the region who refuse to get vaccinated, as healthcare workers begin to burn out — continuing to fight the virus for far longer than they anticipated last year. “We were moving…

Duluth Police Looking For Suspects Accused Of Burglarizing Bluestone Apartments

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police are looking for two people they believe burglarized two of the Bluestone apartment buildings early Sunday morning. Investigators say the man and woman stole tools from maintenance rooms, and also walked away with a bike rack and a mountain bike from an underground parking garage. Police are trying to figure out how the pair got…

Minnesota Reopens Free Testing Sites As Delta Variant Surges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials are reopening four free coronavirus testing sites this week as circulation of the highly contagious delta variant renews demand for testing. The reopened sites include the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul and a former Department of Motor Vehicles building in Bloomington, augmenting existing metro area sites in Brooklyn Park and at the Minneapolis-St. Paul…

City Council, Boards and Commission Meetings To Continue Meeting Virtually

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Tuesday that the Duluth City Council and Boards and Commissions will continue meeting virtually as St. Louis County is classified as high or substantial risk for the spread of COVID. According to a recent press release, on August 12, City Attorney Rebecca St. George and Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman sent a…

Mike Richards Is Out As Producer of ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Richards is out as executive producer of “Jeopardy!”, days after he exited as the quiz show’s newly appointed host because of past misogynistic and other comments. Richards is also no longer executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune,” according to a memo to staff that was confirmed by Sony, which produces both of the shows. “We…

Midday Update 8-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines across the region. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin School Board Reverses on Opting Out of Free Meals

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin school district has reversed a decision to leave a federal free meals program following widespread criticism and loud protests from parents and others. Waukesha school board members said they received threats in the wake of national attention after voting to opt-out of the program that was providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in response…

Animal Rights Groups Plan Suit To Stop Wisconsin Wolf Hunt

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A coalition of animal rights groups is planning to file a lawsuit Tuesday to stop Wisconsin’s wolf hunt this fall. The action comes after the state Department of Natural Resources board this month set the quota for the fall hunt at 300 animals, disregarding pleas from multiple groups to cancel the season after…

Morning Update 8-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines across the region. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather